On other occasions, Jesus used this phrase "with what measure you measure it shall be measured to you" to mean we should not judge others falsely or treat others over-harshly and expect that not to co... View MoreOn other occasions, Jesus used this phrase "with what measure you measure it shall be measured to you" to mean we should not judge others falsely or treat others over-harshly and expect that not to come back on our own heads. But here, he seems to use this phrase to mean: listen diligently because the more attentive and eager you are to learn, the more you measure to yourself of God's Word that you hear, the more you will abound in it.
…You will keep my commandments! Doesn’t that sound easy? But, like the Rich Young Man in the Gospel, and the scribe who wants to know who is his neighbor, it’s just not that simple. Today’s world make... View More…You will keep my commandments! Doesn’t that sound easy? But, like the Rich Young Man in the Gospel, and the scribe who wants to know who is his neighbor, it’s just not that simple. Today’s world makes it a lot more difficult to figure out what the commandments mean. On the surface, many of them sound easy to keep because we don’t think we adore other gods, and we don’t believe in murder, and what does covet mean anyway? When we dig a little deeper and realize that the god we worship is often ourselves, or those curse words that slip off the tongue are just part of today’s speech, or who doesn’t tell a little white lie occasionally, we realize that the commandments are more difficult to keep than we originally thought. Perhaps it’s time to review the seven deadlies and see how they work into this equation. Do I let pride make me put God or others at the end of the line? Am I envious of the good fortune of others? Do I fuel the fires of anger instead of forgiveness? Do I allow lust to take root in me so that unhealthy relationships enter my life – in person, or electronically? Does gluttony for the good things in life rule my days so that work or the desire for money is more important than family? Perhaps sloth is a problem. Am I too lazy to pray, to go to church, to help my neighbor? You see, when these sins are rooted out, the commandments become a lot easier to follow, and that goes for the most important commandment at well – love others as Jesus has loved us. And as Jesus tells us, we don’t have to go it alone, the Holy Spirit is there to help us. All we have to do is ask.
Prayer: Lord, please remind me that the commandments are not suggestions but rules to be followed. Amen.
Matthew 18:12 HCSB
[12] What do you think? If a man has 100 sheep, and one of them goes astray, won’t he leave the 99 on the hillside and go and search for the stray?
https://bible.com/bible/72/... View MoreMatthew 18:12 HCSB
[12] What do you think? If a man has 100 sheep, and one of them goes astray, won’t he leave the 99 on the hillside and go and search for the stray?
https://bible.com/bible/72/mat.18.12.HCSB
Verse of the Day for Wednesday, January 29th, 2025:
They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed. — Psalm 22:5
Share on Facebook | Discuss this Verse... View MoreVerse of the Day for Wednesday, January 29th, 2025:
They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed. — Psalm 22:5
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Thoughts on Today's Verse....
This Psalm that begins with despair and is referred to by Jesus from the Cross, is also a Psalm of hope and faith. The history of God's faithfulness with his people, Israel, is an ongoing reminder that we can trust him to deliver us despite the worst circumstances. In our human reckoning of time, God's answer may seem slow in coming, yet God's track record through history reminds us that the Lord will answer, deliver, and bless his people in heaven's time. Nevertheless, in our worst nightmares, we can be reminded that God is faithful and attentive to our cries of despair, lament, grief, agony, and fear. What happened to Jesus on the cross didn't end with the feelings of despair and abandonment of Psalm 22:1, but with the triumph of Psalm 22:23-24:
You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.
My Prayer...
I ask, dear Father, that you bless your people everywhere who find themselves in difficult situations, whether persecution, oppression, violence, or martyrdom. Please empower them with your Spirit and bless them with a change for the better in their dire situations. Please hear the cries of your people and act swiftly for their protection, preservation, and vindication. In Jesus' name, our conquering Savior, 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

Verse of the Day for Tuesday, January 28th, 2025:
Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. — Psalm 1:4
Share on Facebook | Discuss this Verse... View MoreVerse of the Day for Tuesday, January 28th, 2025:
Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. — Psalm 1:4
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Thoughts on Today's Verse....
We have spent time in Psalm 1 for the last several days. We looked at those whose delight is in the Lord. Today, we focus on the end of those who resist the will and way of God and choose the way of evil. No matter the temporary apparent benefits of wicked schemes and the power of evil, all their efforts are marred by a hellish influence that ends at the grave. All their efforts are blown away, leaving each of the wicked with nothing to show for their life except the rot of wasted time on earth as they stand before the righteousness and justice of God. Only finding our delight in the way, will, and words of God will lead us to life everlasting and unending joy!
My Prayer...
Dear Father, please help me resist the temptation to idolize and exalt those who succeed through evil devices, schemes, methods, and plans. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide my heart as I seek your Kingdom and righteousness above all other things. In Jesus' name, 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

Submit to God but resist the Devil. That is the twofold action we must take in our spiritual warfare. On the one hand there is utter surrender; on the other hand there is stern unyielding resistance. ... View MoreSubmit to God but resist the Devil. That is the twofold action we must take in our spiritual warfare. On the one hand there is utter surrender; on the other hand there is stern unyielding resistance. In any army, and so also in God's army, a good soldier must submit to his commander but fight tenaciously against the enemy.
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