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
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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.
When was the last time you encountered Jesus? No, I’m not talking about having visions – although I’m not ruling that out! Just as we often have the opportunity to be "Jesus" for others, we should exp... View MoreWhen was the last time you encountered Jesus? No, I’m not talking about having visions – although I’m not ruling that out! Just as we often have the opportunity to be "Jesus" for others, we should expect others to be him for us – and often in the most unlikely people or places. Many years ago, I had an old station wagon that I had just used to haul more kids than I probably should have been hauling, and needed all the space I could find. That move included not bringing my jack – although I did have enough sense to hang on to my spare tire. I had dropped them off at the camp, but just off of the Maine turnpike I blew a tire. Tow trucks sailed by me. The State police did the same. Finally, two young men, driving a truck that looked worse than mine, stopped and changed my tire. These men were not well dressed, probably the type that I might ordinarily have held my breath while walking past them on the street. I offered to pay them, but they said that they just hoped that someone would do the same for their mother if she were stuck on the highway. I thanked God for sending me "Jesus" when I needed him. This is not the only time that my prayers have been answered in unexpected ways. Another time, I was working with a group of people who had gathered for scripture reflection. One woman suffered from both physical and mental issues, yet her reflections were so insightful I thanked God for putting her in our group. She taught me much. In this gospel passage, Jesus was rejected by his neighbors because they thought that they knew him. It is just as easy for us to overlook the gifts of those we think we know best. Jesus shows up in the most unlikely of places, but we still have to be open to seeing him. And so I repeat the first question, when was the last time YOU encountered Jesus?
Prayer: Jesus, give me the grace to look for you today and find you in all the places and faces I see. Amen.
Mark 4:9 HCSB
[9] Then He said, “Anyone who has ears to hear should listen! ”
https://bible.com/bible/72/mrk.4.9.HCSB
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