Thursday, September 21, 2023

Thursday, September 21, 2023
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

What is your mind full of? The content you consume through books, movies, and music can have a subtle but profound impact on the way you think about life, about others, and about the world. To keep your chin up and your eyes on Christ, the Bible tells you to fill your mind with good things. God’s immense love for you, the blessings He’s given you, the people He’s given you, and the beautiful world He’s surrounded you with. If you spend too much time focusing on the bad things, you’ll get bogged down… a futile state of mind, because one day in Heaven, bad things won’t matter anymore. So before you get there, focus on what’s good, so that the life you live can be one of peace and joy no matter the circumstances.

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Hosea 6:6
For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

The religious Pharisees and scribes of Jesus’ day were so obsessed with obeying God’s Law that they didn’t recognize the Lawmaker when He came. They thought they could earn God’s grace by doing enough, without realizing that grace was being freely given to them, if they would just trust Him. No matter how much good we do, it won’t change the fact that you and I are sinners. God doesn’t expect you to be perfect; only one man ever lived a perfect life, and He died so that you wouldn’t have to. Jesus wants you to love Him, and genuinely strive to be like Him. If your heart isn’t in it, your “sacrifices” are nothing more than a blank thank-you card: a nice gesture but lacking any real substance.

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

God made it clear to His chosen people that by obeying Him, they would prosper. He led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and would soon hand the Promised Land over to them as long as they followed Him. But unfortunately, the people of Israel didn’t adhere to God’s laws nor His plan and rebelled against Him again and again. Because of this, God allowed calamity and tragedy to befall the once great Nation of Israel. Since those days, He sent His Son to die for the sins of all. Because of the cross, nothing can separate you from His love, but a sinful life can separate you from His blessing.

Monday, September 18, 2023

Monday, September 18, 2023
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Jesus preached that the words that come out of your mouth come directly from your heart, and that if your speech is rotten, part of your heart likely is too. I hope, and I pray, that the words of my mouth and the focus of my heart are good and acceptable in the sight of God. The people around you will measure you by what they see outwardly, but the Lord knows who you are at the deepest core of your being. What He thinks of you should matter more than what others, or even you, think of yourself. Ponder your desires, your tendencies, and what’s important to you deep down… and pray that if you have faults, that the Lord would help you overcome them.

Friday, September 15, 2023

Friday, September 15, 2023
Colossians 3:5
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

The Bible doesn’t say “tone down the evil desire” or “try not to be sexually immoral.” These things should be put to death, not because God expects you to be flawless, but because Christ was. If you truly believe that Jesus was and is Lord, it should be represented by the way you live. Put to death the things in your life that get between you and a closer relationship with Christ. Rid yourself of the things that grieve Him, driving the nails deeper into His hands. If sin isn’t worth getting rid of, it’s on a higher pedestal in your life than the Lord is, and that’s what the Word rightly calls idolatry. You may not always defeat sin overnight, but with His help, there is nothing that can’t be overcome.

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Thursday, September 14, 2023
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.

There are a lot of philosophies and beliefs out there, and the same was true when Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians. Man is desperate to find purpose, and the conclusions they come to about morality, life and the universe are often far from the truth, because the truth is uncomfortable. The truth is that God is very real and very just, and according to justice, everyone has sinned, and deserves punishment. But God so loved the world that He sent His only Son, and whoever believes in Him will not be punished, but have eternal life. Believing in Christ means following Christ, letting go of sinful lifestyles in the process… and people want to believe anything but that. What do you believe?