Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Matthew 5:23-24
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Jesus spoke often of forgiveness and of the condition of your heart. How you treat others matters, not only with your actions, but with your thoughts and feelings too. The Lord wants you to seek Him, but if bitterness against someone is festering inside you, He wants that to be taken care of. Is there someone you know who has wronged you or damaged you in some way? Ask yourself if you’re willing to forgive that person and show mercy. If that answer is no, God will help you make it a yes; let Him not only govern your life and your actions, but also your heart.

Monday, March 20, 2023

Monday, March 20, 2023
Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Mercy is a profound act of love that goes against human nature. A merciful person throws aside their want for vengeance, recognizing that even their enemies are God’s children. Punishment may be deserved, no doubt, but the merciful one deserves punishment too; sin is sin after all, and everyone falls short of God’s standard for being a “good person.” The only difference is that their sins have been paid for by Christ’s blood, and when you fully recognize the price that was paid for your wrongs, showing mercy becomes a whole lot easier. Blessed are the merciful, for they have and will receive mercy.

Friday, March 17, 2023

Friday, March 17, 2023
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

“Well done good and faithful servant.” Those are the words I want to hear when I enter the Kingdom of God, and I’m sure the same goes for you. Good deeds aren’t what gets you into Heaven; salvation is found in no one besides Jesus Christ, the spotless lamb who paid the impossible debt. Good works are simply the evidence that you have given your life over to Christ as you let Him transform you from the inside out. Fighting the good fight is serving the Lord with every opportunity He gives you, and finishing the race is enduring the onslaught of temptation and sin until the very end. Run the race, fight the fight, and keep the faith, and God promises that your reward in Heaven will be great.

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Thursday, March 16, 2023
James 5:7
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.

Isn’t the Lord’s timing perfect? Perhaps there’s been something in your life that you’ve earnestly prayed about, and seen God answer at just the right moment. Or, maybe you’re still waiting for Him to answer. Either way, whether it feels like God is listening or not, He hears every prayer, and knows every thought of your heart. Be patient, James tells us, and wait for the Lord’s timing. You can’t know when He’ll move, and none of us know the day or hour that Christ will return, but one thing we can be sure of is that God is never too late.

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Rest is so important that God commanded His people not to labor or do anything on the Sabbath. You’re a finite creature, and you can’t go on forever without letting both your body and your mind take a break. But as wearying as your responsibilities may be, the one thing we’re never to become weary of is doing good. During your time on earth, God will present you with all sorts of opportunities to love people, share the gospel, and provide for the needy. There’s nothing wrong with being tired, but don’t let it stop you from giving your best. Endure, and see how God uses your faith to do something amazing.

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Tuesday, March 14, 2023
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Life’s tough, and Jesus knows that just as well as anyone. He experienced every hardship, temptation, and pain that’s common to mankind, all while holding back His power to stop it. He knows how hard it can be to endure, and He has promised that those who hold strong will be rewarded. The temptation to sin will push you and pull you every moment you’re awake, and the world will always try to stomp on what you believe. It didn’t like Christ, and it won’t like you… but like Christ, if you follow the will of God and endure until the end, unceasing joy awaits.