While we can have fellowship with God and with other Christians at other places than at church, God has established churches for our edification and growth in godliness. He commands us not to forsake ... View MoreWhile we can have fellowship with God and with other Christians at other places than at church, God has established churches for our edification and growth in godliness. He commands us not to forsake to attend them in favor of merely watching preachers on TV or hearing no preaching of the Word at all.
It’s appropriate that on this Feast of St. Nicholas, we meditate on Paul’s list of gifts that he wants God to bless us. Did I mention that Ephesians is my favorite letter of St. Paul? This quotation i... View MoreIt’s appropriate that on this Feast of St. Nicholas, we meditate on Paul’s list of gifts that he wants God to bless us. Did I mention that Ephesians is my favorite letter of St. Paul? This quotation is one of the reasons why it is. I like first of all that we are all recognized as children of the same Father, both in heaven and on earth. I am glad that Paul is praying for all of us that the Holy Spirit living within us may strengthen our faith in Christ so that we might be grounded in love.
God is love, and when we love, we are in the fullness with God's love. There is no greater gift anyone can give than their love. The saints are people who knew that. Their lives weren’t always perfect, many were sinners before they turned their lives over to God, and then they witnessed God’s love to others often to the point of losing their lives.
St. Nicholas was a fourth-century bishop who is the patron saint of children, sailors, and many other occupations. Perhaps the most famous of his legends is saving three children from a life of prostitution by dropping bags of gold three successive days through the windows of their house so that their father could pay a dowry for them. This story is the legend that gave us "Santa Claus" dropping gifts down the chimney or putting them in stockings or shoes. In some countries, Saint Nicholas Day is the day the children put their shoes out to receive gifts. Just as Nicholas found a way to show his love for others, it is up to us to find ways of our own. This Advent season provides many opportunities for us to do just that.
Prayer: Loving God, we are so grateful that you continue to strengthen us with your love and your grace. Help us during this special season to share that love with all we meet. Amen.
Psalms 34:18 HCSB
[18] The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.
https://bible.com/bible/72/psa.34.18.HCSB
Verse of the Day for Saturday, December 6th, 2025:
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who... made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human lik... View MoreVerse of the Day for Saturday, December 6th, 2025:
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who... made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! — Philippians 2:5, 7-8
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Thoughts on Today's Verse....
Christianity is not for wimps or the faint-hearted. Our example, Jesus, "made himself nothing... taking the very nature of a servant... humbled himself... and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" That's tough stuff. What's more, he is our example of how to live and sacrifice for others. The story of Jesus may begin with a sweet child, a tender virgin girl, and a loving, strong man who protected them. However, it also starts with his crib being the trough where animals ate their food, while an evil king was plotting to murder him. The birth stories of Jesus are precious and powerful. They are not, however, saccharine-sweet fake sentiment. Jesus' way of life is about servants who are willing to pay the price to redeem the ungrateful and undeserving, and disciples who are different because they know their Redeemer and are determined to become like their Teacher, Savior, and Lord (Luke 6:40).
My Prayer...
Almighty God, loving Father, thank you for placing the gospel story in the real world where I live. Jesus, thank you for being a Savior who has come into my world and faced its toughest edges and worst ugliness. Help me, please, as I learn to be sacrificial, obedient, redemptive, and humble so that I can be used to help others find your grace. I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.
Today's Verse Illustrated

Here is the repeated cry of Israel again and again in the Book of Judges. They would serve the LORD for a time, depart from him to go after idols, then judgment would fall on them, then they would cry... View MoreHere is the repeated cry of Israel again and again in the Book of Judges. They would serve the LORD for a time, depart from him to go after idols, then judgment would fall on them, then they would cry out to the LORD for help, and he would raise up a judge to deliver them. This cycle can mirror our struggles in the Christian life as well, but far better when we simply consistently follow God.
Every winter and every summer I watch the news and see houses falling into the ocean. In the winter, they get blown away by blizzards and in the summer, hurricanes. They are built on sand. And three o... View MoreEvery winter and every summer I watch the news and see houses falling into the ocean. In the winter, they get blown away by blizzards and in the summer, hurricanes. They are built on sand. And three or four years later, these same families watch their homes fall into the ocean again. When will they learn? When will we learn to trust God and build our lives on a firm foundation of faith? When we try to do things on our own, ignoring the word of God, things can go very wrong. And yet, we repeat our mistakes over and over again. We trust ourselves, we trust others, but we don’t trust God. This time of year reminds me of parents putting toys together for their children or adults putting together more adult gifts. We often think that we know how to do it and ignore that little thing called an instruction booklet. Guilty as charged! I like to refer to the Bible as God’s instruction book. I figure that he created us so he should know how we work best. It doesn’t make any more sense to ignore God’s words than it does to ignore the instruction booklet that tells us how to put together toys, furniture, electronics, etc. We finally turn to the booklet when we have extra parts or the thing falls apart, but it would have been so easy to begin there. It’s the same with the word of God, the words of Jesus. Here we find truth, here we find the way to live a fulfilled, happy life. Why don’t we pay more attention?
Prayer: Lord, we do believe but we often build our homes on the sand of public opinion or the culture of today’s world. Help us to allow that home to fall into the ocean and turn around, building our new home on the solid rock of your word. Amen.
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