Thursday, May 18, 2023

Thursday, May 18, 2023
Romans 13:1
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

In the time this verse was written, the “governing authorities” were far from friendly, especially towards the church. You might not appreciate some of our world’s politicians, but world leaders in Paul’s day were feeding Christians to lions. And yet, the Bible assures us that there’s only one true king, and that He establishes the rulers of the world. You should never put the law of man over God’s law; Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego showed us that when they refused to bow to the king’s idol. But honoring God and His subjects means respecting the authority that has been placed over you, recognizing that it isn’t our job to make the rules. There will come a time when the only rules are His rules, but as long as you’re here, you and I must be good stewards of the world God has established, and we do that by showing honor and respect to the ones in charge.

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Romans 12:10
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Paul challenges believers in the book of Romans to outdo each other in showing kindness and love, as if it were a competition! That’s some serious dedication, but it’s seldom too much. God wants you to take care of others, and He’s put people in your life to take care of you, too. The Body of Christ is at its best when everyone in it treats each other with love, respect, and care. No child of God is more important than another, and no sinner is too filthy to be forgiven: the understanding that we are all one in Christ is the first step to putting them before yourself.

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Tuesday, May 16, 2023
1 Peter 2:17
Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

All people have been made in the image of God and are incalculably valuable in His eyes. No one is beyond His love and power to forgive, which means that no one is undeserving of our respect. People are precious to your Father in Heaven, no matter who they are, and while some people are easier to love than others, no one is too far gone. Honor everyone, from friends and believers to the people in charge of nations. Treat the people around you as God’s precious creations, because that’s what they are… just like you!

Monday, May 15, 2023

Monday, May 15, 2023
Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

On Mother’s Day, did you celebrate the best mom anyone could ask for? Or, perhaps she could’ve been better… a lot better. Whatever the case, God’s commandment to those who love Him remains the same: honor your parents. Your mother is the person God chose to bring you into this world, and there’s incredible significance in that. The Lord used her to mold and shape you, and He loves her more than words could describe, the same way He loves you. Honor the mother God gave you this Mother’s Day, whether that’s through a simple phone call, a handful of flowers, or even just a prayer. It’s taking the time to appreciate her that means something, both to her, and to her Maker.

Friday, May 12, 2023

Friday, May 12, 2023
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

You might have heard the phrase “God gives His toughest battles to His strongest warriors.” It may not be a Bible verse, but there’s some truth to be found in it. If the Lord has something He wants you to accomplish on this earth, it doesn’t matter how big it is, or how small you feel in comparison. He will equip you to fight any battle, resist any temptation, and overcome any obstacle. But the choice is still yours, even with God on your side. You can choose to follow Him wherever He may lead you, leaning on His strength, or you can refuse and live your own way. Self-control is a daily decision, and the ones who practice it can live powerfully and righteously for the One who writes their story.

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Thursday, May 11, 2023
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

The battle has already been won; Christ died, and sin died with Him, and He rose back to life so that we who believe can live, too. We know how the story ends, but that doesn’t mean Satan’s time is over just yet. The Bible warns us that the enemy scours the earth looking for people to tempt, deceive, and turn away from heaven. He will do everything he can to corrupt the relationship you have with the Father, whether that be through temptation, distractions, or trials that make you question God’s character. The Word cautions all believers to be sober-minded, and to remain alert… but also to have peace, knowing that nothing from heaven or hell can separate us from the love of God.