Our desires should move to focusing on God and his goodness. God’s love pours out on us every second, and when we realize this, it stirs up a hunger within us to know him more. This is why Isaiah coul... View MoreOur desires should move to focusing on God and his goodness. God’s love pours out on us every second, and when we realize this, it stirs up a hunger within us to know him more. This is why Isaiah could cry out the way he did – he had an idea of God’s goodness. But we, who are in Christ know, have an even better understanding of the goodness of the Lord, and this should move us to want more of him in our lives.
I often wonder what it would be like if God appeared to me. "Surely I would be excited," I think to myself. Excited is probably true, but I think terrified would also be true. For those of us with job... View MoreI often wonder what it would be like if God appeared to me. "Surely I would be excited," I think to myself. Excited is probably true, but I think terrified would also be true. For those of us with jobs, imagine being at your job, perhaps at your desk, in a car, or doing something that you do often with your time. Suddenly, God appears! Even the most devout Christians amongst us would be fearful at first! The same is true for the shepherds in these verses, and it makes us wonder why God chose to appear to shepherds when He could have appeared to anyone.
Consider the story of the birth of Jesus: his parents, the location, the time. Christ had the most humble of beginnings. It was a choice by God so that everyone could identify with the story. He chooses to appear to shepherds for the same reason: anyone can put themselves in the shepherds’ situation and understand it. Also, if God had appeared to a king or someone powerful, the message would have changed and spread in a different manner. Christ was born in the humblest state so that the message would spread to those that needed it the most first, those that would believe it the most first, and those that would spread this joy to the entire world first. It was an intricate plan by God that has stood the test of time.
Prayer:
My almighty God, your blessed angels sing your praises and all people hear the good news. Strengthen our hearts, so that we may all spread the good news to those that need it. Heavenly Father, there is still so much work to be done, and I pray that you will grant me the fortitude to never grow tired, and to advance your name in all I do. Amen.
Luke 6:28 HCSB
[28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
https://bible.com/bible/72/luk.6.28.HCSB
Verse of the Day for Tuesday, June 30th, 2026:
The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day, there will be one Lord, and his name the only name. — Zechariah 14:9
Share on Facebook | Disc... View MoreVerse of the Day for Tuesday, June 30th, 2026:
The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day, there will be one Lord, and his name the only name. — Zechariah 14:9
Share on Facebook | Discuss this Verse

Thoughts on Today's Verse....
Jesus taught us:
"So then, this is how you should pray:
‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven'" (Matthew 6:9-10 BSB).
As we pray, our hearts should yearn for the day when the Lord will be the universally recognized King over all the earth (Philippians 2:10-11). As we use the opening words of Jesus' model prayer, we are also asking the Lord to be King of our hearts as we commit ourselves to him alone. For us, he is the "one Lord, and his name the only name" that reigns in our hearts. These are more than words. As we say them, we look forward to the day when all created beings, seen and unseen, recognize Jesus as Lord. In a world of profanity, a world where God's name is blasphemed, and a world where God's greatness is often ignored, we hold to the promise that every knee will bow and every tongue confess, in heaven and on the earth and under the earth, that Jesus Christ is Lord. He has no rival. He is incomparable. His name is the only name worthy of reverence, honor, and praise. And we choose to make this so in our lives today!
My Prayer...
Great Almighty Lord, bring yourself glory in our time of history. With all my heart, dear Father, I pray for your name to be reverenced in all the earth. Do mighty works that show your control and sovereignty to help your people bring others to call on your name and praise you for your glory and grace. In Jesus' holy and precious name, I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. Questions or comments can be sent to help@verseoftheday.com.
Today's Verse Illustrated

Weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5) God's children may have sorrow and tribulation in this world for what, in the light of eternity, will be but a brief moment, bu... View MoreWeeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5) God's children may have sorrow and tribulation in this world for what, in the light of eternity, will be but a brief moment, but they will find everlasting joy. Heaven will be a place without tears.
At first glance, these verses may seem a bit disjointed and lead to some questions: Why are we told about the Roman tax laws right before learning about the birth of Christ? How would that be possible... View MoreAt first glance, these verses may seem a bit disjointed and lead to some questions: Why are we told about the Roman tax laws right before learning about the birth of Christ? How would that be possible considering that Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth and not Bethlehem?
Prophets had stated for centuries that a virgin would give birth to the Messiah in Bethlehem. God shows that he has dominion over even non-believers. Caesar Augustus orders a royal decree changing the tax situation forcing people to return to their homelands to pay taxes. Through divine intervention, God asserts his power even over a head of the most powerful nation on Earth, over the most powerful man on Earth, Caesar. As a result of this sudden decree, you can probably figure out where Joseph and Mary are forced to return: Bethlehem. What may seem out of place becomes a clear message: God rules the entire world and everyone in it.
The final verses we may have heard at some point. Jesus is born, to a virgin mother, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. The Son of God is born to the most humble of circumstances, teaching us a valuable lesson: blessed are the meek. He made Himself poor to give us eternal life. He suffered rejection so we could be accepted. Looks can be deceiving, and as James describes, "has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?" (James 2:5)
It doesn’t matter who you are: the ruler of the Roman Empire, or a poor, married couple giving birth in a manger, God rules over you. We must remember our place: humble servants of the Lord.
Prayer:
Divine and glorious God, you truly rule over all. My eyes, ears, and heart are open to you, and I pray that you open them more each day. Humble me in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. As you have shown through Caesar and your only begotten son, Jesus Christ, all of creation obeys your every command. Use me as a vessel, Lord, so that I too, can be used for your glory. Amen.
page=1&profile_user_id=335688&year=&month=
Load More
