October 16, 2026

ESPN

RSS Error: Retrieved unsupported status code "202"

Devotional

Verse of the Day - Psalm 19:14

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

—Psalm 19:14

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God does so much for us. He is the Rock and Redeemer that undergirds our lives. He is the One who has saved us from sin and death. Our worship comes from our gratitude for what he has done, recognition of who he is, and anticipation of what he is going to do. But worship can never be compartmentalized to just fit into church places or quiet times (Colossians 3:16-17). Worship involves every aspect of life (Hebrews 12:28-13:16). That is why it is so important to tune our hearts so the words of our mouths and the motives of our hearts align with God's will and work. Then our private worship, whether alone in quiet or in a group with fellow believers, becomes the tuning fork for our hearts and lives so that our public worship, our lives lived out in the world, will play the song of God to a world that has not yet heard or learned his tune of loving grace.

Video Commentary...

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

O Holy and Almighty God, I want this day to be a day of worship and honor to you. May my life praise you: not just in my thoughts, not just in my words, and not just in my songs, but also in my actions. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. Questions or comments can be sent to help@verseoftheday.com.© 1998-2026, Heartlight, Inc. Verseoftheday.com is part of the Heartlight Network and is maintained by Infinite Publishing. | Privacy Policy

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Disclaimer: Content provided by Heartlight, Inc. is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for church, pastoral guidance, or professional counseling. Readers are solely responsible for their use of this material.

The ELIJAH LIST

Steve Shultz: WOW, Friends! What a WEEK for America!
Steve Shultz on ElijahStreams [Published on Oct 16, 2026]
Barron Trump, the Nations, and Robots
Demontae Edmonds on ElijahStreams [Published on Oct 16, 2026]
Prophetic Revelations: Trump, the Nations + the Rise of Robots!
Demontae Edmonds and Julie Smith on ElijahStreams [Published on Oct 16, 2026]
Kent Christmas: 2027 - The Church Enters a New Dimension
Kent Christmas, Nashville, TN [Published on Oct 16, 2026]

Christian Headlines

‘A Good Decision’ or ‘Travesty of Justice’? Christians React to Trump’s Execution Livestream Reversal

The Trump administration abruptly reversed its controversial plan to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan, igniting a fierce debate.  [...]

Christian University Football Player Dies at 21, Days after Suffering Game Injury

A devastating on-field injury has led to the tragic death of a beloved Southern Nazarene University football player, leaving the campus community in profound grief.  [...]

Kid Rock Hopes Christian Album with Eminem Can Help Heal America’s Divisions

Kid Rock's forthcoming album, "Halfway 2 Jesus," promises a unique blend of faith and a powerful message of unity, highlighted by an unexpected collaboration with longtime friend Eminem.  [...]

‘Capital Punishment Is Pro-Life’: Pastor Robert Jeffress Defends Biblical Case for Death Penalty

Pastor Robert Jeffress offers a defense of capital punishment, labeling it the "highest expression" of a pro-life stance and asserting that public executions are not unbiblical.  [...]

CJ McCollum Shares Why Trusting God Matters as NBA Players Unite for Preseason Bible Study

Beyond the usual preseason grind, NBA stars like CJ McCollum and Luka Garza are revealing a deeper journey, turning their focus to faith and spiritual growth.  [...]

Christian Today

Research uncovers some of the reasons why young people go to church
Men were more likely to go for politics and women for support, but the main reason for both overall was faith.
NI government grants £200,000 for historic churches
But how far will £200,000 go?
Pastor died after wooden arch fell at Big Church Festival, inquest hears
An inquest into the death of Pastor Robert Guanco has opened.
Open Doors calls for prayer for Syrian Christians following renewed violence
Christian persecution charity Open Doors has appealed for prayers for believers in Syria following another armed attack on the predominantly Christian town of Al-Suqaylabiyah.
Christian Red Cross volunteer slain in northwest Nigeria
Gunmen ambush aid team vehicle.
Church warden and rector lead legal challenge against Church of England's Project Spire
A legal challenge has been on the cards for some time but the names of those spearheading the action have only now been revealed.

SIMPLE COOKING IDEAS

Cheesy Vegan Enchilada Skillet (30 Minutes!)
Cheesy Vegan Enchilada Skillet (30 Minutes!)

Everything you love about enchiladas, minus the fuss! This super flavorful, cheesy vegan enchilada skillet comes together in about 30 minutes with simple methods, minimal dishes, and no need to fill or roll tortillas. 

This easy, nourishing dish features tender cubed sweet potato or winter squash, fiber- & protein-rich black beans, and a rich red enchilada sauce. Everything gets simmered in 1 pan and topped with a melty cashew “cheese” that makes it SUPER satisfying and delicious!

Cheesy Vegan Enchilada Skillet (30 Minutes!) from Minimalist Baker →

1-Bowl Honey Almond Snack Cake (Gluten-Free)
1-Bowl Honey Almond Snack Cake (Gluten-Free)

Honey almond snack cake!? You know you want to jump in on the fun! This GORGEOUS loaf is perfectly moist with a lightly floral flavor and beautiful sponge texture. Bonus? It’s made without gluten or dairy, but no one will know.

It’s the perfect cake for afternoon tea, brunch gatherings, and beyond! Just 10 ingredients, 1 bowl, and simple methods (no mixer) required. Let’s bake!

1-Bowl Honey Almond Snack Cake (Gluten-Free) from Minimalist Baker →

Easy Eggplant Bolognese (1 Pot!)
Easy Eggplant Bolognese (1 Pot!)

When we add another bolognese to the blog (Yes, we already have versions 1, 2, 3, and 4), you know it’s something special! This newest version is made with EGGPLANT, meaning it’s the perfect bolognese for late summer. It’s light yet satisfying, creamy yet bright, and full of bold Italian-inspired flavor — everyone will be asking for seconds!

Even better? It’s a breeze to make — just 1 pot required!

Easy Eggplant Bolognese (1 Pot!) from Minimalist Baker →

Easy Jalapeño Corn Fritters (Vegan)
Easy Jalapeño Corn Fritters (Vegan)

Just when we thought summer’s most perfect veggie couldn’t get any more delicious, corn FRITTERS graced our palettes. These crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside, lightly spiced fritters are a must-try appetizer or side!

Not only are they incredibly delicious, but these fritters are vegan, optionally gluten-free, and SO easy to make! Grab your mixing bowl and 10 basic ingredients, and you’ll be enjoying fritters in 30 minutes or less.

Easy Jalapeño Corn Fritters (Vegan) from Minimalist Baker →

LIFE BALANCE

The “Throwback Kid” Gift Guide: 12 Classic Toys & Retro Games Modern Kids Actually Want

If you’ve shopped for toys lately, you already know the drill: almost everything blinks, makes loud electronic noises, requires a Wi-Fi connection, or comes attached to an app. As parents, it can feel like a losing battle to find retro gifts that hold a child’s attention without handing them another digital device. Over my 20+...

The post The “Throwback Kid” Gift Guide: 12 Classic Toys & Retro Games Modern Kids Actually Want appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.

Get Kids to Do Chores Without Yelling (A Discipline Coach’s Guide)

Wondering how to get kids to do chores without yelling, bribing, or repeating yourself five times? If every day feels like a negotiation meeting, you’re not alone. Most parents describe the exact same loop when explaining the struggles they face when it comes to chores: the request, the ignore, the repeat, the snap. What’s Inside:The...

The post Get Kids to Do Chores Without Yelling (A Discipline Coach’s Guide) appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.

25 Core Memory Family Activities to Do Before Age 12

You’re loading the dishwasher one Tuesday evening when it hits you: your 6-year-old is halfway to twelve. And suddenly, it feels like time is slipping through your hands. It’s not panic, exactly. More like a quiet nudge. A reminder that this season (the one with messy craft projects and requests for “one more story” and...

The post 25 Core Memory Family Activities to Do Before Age 12 appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.

25 Teacher-Approved Open-Ended Toys That Replace Screen Time (Ages 3 to 8)

If you’re looking for toys your kids will actually want to put down their tablets for, you’ve come to the right place. These 25 open-ended picks are the real deal: screen-free, imagination-fueling, and genuinely fun for kids ages 3 to 8. What’s Inside: You’ll find 25 toys organized into four fun categories (building, pretend play,...

The post 25 Teacher-Approved Open-Ended Toys That Replace Screen Time (Ages 3 to 8) appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.

Stop After School Meltdowns: A Parenting Coach’s 4-Step Reset

After school meltdowns happen because children spend all day holding it together at school, then release that emotional tension at home. The technical term for this is “after school restraint collapse.” Below, I’ll show you how a simple 4-step reset routine that includes a transition, snack, movement, and connection can significantly reduce after school meltdowns...

The post Stop After School Meltdowns: A Parenting Coach’s 4-Step Reset appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.

Free & Cheap Things to Do at Night with Kids

Looking for things to do with kids at night without spending a fortune? This post covers 50 budget-friendly nighttime activities for families. From free backyard adventures to affordable outings under $20 plus honest, real-life guidance from a mom who’s actually tested these on school nights and weekends alike. What’s Inside:✔️50 affordable nighttime activities you can...

The post Free & Cheap Things to Do at Night with Kids appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.

"I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Gives Me Strength"