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verse of the day for June 26 for Proverbs 3-25-26

Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.

Proverbs 3:25-26 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What guards your heart from fear? Only one protector is sure and faithful, his name is the LORD. He is our confidence and protector. Prayer and the Holy Spirit are our assurance of God's deliverance. In our current afflictions, either we will be delivered FROM death to serve God powerfully or delivered THROUGH death to share with him in eternity (Philippians 1:18-26). Our fates and futures remain in God's gracious hands!

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verse of the day for June 25 for Matthew 6:25

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

Matthew 6:25 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Food and clothing are some of the biggest worries of our human existence. They have been for centuries. However, God reminds us that no matter how important these may seem to be in our world, life is much bigger than these things, and God wants us to trust that he will supply them when we trust in him. If our Heavenly Father loved us so much that he sent Jesus to save us (John 3:16-17), how much will he not give us what we really need in life (Romans 8:32)?

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verse of the day for June 24 for Psalm 73:23-26

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 73:23-26 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

In times of confusion, we can take comfort in knowing that while we may not understand everything here on earth (Psalm 73:1-22), God will be faithful and work it for our good (Romans 8:28-29). Everything we have and know here on earth is subject to decay, but our relationship with the LORD is our strength forever. His strength will not wear out, grow old, or decay. He will not abandon, fail, or forget us (Romans 8:32-39), but will bring us to him in glory

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verse of the day for June 23 for Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our sin earns us death. God's grace gives us life. What determines the difference between these two extremes? The Cross of Christ, the empty tomb, and the faith that Jesus did it for us! That cross spans the chasm of our sin and brings us to God's mercy, forgiveness, redemption, and purpose in life (Ephesians 2:1-10). That empty tomb gives us hope that our life doesn't end in death, but in life with Jesus forever!

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verse of the day for June 22 for Proverbs 18:22

He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.

Proverbs 18:22 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Several great truths are taught us in the opening chapters of the Bible (Genesis 1:26-31). First, we are made in God's image, both male and female. Second, we are made to be different, male or female. Third, we are made to bless each other and be complements of one another in our marriages. Fourth, a husband and wife were made to leave their families of origin and build their lives together. To find a spouse for life, someone created by God in his image, is to find what is truly good and what God desires. Such a gift is a blessing! But we also remember that Jesus and Paul taught that some are gifted to be fulfilled and single (Matthew 19:10-11; 1 Corinthians 7:6-9, 17, 20, 24). So, we should respect each other regardless!

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verse of the day for June 21 for Proverbs 6:20

My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching.

Proverbs 6:20 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

So often today, we discount the wisdom of those who have come before us and want to share with us the collective wisdom handed down to them by their faithful predecessors. Over the next few weeks, we should be especially attentive to older people, especially those who have proven themselves faithful. At the same time, let's remind our children and our grandchildren how important obedience is to God, especially the obedience of children to their parents. We want the Holy Spirit to help us train our children and grandchildren in godliness so that they may honor, not only us, but our Heavenly Father!

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verse of the day for June 20 for Luke 6:38

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Luke 6:38 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our God is the God of all grace (1 Peter 5:10). He loves giving, blessing, and empowering! One of God's chosen ways to do these three things is through us. Our Father in Heaven wants us to be conduits of his blessings. Like the faithful stewards in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30 ESV), when we are faithful and generous in using what he has given us to administer, he blesses us with more to use to help others and bring him glory. As we provide, share, and encourage others, God continues supplying us with more than we can imagine to bless even more (2 Corinthians 9:6-11

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verse of the the for June 19 for Psalm 31:19

How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.

Psalm 31:19 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

This psalm begins with God's people in desperation, but as it progresses, it crescendoes with faith. While things may seem bleak, God will not abandon his children. Those who reverence God fear him with awe and love - will not be forgotten. Far from ignoring his children, God has stored up his goodness, which he will generously pour out on them to show that they are his. Those who take refuge in him will be protected and blessed. For those on this side of Jesus' resurrection, this promise of blessing and vindication takes on added depth, meaning, and assurance because of Jesus' empty tomb and his promise to return to take us home with him in glory!

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It's my 2 year anniversary on Tumblr 🥳

God did🙏

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verse of the day for June 18 for 1 John 3:18

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

1 John 3:18 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"Talk is cheap." "Actions speak louder than words." Let's show our love for our family, our friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ by the way we live and what we do for each other. Yes, it is important to say it, but it is even more important to do it and demonstrate our authenticity. In this way, we follow the example of God, who didn't just tell us he loves us, but demonstrated his love by giving Jesus for us and us (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-12).

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verse of the day for June 17 for Ephesians 1:17

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

Ephesians 1:17 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

One of the best things we can pray for each other, and for ourselves, is that we might better know God. Jesus said that knowing God and the Son he sent is the foundation of eternal life (John 17:1-3). The Holy Spirit helps us better know God (1 Corinthians 2:9-10, 12-13), worship God (John 4:23-24), and speak to God (Romans 8:9, 26-27). So, let's ask God to use his Spirit to help us know him, not just about him. God is not only the Almighty Creator of all things; he is also our Father who cares about us deeply. He created us that we "would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any of us. For in him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:27-28). As we seek God, let's keep praying Paul's prayer for others!

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verse of the day for June 16 for Jeremiah 6:16

This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it."

Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Many times, temptation is a choice between the old and proven good path (God's will for us) and a "new" path provided by Satan. So often, Satan's path is presented to us as a shortcut to happiness, prosperity, and accomplishment. However, this path leads us away from God and the blessings he longs to give us. Instead, this false path leads to death. Notice how Solomon warned us twice about this choice:

There is a way that may seem right, but in the end it leads to death (Proverbs 14:12, 16:25).

Let's not be like the people of God in Jeremiah's day who refused God's way and said, "We will not walk in it." Their foolish choice resulted in their own destruction.

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verse of the day for June 15 for James 4:15

Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."

James 4:15 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

While I like to have choices and must be responsible for my own decisions, I am genuinely thankful that the LORD allows me to submit my life to his will and entrust my future to him. The Father is at work in me to do his will (Philippians 2:13) and to work for my best good (Romans 8:28). So, I gladly acknowledge that my plans are subject to his will. I appreciate that my goals and successes are in the LORD's hands. I have also found that what I often wanted in the immediate moment wasn't the right decision.

Pausing and seeking the LORD's will has saved me from many impulsive or selfish decisions with undesired consequences. I gladly proclaim that what lies ahead for me can be summarized by one phrase I joyfully accept: "If the LORD wills!"

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verse of the day for June 14 for Romans 8:35-37

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Romans 8:35-37 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

More than conquerors! What a great phrase. Conquerors are what we are in Jesus. In fact, Paul says, "we are MORE than conquerors through him who loved us." No hardship, enemy, physical disaster, not even death, can separate us from Jesus. Once our lives are joined to Jesus (Colossians 2:13-15), our future is tied to Jesus (Colossians 3:1-4). We are conquerors bound to share in our Savior's conquering glory!

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verse of the day for June 13 for Romans 6:13

Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.

Romans 6:13 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We come to today's message after this past week of verses about being forgiven, purified, cleansed, and made holy. This long verse boils down to a very simple message: We are to glorify God through what we do with our bodies. We were dead in our sins, but God has made us alive through our participation with Jesus in his saving death, burial, and resurrection.

How can we go back to the hideous sins that mastered us and led us to death? We shouldn't! We mustn't! And by God's gracious help, we won't. Our commitment to live for his glory and the power of the Holy Spirit will help us live for him and transform us with increasing glory to be like our Savior, Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18).

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verse of the day for June 12 for Psalm 103:12

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Psalm 103:12 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Let's praise and thank God our Father.

He doesn't just forgive our sins; he removes them from us completely.

Hallelujah!

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verse of the day for June 11 for Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jeremiah was telling God's people that 70 years after the devastation they were facing because of their rebellion and sins, God would deliver and restore them. Even though they had repeatedly abandoned God, he would not abandon them or his promises to them. He would be faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). In fact, God was planning and preparing a brighter future for them than they could imagine. This promise also reminds us that no matter how deep our own personal gloom feels, God does have wonderful plans for us that include giving us a prosperous hope and a glorious future. God will keep his promises to us. He will deliver and bless us. We have a vibrant hope and a bright future because of his faithfulness and our trust in his Son, Jesus, who delivers us from every foe and brings us into his presence with great joy (Jude 1:24).