He Bore It All
by Max Lucado
Then the soldiers bowed before Jesus and made fun of him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat on Jesus. (Matt. 27:26–31)
The soldiers’ assignment was simple: Take the Nazarene to the hill and kill h...
Daily Scripture & Reflection
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Proverbs 25:11
A Time to Think
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. –Mother Teresa
A Time to Act
Make some...
Lighthouse Ministries Verse of the Day
Romans 6:23 Tree of Life Version (TLV)
23 For sin’s payment[a] is death, but God’s gracious gift is eternal life in Messiah Yeshua our Lord.
Footnotes:
Romans 6:23 Or the wages of sin.
Tree of Life Version (TLV...
Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray for children in my community and children all over the world.
The new pressures and stresses that have been brought on by social media alone are strong.
Please intervene in these...
A Crazy Hunch and a High Hope
by Max Lucado
We don’t know her name, but we know her situation. According to the 5th chapter of Mark, she “had been bleeding for twelve years. She suffered very much from many doctors and had spent all the money she had; but instead ...
Daily Scripture & Reflection
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues from generation to generation. Psalm 100:5
A Time to Think
No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new he...
Lighthouse Ministries Verse of the Day
James 1:2-4 Tree of Life Version (TLV)
Rejoice in Trials
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren,[a] when you encounter various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
4 And let endura...
Dear Lord Jesus,
You are my hope and my salvation.
Thank You for paying my sin-debts upon that old rugged cross.
Please forgive me for the sins that I am holding onto.
I turn away from my sins and I turn to You in repentance.
I lay down all the burdens and shame that I am carrying from my past ...
God in a Real Worldby Max Lucado
God calls us in a real world. He doesn’t communicate by performing tricks. He’s not a genie, a magician, a good luck charm, or the man upstairs. He is the Creator of the universe who is right here in the thick of our day-to-day world.
And God spea...
The Sword Of The Builders
Friday, March 22, 2019
In the days of Nehemiah, the enemies of Israel sought to stop the building of Jerusalem. But the builders responded by carrying their building materials in one hand and holding a weapon in the other. They weren’t going to stop buildi...
Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer
Dear Lord God,
Thank You for Your grace and for my salvation.
You sent Jesus to Earth to teach us and to accomplish what we could never accomplish...
…by taking the form of a servant,
being born ...
Lighthouse Ministries Verse of the Day
Ephesians 6:10-18 Tree of Life Version (TLV)
Put on the Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you are able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
...
Grace Comes After You
by Max Lucado
God’s grace! It has a wildness about it. A white-water, rip-tide, turn-you-upside-downess about it. Grace comes after you!
Some years ago I underwent a heart procedure. I asked the surgeon,
“You...
The Almah Factor
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Isaiah 7 contains the famous prophecy which states that a virgin will conceive and bear a child. The Hebrew word used for ‘virgin’ is ‘almah.’ The first time the word ‘almah’ appears is in Exodus where a young a...
Daily Scripture & ReflectionThe Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:19
A Time to ThinkHave a sincere desire to serve God and mankind, and stop doubting, stop thinking negatively. Simply start living by faith, pray earnestly and humbly, and get into...
Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer
Dear Father God,
Thank you for sending your Son to earth to rescue me.
I am humbled by the sinless life which Jesus led, as He overcame all temptations and then he paid the price for my sins.
Please show me ...
Jesus Takes Away the Sin
by Max Lucado
Some people feel so saved they never serve. Some serve at the hope of being saved. Does one of these sentences describe you? Do you feel so saved that you never serve? So content in what God has done that you do nothing? The fact is, we&...
The Lesson Of Pirate Gibbs
Monday, March 18, 2019
The last man executed for piracy in America was the pirate Charles Gibbs. For years, he terrorized the merchants of the Caribbean. In the early part of the 19th century, he was finally captured and condemned to execution in New York City....
Daily Scripture & Reflection
But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me. Psalm 22:19
A Time to Think
Only God can turn a mess into a message, a test into a testimony. –Joyce Meyer, author
A Time to Act
Place your h...
Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer
Dear Lord God,
Thank You for giving me the joy of my salvation made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to save me and to save all people who accept you as their Saviou...
Do Our Prayers Matter?by Max Lucado
“If you can do anything for him, please have pity on us and help us.” This prayer in Mark 9:22 doesn’t sound courageous or confident. It was the prayer of a desperate parent with a demon-possessed son in need of a miracle.
Most ...
Daily Scripture & Reflection
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13
A Time to Think
I bind to myself today God's Power to guide me, God's Might to uphold me, God's Wisdom to teach me... –from St. Patrick's Breas...
Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for forgiving my sins and for saving me through the love and sacrifice of Your Beloved Son Jesus.
You are the Great I Am, always near to me.
I pray for those in my community w...
Daily Scripture & Reflection
Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Psalm 36:5
A Time to Think
Pray, hope, don’t worry. –Saint Padre Pio
A Time to Act
Hold onto God's promises–they will prot...
Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer
Dear Lord God,
You are the God of truth...
Into Your hand I commit my spirit;
You have redeemed me,
O Lord God of truth.
Psalm 31:5
Thank You for Your Holy Bible and how it allows me to know Y...
Focusing On The Line
Friday, March 15, 2019
Imagine you were in desperate need of a million dollars. Now imagine, your father is a billionaire. What would be the wisest way to spend your energy? Should you spend your time and efforts trying to work your way out of it? Would you spend you...
Daily Scripture & Reflection
I laid me down and slept; I awoke; for the Lord sustained me. Psalm 3:5
A Time to Think
Go out on a limb when you pray for others. Take a risk. Be outrageous. Be passionate. Take a leap. Love a lot, not just a little. –Rick Hamlin, auth...
Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer
Dear God of Wonders,
You are the God who does wonders;
You have declared Your strength
among the peoples.
Psalm 77:1
Thank You for Your beautiful creation.
As I take time today to read Your Wo...
Eyewitnesses of His Majesty
by Max Lucado
Christianity, in its purest form, is nothing more than seeing Jesus.
Christian service, in its purest form, is nothing more than imitating Him who we see.
To see His Majesty and to imitate Him, that is the sum of Christianit...
Daily Scripture & Reflection
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
A Time to Think
God has given us two hands — one to receive with and the other to give with. We are not cisterns made for hoarding; we ...
Dear Lord God,
You are my loving and forgiving Father in Heaven.
Thank You for giving me Your love that...
…always protects, always trusts,always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:7
Today my prayer is for people who have wandered away from You, as described in ...
Eyewitnesses of His Majesty
by Max Lucado
Christianity, in its purest form, is nothing more than seeing Jesus.
Christian service, in its purest form, is nothing more than imitating Him who we see.
To see His Majesty and to imitate Him, that is the sum of Christiani...
From Red To Blue
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
The Tent of Meeting was the place for God and man to meet. It was woven with the colors of blue, purple, and red. Each color was filled with meaning. The name for “man” in Hebrew, “Adam” also means “red.” So t...
Daily Scripture & Reflection
But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44
A Time to Think
Love is when the other person's happiness is more important than your own. —H. Jackson Brown
A Time to Act
Neve...
Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for my church family and for providing a place for us to come together in Your name.
I pray that Your Holy Spirit would guide my church and that You would plant a deep desire within me to love...
The Miracle of the Carpenter
by Max Lucado
Loretto Chapel took five years to complete. Modeled after the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, its delicate sanctuary contains an altar, a rose window, and a choir loft.
The choir loft is the reason for wonder.
...
Pointing To The Moon
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
When man first went to the moon, the transmission was to be broadcast to the earth. Satellite dishes were set up throughout the world. One of these was set up in a sheep field in Australia. A power failure caused all of its coordinates to be l...
Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer
Dear Lord God,
Thank You for all the blessings You have poured over me.
I begin this new day with a grateful heart.
I pray for those who are lacking necessities: food, clothes, clean water and shelter.
...
The Season To Fly
Monday, March 11, 2019
If you catch a migrating bird during the season of bird migration and put it in a cage, it will beat its breast against the bars of the cage and pace back and forth. But if you wait for the season of migration to end, you can open up the cage and ...
Daily Scripture & Reflection
In the day when I am afraid, I will have confidence in Thee. Psalm 56:3
A Time to Think
Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears. –Les Brown, motivational speaker
A Time to Act
Turn ...
Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer
Dear Lord God,
Thank You for providing a home for me.
Please fill my home with Your grace, love, blessing, and wisdom.
By wisdom, a house is built,
and through understanding, it is established.
Pr...
Hidden Heroes
by Max Lucado
A revival can begin with one sermon. History proves it. John Egglen had never preached a sermon in his life. Never.
Wasn’t that he didn’t want to, just never needed to. But then one morning he did. The snow left his tow...
Daily Scripture & Reflection
In the day when I am afraid, I will have confidence in Thee. Psalm 56:3
A Time to Think
Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears. –Les Brown, motivational speaker
A Time to Act
Turn ...
Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for wanting to be with me and for opening Your arms wide whenever I come to You.
I lift up my spiritual life to You.
Please, forgive me for the sins that I need to be forgiven...
Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer
Dear Lord God,
Today I pray for the Christians and churches that are being persecuted around the world.
My prayer is that they will remain steadfast in their faith and that they will know the love, peace, and joy of the Lord...
The Already Fallen FoeWednesday, March 6, 2019The Bible describes the enemy as one who has fallen. Messiah speaks of seeing him having fallen from heaven. The Epistles speak of him being defeated by the power of Salvation. So for you, it means your enemy is fallen, and the fight you have to fight is...
Daily Scripture & Reflection
So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself. Genesis 1:27 NLT
A Time to Think
Jesus tends to His people individually. He personally sees to our needs. We all receive Jesus' touch. We experience His care. –Ma...
Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are God, our Protector, and our Healer.
I pray for all the nations and peoples that are in the midst of war, struggling to recover from brokenness and trying to rebuild after disasters.
...
The Mark of a Disciple
by Max Lucado
The mark of a disciple is his or her ability to hear the Master’s voice! The world rams at your door, but Jesus taps. Voices scream for your allegiance, but Jesus softly and tenderly requests it. Which voice do you hear? There is nev...
The Celebrator
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
The word for Jew in Hebrew is Yehudi. The Bible says in Ephesians that if you are born again, you are now a fellow citizen of Israel. You are spiritually Jewish, a spiritual Yehudi. But what does the word ‘Jew’ mean? The word “Jew,&...
Daily Scripture & Reflection
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
A Time to Think
We need never shout across the spaces to an absent God. He is nearer than our own ...
Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer
Dear Father God,
You are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
You have authority over all leaders, nations, and governments.
I pray for the leaders of my city, state, nation—and of every nation.
&...
Prayers Don't Get Graded
by Max Lucado
Jesus downplayed the importance of words in prayers. We tend to do the opposite. The more words, the better! We emphasize the appropriate prayer language, the latest prayer trend, the holiest prayer terminology. Against all this emphasis...
Loving Him More Than
Monday, March 4, 2019
In Matthew, Messiah told His disciples, “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” Why is that? It’s because it’s not enoug...
Dear God,
Thank You for giving me the opportunity to live my life to the fullest through the price paid by Your Son Jesus on the cross.
I want to cherish each day that I have with You here on earth.
I lift up to You in prayer those who are dealing...
The Chapel (REVISITED): Relying On God's Power
by Max Lucado
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Our Lord's prayer has given us a blueprint for the Great House of God. From the living room of our Father to the family r...
Daily Scripture & Reflection
Rejoice evermore. 1 Thessalonians 5:16
A Time to Think
A quiet morning with a loving God puts the events of the upcoming day into proper perspective.—Janette Oke
A Time to Act
Pray about what you want. Ask God if i...
Dear Lord God,
Thank You for calling me to be Your disciple.
Thank You for adopting me into Your family.
You are sufficient; You are enough; You are all that I desire.
I look back on how Your love has transformed me.
...
Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicksby Max Lucado
Look at a bruised reed at the water’s edge—once slender, sturdy, and tall— now bowed and bent. Are you a bruised reed? You were upright and sturdy, rooted in the riverbed of confidence. Then you were bruised by hars...
Daily Scripture & Reflection
Give us today our daily bread. Matthew 6:11 NIV
A Time to Think
Faith is seeing light with your heart when all your eyes see is darkness. –Barbara Johnson, writer
A Time to Ac...
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are the Almighty God.
Thank You for creating me and for Loving me.
Today I am grateful for my body, which You have given to me.
I pray for health and agility and that I may be a good steward of my physica...
When We Love Them, We Love Him by Max Lucado
Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.—Matthew 25:40 (MSG)
There are many reasons to help people in need."Benevolence is good for the world.""We all float on the same ocean. When ...
THE STONES OF SODOMFriday, March 1, 2019In Genesis 18 and 19, the Scripture recounts the destruction of the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The cities were judged for their perverse and inhumane evil. The Lord rained brimstone, or sulfur and fire, on the cities of the plain until they were des...
Dear Father God,
You are a merciful God.
As I go through my days, I see many acts of kindness and love, such as a mother smiling as she looks at the little baby in her arms or a coworker taking the time to encourage someone at work.
In these moments I am reminded of Your goodness.
But I am also ...
The Kitchen: God's Abundant Tableby Max Lucado
"Give us this day our daily bread…"
Your first step into the house of God was not to the kitchen but to the living room, where you were reminded of your adoption. "OurFather who is in heaven." You then studied the foundation of the house, where...
Phronaymah – The Secret Of A New Mind
Thursday, February 28, 2019
We tend to think of our minds as a set thing. But the Bible says differently. One of the words for the mind in the New Testament Greek is the word ‘Phron-ay-mah.’ It’s used in the New Testament for ...
Daily Scripture & ReflectionYour eyes will see the King in His beauty. Isaiah 33:17
A Time to ThinkDon't let the noise of the world keep you from hearing the voice of God. –Author Unknown
A Time to ActConcentrate on serving God in whatever way He directs.
A Time to PrayLord, may all that I ...
Dear Father God,
Thank You for Your Word and for the guidance and truth it speaks into my life.
I want to know You more with each day, setting aside time to read my Bible and to let Your words rest on my lips and in my heart...
Your word is a lamp...
A Tale of Two Trees
by Max Lucado
Formless masses. Floating. Disconnected.
Divine artist. Earthly dream.
Light! Sun rays piercing through jungle trees. Sunsets that are volcanic with explosions of gold. Soft sheets of moonlight soothing a we...
A Hand Full Of Fruit
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
The Feast of Sukkot was the last great feast of Israel during the sacred year. In order to celebrate it, you had to bring the fruit of your fields to Jerusalem to present to the Lord. The Lord specifically told them not to go up to Jerusa...
Dear Lord God,
Today is a fresh new start from You.
Thank You for Your unending mercy and new beginnings.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;old things have passed away;behold, all things have become new.2 Corinthians 5:17
Lord, I need Your help to live in the present.
Time...
Virtually Entering The Holy
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
I have a program on my computer that gives a virtual tour of the Temple Mount. It takes you through the Temple Gates, the Temple courts, and into the Holy of Holies. So I started going into the virtual Holy of Holies. Then one day I ...
The Greenhouse of the Heartby Max Lucado
Proverbs 4:23 advises us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Think of your heart as a greenhouse and consider your thoughts as seed. We must be selective about the seeds we allow to come into the greenhouse.
To...
Daily Scripture & ReflectionI remember you in my prayers night and day. 2 Timothy 1:3
A Time to ThinkOur greatest comfort in sorrow is to know that God is in control. –Lynn Thornton, writer
A Time to ActCast your cares on the Lord for He cares.
A Time to PrayDear God, hold our hands as we j...
Dear Lord Jesus,
There are challenging relationships and arguments that I am struggling with.
I have let some of these issues grow into resentment and bitterness and my heart has become hard in these areas.
I look to you, how you gave your life on the cross, forgiving me of my sins.
Thank you, L...
He Wants to Comfort Youby Max Lucado
My child’s feelings are hurt. I tell her she’s special. My child is injured. I do whatever it takes to make her feel better.
My child is afraid. I won’t go to sleep until she is secure.
I’m not a hero. I’m not a superstar. I&rsquo...
Holy As A Verb
Monday, February 25, 2019
We think of holiness as a noun. Holiness is a state of being holy. It’s true. But in Hebrew, there’s much more to it. In Hebrew, the word Holy is ‘Kodesh.’ It’s a noun or adjective. But it comes in another form &ndash...
Daily Scripture & Reflection
Rid yourselves of all malice. 1 Peter 2:1
A Time to Think
Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are your own fears. –Rudyard Kipling, writer
A Time to Act
Learn to think calmly and confidently, no matt...
Dear Heavenly Father,
Your ways are higher than my ways...
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,So are My ways higher than your ways,And My thoughts than your thoughts.Isaiah 55:8-9
I come ...
Problems Have a Purpose
Max Lucado
Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.
Psalm 50:15 NLT
God will use whatever he wants to display his glory. Heavens and stars. History and nations. People and problems. My...
Daily Scripture & ReflectionArise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1
A Time to ThinkTake my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless prayer. –Frances Havergal, poet and hymn writer
A Time to ActUse today as an opportunity to listen t...
Dear Lord God,
Thank You for Your gift of Christian covenant marriage, as Jesus taught...
"But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one fl...
God's Loving Pursuitby Max Lucado
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." ~~ Psalm 23:6
Dare we envision a God who follows us? Who pursues us? Who chases us? Who tracks us down and wins us over? Who follows us with "goodness and mercy" all the days of our lives?
Isn't...
Daily Scripture & ReflectionTherefore with joy will you draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:3
A Time to ThinkBegin each day renewed, refreshed and glad to be alive. –Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, Guideposts founder
A Time to ActBelieve God loves you and is present in every aspect o...
Dear Father God,
Thank You for this beautiful new day.
I come to You and humbly ask that You will create in me a clean heart, and forgive me of my sins and failures.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,And renew a steadfast spirit within me.Do not cast me away from Your presence,And do not take You...
The Awakened SleepersFriday, February 22, 2019There’s a famous movie called “Awakenings” based on a true story of a group of people who succumbed to a “sleeping disease” in the 1920s. And they fell asleep. They fell asleep for days, weeks, months, years, decades. And de...
Lavish GraceMax Lucado
Romans 3:23 says all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
Worry is falling short on faith. Impatience is falling short on kindness. The critical spirit falls short on love.
So, how often do you sin, hmm… in an hour? For the sake of discussion, let’...
Daily Scripture & ReflectionRejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. Romans 12:12
A Time to ThinkUnwrap the hidden beauties in an ordinary day. –Gerhard E. Frost, author
A Time to ActFind joy where and when it surfaces.
A Time to PrayDear Lord, please hel...
Dear Father God,
Thank You for all of the children in the world.
Each child is a precious gift from You.
But Jesus called (the children) to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me,and do not forbid them;for of such is the kingdom of God."Luke 18:16
I pray for protection, guidance...
Oh, how I praise You, Lord!
You heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds.
You count the number of the stars and call them all by name.
Great are You, Lord, and mighty in power.
Your understanding is infinite.
...
Joy: A Very Real Force
The joy of the Lord is your strength.
– Nehemiah 8:10
Joy. It's not a warm, happy feeling you're supposed to have now and then when things are going well. It's much more than that. Joy is one of the most powerful spiritual forces in the world.
Look again at Nehemiah ...
Who Says We Can’t Change?by Max Lucado
Here’s some good news. You aren’t stuck with today’s personality. You aren’t condemned to “grumpydom.” You are tweak-able! So what if you were born a bigot? You don’t have to die one.
Where did we get the idea w...
He Led You In The WildernessWednesday, February 20, 2019We often think of being in the wilderness as a place of being stuck, like being in a holding pattern. But in Deuteronomy 8, Moses tells the Israelites “You shall remember all the ways the Lord your God has led you in the wilderness.&rdquo...
Daily Scripture & ReflectionWho is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 1 Peter 3:13-14
A Time to ThinkFaith expects from God what is beyond all expectation. –Andrew...
Dear Father God,
I want to know You more.
You are an awesome God.
I ask for Your Holy Spirit to lead me so that I would take time each day to sit before You in quiet, to study Your Word in order to know You more intimately and to develop an ear to hear Your voice and to commune with You in prayer...
Put the Word First
Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
– Proverbs 4:5-6
Recently, God has been raising up ever-growing numbers of people who are hungry. Hun...
Let Him Fix It
by Max Lucado
I’m sure you’ve had an appliance you may have tried to fix, but with no success. So you took it to the specialist. You explained the problem and then…offered to stay and help fix it? or hovering at the workbench asking questions about the p...
The Good Samaritan ExperimentsTuesday, February 19, 2019An experiment: You’re driving in your car, you’re on the main road, there’s another line of cars turning into your lane, and the people ahead of you aren’t letting them in. Here’s the experiment. Let the person com...
Daily Scripture & ReflectionSo do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
A Time to ThinkBelieve that you can and you're halfway there. –Theodore Roosevelt, 26th Presid...
In the beginning
God created the heavens
and the earth.
Genesis 1:1
Dear Lord God,
I thank you for Your beautiful creation of Earth.
With pollution, natural disasters and the countless alterations we make to our rainforests and natu...
