Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 4:7; Rom 12:3-5, 10; 1Pet 4:10-11)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence. I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called. (1Tim 6:6-8; Php 4:11-13; 1Pet 1:3; Eph 4:1)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? There is not one. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption. We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Job 14:4; Rom 7:18; Psa 51:10; Eph 2:10; 1Cor 1:30; Rom 6:4; 2Cor 5:17; Php 4:13)

Today's Thought

Today's Thought:

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him. (Php 4:5; 1Cor 9:24-25; Gal 6:10; Titus 3:8; 1John 3:18-19)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Isa26:3-4; Rom 5:1-2; Php 4:6-8; Col 3:15)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. (2Cor 5:17; 1COr 15:49; Rom 8:29; 1John 3:2; Rom 13;12; Col 3:12)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Isa 60:1; 2Cor 4:6; John 1:14; 2Cor 3:18; Mat 5:14-16)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden. (Psa 1:1-2; Pro 4:18; Eph 5:8-10; 2Pet 1:19; 1Tim 5:25)

Today's Thought

Today's Thought:

Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.” Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Jer 9:23-24; Psa 105:1-4; Mat 5:14-16)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. (Rom 6:9-11; Eph 2:8-10; James 3:13)

Today's Thought

Today's Thought:

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts... I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. A man's steps are from the LORD; how then can man understand his way? Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. (Isa 55:8-9; Jer 10:23; Pro 20:24; Psa 1:1-2; Eph 4:1; Col 1:10-11)

Today's Thought

Today's Thought:

But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God. So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Rom 6:17-18; 1Thes 2:13; Rom 10:17; Heb 4:12; Isa 55:11)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (Eph 1:3-6; 1Cor 1:30-31; 2Cor 4:6)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight, making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (2Cor 5:14-15; Eph 1:7-9; Isa 53:4-6)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. (1John 5:10-12; Acts 4:12; 1Cor 3:11; 1Tim 2:5-6)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.” Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God. (John 10:27-30; Heb 7:25; 2Tim 1:12b; 2Cor 3:4-5)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

“In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (John 14:2-3; 1Pet 1:3-5; 2Cor 4:17-18)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness. Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength! Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Psa 29:2, 96:7, 9; Php 2:5-11)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. But it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Psa 51:6; Job 32:8; John 4:23-24; 1Cor 2:12; Col 3:16-17)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Though you wash yourself with lye and use much soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me, declares the Lord GOD. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (Mal 3:2; Eph 6:13; Jer 2:22; 1John 1:5-7; Psa 51:7, 10)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 4:1; Heb 12:2; Php 1:6; Rom 8:29; Php 2:13; Heb 13:20-21)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Again Jesus spoke.., saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires, assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (John 8:12, 3:21; Psa 97:11; Rom 13:14; Eph 4:21-24)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (1John 4:10; 1Pet 1:17-18; Eph 1:7-10)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name! If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. (John 8:12; Pro 4:18-19; Psa 97:11-12; 1John 1:6-7; Rom 13:12)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Rom 8:1-2, 6:16-18; John 8:36; Gal 5:13)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (1John 4:9-10; Rom 8:32; John 3:16-18; Jude 1:24-25)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Luke 24:25-27, 32; Rom 6:3-4; Col 3:16-17)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge. With the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone. (2Cor 5:17-20a; Acts 1:8; Psa 71:15-16)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (Rom 5:12; Titus 3:4-7; 1Cor 1:30-31)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. (Php 1:9-11; 2Thes 2:16-17; Rom 5:5; 1Thes 5:23; Eph 6:24)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

But he said.., “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (2Cor 12:9a, 3:5; Php 4:13; James 1:17; 2Cor4:7; Heb 4:16)