New Life Chapel

Verse of the Day
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' " Matthew 4:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Like Esau, we get so diverted, distracted, and disturbed by the mundane things of life — things like growling bellies and petty jealousies. The evil one uses these to lead us to forget the longer-range view of things and the important promises of God's Scriptures. God's incarnate Word (Jesus), his written Word (the Scriptures), and his proclaimed Word in the Gospel are what can sustain us eternally. These are the nourishing sustenance of God's living bread we seek, the true daily bread we need God to supply (Matthew 6:11).

My Prayer...
True and Faithful God, please create in me a hunger for your true and enduring Word, your living Bread. Please help me recognize that your Bread is much more necessary for my life than any physical food. I confess that at times I have been distracted by mundane things in my life and have not sought your Word, your Living Bread, to nourish my soul. Please forgive me as I recommit myself to be more attentive to your leading and your truth in your Word, as I am led by your Spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray and make this commitment. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Verse of the Day
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. Proverbs 14:34

Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Wow, what an indictment, so please bear with me as we think through this and open our hearts to God. When we vote our pocketbook more than character, and when we excuse the indiscretions, infidelities, and illegalities in the leaders of any political party, we have reached a very sad state indeed! When we ignore the anti-biblical stands politicians and their parties make to vote for a candidate because we hate the other candidate, we give the future away to godlessness. So, what do we do? We can and should pray for wisdom when we go to the polls. But there is a more important issue for each of us. Before we rant and rave about the sad state of morality and ethics in our public officials, let's make sure we're honest with ourselves about the sin in our own daily lives. What do we do in private when we think no one is looking? What corners are we willing to shave off of holiness and honesty to justify our indiscretions, falsehoods, lusts, and distortions? Do we say cruel things and gossip about others behind their backs? Are we faithful to our marriages? Do our hearts seek purity more than security? Do we treat others who serve us with dignity and respect? Is our word trustworthy, empty of malice, while being full of kindness? Let's make sure we expect higher standards of ourselves than we do of others. Let's also live to bless our nation through our righteous living. Let's seek to be sinless, bringing honor to God and his people. Then, let's ask our officials, politicians, and church leaders to do the same.

My Prayer...
Father, we honor you as the only true, living, almighty, and holy God! We join the angels of heaven in saying, "Holy, holy, holy are you, the Lord God Almighty." May we bring you glory through what we think, say, and do. Please forgive us of our sins as we seek to banish hypocrisy from our character. Please bless us with purity, righteousness, holiness, compassion, and love as we pledge ourselves to live for your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.