VERSE from HEARTLIGHT

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
May 17, 2011
VERSE:
If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need
but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?
-- 1 John 3:17

THOUGHT:
I love the Bible because it is so gritty with the realities of
real life. In the previous verse, John told these churches that
they should be willing to lay down their lives for each other.
That's pretty good in theory, especially when you don't think it
will ever be necessary. But this verse makes the application of
that principle an every day reality: If there is somebody in your
church in need, then be moved to help them -- that's what laying
down your life is all about!

PRAYER:
Use me, holy and righteous Father, to be your hands and heart in
helping those around me. Give me the generosity and the patience it
takes to be a blessing to those in need who are a part of my church
family, and also those who have not yet come to know Jesus as Lord.
In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
May 16, 2011
VERSE:
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in
your power to act.
-- Proverbs 3:27

THOUGHT:
Rather than "looking out for" only "number 1," we are to look
out for those deserving of good -- whether that be help, aide,
praise, love, affection, attention -- and to act decisively to give
them what they need and deserve. We are to be a people, as Paul
tells us, who Jesus saved so we would be "eager to do good deeds"
(Titus 2:14).

PRAYER:
Father, forgive me for my selfishness. I so often notice only my
needs or what I think I deserve. There are so many good and
deserving people you have placed in my life who have blessed me.
Use your Spirit to open my eyes and my heart to see those around me
whom I can bless, and give me the courage to act in ways that
glorify you and are a blessing to others. In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
May 15, 2011
VERSE:
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
-- Luke 19:10

THOUGHT:
Jesus came so that the last could be first, the sick could be
healed, the sinners could be saved, and the lost could be found.
That was his purpose: to fix that which was broken -- not just us,
but our world, our humanity, and all that goes with it. So how can
we wear the name of Jesus and not live with his passion and purpose
toward what we see lost in our world?

PRAYER:
O loving Father and Almighty God, please stir a holy passion in
your people, and especially in me, so that we may more nearly
reflect Jesus' purpose in our lives, our families, and our
churches. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
May 14, 2011
VERSE:
Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in
wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their
delicacies.
-- Psalm 141:4

THOUGHT:
How important is it for you to be pure? How important is it for
you to be righteous? For David, who had experienced the elation of
sharing an intimate holy relationship with God and the utter pain
of miserably failing God, guarding his heart was of ultimate
importance. He didn't want to have any part of evil. He didn't want
to be attracted to it. He didn't want to be a part of those who
committed vile deeds. He didn't even want to take part in the
luxuries and feasts. What are we willing to ask God to withhold
from us to keep us from evil?

PRAYER:
Father, don't let me be tempted by what is vile, hideous, or
evil. Give me a holy revulsion for what is false and deceptive.
Give me clarity of sight and purity of heart to be able to see evil
and the things associated with it so that I can stay far away from
the tempter's snare and the things that would soil your holy name.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
May 13, 2011
VERSE:
Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of
my lips.
-- Psalm 141:3

THOUGHT:
How important is our speech? Jesus said it revealed what was
going on in our hearts. Proverbs repeatedly tells us that our words
can wound or heal. The apostle Paul tells us to speak only what
will benefit those who hear us. In light of these Scriptures, this
prayer of David is very appropriate. Only God can help us tame the
tongue and use its power to bless. Let's invite him into our world
of speech and ask him to take control of it as he does our hearts!

PRAYER:
Most holy and righteous Father, I don't want my language to ever
betray you or wound your children. Please help me redeem my speech
and use it to glorify you, bless your children, and speak of
salvation to those who do not know your Son. In the name of Jesus I
pray. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT May 12, 2011
VERSE:
Pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and
be honored, just as it was with you.
-- 2 Thessalonians 3:1

THOUGHT:
What can you do to help the spread of the Gospel and help
increase the number of those who are saved each day? Well, there
are many things: put in a good word for Jesus, share your faith
with a friend, go on a mission trip, send financial support to a
missionary, and many others. But one of the most important things
you can do is to pray! Pray for missionaries and preachers and
those who minister and share the Word of God and the grace of Jesus
through the Internet, radio, television, and print. Pray for the
message to spread rapidly and pray for it to grow in power and
influence.

PRAYER:
Loving Shepherd, I know you agonize over those who are lost. I
pray that you will empower missionaries worldwide to speak the
truth of the Gospel with boldness. I pray that you touch the hearts
of those who hear so they will experience your salvation. Use me in
whatever way you choose to be a part of the spreading of your
salvation. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
May 11, 2011
VERSE:
A wicked man puts up a bold front, but an upright man gives
thought to his ways.
-- Proverbs 21:29

THOUGHT:
When we harbor wickedness in our hearts, there are all sorts of
"fronts" we have to keep up so people won't know the truth about
us. But if righteousness is our aim, we'll try to live up to that
goal with honesty. When we blow it, we'll be honest and ask
forgiveness, learning from our mistakes. We won't put up a facade.
We know that even though we're flawed, God is not through working
on us yet!

PRAYER:
Thank you, Almighty God, for the many times you have forgiven
me. I'm sorry for the times I've tried to hide my sin from others
and from you. I want to live an honest, upright life, bringing
glory to you in what I do, what I say, and how I treat others.
Please grant me this grace with increasing measure day by day. In
Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
May 10, 2011
VERSE:
From infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able
to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
-- 2 Timothy 3:15

THOUGHT:
From infancy! If you had a godly mom that brought you into the
world surrounded by faith in Jesus, stories from the Bible, and
lullabies of faith, then praise God and thank her. If you didn't,
then make a commitment that your children and your grandchildren
will be given this head start in life. Yes, personal faith will be
won in adolescence or adulthood, but beginning in infancy is such a
blessing. To fill a child's world with love and hope and promise
because of Jesus is the greatest gift a parent can give!

PRAYER:
Holy and attentive Father, I thank you for the incredible gift
of believing parents. I pray that more of us who do believe will be
active in sharing our faith with our children. Please make my
family and my life a place where children and grandchildren can
find it easy to believe and safe to rejoice in Jesus. In his
precious name I praise and thank you. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
May 9, 2011
VERSE:
You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe
suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy
Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers...
-- 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7

THOUGHT:
The cycle of faithfulness is illustrated in this passage. The
Lord is our great example. People of faith model the Lord's
character and passion to us. We then live that life of faith as an
example to others. In other words, the Gospel is more than words!
The Gospel is the good news of Jesus taking root in the life of a
person until the fruit it bears is enough of an example of the Lord
that someone else sees it and begins to live it, too! The Gospel is
both caught and taught!

PRAYER:
Holy God, thank you for making your character known both in
Scripture and in human flesh through Jesus. Through your Holy
Spirit, I ask that you form in me the character of Christ so that
others may see Jesus in my example and live for him. In the
precious name of the Savior Jesus I pray. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
May 8, 2011

VERSE:
I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you
among the peoples.
-- Psalm 108:3


THOUGHT:
Songs go where evangelism, witnessing, and planned outreach
sometimes cannot go. Songs tell a story, offer praise, and deliver
truth in a package that opens the heart and stirs the emotions.
Songs give life to the soul and stir something primal, buried deep
inside by God. When you are around friends you are trying to reach
with the Gospel, listen for the kind of music they like. Then when
the time is right, point them to songs that share the message of
the Gospel with a melody and beat that can stir their hearts. God
wants us to praise him, not just in our sanctuaries and churches,
but with our friends and across cultures. He wants us to sing in
ways that help other people know the "heart song" of our Redeemer's
love.


PRAYER:
Almighty God and righteous Father, thank you so much for the
gift of song. Thank you for lyricists that capture the mood of our
hearts and the word of your grace and help move others closer to
faith. Please bless all those involved in bringing Christian songs
to the public and making your Word more understandable to the
masses. Empower singing in your Church, and help us to sing of your
salvation in ways that reach all peoples on the earth. In Jesus'
name I pray. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
May 7, 2011
VERSE:
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits --
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases ....
-- Psalm 103:2-3

THOUGHT:
Our God is an awesome God. He not only defines and defeats sin;
he delivers us from the consequences of sin by forgiving our sins
and purifying us. True healing means more than just curing a sick
body -- and we praise God for the times he has done that in our
lives. No, true healing means to forgive and deliver us from what
breaks our spirits and makes our souls and bodies unhealthy. Only
God offers this "benefit" as part of his retirement package!

PRAYER:
How can I sufficiently praise you, Abba Father, for your mercy
and grace that has forgiven, pardoned, and cleansed me of my sin.
Help me never to forget the joy of being forgiven and included in
your family. Thank you for your salvation. In Jesus' name I praise
you. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
May 6, 2011
VERSE:
He [Jesus] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only
ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
-- 1 John 2:2

THOUGHT:
Psst! I've got a great secret. Jesus died to set you free from
the guilt and punishment of your own sins. Psst #2! He didn't do it
just for you; he did it for everyone else, too! Spread the word.

PRAYER:
I am humbled to the point of silence, Almighty God and Heavenly
Father, that you would take your most precious gift and offer it
for something as ugly and horrid as my sins. I can think of no way
to repay you, but I want to thank you by sharing this good news
with everyone else for whom you've made this sacrifice. In Jesus'
name I pray. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT -
May 5, 2011
VERSE:
Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a
new heart and a new spirit ... Repent and live!
-- Ezekiel 18:31-32

THOUGHT:
God reminds us to turn away from our own self-seeking ways. He
calls us to turn to him with a willingness to obey his will. If we
refuse, we must know that we are walking the road that leads to
death. God longs to do the work of rebirth and renewal, but he asks
us to turn from our destructive ways and offer our hearts to him to
be made new by his Holy Spirit. Repentance is to turn off the road
leading to destruction and onto the road that leads to the Father's
house, the place of life.

PRAYER:
Please forgive me, O mighty God, for trying to rule and govern
my own life. I confess that I've made a mess of things when I
haven't obeyed your Word and when I have rebelled against your
will. I want to turn my heart and life completely over to you. I
want to obey your will and to live for your glory. Thank you for
your forgiveness and strength as I seek to find life in you. In the
name of the Savior Jesus, I pray. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
May 4, 2011
VERSE:
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
-- Luke 3:8

THOUGHT:
Grace is given to us as a free gift. It cannot be earned or
merited. But salvation that does not move us out of our
self-destructive and rebellious ways is counterfeit. Repentance is
a life change. It is a realization that we have been going the
wrong way on a one-way street. It is an acknowledgement that trying
to guide our own lives is always going to end in disappointment,
disaster, and death without Jesus being Lord of both our lips and
our lives. We know that God's grace is marvelous, but let's also
learn that his will is gracious. As we do, we will change our
behavior to reflect the character of the Father who sent his Son to
be the atoning sacrifice for our sins!

PRAYER:
Loving and merciful God, I realize that you saved me from my
past sins and also want to save me from the consequences of future
sins by calling me to obedience. Please help me as I turn my life
over to your will. Please strengthen me with your Spirit so that I
may resist temptation and reflect your holiness. Bring to life in
me the fruit that reflects your salvation and your character in me.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
May 3, 2011
VERSE:
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand
slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but
everyone to come to repentance.
-- 2 Peter 3:9

THOUGHT:
Far from being a vindictive God looking for some reason to
condemn us, God wants all people, of all races and languages, to
come to know him, to turn to him in repentance, and follow his Son
as Lord and Savior. That's why Jesus came (cf. John 3:16)! That's
why Jesus' return has not yet happened. So if our desire is to do
the LORD's will and please him in what we do, shouldn't we be doing
something to bring all the people of the world to a knowledge of
simple truth about Jesus? Shouldn't we do everything we can to help
them know his grace and call them to repent and follow Jesus as
Lord?

PRAYER:
Righteous and loving Father, please help me as I try to share my
faith with friends. Please give me the courage, wisdom, and timing
to know when and how to reach outside my comfort zone to share the
Gospel with others. Please bless all efforts to lead the lost to
repentance and to help them follow Jesus as Lord. In Jesus' name I
pray. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
May 2, 2011

VERSE:
How can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How
beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
-- Romans 10:15


THOUGHT:
How beautiful are your feet? People with beautiful feet are
either "sending folks" or they are "going folks" who share the good
news of salvation in Jesus Christ. Which are you? If we're not one
of those two options, we're Christians with ugly feet. Now would
anybody want that to be said of him or her? So let's make a
partnership agreement with other believers by either going and
asking for their support and help, or by helping and supporting
others while they are going!


PRAYER:
Almighty God of the nations, I know it pains your heart to see
so many people in our world today that do not even know the name of
your Son, much less trust in him as their Lord. Through your Holy
Spirit, stir in us the desire to have beautiful feet just like our
brothers and sisters had in those early chapters of the book of
Acts. May the Gospel spread in our day as it did in theirs! In

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
May 1, 2011

VERSE:
We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our
prayers.
-- 1 Thessalonians 1:2


THOUGHT:
Why is it so hard to share with others that we have thanked God
for bringing them into our lives? God let his Son Jesus know his
love and approval. Remember his words at Jesus' baptism and
transfiguration? "This is my Son, whom I love ...." The apostle
Paul also let the struggling churches he started know that he was
praying for them regularly (cf. Philippians 1:3). It's a great
blessing to thank God for someone special in our lives. It's a
double blessing to let those people know we've thanked God for
their being in our lives. Let's commit to be a "double blessing"
people today!


PRAYER:
Gracious Father, you have blessed me in so many ways! Today,
however, I'm especially aware of the many incredible ways you have
blessed me through other people. I want to thank you now for the
following wonderful Christian people you have placed in my life ...
(put the names of special people in here and then be sure and let
them know you've thanked God for them). Please guard and strengthen
them and use them to bless others as they have blessed me. In
Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
April 30, 2011

VERSE:
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious
riches in Christ Jesus.
-- Philippians 4:19


THOUGHT:
Paul gives the Philippians this promise only after he has
emphasized to them that he had found the Lord's grace sufficient in
good times and tough times, in times of plenty and in times of
lack. The key to this promise is not just God's provision, but also
our trust in him to satisfy what we most need in Christ Jesus. When
our hearts yearn to be full of him, to be pleasing to him, to be
blessed by his presence, to be given the assurance of life beyond
death, surely we can rely on his supplying everything we truly
need!


PRAYER:
Give me eyes to see, O God, all the many wonderful ways you are
providing for me and graciously providing the abundance you have
poured into my life. I confess that my vision is shortsighted and
narrow. I need to see the panoramic view of your graciousness. Yet
the "little" part of your blessings that I am able to recognize is
lavish, gracious, and fulfilling. I know you have blessed me with
many more things that I do not see. Thank you for being so
generous! In Jesus' name! Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
April 29, 2011

VERSE:
Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the
helpless.
-- Psalm 10:12


THOUGHT:
We are very much aware that we live in a broken world.
Unfortunately, our broken world is also filled with broken people.
In days of pain and anguish, in days when those who hurt know their
helplessness, we have no other source than God to whom we can turn.
The LORD, the covenant God of Israel, who kept his promises,
preserved his people and produced his Messiah, is also the God who
stands by us. In the short run, there are moments when he appears
to not be watching or listening or caring. What do we do in those
moments? Pretend we don't have our feelings and doubts? No, we
honestly cry out to our LORD who has redeemed, saved, and liberated
in the past and call on him to do the same in our day!


PRAYER:
God of hope, do not be far from us in days that are dark and
menacing. Restore to us the joy of living and the hope of good
things; give us comfort in our times of pain and anguish. Lift up
your hand and act to bring repentance and renewal to our time, our
families, our culture, and your Church as you have done in the
past. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
April 29, 2011
VERSE:
Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the
helpless.
-- Psalm 10:12

THOUGHT:
We are very much aware that we live in a broken world.
Unfortunately, our broken world is also filled with broken people.
In days of pain and anguish, in days when those who hurt know their
helplessness, we have no other source than God to whom we can turn.
The LORD, the covenant God of Israel, who kept his promises,
preserved his people and produced his Messiah, is also the God who
stands by us. In the short run, there are moments when he appears
to not be watching or listening or caring. What do we do in those
moments? Pretend we don't have our feelings and doubts? No, we
honestly cry out to our LORD who has redeemed, saved, and liberated
in the past and call on him to do the same in our day!

PRAYER:
God of hope, do not be far from us in days that are dark and
menacing. Restore to us the joy of living and the hope of good
things; give us comfort in our times of pain and anguish. Lift up
your hand and act to bring repentance and renewal to our time, our
families, our culture, and your Church as you have done in the
past. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
April 28, 2011
VERSE:
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is
this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to
keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
-- James 1:27

THOUGHT:
Yesterday James reminded us how important our "talk" is. Today
he reminds us about our walk. True religion is not all talk. We
must live and love as Christ did. Caring for widows, orphans, and
others who are forgotten and overlooked while we are keeping
ourselves holy to God is what "Christ living" is all about.

PRAYER:
Loving God, give me eyes to see the people who need your
blessing. Please lead me to the folks in our church, our
neighborhood, and our work or school who feel forgotten and
overlooked. Help me to not only see them, but to include them so
they can know the love that you have for them! In Jesus' name I
pray. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
April 26, 2011
VERSE:
But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to
take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the
helper of the fatherless.
-- Psalm 10:14

THOUGHT:
Just as God saw the plight of the Israelites in Egypt and heard
their cries for help, he still sees and hears today. But now, he
hears not only because he is omnipotent; he hears also because of
the intercession of his Son and our Savior, Jesus. Jesus has been
here. Jesus has faced the specter of death and the pain of torture
and ridicule. Jesus means God not only hears our cries for help; he
also feels the agony with us. That is why he came. He is our
assurance that God feels, cares, acts, and ultimately saves.

PRAYER:
God, Father and Savior, please be with those who are bearing the
incredible weight of agony and pain. Some of these I know and pray
for personally. Others I do not know, but they still need your
comfort, strength, and grace to sustain them in their days of agony
and grief. Please bless them with clear evidence of your care. In
Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
April 27, 2011
VERSE:
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a
tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is
worthless.
-- James 1:26

THOUGHT:
"It's no big deal!" That's the whine of a believer rationalizing
vulgar, inappropriate, or hurtful speech. However, a friend
confessed to me a long time ago, "Our moral plunge in the office
began when we let our language slip. It didn't seem like that big a
deal at the time, but what it led to was disastrous." Religion that
is not reflected in everyday speech is empty and hollow. So let's
use our speech to bless and encourage, not to curse, slander, or
gossip.

PRAYER:
Holy and incomparable God, please forgive me for not using my
speech redemptively. Forgive me for the times I've used my words to
wound another or in ways that dishonor you and your holy claim on
my life. Use my words today, and every day, to bless, encourage,
and comfort so others may know your grace through me. In Jesus'
name I pray. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
April 25, 2011
VERSE:
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three
thousand were added to their number that day.
-- Acts 2:41

THOUGHT:
Wow! Wouldn't it be great to see 3,000 added to God's people in
church today? Those who accepted Peter's message at Pentecost were
baptized and the early church started with an incredible bang.
Earlier that day, only a small group of Jesus' followers had met to
pray just as they had done for several days since Jesus' ascension.
As night falls in Jerusalem, the number has jumped to over 3,000!
Acts 2 stands as a hallmark passage showing us the message of
salvation, what the response of open hearts will be, and how the
Holy Spirit uses this simple message to bring seeking hearts to
salvation and community. Why don't you read Acts 2 today? Jot down
what Peter says about Jesus. Notice what Peter tells the people to
do to be saved. The Gospel is still just as simple, so let's not
only study it; let's share it, praying for God to bring revival to
our times and to our broken land!

PRAYER:
Holy and Most High God, please breathe your Holy Spirit out upon
us and bring true revival today to our churches and salvation
for thousands who are lost. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
April 24, 2011

VERSE:
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
-- 1 Timothy 6:6


THOUGHT:
What determines our financial worth? Do we compute it in terms
of dollars, or possessions, or investments? Paul reminded Timothy
that ultimate gain, the gain of inestimable value, is really
determined by a very simple formula: net worth = (godly character)
X (contentment) . What would happen if we recognized the truly
wealthy as those who were godly in their character and contented
with their blessings in life?


PRAYER:
O LORD God, the one from whom every blessing flows, readjust my
values from the greed of this world to a holy set of financial
convictions. Conform my character to the godliness that Jesus
demonstrated in his daily life. Teach me the contentment that can
be found only in you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT

April 23, 2011

VERSE:
Praise the LORD, O my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
-- Psalm 146:1-2


THOUGHT:
"Hallelujah! " This is a hallelujah Psalm! "Praise the LORD" is
our translation for "Hallelujah! " I love the dimensions of praise
given in this Psalm: my soul, all my life, and as long as live.
That is pretty all-encompassing. Our lives are to be a "holy
praise" to the LORD as long as we have life! So how's your praise?
Only been letting it out at church? Hmmm, maybe it's time to let
the rest of your life have a few hallelujahs!


PRAYER:
I praise you, God of Israel and God of the Covenant, for your
mighty work bringing salvation through Israel to all nations
through Jesus Christ. My heart praises you for your joy and
comfort, my head praises you for all your wondrous creation, and my
soul praises you for your abiding presence through the Holy Spirit.
Please hear my life, my heart, and my voice as they all cry,
"Hallelujah! " to you, who alone are God! In the name of the Messiah
Jesus, I pray. Amen.

To our Friends in Christ,

As this "Good Friday" draws to a close, I pray that your heart is
profoundly touched by remembering that nearly 2,000 years ago Jesus
went to the Cross, died, and was buried in a borrowed tomb. For
several days, Jesus' body remained lifeless as His followers melted
with fear and found their faith in the icy grip of confusion and
despair.

Thank God! Jesus' crucifixion story does not end with the Lord's body
enslaved to death and decay in that borrowed tomb! No, Sunday was
coming even though none of Jesus' followers seemed to expect the
events of that incredible Resurrection Sunday Morning. They were
completely surprised, held breathless by the incredible experiences
of meeting the Lord alive again, walking, talking, and eating with
the One they loved so deeply and that they thought was gone. Some
were startled. Some fell and grasped his feet. Others disbelieved for
joy. Another placed his hands in the imprints left by the nails and
spear. And little by little, follower after follower, Jesus showed
himself alive and offered many different proofs of his resurrection
and they believed. They then testified to their faith, sometimes at
the cost of their own lives, so they could share this good news with
others.

So my prayer is that you wait with anticipation for Resurrection
Sunday, this first Sunday after Passover. And with the coming of this
glorious day, I pray that the Holy Spirit, the gift of the risen
Jesus, will re-enivorate your passion, hope, and courage to live for
our Lord no matter what challenges you face!

From your friends at Heartlight, we pray God's richest blessings for
you and yours, and we pray that our living and reigning Lord will
make His presence powerfully real to you as you serve Him in the days
ahead. As we celebrate our 15th year on the web, we want to renew our
pledge to you and to our Lord, that we believe that Jesus is risen
and living and calling us to lives that matter and bless others,
eternally!

By God's grace,
Phil Ware for the Heartlight Team - http://www.heartlight.org

P.S. - Here are two free images to download to help you remember the
promise of both Jesus' crucifixion and the glorious victory of His
resurrection!

Let Jesus Have the Final Word - http://bit.ly/h6sXDD

Empty! Our Living Hope - http://bit.ly/gSs718

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT April 22, 2011

VERSE:
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the
mountains fall into the heart of the sea.
-- Psalm 46:1-2


THOUGHT:
God is not only our protector, he is also our helper. Even when
our world seems to be crashing around us, he is there. He will
deliver us from death or deliver us through death. He will deliver
us from evil or he will deliver us to overcome evil. Our task is to
trust that in the midst of our earthquakes and tidal waves we are
not alone or abandoned.


PRAYER:
Holy God, I pray for those today who are in the middle of life's
earthquakes. You know those for whom I am concerned. You know I
care about their struggles which are too big for me to mitigate and
too painful for me to truly bring comfort. I ask you now to bless
them, be with them, and please deliver them quickly. You are our
only true hope and Jesus is our only sure redeemer. In the name of
the Lord Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
April 21, 2011

VERSE:
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,
especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
-- Galatians 6:10


THOUGHT:
We are to be a people who do good deeds! When God gives us the
opportunity, let's take it! Unlike those in the world looking to
get ahead, to get even with someone, or to get out of difficult
situations, let's look for opportunities to do good!


PRAYER:
Only you are truly good, Father, but I pray that some of that
goodness may be seen in me and in your Church as we serve you
today, this week, and until the time the Savior returns for us in
glory. Help us to be aware of and to look for the opportunities
that you give us to do good to and for others. In Jesus' mighty
name I pray. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT

April 20, 2011

VERSE:
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no
one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.
-- Psalm 145:3-4


THOUGHT:
What we know about God is confined to our small brains, our
limited experiences, our willingness to read about the LORD's great
deeds in Scripture, and our hearing of his incredible work through
the lives of older Christians. There is nothing quite like
listening to older, grace-filled brothers and sisters in Christ who
know our Lord and his power through worship, obedience, and
experience.


PRAYER:
God Almighty, by your grace I call you Abba Father. Your majesty
is beyond my ability to comprehend and your power is beyond my
ability to grasp. What I do know, dear Father, and what I do
understand, Almighty God, bring me to my knees in humble adoration
and reverent appreciation. Thank you for your love, your mercy, and
your grace that make your majesty approachable and my mortality
redeemable. In Jesus' name. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT

April 19, 2011

VERSE:
But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a
never-failing stream!
-- Amos 5:24


THOUGHT:
While many attribute this quote to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
it was originally uttered by Amos, God's spokesman over 2600 years
earlier than Dr. King quoted it. God wanted his people to know that
their religious pilgrimages, their sacrificial offerings, and their
songs meant nothing to him if they were not backed up by a life of
compassion, character, and concern. Northern Israel did not believe
Amos and did not repent. Not too many years later, they were
utterly destroyed because God found their hypocrisy, injustice, and
abuse of the weak reprehensible. But we live now, and these words
are just as powerful and clear as they were then! What will our
response be?


PRAYER:
Almighty God, many of your children are ashamed today at the
unrighteousness in our world and in our nations. Please use us to
lead a rebirth of character. And Father, as we seek to live holy
lives, please keep our eyes not only on your character, but also on
your compassion, mercy, tenderness, and grace so we may share those
same qualities with those who need to know your love and receive
your salvation. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
April 17, 2011

VERSE:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let
your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
-- Philippians 4:4-5


THOUGHT:
Because the Lord is near, we can rejoice and treat others with
gentleness. He is near because he lives in us through his Spirit.
He is near because his coming is at hand. He is near because when
we gather with other believers, serve others who are in need, or
share the Gospel with friends and people of other cultures, he has
promised to be with us. There is nothing more infectious than a
joyous and kind person. Because Jesus lives in us, works through
us, and is coming for us, we can be both joyful and tender!


PRAYER:
Father, I am thrilled to know that I will never be alone. Thank
you for sending Jesus to die for my sins. Thank you for sending
Jesus to join me when I meet with other believers, when I serve
others in Jesus' name, and when I share the Gospel. Please let the
abiding joy I feel because of his presence be evident in the way I
live and the way I serve others. In Jesus' precious name I pray

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT
April 16, 2011

VERSE:
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for
ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for
ever and ever.
-- Psalm 145:1-2


THOUGHT:
The way we praise God forever, the way we honor our pledge to
give him glory for all the days of our life, is really pretty
simple: we do it today. As long as we praise God today, the forever
takes care of itself. So as you commit to lift high the name of God
and praise him for all eternity, remember the place it starts:
praise God today from your heart -- not only in the things that you
say, but also in the way that you live!


PRAYER:
Mighty God and loving Father, today I want to tell you how
marvelous and wonderful I believe you to be. You are righteous,
faithful, holy, and merciful. You are tender, loving, and yet
magnificent in glory and incomparable in strength. You have
redeemed me from my sin and given me hope beyond my own death. You
have filled my life full of good people and have promised me a home
with you. You, O God, are without peer and without rival. You are
my King, my awesome and majestic Father. In Jesus' name I praise
you, today and forever. Amen.