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

Published April 2, 2011

God Works for the Good

By Phil Ware

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Thoughts on today’s verse

God is in our lives. He is at work right now, undoing Satan’s destructive messes and leading us to places he wants us to go. This is true in everything we do and everywhere we go. The key is for us to seek his purpose, to live his will. If that is our goal, then we can be sure our God is with us every step of our way.

Prayer:

Thank you, God, for being at work in my life. Thank you for not leaving me alone to my best effort, insight, and choice. Thank you for having a plan for me and being the assurance that I can’t mess that plan up if I seek your will. Thank you for being my God, my Father, and my Partner through all of life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/04/02/pw_god-works-for-the-good/

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware

Published March 14, 2011

Dwelling with God

by Phil Ware

“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride, beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of thing has passed away.” Revelation 21:2-4

Thoughts on today’s verse

I don’t know about you, but I’m kind of ready for that old order stuff to go away. The end of tears, death, mourning, crying and pain sounds pretty good to me! No wonder the early Christians would say, “Marantha. Come Lord Jesus!” They couldn’t wait.

Prayer:
Holy God, please help me as I try to continue serving you faithfully. My desire is to be steadfast in my love and living for you until the glorious day that so many of your children have longed for over the centuries. I long to see you in your glory and to share in your presence and to join with the saints of all ages past praising you around your glorious throne. Through Jesus, I pray. Amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/03/14/pw_dwelling-with-god/

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware

Published March 4, 2011

Who Can Separate Us

by Phil Ware

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

Thoughts on today’s verse:

Conquerors! We win!! When you open up the final book of the Bible, Revelation, that is the message – Christians win because Jesus is the one true conqueror. No matter how the battle is going for you right now, remember that in the end, we win!

Prayer:

El Shaddai, God Almighty, thank you for securing the ultimate victory for me by raising Jesus from the dead. I know he is coming with victory on the day you have determined, but I pray that I may live victoriously for you until that day. Through Jesus my conquering King I pray. Amen.’

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/03/04/pw_can-separate-us/

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware

Published February 24, 2011

I am the Gate for the Sheep

by Phil Ware

‘Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it in full.“ John 10:7 and 9-10

Thoughts on today’s verse:

Jesus came to the world to give us life. He didn’t come to bring us rules, or judgment, or fear, or work. Jesus came to give us life in its fullest form. While we know that this is promised to us when we go to be with him for all eternity, John wants us to clearly hear that Jesus’ promise to give us life begins right now! Not JUST life later, but also life NOW!

Prayer:

Almighty God, I confess that sometimes I play life too carefully, not risking failure and loss and not reaching for your opportunities and your concerns. Give me a heart that yearns to live life in all its fullness by seeking after your will, Jesus’ example, and the Holy Spirit’s leading in my decisions today and always. Through Jesus I ask this to your glory. Amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/02/24/pw_gate-for-the-sheep/

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware

Published February 1, 2011

The Lord Himself will Come

by Phil Ware

“The Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Thoughts on today’s verse

What do you have that is forever? Most of everything we have falls apart, breaks, or runs down in a short time. But we have three things that last forever: God, our Christian friends, and our praise of God. These are eternal.

Prayer:

God, I look forward to the day of your next great surprise. I join the angels in standing on tiptoe as I look to the clouds to see my Lord, your Son, return in glory and receive the welcome and honor he deserves. I praise you for that day now, even though I see it only by faith. Until I see you on that day, please know my heart’s desire is to serve you, even when my weakness gets in the way of showing it as fully as I should. My thanks to you, in Jesus name. Amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/02/01/pw_the-lord-himself/

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware

Published January 19, 2011

Beyond our Understanding

by Phil Ware

“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’  Job 37:5-6

Thoughts on today’s verse:

Isn’t that a beautiful phrase! “God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.” Rather than spending a lot of time talking or thinking about how marvelous God is, let’s praise him in prayer.

Prayer:

Holy, Righteous, and Eternal God, You alone are truly and fully holy. I cannot comprehend the distant outskirts of your ways. But I love you. You are so far beyond me on my best days, I can’t quite understand why you would pay such a cost to redeem someone like me. But, Dear God, I thank you. In Jesus name.
Amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/01/19/pw_beyond-our-understanding/

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware

Published January 17, 2011

Light of the World

by Phil Ware

‘When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,” I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Thoughts on today’s verse

Darkness is more than a symbol, it is a pervasive way of living and viewing the world. Darkness is the place of deception, evil, crime, predators, sin, and death. To follow Jesus means to bring him our heart and let him cast everything from the darkness that plagues us on the inside so we don’t have to be afraid of the darkness on the outside. In this way, Jesus gives us light, but it is a light that does more than fill a dark room. This is a light that illumines the heart.

Prayer:

Holy God who lives in glorious and irrepressible light, I praise you for sending Jesus to cast away the dark fears that so easily envelope me. I pray for strength and courage to not only live in the light, but show others their way to the light. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/01/17/pw_light-of-the-world/

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware

Published January 15, 2011

God’s Glory and Goodness

by Phil Ware

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 & 26

Thoughts on today’s verse:

Our thanks arises from the nature of God and his glory and goodness. The steadfast reason we give thanks is because God is good and his love is inexhaustible, beyond decay, and never ending.

Prayer:
O great Lover of my soul, thank you for sending Jesus as the demonstration of your love. I love you Father. I love you for who you are and what you have done. I love you for what you have promised. I love you for the blessings you shower upon me. I love you for giving me hope. I love you because you first loved me. I love you because you are worthy of all love. But I confess that my love is not as strong as yours, so please, fill me with your love by the power of the Holy Spirit. Through Jesus I lift my heart to you. Amen.’

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/01/15/pw_gods-glory-and-goodness/

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware

Published January 9, 2011

Horn of Salvation

by Phil Ware

[Zechariah said,] “Praise be to the Lord, God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he said through his holy prophets long ago.“ Luke 1:68-70

Thoughts on today’s verse

What God does in Jesus is not a surprise. Yes, it was unexpected, but the “hints” and prophecies of his coming are found all over the Old Testament. The holy prophets had spoken about it “long ago.” But more than the prophets, Jesus coming is God keeping his word. Jesus’ coming is God’s answer to his promises. That’s why Paul can say that all God’s promises find their “yes” in Jesus and it is through Jesus that the “amen” is spoken (2 Corinthians 1). In Jesus, God comes, God ministers, God cares, God saves, God redeems, and God keeps his promises.

Prayer:

I thank you, Holy Father, that you keep your promises. I know you don’t have to keep your word to me, but because of your love and kindness, I know you will. So please help me be more faithful to you as I seek to honor my commitments and pledges to you. I know this is important to you not only because I need to learn obedience, but I also need to develop a character more consistent with your own. Thank you for hearing my heart. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/01/09/pw_horn-of-salvation/

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware

Published November 5, 2010

Great Deliverer

by Phil Ware

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Romans 13:1

Thoughts on today’s verse

Yes, there are things we don’t like about our government. But God has truly blessed us to enjoy the protection of the authorities. But we also live in the time of some of the greatest persecution ever known in the Christian era. So as we pray for our leaders and thank God for our freedoms, let’s not forget the persecuted church all over the world.

Prayer:
O Great Deliverer, God of the Exodus, as you have shown your power and deliverance in the past, we ask that you act today and bless every believer who is persecuted for your sake. Show them tenderness, healing, and protection on this day. Through Jesus we ask it. Amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/11/05/pw_great-deliverer/

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware

Published October 10, 2010

Rescued from Darkness

by Phil Ware

“You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” Ephesians 5:8

Thoughts on today’s verse
Before and after — that’s the story of grace. “I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.” If we could only fully grasp what we so easily sing then life would be filled with more grace and our churches with more confident servants of God.

Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, by your grace I know today that I stand before you welcomed into your presence and received as a beloved child. Thank you for rescuing me from all the traps of the darkness and bringing me into your light. Guide my heart and my feet so they will walk your path and show forth your light. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/10/10/pw_rescued-from-darkness/

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware

Published September 14, 2010

Guide Me

by Phil Ware

“This is what the Lord says — your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”  Isaiah 48:17

Thoughts on today’s verse

I sometimes long for the pillar of fire at night and the cloud by day to guide me as I make my way through this world. But I am reminded of God’s abiding presence in the Spirit and his promise to never forsake me. I believe that if I seek his glory he will get me where I need to be to do his will.

Prayer:
Guide me, O Father, guide me to the places you want me to be, the ministries you want me to offer, and the people you want me to touch. Capture my heart to do your work and never let me lose sight of your coming.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/09/14/pw_guide-me/

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware

Published September 2, 2010

You are Worth More

by Phil Ware

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7

Thoughts on today’s verse

In a universe so vast, what is our little planet? In a planet so diverse and so full of life, what are people? Among all the billions of people alive and who have lived and already died, what significance do I have? Jesus reminds us that our significance is great — not because we are so important but because we are known personally by God. We don’t have to be afraid, we are known and loved by the One who is and was and is to come!

Prayer:

Eternal God, Almighty Father, Tender Shepherd, you already know my heart. You know where I struggle with sin, so please empower and forgive. You know my fears, so please encourage and strengthen. You know my immaturity, so please nurture and grow. You know my weakness and disease, so please comfort and heal. But even if none of these are answered, I am still awed by the fact that you choose to know me. Thank you! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/09/02/pw_worth-more/

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware

Published August 22, 2010

He Who Began a Good Work

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Thoughts on today’s verse

God made the world in 6 days. Now he sustains it with his powerful word. But in each of us, he is still at work and will continue to work to his glory (see Philippians 2:12-13) until Christ comes to take us home!

Prayer:

Thank you Father, for being at work in my life. I confess that at times you seem distant, but looking back over the crucial moments where things were held in the balance, I can see your fingerprints and your grace leading me to where I am today. Please make your presence more powerfully known in my life as I seek your will and live to your glory. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware
  from http://www.heartlight.org
– used with permission

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware

Published August 19, 2010

The Depth and Riches

By Phil Ware

“Oh, the depth and riches of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out.”  Romans 11:33

Thoughts on today’s verse

God’s plan to save us is incredible. His blueprints for the creation of our universe are beyond our imagining. He is so rich in wisdom and knowledge. What else can we do but go to him and ask him to open our minds to his work and his will in our lives.

Prayer:
Precious and Almighty Father, thank you for reawakening me each spring to the power of your sustaining presence in the world, but even more in my life. Bless me today as I seek to put you first in all I do. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/08/19/pw_depth-riches/

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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Phil Ware