Bad Axe church of Christ

06/14/2026

06/09/2026

Today's Verse for 06/09/2026

Jesus said, "Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

— Matthew 7:13-14

Thought
Most people in the world want a Savior but not a Lord. The New Testament is clear, a Savior who is not Lord is no Savior and no friend. If the Old Testament showed us anything, it is that God's truth was written not for his fascination but for his people's preservation. Many people today, maybe even most, believe they are saved because they think their good deeds outweigh their bad ones. Jesus, however, is very clear: Most are lost and will not find their own way to salvation (Matthew 7:13-27). Only Jesus is the way to God (John 14:6), and no one can be saved except through Jesus (Acts 4:12). While Jesus longs to be the Savior of all people (John 4:42), he emphasizes that for him to be our Savior, we must also choose to live with him as our Lord. That means we are bearing fruit that displays his righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful lovingkindness in our lives (Galatians 3:22-23). So, let's live that kind of life, enter through that narrow gate, and produce Jesus' style of holy fruit as we trust in him as our Savior and Lord!

Prayer
Holy Lord Jesus, please take control of my life and my will. I long to be wholly yours. I want you as my Savior and my Lord. I want to honor you, not just in word, but also in thought, word, and deed. Trusting you as my Savior and Lord, I offer you my heart, my life, and my all as I confess this before the Father and pray through you, Lord Jesus. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayers for Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected].

© 1996-2026, Heartlight Inc. PO Box 7044 Abilene, TX, USA 79608

06/09/2026

"Rescue and Righteousness" — What Jesus Did! for 06/09/2026

[The Jewish leaders] kept demanding an answer [to their question about the woman caught in adultery, so Jesus] stood up again and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!" Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.

When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman.

Note: The oldest and best Greek copies of John do not have verses 7:53-8:11. Nevertheless, they are in nearly all translations because the content is certainly consistent with Jesus' ministry.

— John 8:7-9

Key Thought:
A lynch mob doesn't want truth. It doesn't want redemption or righteousness either. With the shame of the woman, the Jewish leaders had tasted blood. Now they planned to press on until their desire to trap Jesus was satiated. It appeared as if no word could hold them back. They would press Jesus till they had what they wanted. But then Jesus spoke a word they had not expected. It was a heaven-sent word. It was a word rooted in truth and a word that struck their very souls. They knew they were not sinless. This word of truth penetrated to the hearts of those who were mature and knew both life and law. As Jesus glanced away to write in the dust, he gave them permission to leave without being shown up. For a brief moment, righteousness triumphed over hatred and self-importance. Those who were younger followed the example of the older men, leaving the woman protected and safe with Jesus. Redemption in action. The Good News portrayed before our very eyes. Jesus takes the hate of hell and our own sin and turns back the foe, leaving us safe and in his presence.

Today's Prayer:
How can I thank you, dear Father, for the salvation Jesus has purchased for me? Even as I offer my sincere "thank you," the words seem so shallow and small when compared with your expansive grace. Along with my words, I also offer my life in service to you. Use me to be a conduit of that grace to others. All glory to you, O Father who reigns above all, and to you, Lord Jesus, for you have triumphed over sin and death to rescue me. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings:
Galatians 3:23-28
Colossians 1:19-23
Ephesians 4:31-5:2

The Thoughts and Prayers for What Jesus Did! are written by Phil Ware. Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected].

© 1996-2026, Heartlight Inc. PO Box 7044 Abilene, TX, USA 79608

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

06/09/2026

"Purify Me, Please!" — Together in Christ for 06/09/2026

Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me — now let me rejoice.

— Psalm 51:7-8

Key Thought:
Our relationship verses today come from David's confession and prayer after his multiple, grievous sins against Uriah, Bathsheba, and God. [1] Nathan confronted David with a powerful story of abuse. Nathan's story greatly angered David, Israel's powerful king. Nathan then made clear that David was the guilty one. He had been the abuser of Bathsheba in his adultery, and the murderer of her husband, Uriah. [2] David was completely convicted of his sin and his guilt. However, Nathan conveyed God's message that He would not let such abuse of power go without consequences. [3] David was broken because of his sins and further broken by knowing their consequences. That's the hard news David faced, and that hard news would play out over the remainder of his life.

David also had great news. Because of his contrite heart and his broken and contrite spirit, David knew God would forgive his sins and purify him of guilt and the residue of that sin in his heart and life. [4] David not only wanted this forgiveness and cleansing, but he also yearned for God's help in re-calibrating his heart to desire loyalty, obedience, and worship. [5] God would also bring back the joy of salvation and open David's heart to sing God's praises before the people. [6]

As disciples of Jesus, just as was true for David, we can trust that God forgives us, purifies us, and removes our guilt from us. [7] Our Abba Father loves us and longs to bring us back home to Himself. No matter the mess we have made of our lives — either before we came to Christ or after we began to follow Christ — God longs for us to know that our previous sin is gone: That sinful status is what we once were, but are no longer. [8] Now, Christ presents us to the hosts of heaven as God's pure, beloved children. [9] Let's rejoice in God's grace. Let's rejoice in God's forgiveness. Let's invite others to God's salvation party and sing of God's amazing love! [10]

[1] Psalm 51:1 and the ascription given to Psalm 51.
[2] 2 Samuel 11:1-4, 14-15, 12:1-12.
[3] 2 Samuel 12:10-18.
[4] Psalm 51:3-4, 17. See also see Isaiah 57:15 and 1 John 1:5-10.
[5] Psalm 51:10, 12, 14.
[6] Psalm 51:8, 12, 14-17.
[7] 1 John 1:5-10.
[8] 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
[9] Colossians 1:19-23.
[10] Luke 5:27-32.

Today's Prayer:
Holy God, thank You for Your forgiveness and cleansing. I know that I am clean in Your sight and pleasing to You. Thank You for sending Jesus to show what full forgiveness and cleansing mean. Thank You, Jesus, for presenting me to the Father as fully holy and clean because of Your loving sacrifice for my sin. Open my heart and lips to joyously declare Your love, mercy, and grace that have re-made me. Please accept my adoration, praise, and thanksgiving for all You have done for me. I praise You. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings:
Psalm 51:1-19
1 John 1:5-10, 2:1-2

The Thoughts and Prayers for Together in Christ are written by Phil Ware. Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected].

© 1996-2026, Heartlight Inc. PO Box 7044 Abilene, TX, USA 79608

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

06/09/2026

Praying with Paul for 06/09/2026

"Earnest Caregiving" — 2 Corinthians 8:16-23

Dear Father, to whom all honor is due,

Thank you for the earnest care you put into the heart of people like Titus. Thank you for people who respond to specific appeals to serve. They give glory to you and show the good will of your people. May your grace reach to me and make me such a person also.

Thank you that such people act in ways that are above and beyond blame. They love not only what is good in your sight but also what is honorable in the sight of men.

Thank you for making these people modern partners with your ancient apostles, partners and fellow-workers in your service, the messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.

In the name of Jesus I thank you for the transforming power you show forth in the lives of your saints. Amen.

Heartlight wants to thank Eldon Degge and Meridian Publishing for permission to make this available on our website. Praying with Paul is available in a very attractive book that may be ordered directly from Eldon Degge.

© 1996-2026, Heartlight Inc. PO Box 7044 Abilene, TX, USA 79608

06/02/2026

Today's Verse for 06/01/2026

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 things has passed away.

— Revelation 21:2-4

Thought
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, violence, abuse, suffering, war, divisive politics, and pain sounds pretty good to me! No wonder the early Christians would say, "Marantha. Come, O Lord" (1 Corinthians 16:22). They couldn't wait. How about us? How about you? What is keeping you from saying, "Lord Jesus, please come, and come soon? I urge you to put it aside, or put it under the lordship of Jesus, and use those moves to make you ready to receive the glory yet to be revealed in us (Romans 8:18; Colossians 3:3-4). Let's make ourselves ready for the time when:

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 things has passed away.

Hallelujah!
Prayer
Holy God, please help me as I try to serve you faithfully and yearn for Jesus' return. I desire to be steadfast in my love, living for you until the glorious day that so many of your children have longed to experience over the centuries. I long to see you in your glory, to share in your presence, and to join with the saints of all ages praising you around your glorious throne. And yes, dear Father, I long for you to wipe away all my tears and welcome me home. Because of Jesus' victory, and by his authority, I offer my prayer in holy expectation. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayers for Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected].

© 1996-2026, Heartlight Inc. PO Box 7044 Abilene, TX, USA 79608

06/02/2026

"Living Water" — What Jesus Did! for 06/01/2026

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'" (When he said "living water," he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)

— John 7:37-39

Key Thought:
There is such a huge difference between a cistern and a well. A cistern has to be filled with water or collect water from the outside. It is not self-renewing and can run dry. On the other hand, a flowing artesian well has water that bubbles up under its own pressure with its cool and refreshing blessing. This same difference exists between a person trying to be spiritual based on his or her own efforts and a Spirit-filled person. When we become Christians, Jesus blesses us with his Spirit. The Spirit's presence and power in our lives make all the difference in the world. The Spirit is living water inside of us, renewing us, refreshing us, empowering us, slaking our spiritual thirst, and giving us life. Living for Jesus is more than just a spiritual commitment on our part requiring our effort; it also depends on the gift and the blessing of Jesus enabled by his Spirit.

Today's Prayer:
Holy God, my righteous and eternal Father, the gift of your Son who died for my sins is such a gracious and wonderful blessing. To add the gift of your Holy Spirit, given to me by your Son Jesus, is such a daily treasure and sustaining grace. For these gifts, the two greatest of my life, I give you thanks and praise as I dedicate my life to your service in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings:
John 4:9-14
Jeremiah 2:11-13
Romans 8:9-11

The Thoughts and Prayers for What Jesus Did! are written by Phil Ware. Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected].

© 1996-2026, Heartlight Inc. PO Box 7044 Abilene, TX, USA 79608

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

06/02/2026

"Jesus' Love for Lost Sheep" — Together in Christ for 06/01/2026

So Jesus told them this story: "If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.' In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!"

— Luke 15:3-7

Key Thought:
Jesus came because God loves the people in the world and wants all to be saved and none to be lost. [1] God has known each of us since we were conceived [2] and longs to have each of us — regardless of race, gender, social status, or any other characteristic [3] — to be re-born into His family by the Holy Spirit. [4]

To emotionally emphasize these longings in Jesus' heart, He told three parables — the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son [5] — about the joy of God in finding those who are lost. Our relationship verses today call us to partner with God in two ways:

If we have wandered away from God or have never been close to Him, He wants us to know He loves us and wants to find us and throw a party in our honor. No matter what we may have done, where we have done it, or how much time we wasted, we can come home to Him. He longs to welcome us home to a joyous party in our honor.

For those of us who already enjoy a good relationship with the Father and recognize His purposes and holiness in our lives, He wants us to find those who are lost. He is talking about both those who have never been saved and brought into his family [6] and those who have wandered away, given their hearts to worldliness, and need to come home to our loving Father. [7]

God wants to throw a party for those who come home to Him, and our job is to hand-deliver His invitation! [8]

Today's verses should speak to all of us. If you are away from God, come home. There's a party waiting.

If we know lost, lonely, discouraged, and alienated people, we must go and offer God's invitation for them to come home to a party in their honor. God loves to see people saved, his children close to Him, and parties to celebrate salvation, grace, and spiritual family.

Isn't it time you accepted the invitation to the party in your honor with God?

[1] John 3:16-17; 2 Peter 3:9.
[2] Psalm 139:13-16.
[3] Galatians 3:26-29.
[4] John 3:17; Titus 3:3-7.
[5] Luke 15:1-31.
[6] 1 Timothy 2:3-7.
[7] Luke 15:11-32.
[8] James 5:19-20; Matthew 28:18-20.

Today's Prayer:
Father in heaven, thank You for Your overwhelming love for me. Thank You for saving me and bringing me into Your forever family of grace. Use me, Father, to reach others who need to experience Your love, mercy, grace, and power. Help me know how best to invite them to know You and experience Your love and how best to invite them to the party You long to throw for them. In Jesus' name, I ask for this grace. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings:
Luke 15:1-32
Matthew 28:18-20

The Thoughts and Prayers for Together in Christ are written by Phil Ware. Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected].

© 1996-2026, Heartlight Inc. PO Box 7044 Abilene, TX, USA 79608

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

06/02/2026

Praying with Paul for 06/01/2026

"All-encompassing Compassion"

— 2 Corinthians 6:1-11

Dear Father, blessed bestower of grace,

Let me work together with you to entreat people not to reject or ignore your offer of grace, or to accept it in vain.

Since today is the acceptable time, since today is the day of salvation, may I never-nor anything about me-be an obstacle in the way of someone else's acceptance.

Let my mouth be open to all who will listen. Help my heart be as wide as all humanity.

In the name of Jesus, whose compassion reached to every human being. Amen.

Heartlight wants to thank Eldon Degge and Meridian Publishing for permission to make this available on our website. Praying with Paul is available in a very attractive book that may be ordered directly from Eldon Degge.

© 1996-2026, Heartlight Inc. PO Box 7044 Abilene, TX, USA 79608