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Verse of the Day - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

2026-05-07T04:18:59.925-04:00

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Where does your heart live? That's what these verses remind us to ask ourselves. They challenge us to notice where we spend the most time and what we focus on most in our hearts. Is there a constant awareness in our lives that God is present? Is he the unseen but always present companion in all our ups and downs? Or is God with us when it is convenient and gone when things are busy, or you feel that everything is going well? Joy comes from knowing we are never alone. Prayer is the ongoing conversation we have, spirit to Spirit, child to Abba, human with God. Thanksgiving and joy are great reminders that we have been lavishly blessed, regardless of what our temporary outward circumstances suggest. Being joyful, praying continually, and giving thanks in all situations is God's will for us. Why? Because practicing these three things orients us away from the momentary challenges that don't compare to the glory that he in us with Jesus (Romans 8:18-19).

My Prayer...

Precious and Righteous Father, thank you for being with me, always. Please, dear Abba, use the Spirit to nourish in me a deeper appreciation and a more profound awareness of your presence. May my life reflect the joy you have given me by saving me through your grace. And may my heart always give thanks for my home with you in anticipation of the day when that home is fully realized. Through the name of Jesus, my Savior and friend, 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.

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Verse of the Day - James 5:16

2026-05-06T03:18:59.653-04:00

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

—James 5:16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

To confess our sins means we do two things with our sins:

We recognize sin for what it is in God's eyes.
We get rid of our secrets and are honest with another Christian about our weaknesses, vulnerabilities, failures, then have them pray for us to overcome those sins.

James' language is powerful. He mentions that this confession doesn't just bring forgiveness, it brings healing. So, let's confess our sins to each other, and pray for each other, so we can bring healing to relationships, the family of God, and be a demonstration of reconciliation and healing to the world.

My Prayer...

Holy Father, I have sinned. I now confess my own personal sins of the following things: ____________. I ask for your forgiveness and for your Spirit to strengthen me to overcome temptation as I pursue Jesus with all my heart. I want to live for you and not let my sin, any sin, entangle me and draw me away from you. Through the mighty name of Jesus, 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.

Verse of the Day - Philippians 4:6-7

2026-05-05T07:18:58.250-04:00

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

—Philippians 4:6-7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God wants to hear our prayers. But to keep them from becoming too self-focused, God wants us always to remember to give thanks (Philippians 4:6). It is so easy for us to turn prayer into a request line. We are the ones who are left bereft when thanksgiving and praise are robbed from our prayers. Without praise, our hearts grow dim because all we think about is our problems, and prayer becomes a wish list of stuff we selfishly want, treating God as our heavenly Santa Claus rather than the Father who sacrificed everything to make us his children!

My Prayer...

Gracious God, I have so many reasons to praise you. In the face of trial and hardship, I have your promises to reawaken my hope through your presence in my life and the power of the Holy Spirit. In the moment of victory, I have you to thank for my abilities and the power to accomplish things for your glory. In my boredom with the routine, I can find great joy in your surprises. Thank you, God, for being so great and yet so lovingly present and attentive to my needs. In Jesus' name, I thank and praise you. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.

Verse of the Day - 2 Chronicles 7:14

2026-05-04T06:18:58.259-04:00

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

—2 Chronicles 7:14

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Humility is not our culture's most valued asset or most desired character quality. However, humility is what is needed - not so much because it's commanded (though that would be enough), but because we've "earned" our need for humility through our arrogance and abandonment of God and his character, compassion, and faithful lovingkindness. Every year brings another wave of major failures in morality, character, and spirituality among our leaders, both political and religious. Even on our best days, we all fall short of God's holiness. Rather than progressing culturally, we find ourselves slipping, rebelling, and degrading ourselves. Our need to approach God with humility is "earned." So let's be humble ourselves and call upon the LORD, throwing off our sin and seeking after him. Only then will we begin to see our hope for a brighter future emerge and healing come to the people.

My Prayer...

Holy and Almighty God, your deeds are awesome, your faithfulness is overwhelming, and your mercy and grace are such blessings. I come to you knowing that you hear me, despite the incredible distance between you and me, between your worth and holiness and my lack of it. I confess that I, and my culture and country around me, have made a mess of what you so wonderfully blessed us with. We come humbly, asking that you reassert yourself in our churches, nations, and leaders in clearly recognizable ways. At the same time, we humbly acknowledge our personal failures, arrogance, and rebellion. We ask for your grace, in faith, through the power and loving mercy found in Jesus and his name. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.

Verse of the Day - Romans 12:12

2026-05-03T05:19:02.267-04:00

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

—Romans 12:12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Sometimes the key to survival is simply "setting our jaw" and going on, faithfully trusting that God is there helping us, despite the apparent outward circumstances. Choosing joy through hope rather than dwelling on despair, choosing patient endurance in times of affliction, and choosing faithfulness in prayer when all circumstances are tough are all decisions of the will. They show that we trust God, who raised Jesus from the dead, can also change our circumstances because he hears our voice and loves us.
Everything seemed to suggest God was silent and had forgotten his Son when Jesus was in the tomb. We know now this wasn't the case at all. We know that our triumph over sin, death, the evil one, and hell was happening during that silence. As we are being "joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer", let's also remain confident that he is at work for us in the times he appears to be silent and has abandoned us! Yes, we're hopeful, we're patient, and we're faithful.

My Prayer...

Create in us, O Mighty God, resolute and steadfast hearts so that we might persevere with joy no matter the difficulties we face. We ask for this resilience, this joyful hope, patience in difficulties, and prayerfulness in hard times, in the name of your faithful and victorious Son. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.

Verse of the Day - 1 John 5:14-15

2026-05-02T04:19:01.285-04:00

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of him.

—1 John 5:14-15

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Confidence before God. That's a bit of an oxymoron if you meditate upon it. Yet through the presence of Jesus at the Father's right hand (Hebrews 2:14-18; 1 Timothy 2:5) and the intercession of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26-27), we can have confidence and come boldly before the Creator of the universe. Because of Jesus and the Holy Spirit's mediation and intercession for us, we know that God not only hears us, but that he also cares for us. Wow, what an audience! What confidence! Oh, and one final thing, he also ACTS on what we ask. The Holy Spirit shares this beautiful promise with us in Hebrews 4:16:

Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

My Prayer...

Abba Father, I thank you more than words can say for the grace of your listening ear and loving heart. Through the authority of Jesus, my brother, and through the grace of your interceding Holy Spirit, I offer you my thanks and love this day. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.

Verse of the Day - Hebrews 11:6

2026-05-01T03:19:01.685-04:00

Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

—Hebrews 11:6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I believe!
I believe that God not only knows me, but cares about me.
I believe that God not only created the universe, but he also knows the number of hairs on my head. I believe that God not only sent his Son to save the world, but that he's sending him back to bring me home.
What's more, I believe that God is pleased by my belief. And even on my worst days when it is hard, I pray, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief" (Mark 9:24).
I believe, and I know that pleases God!

Video Commentary...

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

Almighty God, most holy LORD, I thank you for your steadfast love and enduring faithfulness. I thank you for your grace and mercy. I thank you for your might and power. I thank you for your awesome holiness. I thank you for being you and choosing to reveal yourself to mortals like me. I believe in you, dear Father, and in those times of deepest struggle, I still believe but ask for your grace and help to overcome my unbelief. Through Jesus, your final Word, I believe and 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.

Verse of the Day - Ephesians 4:15

2026-04-30T06:18:48.650-04:00

Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

—Ephesians 4:15

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Speaking the truth is hard enough. You mean we have to do it in love? Yes, if we are to be Jesus' women or men, we must speak to others as he did. As the Spirit grows us up to become more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18), we will share our hope in Jesus with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15-16), just as Jesus spoke to the lost who were seeking him. Our goal in speaking with others is not to win arguments, but to win hearts to the Savior.

My Prayer...

Father, forgive me for the bitterness in my heart and unfairness on my lips. Through your Spirit, help me better use my speech to bless others and glorify you. May I speak your truth with your love today in all my conversations. Through him who is Truth and Love 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.

Verse of the Day - Job 19:25

2026-04-29T05:18:48.486-04:00

I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.

—Job 19:25

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Beyond what these words originally conveyed in Job's day, we know today that our Redeemer will return as the Rider on the white horse in triumph and give us God's victory forever (Revelation 19:11-16). Hallelujah, what a day! Every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is LORD to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11). Then the world truly WILL KNOW that Jesus Christ, our Savior, brother, and friend, is LORD of all! As the messenger of God dressed in white promised Jesus' amazed disciples at his glorious ascension (Acts 1:9-10):

"This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

Yes! We know that our Redeemer lives and will stand upon the earth and take us home with him!

My Prayer...

Conquering King, Immortal God, I look forward to the day of your ultimate triumph in our world. Until that day, I pray that your Kingdom may be reflected in my life, my family, and my ministry to others. Through the Rider on the white horse that is coming, I confidently 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.

Verse of the Day - Philippians 2:5-8

2026-04-28T04:18:46.076-04:00

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but 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 2:5-8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"LORD, humble us gently." That is one of my friends' favorite prayer requests. I like it, too. I want to be humbled, but not humiliated. Thank God, however, Jesus was willing to be humbled, but not gently humbled. He humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!He was willing to be humiliated to save us! I hate that he went through such agony. I grieve that his self-emptying humility was stark, brutal, drastic, humiliating, and outrageous. Jesus' self-sacrificing love challenges me to have the same attitude as he had! Jesus' example challenges me to examine what I am willing to give up and endure to forgive those who have wounded me. I am humbled by Jesus' love for me, so I ask myself what I am willing to do to serve and reach others who are lost.

My Prayer...

God, you are all-powerful, and yet you emptied yourself to redeem me. May I be more selfless in my attitude and treatment of others, more like Jesus has been with me. Dear LORD, I need an infusion, a special empowering of the Holy Spirit, so I can be humble and live before others with the same self-emptying "love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" as the Spirit transforms to be more like my Savior (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 3:18). In Christ 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.

Verse of the Day - Luke 19:10

2026-04-27T03:18:46.265-04:00

The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.

—Luke 19:10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus' opponents said that he was "a friend of tax collectors and sinners" (Luke 7:34). Of all the things people called Jesus, I believe that was one of his favorites. Come to think of it, I believe it's my favorite, too! Jesus came to seek and save all of us who are lost because God wanted us to find salvation in Jesus (John 3:16-17). He did this when we were "powerless," "ungodly," "sinners," and "God's enemies" (Romans 5:6, 8, 10). So, let's praise God that Jesus is not only "a friend of tax collectors and sinners,", but he also came to be our friend, to save us, and to bring us back to God (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:20),

My Prayer...

Almighty God, while I know you hate sin and the havoc it creates in our lives, I am so thankful that when you came to earth as Jesus, Immanuel, God with us, you were not our judge but our Savior. You came to make us your friends and family. I promise to live today more aware of your love for the lost because I know what it means to be found by you. Thank you! Praise you! I pray in deep appreciation for all you have done and by the power of Jesus' name. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.

Verse of the Day - Hebrews 7:25

2026-04-26T05:18:30.073-04:00

Jesus is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

—Hebrews 7:25

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus didn't just come and die for us. Jesus wasn't just raised from the dead to give us life. As incredible as those gifts are, Jesus adds another blessing to all he has done and is doing for us: he lives for us in the Father's presence, interceding for us. Jesus, as our intercessor, knows what it is like to be mortal and to face the struggles we face. So, dear friend in Jesus, until Jesus returns to take us home to our Father in heaven, know that Jesus is in the Father's presence in heaven for our good, always there to ask God for grace to help us in our times of need. Jesus is not only our Savior; he is also our defender, intercessor, friend, brother, and constant presence at the Father's side (Hebrews 2:10-11, 14-18, 4:14-16).

My Prayer...

Precious Savior, LORD Jesus, O how I love you. You sacrificed heaven for me. You gave up dignity to redeem me on the cross. You destroyed death to assure me of my life with you forever. today, dear LORD, I am most thankful and deeply aware that with every prayer I offer and every step I take, you are in the Father's presence, for me. Thank you for your constant intercession so I can pray in the authority and grace of your name. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.

Verse of the Day - Colossians 1:27-28

2026-04-25T04:18:30.221-04:00

God has chosen you to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

—Colossians 1:27-28

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Christ lives in us and wants to transform us into people who live, love, and serve as he did (Luke 6:40). Jesus remains alive in us as the Holy Spirit's work of glorious transformation continues in us (2 Corinthians 3:18). It will continue in us, until we see the LORD face-to-face in glory and are fully conformed to be like him (1 John 3:1-3). Until we go home to be with him, he promises to live in us through his Spirit, to show himself to us, and to make his home with us (John 14:15-23). Everywhere we go and everything we do, we can trust that he will never leave or abandon us (Romans 8:32-39). Jesus' goal for us in this life is for the Holy Spirit to transform us more perfectly into Jesus' likeness. Let's live into that great expectation!

My Prayer...

O God, may the presence of Jesus within us stir us to do your work today, knowing that as we focus on Jesus, the Holy Spirit is transforming us to become like him. May your abiding grace, through the presence of your gracious Son and the power of the Holy Spirit, call us to your character, your life of love, and your concern for others. O Jesus, please use the Holy Spirit to conform our hearts to be more like our Father's heart. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.

Verse of the Day - 1 Peter 1:18-19

2026-04-24T03:18:28.300-04:00

You know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

—1 Peter 1:18-19

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

If value is determined by price, we are incredibly valuable to God. Our Father took the most precious treasure of heaven and redeemed us out of sin, evil, and death to adopt us into his family through Jesus' sacrifice. Silver and gold pale in comparison to that value. Without this redemption, we were in a mess. We were trapped in "the empty way of life handed down to us". To know the depth of that empty way of life, we need to remember who we were before Christ (Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 5:6):

Dead in our transgressions and sins.
Following the ways of the evil ruler of the spiritual realm, who is at work among the disobedient.
Gratifying the cravings of our flesh.
By nature deserving of God's wrath.
Powerless and ungodly sinners living as enemies of God.

But God chose to redeem us in love through "the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." Now that we are redeemed, Christ presents us to God as "holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation" (Colossians 1:22). We are redeemed, bought out of our slavery to the emptiness of the sinful life the world chooses. So, dear brothers and sisters, let's live as who God has made us to be: valuable and precious to our Father!

Video Commentary...

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

Holy God, may I live each day more aware of my inestimable value to you. May my words, thoughts, and actions be permeated with your sense of my worth and not my regrets for a past life wasted on the empty ways of the world; not so that I might seem important to others, but so that I might display your holiness and righteous character in my life, bringing glory to you for the incredible gift of grace in Jesus. Through whom 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.

Verse of the Day - Romans 14:11

2026-04-23T05:18:11.652-04:00

It is written, "As surely as I live," says the LORD, "every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God."

—Romans 14:11

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We live in anticipation of the day when every knee in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11). Until that day, let's do all we can to influence as many as we can to receive the grace of God through faith in Jesus. We want them to bow before Jesus now as their Savior and LORD, today, so on that great future day, they can join with the host of heaven in joy, not in regret or fear, and acknowledge Jesus for who he is: LORD of all!

My Prayer...

Father, I thank you for saving me. May my anticipation of the day of Jesus' victory move me to be your agent of reconciliation so that others are ready for that day and will welcome it and our Savior with joy. Give me eyes to see those who need to come to Jesus today and confess that Jesus' LORD. Through him 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.

Verse of the Day - Romans 1:20

2026-04-22T04:18:11.548-04:00

Since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

—Romans 1:20

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The touch of the Master's hand is all around us. We can see it in the order, beauty, specificity, and dazzling variety of creation. The great expanse of space, with its billions of stars, along with the incredible world of the microscopic, is all testimony to an Orderer of great creativity and inestimable power. Our heavenly Father has left his fingerprints all over his world, his creation, his universe, so we can know that he has been here and will not abandon the work of his hands. But, will we respond to this beauty in creation by seeking to live by the ways of the Great Orderer, the Creator of the universe, or will we choose for ourselves, or something else, to replace God? Will we choose to reflect his righteous character, gracious compassion, and loving justice over asserting our human arrogance and destructive self-will? God has revealed himself, and we are without excuse. Will we choose our own way, or God's?

My Prayer...

O God, thank you for your creation. Thank you for its beauty and variety. Thank you for the changing seasons and the beauty of Spring and Autumn. Most of all, thank you for choosing to show yourself to us, your creatures, in the things you have created. We pledge to respond to such bountiful grace with loving obedience. We commit our lives and this prayer of thanks to you, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.

Verse of the Day - John 10:28-30

2026-04-21T03:18:12.481-04:00

Jesus said, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."

—John 10:28-30

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"He's got the whole world in his hand." Yes, the song may be true, but in a much more significant way, God holds us, each of his children of faith, in his hands. As we entrust our lives to him in faith, his grace ensures that no one and nothing can steal us away from his grace, his promises, and his eternal loving care. Our future in Jesus is secure. We are in God's hands!

My Prayer...

O LORD, thank you for your steadfast and secure love. Thank you for the assurance that my future rests in your hands. Thank you for holding me in your protective grace. May I live today with confidence and joy, knowing that no matter where I find myself, you are there to uphold and sustain me. I thank you for this assurance, in Jesus' name. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.

Verse of the Day - 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

2026-04-20T06:38:03.851-04:00

Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

—1 Corinthians 15:55-57

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We have victory, ultimate victory over death. If we don't have the answer for life's biggest test, death, then we have no lasting victory, ever. The Super Bowl and World Series are played every year. A champion is a victor for only one year and has to earn it again and again by competing and finishing the season in triumph. But a Christian is a champion forever. Because of Jesus, each true disciple of Christ Jesus has lasting victory over death. Yes, "thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

My Prayer...

Thank you, God, for blessing us with lasting victory in Jesus Christ. In our daily struggles with sin, please make your will triumphantly present in us now, just as it will be when he raises us from death and brings us home to you. Through our Triumphant King, we offer you our praise. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.

Verse of the Day - 1 Corinthians 15:20-22

2026-04-19T05:38:02.839-04:00

Christ has indeed been raised, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

—1 Corinthians 15:20-22

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Being eternal is nothing new; in the beginning, God made us to live forever in fellowship with him. Being like Jesus (1 John 3:1-3) completely, eternally, will be new, however, when we're raised from the dead. When Jesus' lifeless body was placed in the ground, our lives with God forever in glory hung in the balance with him. Praise God. The Spirit of God revived Jesus from his death sleep. Jesus' resurrection also ensures our own, because our lives are hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-4), that death can no longer claim us. The only death that really matters for us is dying to our sin, through faith in baptism with Jesus (Romans 6:4). If we have shared in that death, we will most certainly share in his resurrection (Romans 6:5). Jesus was "the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep." This means that because God raised Jesus from the dead, we too can be confident that we "will be made alive" in Christ and live with him forever. His resurrection forever guarantees our own (Romans 8:11). Praise God, indeed!

My Prayer...

Almighty and graciously powerful God, I praise you. I praise you today because of your grace given to me through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. I know I will see you face-to-face and share in your glory. Help me now to live that resurrected life before others, as the Holy Spirit transforms me each day into greater and glorious likeness to Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18). In whose 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.

Verse of the Day - Romans 10:9-10

2026-04-18T04:38:03.010-04:00

If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

—Romans 10:9-10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Imagine Jesus being proud of you! He said if we confess him before others here on earth, he will speak up for us in heaven and claim us as his own (Matthew 10:32). Not only that, because we have confessed Jesus as our Savior and LORD, Jesus presents us to God as "holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation." Confessing Jesus as our LORD is acknowledging the truth, the reality of Jesus' true identity that every person will acknowledge one day. Our confession is the anticipation of what is to come when every knee will bow, and every tongue confess Jesus as LORD to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11).

My Prayer...

Mighty God, your Son is our LORD and Savior. We love him and praise him for his redeeming sacrifice. We thank him for his conquest over death and the grave. We marvel at his sacrificial and triumphant grace. Jesus is LORD. We know those words sound sweet in your ears, O God, so we confess the truth again: Jesus is LORD! O Father, thank you for being so great that you would be so sacrificial in sharing your grace and glory of the Son with us. In the name of our LORD and Savior, Jesus the Carpenter and our King, we offer our deepest thanks and praise. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.

Verse of the Day - 1 Corinthians 1:18

2026-04-17T03:38:03.218-04:00

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

—1 Corinthians 1:18

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Power! We love power. We love the sound and fury of power. We love the power's ability to bring positive change to dreadful situations. The greatest power ever unleashed on this earth was the power displayed when the Almighty God held back his might and fury while his Son was persecuted, abused, belittled, battered, and murdered on a cross. Now that's an awesome display of power, and it was displayed specifically for us and to save us. Plus, we know the cross was not the end of God's powerful grace; it was the doorway to Jesus' glorious and triumphant resurrection. We now live by the power of God who raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:18-21). Praise God for his power that is at work within us (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Holy and Majestic God, we praise you for your incredible might and power. We also thank you for your love, which guides the release of that power to bless and redeem us. Thank you for knowing that we are but dust, and without your sustaining Spirit, we will not have life in glory with you when our bodies fail. Thank you for saving us by withholding your mighty power when we sin, and for pardoning us through your sacrificial power released for us in Jesus. Because of your mercy, Father, and in the holy name of Jesus, we offer this prayer through the intercession of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.

Verse of the Day - Romans 13:8

2026-04-16T02:38:05.868-04:00

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

—Romans 13:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus paid the debt we owed God for our sins, trespasses, and rebellious actions (Colossians 2:13-14; 1 Peter 1:18-10). Thank God we no longer owe the debt for those transgressions because of God's grace (Romans 6:23). However, I do owe others the love, respect, forgiveness, and grace that God has lavished on me (Ephesians 4:32). As Paul reminded us yesterday:

Give everyone what you owe him. If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:7)

Why is this so important? We are to keep paying installments on the "continuing debt to love one another" as Jesus has loved us!

My Prayer...

Holy God, everything in heaven and earth is yours, yet you have graciously shared them with us, your children. We thank you for not just purchasing us from our debt to sin, but also for buying us out of our slavery to that sin, and to the evil one, death, and hell. Open our hearts to the realization that you own us, yet love us freely and forgive us completely. Please kindle love in our hearts through the refreshing power of the Holy Spirit that you pour into our hearts, enabling us to love others as you have loved us. In Jesus' name, we pray and commit to love. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.

Verse of the Day - Romans 13:6-7

2026-04-15T06:38:05.072-04:00

This is why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him. If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

—Romans 13:6-7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Ouch! Tax day. Not my favorite day, how about you? But where would we be without government, order, and laws? Anarchy! Rebellion! Lawlessness! Dog-eat-dog days where all people are "in it" only for themselves!
While we may not always like how the system functions, we need to know from God how he wants us to live with flawed people in community. Paul is not naive. He knows he is likely going to be imprisoned and martyred by the Roman government. So, we can follow Paul's example as we seek to be redemptive in our living, obedient in our citizenship, and ask God to bless our countries and bring revival to them. Jesus left us this principle:

"So give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." (Matthew 22:21)

The apostle Paul explained and expanded Jesus' principle in our verse today:

Give everyone what you owe him. If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Now it is up to us, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to live up to that principle even in challenging times!

My Prayer...

Holy God, I thank you that I am free in you and belong to no one and no power other than you. To you, O God, I offer my full and undivided allegiance. Because I want your name and your people to be respected, I will obey the laws of my land as long as they align with your will. I know it is good for the spread of the gospel of Jesus and for the blessing of all people that we be at peace in our world (Romans 12:18), so, dear LORD, I pray for peace. 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.

Verse of the Day - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

2026-04-14T05:38:05.047-04:00

I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you... that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.

—1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The story of the Gospel is simple. The grace of the Gospel is glorious. The sacrifice of the Gospel is incomprehensible. The victory of the Gospel is eternal. The core of the Gospel is Christ, and him crucified and raised on the third day. We live in light of God's third-day solution accomplished for us in Jesus' resurrection from the dead!

My Prayer...

Almighty LORD, thank you for the empty tomb and Jesus' victory over the grave. Just as Jesus' death pardoned my sin, his resurrection assures my future. Thank you for grace and glory. May my life be lived each day by the power of the resurrection. 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.

Verse of the Day - Romans 3:23-24

2026-04-13T04:38:04.342-04:00

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

—Romans 3:23-24

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"I blew it!"
Come to think of it, we've all blown it! We don't measure up. We're not divine. We are not righteous on our own. We all fall short. We might be decent by the world's standards, but decent won't save us in the presence of a holy, infallible, and perfect God. Only the truly righteous make it past the grave and into glory. Thank God! Grace is freely given, and the price for our sin was paid by Jesus. While I "blew it," Jesus renewed it from sin, death, hell, and the evil one! While I "blew it" - and admit, you blew it, too - Jesus renewed our lives for life with him now, and in glory forever (Colossians 3:1-4). Jesus even presents us to the Father as "holy in his sight, without blemish, and free from accusation" (Colossians 1:22).

My Prayer...

Kind and Loving Father, thank you for being so generous with your mercy, grace, forgiveness, and cleansing. May I be as passionate for your righteousness as you were in redeeming me from my sin. Based on Jesus' authority and love, I ask for the Holy Spirit to help me with this, as I seek to please you and become more JESUShaped. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.