The Word of God International University

Today's Verse - Genesis 9:16

[God told Noah,] "Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."

—Genesis 9:16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I don't know about you, but I'm very visual. So, I appreciate how God made the world with all its varied colors, many species, and rich landscapes. I am thankful that our Father in Heaven used key images in our world to remind us of his daily provision and eternal grace. The beauty of a rainbow is not just in its beautiful colors or the aroma of fresh rain that often accompanies it but also in the covenant God made with us and our world after the Great Flood. The eternal and living God chose to link himself to our destiny and to involve himself in our world because of his love and grace. With the rainbow as his symbol, God promised not to destroy all life on our planet with a flood. Each of us is God's creation from the womb, so we are precious to him (Psalm 139:13-16). So, we commit to living morally and responsibly to God as we seek to honor him and his covenant represented by the rainbow (Genesis 9:4-7) and refuse to dishonor this covenant with wickedness (Genesis 9:22-24). God made the rainbow as a reminder that he loves us and calls us to honor him with our character and care for his creation.

My Prayer...

Almighty God, thank you for making your great promises when we had no right to expect them, much less to demand them. Thank you for attaching those promises to things in my everyday world that remind me of your constant and watchful care. In Jesus' name, I ask for strength and wisdom to respond to your grace in holiness and honor. Amen.

Today's Verse - 1 Corinthians 9:15

[In talking about others having the right to be supported in their ministry, the apostle Paul says of himself,] "But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me. I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast [of being self-supporting]."

—1 Corinthians 9:15

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Paul was careful not to take support from the Corinthians even though it was his right as a minister of the Gospel. Instead, he knew their problems with generosity and showed them a greater example of living for Jesus without obvious and instant rewards. Often, we must show our values before others share them with us. Paul was a master at reading the needs around him and living in a way that was an example. He then would call them to follow his example as he followed the example of Christ (1 Corinthians 4:16, 11:1). By not receiving support for his ministry, Paul demonstrated to them that they needed to make a living with their own hands and be responsible (1 Corinthians 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:11). Let's commit to following Paul's example and live with integrity before others.

My Prayer...

Father God and Almighty LORD, please give me the courage and integrity to live my principles in a way that is a blessing and an example to others. Bless me, dear Father, with a life that makes a mark on others for your glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - 1 Corinthians 9:14

In the same way [as God commanded farm animals to be fed for their work], the LORD has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

—1 Corinthians 9:14

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

One of the great tragedies of our modern world is that while some who preach and teach the gospel are charlatans and cheats, the vast majority of God's servants work hard and barely scrape by financially. Why not find some underpaid and forgotten Kingdom servant and share some blessings God has given you? A note of kindness, a specific comment of praise and thanksgiving, or a surprising financial gift can do amazing things to lift one of God's servants and empower them to ever greater service.

My Prayer...

Holy Father, I thank you for your servants who share the message of Jesus wherever they are. Father, I want to especially thank you for these people: ______

Please bless them with good health, a faithful and loving family, and the proper support to do your work in a way worthy of your cause and their commitment. Please use me to bless and encourage your ministers of grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Are Christians experiencing an identity crisis?

The communist country of China may soon draw the U.S. into a war over Taiwan.

The Jewish festival of dedication, otherwise. known as Hanukkah, has begun

Daniel 10 gives us the real reasons for studying Bible Prophecy

This is the 400th Anniversary of Thanksgiving, what was the message that Pastor John gave to those early settlers

The current Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett says that no matter what happens with the Iran talks, we will defend ourselves

According to Christianity Today, the Liverpool bombing case reignites controversy over refugee conversion

The Ukraine has told European leaders to prepare for war with Russia

There are three strands of the human family .... Gentiles, Jews and Christians ... according to I Corinthians 10:32

The Palestinian Authority is pushing the Biden Administration to reopen the US Consulate in Jerusalem so it can act as a de facto Palestinian Embassy