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Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. —John 12:24 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... Jesus announced this truth, recognizing that God was calling him to lay down his life so his...

It had been revealed to [Simeon] by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. —Luke 2:26 NIV Key Thought I do not know how the Spirit's revelation to Simeon was accomplished. Nevertheless, I am thankful for God's grace in giving this revelation to him...

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. —Luke 2:25 NIV Key Thought Simeon is one of my favorite people in the Bible. I love how he was described: "righteous and devout." What a...

And the child [John the Baptizer] grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel. —Luke 1:80 NIV Key Thought This verse doesn't speak directly to the work of the Holy Spirit. Luke does contrast the Spirit's work in John and the Spirit's...

For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people. —1 Samuel 12:22 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... The great and holy God will not be unfaithful. In fact, he will act to show his character and honor his holy name...

[John the Baptizer's] father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: ... —Luke 1:67 NIV Key Thought When the angel Gabriel told Zechariah that he and Elizabeth would have a son, Zechariah originally doubted. Why would God give them a son in his old age, especially with...

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. —Romans 12:21 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... A friend used to remind me that the number one goal in dealing with difficult people or circumstances is this: Don't become what you hate. He wasn't talking about hating the person, but he...

And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart... —1 Samuel 12:20 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... Israel wanted a King. This crushed Samuel's heart and angered God with the...

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby [John the Baptizer] leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. —Luke 1:41 NIV Key Thought In Jesus' final words of comfort to his apostles in John chapters 14-16, he repeatedly talks about the Holy Spirit being our...

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you [Mary], and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." —Luke 1:35 NIV Key Thought Jesus is the Son of God and holy because he was conceived in the womb of Mary through the...

The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. —Proverbs 12:19 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... "Tell the truth the first time, then you won't have to remember what you said." This truism by the famous Speaker of the House, Sam Rayburn, is good...

[An angel said, "John the Baptizer] will be a joy and delight to you [his parents], and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born."...

But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. —1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... The Apostle Paul reminds us that God...

Jesus said, "Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst — not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life." —John 4:13-14 MESSAGE Key Thought "Gushing fountains of...

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. —Romans 12:17-18 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... REDEMPTIVELY — That's how Jesus lived! He sought to make a difference in the lives of...

Jesus replied [to the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well], "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." —John 4:10 NLT Key Thought Over the last several days, we've been looking at Jesus providing living water to...

Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. —Romans 12:16 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... "Don't be conceited!" That's a command for someone else, right? I don't think I've ever met someone who felt he...

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let the one who hears say, "Come!" Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. —Revelation 22:17 NIV Key Thought There are two powerful invitations in Revelation 22: The first is an invitation...

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. —Romans 12:15 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... While misery may love company, grief tends to make us withdraw and hide. Let's remember those who have lost loved ones, especially this time of year. Let them know how you valued...

Then the Angel showed [John] Water-of-Life River, crystal bright. It flowed from the Throne of God and the Lamb, right down the middle of the street. The Tree of Life was planted on each side of the River, producing twelve kinds of fruit, a ripe fruit each month. The leaves of the Tree are for...