Thursday, July 21, 2022

Thursday, July 21, 2022
Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Time and time again in the scriptures we are told to watch out for false teachings. Lots of people over the ages, and especially today, claim to be preaching God’s word, when all they’re really doing is twisting the scriptures into what they want to believe. But just because it’s wrong doesn’t mean that it won’t be appealing. As Paul writes in his letter to the Corinthians “even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” Thankfully, we have the bible to help discern the good from the bad. Whatever beliefs or philosophies the world tries to sell you, remember to compare them to the unmoving, unfailing, steadfast Word of God, where truth can always be found.

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Wednesday, July 20, 2022
John 15:18
If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.

If you love and obey the Lord, the world isn’t going like you and what you stand for. After all, they certainly didn’t like Jesus. He taught and proclaimed things that neither the authorities nor religious leaders of the time wanted to hear, and though Christ’s ministry touched the hearts of many, He made many enemies as well. Don’t be surprised when the world turns against you and your God, and don’t be afraid either. The Kingdom of God is your true home, the one you fight for here on earth, and that is something that they can never take away from you.

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Tuesday, July 19, 2022
James 4:4
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

Evil wasn’t always a part of God’s creation, but because of the sins of mankind, impurity crept into the world. Today, our society is riddled with sin, to the point where things like arrogance, adultery, gossip and godlessness are all praised. The Bible warns to stay away from these things, and not to let yourself be drawn into the world and its ways. You can’t expect to serve God with all your heart while also being “friends” with the very things He hates. Scripture makes it clear that the path the world is on leads only to a bitter end, but that the straight and narrow road that God calls us to will lead to everlasting life.

Monday, July 18, 2022

Monday, July 18, 2022
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The world and its societies will always try to influence you in one direction or another. Because this is a broken world we live in, those directions usually don’t lead to God. Paul encouraged the early to church to be in the world, but not of the world. If you have accepted Christ, you are a new creation, and you recognize that this earth isn’t your home. So don’t try to blend in and become part of this sin-filled place; instead, be the light for Christ that God calls us to be, showing the world that there is something truly special about your faith and your Savior.

Friday, July 15, 2022

Friday, July 15, 2022
Hebrews 12:2
“…Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus endured the cross… an unimaginable pain that He could have stopped at any moment… because of the joy set before Him: the joy of seeing your face in Heaven. Imagine the joy that all believers will feel when they arrive in paradise with Jesus, not because we paid the debt for our mistakes, but because He paid them for us. If you have devoted your life to Christ and asked for His forgiveness, the greatest source of joy in your life should be knowing you are His. So in everything that you do, walk by the spirit, be patient in hard times, and be constant in prayer. Show that joy and hope of the Lord to everyone you meet, and it might just win another soul for God’s kingdom.

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Thursday, July 14, 2022
Romans 12:12
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Our God is an awesome God, and there’s no hardship or tribulation on this earth that He can’t show His goodness in the midst of. The Word encourages you to rejoice and be hopeful in every circumstance, both for the great things God has in store, and for the paradise that He is preparing for you. Be patient when hard times come; the things that put your faith and joy to the test are what God uses to make you stronger. Finally, always make time to talk to God, praying not only for yourself, but for the people around you who need God’s grace.