Bible Verse for Today

[Jesus said] "When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."
— Luke 12:11-12 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...When we need help most, Jesus promises he will be there and will send his Spirit to give us the words we need. Throughout the centuries, this promise has sustained those facing persecution and ridicule. It helped them...

 

He [Jesus] said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.
— John 6:20-21 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...Jesus comes to his disciples to comfort them in one of their worst nightmares -- a storm on the sea. He literally tells them, "I Am; do not be afraid." Two key things are here for us to notice: First, Jesus uses a name ("I Am") that identifies himself with God who delivered...

 

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
— 1 John 4:18 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...While I approach God with reverence and awe because he is the holy and majestic God, I don't have to fear his presence. Because of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, I know God is my Abba Father. He longs for me to draw near him. He has shown me his heart by sending Jesus. He has shown me his love by...

 

We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.
— Hebrews 10:39 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...I love this description of God's people that precedes "the faith Hall of Fame" (Hebrews 11). When you look at God's people over the centuries, they are not a bunch of wimps, crybabies, and cowards. Yes, they do have their bad moments. But all in all, they are not those who quit on their quest. They are those whose faith has endured and found...

 

In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
— Psalm 56:4 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...When all is said and done, there really isn't a whole lot we can trust. Most of us have been hurt at one time or another by a friend who has betrayed our trust. The world economy is volatile and things can turn sour in just a few days. The weather shifts and changes by the hour. But in our world of change, in our heartbreak and disappointment...

 

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
— Psalm 139:9-10 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...I guess for those who find themselves in places they shouldn't be, the abiding presence of God might be a bit terrifying. But I find great comfort in knowing that no matter where I go, from the moment of my conception to the day of my death, God is always there. He is there to guide me and...

 

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
— Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...What's the basis of our happiness? If it's our outward circumstances, we're all in trouble because sooner or later, these aren't going to be too good. Paul said he had learned the secret to living above life's circumstances. That secret was Jesus Christ. Jesus was his assurance that no matter how things were here, he was not alone. No matter how difficult things might be, these...

 

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
— 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...While we joke about growing older, the challenges of aging are tough. We realize our mortality. Our bodies can betray us. We can't do what we once could do. As Christians, we know that our aging actually brings us closer to home and to the time when Jesus gives us immortal bodies not subject to decay. God can help us...

 

[Jesus said] "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
— John 13:34 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...Wow, that's a tall order to fill, isn't it? Jesus has just washed the feet of his disciples. Over the next few hours, Judas will betray him with a kiss, Peter will deny him three times, and the other 10 disciples will forsake and leave him when he faces his death. Yet he still washed their feet knowing they would do this. He still...

 

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
— Romans 12:10 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...We are to be devoted to one another. We are to honor one another. And the basis of this loving devotion and honor is found in one central truth: Because God is our Father, we are one family. We are siblings in God's Kingdom. Our relationship is eternal and built on God's grace to us and our grace expressed to each other.

My Prayer...Shepherd of my soul...