Category: <span>thoughts by Phil Ware</span>

Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:11


Thoughts on today’s verse

While Paul’s exhortation here is excellent, it is the style of the exhortation we should especially notice. We live in an age where we are constantly pressured to emphasize the novel, new, or improved versions of things. But in our lives as Christians, we need to remind each other of what we are doing right and just simply say, “Hey, you’re doing well, just keep doing what you’re doing!”

Prayer:

Faithful Father, thank you for noticing and keeping record of the things I’ve done that are good and pleasing to you. Please help me to keep doing those things that please you, only do them better, that you may be pleased and glorified. In Jesus name. Amen.

by Phil Ware
used by permission

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FURTHER READING

19 Ways to Encourage Others – by Stacy W

• Angel Comes to Encourage – Angel Story

I Like to be Encouraged


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Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware

I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

Thoughts on today’s verse

In a world of startling beauty and a universe of dazzling diversity, our hearts are to be drawn back to the One who made it and now sustains it. He knows us and will help us if we will believe what he has tried so many ways to say: “I love you as my child and I care what happens to you and those you love.”

Prayer:

Almighty Creator, Majestic Architect and Eternal Engineer, it absolutely bewilders and delights me to know that you care for me. With all the things of such vast importance, I find your desire to know and love me humbling and assuring. Today I will worship, work, and witness while being aware of your presence and care. Thank you, dear Father, in Jesus name. Amen.

by Phil Ware
Used with Permission
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Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware


The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4


Thought

Words are powerful. Communicators know this. Negotiators know this. Deep down, you know this. Words have blessed you and words have devastated you. The healing that comes from a kind and tender word is precious. The destruction of a cruel taunt or a well-told deception is crushing. To have such power is amazing. To use this awesome power found in our speech is an awesome responsibility. Words do have the power to give life, hope, and peace when offered in love to honor Jesus. Let’s speak that word today!

Prayer

O Father, I want my words to be a blessing today. I want them to reflect your grace. I want them to bring healing to the hurting and comfort to the grieving. I want them to be tender with the broken. I want them to be honorable and truthful in difficult circumstances. I want them to be upright when the language around me is crude. Through your Spirit, use my speech to bless others and bring you praise. In the name of Jesus, your ultimate Word, I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used by Permission

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FURTHER READING

•  Why is What I Say So Important? by Dr. Henry Brandt

•  The Power of the Tongue  – by Mary Pinckney

The Power of the Tongue – by Katherine Kehler


 

Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware


“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” Romans 8:35-37

Thought

Are we really conquerors despite “trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword”? (Romans 8:35) Yes! That is the Father’s ultimate assurance to us through Christ Jesus and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ. The Evil One and his allies can kill our bodies, ruin our finances, wrack our physical being with pain, and seek to destroy our relationships. However, the Evil One cannot have our hearts when they are surrendered to Jesus. And when our hearts belong to the Lord, so does our future, and Satan cannot change our ultimate future with Jesus (Colossians 3:1-4). The empty tomb of Jesus assures us that our future with him is glorious, victorious, and unending.

Give me eyes to see, O God, and a heart to believe that Jesus’ victory over death is my victory, too! I don’t want to be derailed from my hope, faith, and love by life’s difficulties. Instead, I want to be a living testimony to your power, victory, and grace. In Jesus’ name and for his glory, I live and pray. Amen

By Phil Ware
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

•  Today with the Lord 
•  The Lord Never Changes
•  Salvation Explained


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Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware


“Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.“ Psalm 25:4-5

Thought

Life can be so confusing. There are so many choices for us as we decide the values that will govern our lives. So how are we going to find the best way, God’s way, to live? We will ask God to show us! Our hope is in him. Our salvation is in him. So why not ask him to guide us and teach us his truth? Why not expect that he will make his will known for us? If our hearts are open to his truth and we are seeking his path, he will make his will known.

Prayer

O mighty God, the only true guide to life, please help me to know your will more completely. I want to live for you and to please you. I want others to know of my allegiance to you — not just because of the words I speak, but also through the character of my conduct. In Jesus’ name I ask it. Amen.

By Phil Ware
used by permission.
You can also follow Phil’s daily devotionals on http://www.verseoftheday.com

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FURTHER READING

God’s Plan or My Plan? – by Don Myers on Discerning God’s Will

When God Interrupts Our Plans by Deborah Yemi-Oladayo

When Life is a Perplexing Journey – by Kathy Cheek

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Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware

“The World and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God Lives forever’ 1 John 2:17


Thought
So much of what we pursue is fleeting. Once we acquire it, we try to preserve it! Why? Because we know it will soon be gone. God has promised us that just as he is eternal and will live forever, so are those who pursue a relationship with him and are committed to his will. So, let’s look at how we spend our time, money, and effort. Then, let’s ask if what we are pursuing is really worth having. Now, let’s ask one more important question: “Even if it is worth having, is it going to last long enough to make a difference?

Prayer
Eternal Father, please give me the courage to be honest about what I am pursuing with my life. I want it to count for your cause. I want to make a difference for good. Some of that desire, I confess, is self-serving. However, dear Father, I truly want to have a life that impacts others for good and brings you honor. I don’t want to waste my time chasing after things that won’t last or matter. Please give me the spiritual wisdom to follow your will and find your life rather than pursue my culture’s vain values. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used by Permission

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FURTHER READING

Yes I Will  – by Doug Lim

• You are God’s Chosen Servant – by Roy Lessin

 I Believe God Will Guide Me by Roy Lessin

Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware


“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16


Thought

God wants us to have life! Real life. Life that lasts forever with him! That’s why he sent Jesus, so we could have life. That is why Jesus left him and came to earth. That is why Jesus endured the Cross and its humiliation. That’s why Jesus rose from the dead. God loves us with an everlasting love in Jesus! What other Christmas gift can compare? “O come, let us adore him!”

Prayer

Of all your gifts, loving Father, none can compare to Jesus. You are worthy of praise simply because of who you are. You are worthy of honor because of all that you have done. You are worthy of praise because of your mighty acts. Most of all, you are worthy of my heart, soul, mind, and strength because of your love demonstrated in Jesus. Thank you for the greatest gift of all! In Jesus’ name I praise you. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used by permission

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Further Reading

God Peels Back the Layers until the Real You is Revealed …

A Very Real Dream – I Nearly Drowned – By Anton Rautenbach

A Thankful Man Is a Humble Man by Francis Frangipane


 

Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13

Thoughts on today’s verse

Hope and joy and peace sound terrific! Two things are vital for this to be a part of our lives. First, we must trust God to meet our needs and get us to where we need to be. Second, we expect the power of the Holy Spirit to bless us and empower us with God’s qualities.

Prayer:

Great and Mighty God, bless me with greater trust that you are nearby and long to help. Bless and empower me to be the person you want me to be. Fill me with your Spirit so I may live my life more like Jesus lived his life here on earth. Through him I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware
used by permission.
You can also follow Phil’s daily devotionals on http://www.verseoftheday.com

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FURTHER READING

• How to be sure God Listens to your Prayers
• How to have a “Quiet Time”
• What Should Be Included in Prayer

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughts-about-god.com/four-laws/


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Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware


“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!”  Philippians 4:4

Thought

Joy is found in the Lord, not in things. Joy is found in knowing that he always accompanies, sustains, helps, protects, and upholds me. How can I not rejoice? God loves me so much that he emptied heaven of his greatest treasure so that I could join him in glory. Joy is mine because of his grace.Prayer

Precious Father, thank you for always being there and knowing what is on my heart and caring for me in ways that I cannot even imagine. I long to know you face to face and share in the unbridled joy of heaven with you. Until then, I truly rejoice because I know my future is in your hands! Thank you in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

By Phil Ware
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Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware


“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17


Thoughts on today’s verse

God’s promises, God’s Scripture, and God’s clearest message of all, his Son, are truth. But only the last of these is truth, grace, deliverer, friend, Lord, Savior, brother, Redeemer…

Prayer:

O God, give me a holy passion to know your truth and live it in both word and deed. Make my life a reflection of your Word, who both proclaimed and lived your truth. In him I pray. Amen.’

By Phil Ware
used with permission.

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FURTHER READING

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughts-about-god.com/four-laws/


 

Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware


[Jesus said,] “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep.John 10:14-15


Thoughts on today’s verse

The goal of our walk with Jesus is to come to know him as our shepherd just as intimately as he knows the Father. A key thing for us to remember: In a world where so many people want to attract our attention and are willing to give us advice, we can refuse their voice. c He is not a hireling, he is the Good Shepherd.

Prayer:

Holy Father, you are wonderful and generous beyond description. You have shown your love by sending your Son to be my Shepherd. Help me hear his voice through your Word. Help me hear his voice through the wise counsel of spiritual friends. Help me hear his voice through the words sung by my brothers and sisters when we are assembled. Help me hear his voice in the Holy Spirit’s work on my conscience. Father, I want to follow your Son as my Shepherd and Lord because I know he, like you, is good! Through my Shepherd and Lord I pray. Amen.

by Phil Ware
used by permission

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Phil Ware: from http://www.heartlight.org


Further Reading

•  The Story of Andi, an Indonesian Student

Falling in Love with Jesus –  by Sylvia Gunter

God’s Steadfast Love – by Helen Lescheid


Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware


“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  Psalm 46:1

Thoughts

Where can we go when all the walls fall and all the armies crumble and all hope is lost? To the eternal God, who is our Father. He preserved Israel through the most difficult of times, protected the Bible from those who would eradicate it, and has led his Church through troubles and triumphs through the centuries. He will do the same with us until he brings us home to himself.

Prayer:

My Rock, My Hope, and My Protector, I thank you for preserving my life. I thank you for hearing my cries for help and healing. I thank you for guiding my feet into ways that have been a blessing. Please, O God, stay close by as I face the stresses and challenges in my life. Through your Spirit, enable me to grow and be an example to others as I pass through life’s storm. Through Jesus I ask it. Amen.

By Phil Ware
used with permission.

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Further Reading

• God, Your Refuge – by Max Lucado

Refuge – A Devotional by Alec Niemi

Refuge for the Oppressed A Devotional by Bill Bright


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Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

Thought

God does know us. We cannot pretend we are something we are not with him. He knows us — inside and out, through and through. This should liberate us to share a remarkable degree of intimacy with him, but most of us run from such a close relationship with our Father. If our desire, however, is to become more like him, the only way to be transformed is by inviting him in to look at our hearts, our motivations, and our desires.

Prayer

O God, I know you are the one who “searches hearts and minds.” Yet because of the grace you demonstrated in Jesus, I am confident that you love me. My heart is sorry for the sin I have committed, but I am really trying to serve you in honor and purity. Please fill me with your Spirit to enable me to become more like Christ. In the name of your holy Son I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

• God Knows Us by Name –  by Max Lucado

God Knows You by Name By Palitha Jayasooriya

God Knows Me and He Loves Me –  by Helen Lesheid


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Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware


“Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Colossians 1:9


Thought

When we hear of Christians in other places, especially where circumstances and times are difficult, or they are new in the Faith, let’s intentionally and purposefully pray this prayer for them!

Prayer

Loving Father please bless my brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world. Strengthen those under attack and facing oppression. Mature those new to your family. Enlighten those who are facing doubt and uncertainty. Please bless your people today with peace. In Jesus’ name I ask it. Amen.

By Phil Ware
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Further Reading

• Praying on Behalf of Others– by Bill Strom

Make Your Prayers Other-Centered – A Devotional by Jon Walker

Hold the Rope Daily Thoughts about God by Gail Rodgers


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Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware


“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?”Matthew 6:25


Worries are many, and they all seem to trouble our hearts around bill time or tax time, don’t they? Jesus reminded us that life is more than food, clothes, or money. The real question is whether we can live like life is more than food, clothes, and money! We are easily deceived, like Esau, who sold his birthright for a bowl of soup. Let’s not sell out what is precious to us for the allure of what will most likely end in difficulty and entanglements. So much of what the world pursues ? and the devil tempts us to pursue ? doesn’t have eternal value.

Generous Father, banish fear and selfishness from my heart. I know you have already provided the most incredible gift of all time, Jesus. Please help me pursue you and your will, not the things that choke your presence out of my life and distract me from what is eternal. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

• The Worry-Free God – Devotional by Debbie West

Victory over Worry –  by Palitha Jayasooriya

You Don’t Have to Worry – Devotional by Max Lucado


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Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware