Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Tuesday, July 26, 2022
1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

Unity is important, and the early church knew it. Believers stuck together, showing love and hospitality to each other, and it’s important that Christ’s churches of today do the same. Being unified means being of one mind, sharing one purpose and one God. That doesn’t mean you and your circle have to agree on every little thing; finding friends like that is almost impossible. But it does mean that as a believers united under one truth and one gospel, we should all agree on the identity of Christ and the truth of God’s word as the immovable, unshakable cornerstone of our faith.

Monday, July 25, 2022

Monday, July 25, 2022
Mark 3:24-25
If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

There’s a lot of controversy in our country and in the world. It often seems like everyone has something to be upset about, and anger and bitterness can flare up at a moment’s notice. In a society so heated by disagreements, we as imitators of Christ must treat others with gentleness, love and respect if we want to have an impact on the world. As Jesus first said, and President Lincoln famously quoted, “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” If this nation and the world continue to devour themselves with hate and strife, you, by the power of Christ, must not go with them.

Friday, July 22, 2022

Friday, July 22, 2022
1 John 2:17
And the world is passing away, along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

This world, and life as we know it, is temporary. So are riches, fame, reputation, and everything else the world says will make us happy. So don’t be so concerned with the things that are inevitably going to fade away. A life lived for God offers so much more than anything else can give, both in this life and in the eternal life beyond. By following His will, you get to experience the best version of your life possible, all while furthering God’s Kingdom and being His shining light in a dark world.

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.