One Verse Devotional

"Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith." -1 Thessalonians 3:7

“In essentials, unity; In nonessentials, liberty; In all things, love.”

God’s will is a mystery. The Bible makes that clear, but maybe it’s not as mysterious as we make it. It is more like a great mystery novel. There are twists and turns, but in the end, all will be revealed. Everything is a mystery… until it isn’t. And this is true of our faith. There is a difference between a mystery and a secret. God wants to reveal the mystery of His will to us. He isn’t holding onto a secret.

Fill in the blank for yourself: “Some trust in _______ and some in________, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” -Psalm 20:7

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." -Proverbs 2:6

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord! Our One Verse today comes from the book of Joshua. Joshua was the leader of Israel in the Old Testament after Moses. He took the Israelites into the Promised Land. At the end of his life, after years of service and leadership to his people. He made one of his final addresses. In a sense, he drew a line in the sand. You can serve whoever you want to serve, but me and my household will continue to serve the Lord. What an inspiring message! He could of pointed to himself, but this wise leader pointed everything to God. My prayer is this will be a phrase you live by in your own life. Will you serve the Lord?

The spiritual life is like a marathon. It takes time, energy, and discipline. Paul reminds us of this in 1 Corinthians 9. He encourages us to prepare ourselves for the race ahead and then to run in such a way as to gain the prize that will last forever. Where do you need discipline in your life?

God has invited you to participate in His grand story. We have been given a role to play, and He wants us to participate in what He is doing. Wow! The God of the universe has given each of us a personal invitation to play a role in His story. You matter to God, and He has given you a role to play.

Today is episode 800 of the One Verse Devotional. I want to say thank you for being a part of this journey, and I want to challenge you to love others.

Many of us feel pain and regret over past mistakes and sins. However, you will never fully realize the glorious future that God has for you until you let go of your past.

Whenever I hear the word, snare, I think of a trapped animal. Doesn’t life feel like this at times? Today’s One Verse gives us some great advice when we find ourselves in this situation.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." -Proverbs 16:3

Live your life for the only prize that truly matters! We have a mission. We have been given a goal: Love others. Care for others. Look after those who need help. Share the Gospel message of Jesus Christ with the world. THIS is the prize, the goal we have been given in Jesus. Let us live every day with this goal in mind!

Can our faith have an effect on our friends? According to today’s One Verse, it does! Mark 2 is an amazing story of friends showing up to help. They did all they could to get their friend in front of Jesus (I thought “Let’s tear the roof off this place!” was just an expression). And Jesus makes it clear: The man was healed because of the faith of his friends. What does that mean for us today? It makes me want to be a better friend.

“I stand at the door and knock.” This is a famous verse that many Christians are familiar with. But here is the sobering part of this verse: Jesus was speaking to the Church! At some point, Jesus was pushed out. Now, He patiently waits outside the door, knocking, and hoping that someone will invite Him back in.

God will uncover His heart as we grow closer to Him.

As followers of the One True Light (Jesus), we are called to reflect His Light and Love to a dark and hurting world. We are the light of the world.

Even when life takes a turn, God isn’t surprised. God knows where you are at in life, where you have been, and where you are going. His plans will stand firm. I love this because I don’t always know where I am going. But God is never surprised by our circumstances. 

"Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Surely you know!" -Proverbs 30:4

I head a question once: “Was Jesus murdered or did He commit suicide?” Neither. He gave Himself as a sacrifice in the greatest act of Love the world will ever see. Spend some time, today, reflecting on the love Jesus showed to you through the cross.