Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

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, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God, 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. (Col 3:16; Eph 3:16-19; Heb 12:2)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him. 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. (Rom 5:10-11; 2Cor 5:21; Col 1:19-22; Rom 5:1-2)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

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. The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. 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. (Titus 3;4-7; Deut 32:4; 1John 4:14; Psa 18:30; James 1:17)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 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. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith, 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. (1John 3:1-2; Rom 8:14; Gal 4:6, 3:26; Eph 1:4-6)

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. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (1John 4:9; John 1:10-11; Heb 12:3; 1Cor 15:58; Gal 6:9-10)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (Eph 4:11-14; 1Pet 2:2-3; 1Cor 13:11-12)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

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 we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 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. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD. (Rom 12:3; Titus 3:3-7; 2Cor 4:7; Psa 107:43)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. (Rom 12:18; Ecc 5:2; Pro 14:29; James 3:17-18, 1:19; Eph 4:31)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. 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.  Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (Php 3:14-16, 1:6; 1Pet 1:13-16)

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. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (1John 4:9; John 1:10-13; Rom 8:14-17)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (1Cor 1:26-29; Col 3:12-15)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (2Tim 3:12; 1Cor 15:57; 1John 5:4-5; 1Pet 3:14-16; Rom 8:37)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

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. 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. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (1Tim 2:5-6; Heb 7:25; Eph 2:18; Rom 8:26-27, 31)

Today's Thought

Today's Thought:

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 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. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. (Pro 18:10; John 10:11; 1Pet 2:24; Heb 7:25; Eph 6:16; 1Pet 5:8-9)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. I will make them strong in the LORD, and they shall walk in his name,” declares the LORD. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (Eph 6:10; 2Tim 2:1; Isa 40:28-29; Zec 10:12; 2Cor 12:9)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Php 4:13; Eph 1:16-20, 3:20-21)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

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. For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 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. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. (John 1:14-16; Rom 5:2; 2Cor 9:8; Eph 4:7; 1Pet 4:10; Rev 22:21)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. For, Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay. Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (Php 3:20-21; Heb 10:37; James 5:7-8; 1Thes 4:16-17; Rev 22:20)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 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 we walk by faith, not by sight. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (James 1:12; 1Cor 13:12; 1Pet 1:3-5; 2Cor 5:7; Heb 11:1; Rom 8:24-25)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 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, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life. 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, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. (1Tim 2:1-2; Mat 5:16; Php 2:15-16a; 2Pet 1:3-4)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

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. 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. 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. 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. (Rom 6:4; 2Cor 5:14-15; 1Pet 1:17-19; 1John 1:7)

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.” And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 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. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. (Jer 9:23-24; 1John 5:20; 1Pet 1:13; 1John 3:2-3)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 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. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. (1John 5:19-20; Gao 3:22; John 3:17-18; Rom 14:19)

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. 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 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, but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. (1John 4:9; Acts 4:12; Eph 2:8-9; Rom 5:8-10)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 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. 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. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (John 1:1-3; Col 1:15-17; 1John 4:9; John 3:17; Php 2:8)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 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 because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption. 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. (Heb 1:1-2; 2Cor 4:6; 1Cor 1:30; Eph 1: 7-8-9)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me. 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.” (Nah 1:7; 2Tim 2:19; John 10:14, 27-30)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Rom 1:16-17, 10:17; Col 1:28, 2:2-3)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 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. 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. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 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? 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. (Rom 8:34; 1Tim 2:5-6; Heb 7:25; Rom 8:31-32; Jude 1:24-25)

Today's Thought

 Today's Thought:

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 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. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (James 4:10; Psa 113:7; Isa 55:6-7; Rom 5:6; 1John 4:9; 1Cor 5:21; Eph 3:20-21)