Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Tuesday, July 4, 2023
1 Peter 2:16
Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God

The United States of America is a country where individual freedom is valued and celebrated. One of the few countries now, or ever before in human history, to put the rights of its citizens on so high a pedestal. You are truly blessed to have been born in the time and place that you are, and with the freedom that you’ve been given, there is also a responsibility. Responsibility to live freely, not as someone who abuses their freedom and throws Christ’s teachings to the wind, but as someone who uses their blessings to serve the Living God. It’s because of this country, and the brave people who fought for it, that you are physically free, but it’s because of Jesus that you are truly free from the grip of death. Live like it, swearing allegiance to the one who gives true life, and true freedom to all.

Monday, July 3, 2023

Monday, July 3, 2023
Genesis 22:18
And in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.

The story of Israel, God’s chosen people, started with Abraham. God promised that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars, and that they would be used for great things. It was through the line of Abraham that Jesus came, and it is through Jesus that every nation, every tribe, and every tongue would be blessed. No longer are God’s promises, love and grace reserved for one people; Christ died for all, and all are welcome into His kingdom if they believe in the One who was sent for them. The Lord used one family to save the entire world… who’s to say He can’t use you too?

Friday, June 30, 2023

Friday, June 30, 2023
Isaiah 40:8
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

The seasons change, and so does everything else. The motion of the stars, planets, winds and waters God made keep everything in a perpetual state of change. Winters come and go, oceans rise and fall, and the nations and empires built by people seldom last long. But the Creator doesn’t change, nor can anything change Him: He is the same God yesterday, today, and forever, and His promises stand the test of time. No matter what happens in your life, no matter what change comes into your world, remember the One who never changes, and whose love for you can’t be altered by anything.

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Thursday, June 29, 2023
Psalm 96:12
Let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy

If you could fully realize the depth of God’s goodness and grace, the trees of the forest singing for joy would come as no surprise! The Bible reminds us again and again that the Lord is good, and that He cares deeply about the things He has created. He is on your side and wants to rescue you from all pain. So much so that He entered into a world of pain and died for you. No matter how bad things get, and no matter what hardships you’re facing right now, no evil can compare to the ultimate good. God is with you, for you, and over you. Let everyone exult and let creation itself sing for joy!

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Psalm 145:5
On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.

It doesn’t take a keen eye to notice how beautifully detailed and wonderful God’s creation is. Colossal galaxies beyond the scope of our imaginations show off the tremendous power of the Lord, who measured the cosmos with His hand. Yet still, the smallest drops of morning dew on green blades of grass display His gentleness, and attention to the small things. Not even the sparrows are too little for Him to notice, and your life certainly means more to Him than the birds. Meditate on just how BIG God’s universe is, and just how small you are within it… and with that perspective, remember that you are His treasure, worth being born into creation to die for.

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Psalm 74:17
You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you have made summer and winter.

Summer is here, and with it comes all the fun things we look forward to during the winter. Picnics, cookouts, swimming, and the simple pleasure of sunny skies and good weather. God wove summer into His perfect creation, and He meant for us to enjoy it. Just because the world isn’t perfect anymore doesn’t mean that the good things have stopped being good. Enjoy the simple blessings of the season because God made it, and because what He made is good. All good things come from above, and it would be a shame not to appreciate them!