Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Matthew 6:2-4
When you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Shhhh, keep it a secret! That’s how God wants you to give to others. As quietly and sneakily as possible, so that only He knows what you’ve done. But when people give loudly, they already receive their reward. So instead, do it silently and stealthily, that way God has the chance to reward you His way. And His gifts are always the best!

Monday, January 13, 2025

Monday, January 13, 2025
John 3:21
But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.

Your motives will be known! And that’s a good thing because it’s important to make sure that the good you do is motivated from the right place. If it’s not, God can give you the eyes to see where it is coming from and then help you make a change so that it can be done in love instead. And the thing is, when you do good works motivated by love, that’s when others will see it and desire to change too!

Friday, January 10, 2025

Friday, January 10, 2025
Psalm 100:2
Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!

Sometimes churches can be filled with grumpy people because they do everything. From kids church to Sunday school, plus cleaning, greeting, and the many church meetings! But remember, Jesus doesn’t want you to do everything at your church. He wants you to use your gifts with gladness. And that might mean giving up a few things so that your heart and your face can be a little merrier. And hopefully, that will give others the ability to start serving the Lord with their gifts too!

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Thursday, January 9, 2025
1 John 3:17
If anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?

I always wonder what the widow was thinking when she dropped those two small coins in the money box. Everyone else that day gave out of their abundance and moneywise gave way more than she did. But Jesus said she actually gave the most because she gave all that she had. If we grow in anything this year, let’s grow in the ability to be more like her.

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Wednesday, January 8, 2025
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing.

There’s a reason these two commands from God’s Word go hand in hand. When you face a difficult day, rejoicing isn’t your first response. But when you respond to it in prayer, that difficult day can be turned into a day of worship that ultimately reveals a very thankful heart that has a lot to rejoice over.

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

When you lean on a wall, you innately trust that it will hold you up. And that’s what you’re believing when you lean on God’s Word. You’re trusting that no matter what you face today, whether it’s really good or really bad, that God’s tried and true Word, that has been around for thousands of years, will keep you standing firm. So, don’t be afraid, go ahead and lean on it…it’ll always hold you up.