thoughts by Phil Ware Archives - Page 4 of 23

Published April 30, 2023

Anxiety

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Thought

So often our worries are so heavy because we refuse to put them down. Let’s cast our burdens on the Lord. Let’s consciously put our future in his hands. Let’s trust our worrisome fears to his care. We know he loves us and longs to sustain and comfort us because of what he has done to save us.

Prayer

Holy God and loving Father, I consciously place my fears, worries, anxieties, and burdens in your hands. I know that I have so little power to change the outcome of these events and I trust that you will work what is pleasing to you, and best for me, out of these situations. Forgive me for my anxious thoughts and for letting my own worry become an idol that robs you of my full trust. Strengthen and empower me to trust you more by the power and presence of your Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used with permission

Never Alone

“Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Thought

Never alone! What a promise. God will go with him, and us, through all the seasons of life, through all our ups and downs, through temptations and triumphs, even through death (cf. Psalm 139). So we can take courage and feel his strength. We are not alone!

Prayer

O God who is and was and is to come, thank you for being there and staying there when all others forsake and leave. You are the one constant in my life so full of change. Help me become more steadfast and faithful in my commitments and relationships to honor you and to learn more about you. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used by Permission

You can also follow Phil’s daily devotionals on http://www.verseoftheday.com.

Trust in the Lord Forever

“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the Rock Eternal”. Isaiah 26:4

Thought

When we see mountains we feel small, knowing not only how much larger they are than we are, but also how much longer they have been here than we have been. But the Lord existed long before any mountain and will exist long after it has melted into nothing. The only rock of security and all the forever’s we have are found in him.

Prayer:
Eternal I Am, who is and was and will be forever, I trust that you are and will always be my God, my Redeemer, my Savior, my Shepherd, and my Father. I commit all my tomorrows to you. Through Jesus my Lord. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used by Permission

His Presence and Help

“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

Thought

Life crashes in and we wish we could be children again and have someone to take care of us and protect us. Into our confused and chaotic world, God’s promise comes to us once again. Like a loving parent with a frightened child, God reaches out and takes hold of our hand and comforts us with his precious words:

“Don’t be afraid. I’m here with you. I will help. Even when he seems distant, the echo of this thought can remind us that we are never alone or forgotten” (cf. Hebrews 13:5-6).

Prayer

Abba Father, whose presence and help are always near, please help me have faith that you are there. I confess that at certain points in my life, you have seemed distant and I have felt alone. Please remind me through your Spirit of your nearness and your care. In my moments of struggle and doubt, please make your presence known. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used by Permission
Phil’s daily devotionals: http://www.verseoftheday.com.

The Power of the Cross

“Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night.” John 19:38-39

Thought

The power of the Cross is demonstrated in the lives of these two men, neither of whom showed himself fully to be a disciple of Jesus in his ministry. Now in his death, they make sure he is given a proper burial making themselves unclean for the Passover and proving themselves loyal to the Lord at the worst time for them to do so. The Cross touched them when nothing else could, just like it has touched us!

Prayer

Righteous Father, I know the cross was a brutal symbol of being cursed. Yet to me it is as precious as it is brutal and it is as beautiful as it was hideous. Through the Cross, you saved me from my sin and showed how much you loved me. Thank you! Please use my life in some small way to glorify you and your indescribable gift at Calvary. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used by Permission

From: Phil’s daily devotionals on http://www.verseoftheday.com

Powerful Easter Poems:

When I say… “I am a Christian”

At the Foot of the Cross

The Light of the World

The Tomb

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He Restores My Soul

Published March 29, 2023

He Restores My Soul

“He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” Psalm 23:2-3

Thought

When we are exhausted, depleted, and on the edge of burn out, we need to have our souls restored! But who can restore our souls? Only the One who will lead us beside still waters! The Lord is our Shepherd. He alone can fully bring the nourishment and replenishment that we need. Yet why do we sometimes find it so hard to set aside time to be with him? Could it be that we keep our lives so busy that we miss out on the one thing that matters most?

Prayer

As you have shown me time and time again, dear Father, I know that being with you restores me in a place within my heart that no one else can reach. Forgive me for seeking nourishment and refreshment from places that are unholy and unhelpful. Reinvigorate me with your presence and power so that I can serve you more victoriously. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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

God is Love

“Correct me, LORD, but only with justice — not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing.” Jeremiah 10:24

Thought

God is love! God is also holy and righteous! If he did not lovingly and tenderly correct us, none of us could survive before his awesome perfection. Yet our God has chosen to give us his undeserved mercy and kindness as he corrects us and molds us to be more like him.

Prayer

Holy and righteous Father, I truly do want to become more like you in my daily character; but please, dear Father, humble and correct me gently for you know how small I am compared to you. In the name of my Savior, your Son Jesus, I pray. Amen.

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

Love in Action

“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

Thoughts on today’s verse

“Talk is cheap!” “You can tell me with your words, but I’ll show it with my life.” “Put your life where your mouth is.” We know the slogans, now let’s live love in truth. In a world where barter has replaced sacrificial and steadfast love, let’s go against the grain and do the truth!

Prayer:

Sacrificial Father, I confess to you that at times I am selfish. Other times my intentions are good, but my follow- through and faithfulness are lacking. Use your Spirit to empower and enable me to be what I hope to become, to your glory. May your love be seen in my actions of genuine concern today. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.

By Phil Ware
used by permission.

Phil’s daily devotionals on http://www.verseoftheday.com

Joy of Your Salvation

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” Psalm 51:12

Thought

In the face of sin and separation from God, grace is a refreshing stream that restores salvation. But the joy of salvation is found only when we realize and accept the forgiveness, grace, and restoration God has given us — when we drink from the stream of grace. The joy of salvation is sustained in a changed lifestyle and an ongoing recognition that we walk with God.

Prayer

Holy and Righteous Father, I long for the outbreak of joy in your salvation like I see in the book of Acts. I pray for your Spirit to lead us into another era of outreach, conversion, and celebration. I pray for wisdom to know and for eyes to see those around me who are most open to the Gospel. I want to be a partner with you in your ongoing work of salvation. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used by Permission
From: http://www.verseoftheday.com

The Lord is Faithful

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

Thought

Trust. Can we trust in God? Is the Lord really faithful? While we may wish to have been alive when Jesus walked the earth or Jeremiah spoke fearlessly God’s hard truth, we are especially blessed to be alive today. We stand at the end of an incredible stream of God’s work. We can look at history and know him to be profoundly faithful to his people. We can launch out into the future with boldness because we know God is already there!

Prayer

Holy God, I know you are there! In the morning, in the evening, in the long nights, I know I am not alone. Thank you for knowing me and going with me through all my days. Please make your presence known to me this day as I seek to honor you in what I do and say. In the name of Jesus, my Lord, I ask this. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used by Permission

You can also follow Phil’s daily devotionals on http://www.verseoftheday.com.

In Your Faithfulness

“O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. “ Psalm 143:1

Thought

Some days are just plain tough! Those we care about are hurting. Our plans are falling through. Our prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling and fall at our feet. We cry out to God ? sometimes in anger, sometimes in desperation, but especially for mercy. We need relief! We need hope! We need the Father to respond.

Prayer

Faithful and righteous God, loving Father, please come to my aide and bring me relief from my struggles with sin, with disease, with discouragement, with friends who are untrue, and with enemies who work for my humiliation and destruction. I need your help. I need your mercy. O, dear Father, I need to know your presence and power in my life today. In Jesus sweet name I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used by Permission

Phil’s daily devotionals on http://www.verseoftheday.com

Cast Away the Dark Fears

“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.

by Phil Ware
used by permission
from http://www.heartlight.org

Christ’s Love Compels Us

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Thought

“What am I living for?” While that is an important question, the most important question of all is “Who am I living for?” Only one person can insure that I will never die because he has already died for me and conquered death! If he was willing to die for me, I’m for sure going to live for him!

Prayer

Victorious Lord, thank you for giving me triumph over death through Jesus, my Lord. Thank you for giving me victory over sin through his sacrificial death. Thank you for giving me victory today in my life as I live it for him. Through the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware
used by permission

You can also follow Phil’s daily devotionals on http://www.verseoftheday.com

The Real Meaning of Love

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Thought

Love! In the week of Valentine’s Day, we want to remember the real meaning of love. Without the motivation and expression of love, all “Christian” activities are more “activity” than Christian. Love is the expression of Christ’s character and presence in our lives through deeds done for others. So don’t get lost in the annual trip down sentimental lane. Too many of us forget the needed daily dose of love that so often gets lost in the grit of day-to-day relationships. Let’s be loving year round and thus show ourselves to be Jesus’ disciples. (cf. John 13:34-35)

Prayer

Loving Heavenly Father, thank you so much for your demonstration of love in Jesus. Help me to love as he did — selflessly, sacrificially, and consistently so others may know of your love through my actions. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used by Permission

Imitators of God

“Be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2

Thought

Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. If we are to sincerely flatter God by being like him, imitation may be the most costly form of flattery as well. You see, love for God is never something that occurs just in our minds or our hearts. Love is something we do for another — it is action. John said in 1 John 4 that we must love in both our deeds and our words. Love means to give ourselves up — what we want, our rights, our desires — to honor God and serve others. This is a kind of love that can change the world, or a marriage, or a family.

Prayer:

Abba Father, I will never fully understand how you could love me so much that you would allow your son to die for me as my sacrifice. Please help me love others sacrificially. I know the power to do this is not within me, so please pour your love into my heart so that I may share that love with others. Through Jesus, my brother and my sacrifice, I pray. Amen.

by Phil Ware
used by permission

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

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Further Reading

“Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Further Reading

“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the Rock Eternal”. Isaiah 26:4

Further Reading

Further Reading

Thought

Prayer

Powerful Easter Poems:

“He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” Psalm 23:2-3

Further Reading

Further Reading

“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

FURTHER READING

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” Psalm 51:12

Further Reading

Further Reading

“O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. “ Psalm 143:1

Further Reading

“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

Further Reading

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Further Reading

Further Reading

“Be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2

Further Reading