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Thoughts on Today’s Verse…

By this definition, a whole lot of people claiming to be believers are really spiritual corpses. For faith to be real, it must express itself in service. Faith not only moves mountains; it moves believers to act in ways that honor God and bless others, demonstrating their thankfulness for God’s incredible grace.

Prayer…

Holy and Faithful Father, please forgive me for the times I’ve been lazy in my spiritual walk. Help me see the many opportunities for service you give to me each day, and then empower me to act in those opportunities in ways that bless others. In Jesus’ holy name I pray. Amen.

Today’s Verse Illustrated

Comments on ‘James 2:26′:

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You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

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Thoughts on Today’s Bible Verse…

We find it so easy to let our circumstances determine our moods. Paul reminds this group of new Christians under attack that their new life in Christ had brought them joy despite the outwardly harsh circumstances they were facing. Their joy was not the fleeting, circumstance-determined veneer. Instead, they had welcomed the powerful message of salvation with joy! This joy was not dependent upon their circumstances. It was rooted in their Savior’s example, in his abiding presence through the Holy Spirit, and the salvation available through Jesus.

Prayer…

Dear heavenly Father, please make my joy immune to outward circumstances and please empower that joy by your Holy Spirit. Please bless me as I seek to conform my life and attitude to the example of my Savior. Please help me become a better example of spiritual joy to those around me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Today’s Verse Illustrated

Comments on ’1 Thessalonians 1:6′:

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In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

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Thoughts on Today’s Bible Verse…

We are creatures of the earth. Yes, we are much more than that, but occasionally we need to be reminded of that! We can’t truly understand existence before time, yet before the beginning of time as we know it, God existed — he has revealed himself as “I Am,” the one who was and who is and who is to come. Before there was an ordered universe to provide the basis of our existence, God is “I Am.” He had existence before, beyond, and without our created universe. We can’t even truly comprehend this in its entirety. That’s why every new beginning — whether it is a day, a week, a year, or a millennium — should begin with God. He alone is the ultimate Genesis, our beginning.

Prayer…

Almighty Creator and God of all of the universe, I praise you for your incomparable power and your incomprehensible glory. As I begin this new year, I know that my future rests in your will, your grace, and your salvation. Please go with me as I journey toward this future. Please be glorified in the way I live my life today, this year, and for as long as you give me earthly life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Today’s Bible Verse Illustrated

Comments on ‘Genesis 1:1′:

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