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Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved — and that by God. — Philippians 1:27-28 Thoughts on Today's Verse... Let's live as if we've been redeemed because we have been! Let's show God's love and character in our daily lives. Let's especially work together, with one voice and Spirit, making a vigorous effort to share the Gospel with those who have never heard of the grace of God in the life and ministry of Jesus. In the face of opposition, let's not be deterred or divided. Instead, let's work hand in hand for the cause of the Gospel as we live for God and give thanks for his amazing grace! The Verse of the Day te...

"No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD. — Isaiah 54:17 Thoughts on Today's Verse... Because of the LORD God's grace and power, we will be victors. This is the overall message of Revelation - when we are faithful, even unto death, we will be victorious and reign with God ( Revelation 2:10-11 , 3:21 , 22:12-14 ). This song of victory is sung throughout the Scriptures, rooted in the promise that when Jesus comes, we will reign with him ( 2 Timothy 2:12 ; Revelation 20:6 ). This is the assurance that we have from God himself: because our lives are joined with Jesus and his resurrection, they will not be lived in vain and we will share in his ultimate victory over sin, death, and hell ( Colossians 2:12-15 , 3:1-4 ; Romans 8:37-39 ). Those who berate, belittle, and batter God's people will be exposed and his ...

The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? — Psalm 27:1 Thoughts on Today's Verse... I love the coast of Maine in the northeastern United States. I love the craggy shorelines, the crashing surf, and the lighthouses perched at strategic and well-fortified points along the coastlines. I cannot help but think of our heavenly Father when I watch the gloom gather, the fog build, and then see the violence of the impending storm noisily make its way onshore. There, in the storm - with lightning ripping through the sky, winds howling, and surf crashing - stands the light that guides the way, strong against the elements and a beacon of direction and hope. Yes, the LORD, Yahweh the God of Israel, the Almighty Creator of all things, is my light and my salvation. My life, the eternal part of me, is entrusted with him. I choose not to fear. I place my trust in him because "The LORD is my light and my salvati...

If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. — Psalm 37:23-24 Thoughts on Today's Verse... I don't know about you, but I've physically stumbled my way through much of life. I've tripped at some of the most embarrassing moments. I've stumbled over my own feet, shoelaces, curbs, and just pure air. Even my doctor says I have a problem with gravity! However, I am confident that, despite my spiritual stumbles, God has not abandoned me. When I think I'm going to plunge into the depths of an emotional abyss, the Father's love, care, concern, Scriptures, servants, and helpers have kept me from destruction. God's hand does uphold me. He is there in times of trial. He has been mighty to save. I do believe he delights in my journey. How about you? The question is not whether we will stumble or fall, but whether we look to God in our stumbles, sins, and failures, and th...

Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. — Psalm 31:23-24 Thoughts on Today's Verse... Love the LORD! Be strong because of your hope in the LORD. Admit where your strength lies. Acknowledge your source of grace. Give praise to God for his abundant mercy and power lavished upon you through his Holy Spirit. The LORD preserves his people. He honors faithfulness even if it is mocked in this world. The LORD will bless his people and deal justly with those who mock and abuse them. But we can be "strong and take heart" because we "hope in the LORD!" My Prayer... Give me strength, O LORD, for I find myself in trying times with enemies at my door and opponents on every side. Please give me wisdom to see your grace that leads me when I am under fire. Please give me the courage to stand up for what is right, pure, and holy. Please bless me with the vision to ...

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. — 2 Corinthians 7:1 Thoughts on Today's Verse... God has blessed us with so many wonderful promises. He secured them by sending his Son "to conquer death and bring life and immortality to life" ( 2 Timothy 1:10 ). He will "transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body" ( Philippians 3:21 ). He will take us home to be with him eternally, but until that day, he will live inside us, make his home in us, and reveal himself to us ( John 14:20-23 ). He will make us more than conquerors and will not allow anything to separate us from his love ( Romans 8:32-39 ). So what should our response be? We should offer him praise, but we must not limit our praise to just words ( Colossians 3:16-17 ). God wants our lives to be pure, staying away from what is evil, vile, putrid, and corrupt ( 1 John 3:1-3 )...