Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Tuesday, November 2, 2021
The prophet Samuel declares that a person’s external qualities are not as important to God as inner character.
I Samuel 16:7 “for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (NASB)
As human beings we are all about externals: the right clothes, perfect teeth, and cosmetic surgery is a big industry. None of these things are wrong! But the most important part of you is what you are on the inside – your character, the part God sees!
Today’s verses are all about God’s choice of a king for Israel. The prophet Samuel was sent to the house of Jesse, by God, to find a king among his 8 sons. These young men were evidently all good looking, and Samuel thought they were all — king material! God told him not to base his opinion on externals, because God looks at inner qualities like faith and courage. Jesse’s youngest, David, would be the next king. He looked good inside and out!

Monday, November 1, 2021

Monday, November 1, 2021
Old Testament Ezra wrote of the importance of seeking the Lord’s help versus trying to solve problems on our own.
II Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. (NASB)
If you’ve ever searched for your wallet or car keys, you’ll appreciate this verse! God is searching every day for ways to support those who are committed to Him. Many people start their Christian life strong but fade in the stretch. Whenever you’re tempted to try and fix your life without God – remember His past faithfulness and trust Him once again! He hasn’t changed!
This verse is taken from the life of one of Judah’s kings that started great but didn’t finish well. Asa — out-numbered by the enemy early in his reign — cried out to God and was saved! The king left God out of a similar situation years later and paid dearly for it. God is pleased when we make Him our shield and refuge . . . Resisting the temptation to seek our own solution.

Friday, October 29, 2021

Friday, October 29, 2021
The apostle John reminds Christ-followers Who is in charge.

I John 4:4 You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. (NASB)

Perceptions are not always accurate. The sight of a burly, tattooed, motorcycle biker may make you fearful . . . when, in fact, he may be gentle and kind-hearted! The Bible cuts through misperceptions to give you God’s truth. Despite your worries, you can choose to believe what God says when His book the Bible says, “Be anxious for nothing, pray about everything.”

If you find yourself tied up in knots because you think God’s plan has been defeated and it’s just a matter of time before the world as you know it will end . . . take a breath!! God is still on the throne, and I guarantee you He is not worried. When it comes to Evil vs. Good: news flash! That battle was decided 2000 years ago . . . and God won!!

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Thursday, October 28, 2021
The apostle Paul calls on Christ-followers to focus on the ultimate goal of loving unconditionally.

I Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. (NASB)

God has a plan for your life that requires a mature, responsible attitude. Just as it’s important to grow physically; spiritual growth requires that you grow as a person . . . so as to embrace the richer role of God’s plan for your life.

The apostle Paul is talking in this chapter of the gifts of prophecy, tongues, and knowledge. These gifts have a “shelf-life” when it comes to the plan of God. Ultimately these gifts will cease, but what we need to major on is loving others as God loves – unconditionally!

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Wednesday, October 27, 2021
The apostle Paul called on Christ-followers to be heavenly minded.

Colossians 3:2-3 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on the earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (NASB)

Through Christ, you are no longer bound to this world and its ways — and neither are your thoughts. Keeping a daily focus on God & His Word — will turn the direction of your life toward the destiny God has laid out for you. After all when you became a Christ-follower your entire reason for living changed! There are many voices calling for our attention – you must be vigilant to protect your desires and thoughts from a fixation on the here and now.

Christ-followers are to live in this world, but not be in love with it – because the world culture wants nothing to do with God and the Bible! Always consider what Christ would do in every area of your life. For example, keep every thought captive to Christ: whenever your mind wanders to something it shouldn’t . . . ask the Holy Spirit to blot it out and turn the course of your thought-life in a God-honoring direction.

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Tuesday, October 26, 2021
The apostle Matthew records Jesus’ command to lay up eternal treasure.

Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NASB)

Treasures are the things in life you are attracted to – good or bad. Carefully consider what you decide to invest your time and effort in . . . for of such things a life is made or destroyed. The Bible warns against trying to live for this world and Christ – it’s impossible to be devoted to both. Riches and possessions are for this world only – you cannot take them with you!

Jesus’ call in this portion of the Sermon on the Mount is to be busy laying up eternal treasures in heaven, which are untouchable by damage, theft, or destruction. Riches and possessions are not wrong in themselves, but a Christ-follower’s first love must be the glory of God!