Thursday, July 28, 2022

Thursday, July 28, 2022
Luke 6:31
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

It’s important that we treat others the way we, ourselves, want to be treated. The greatest commandment, second only to loving God, is to love your neighbors as yourself. If you want the love, respect and grace of others, you must be willing to treat them the same way. If you want others to give fair thought to your beliefs and to hear your voice speaking out for God, be willing to treat them fairly as well. Gentle words can end battles, and a soft answer turns away wrath.

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Wednesday, July 27, 2022
1 John 2:9
Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.

We can’t hate other people just because they disagree with us. Christ called you to love others, and especially your enemies. Conflict between people breeds strife and hate, and if God’s people won’t go against the current, who will? It’s your job to set an example, not only for how people should treat each other, but also for what it means to be a Christian. If you say Jesus is in your heart and yet continue to be bitter toward the people He died for, how bright of a “light unto the world” can you really be?

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Tuesday, July 26, 2022
1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

Unity is important, and the early church knew it. Believers stuck together, showing love and hospitality to each other, and it’s important that Christ’s churches of today do the same. Being unified means being of one mind, sharing one purpose and one God. That doesn’t mean you and your circle have to agree on every little thing; finding friends like that is almost impossible. But it does mean that as a believers united under one truth and one gospel, we should all agree on the identity of Christ and the truth of God’s word as the immovable, unshakable cornerstone of our faith.

Monday, July 25, 2022

Monday, July 25, 2022
Mark 3:24-25
If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

There’s a lot of controversy in our country and in the world. It often seems like everyone has something to be upset about, and anger and bitterness can flare up at a moment’s notice. In a society so heated by disagreements, we as imitators of Christ must treat others with gentleness, love and respect if we want to have an impact on the world. As Jesus first said, and President Lincoln famously quoted, “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” If this nation and the world continue to devour themselves with hate and strife, you, by the power of Christ, must not go with them.

Friday, July 22, 2022

Friday, July 22, 2022
1 John 2:17
And the world is passing away, along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

This world, and life as we know it, is temporary. So are riches, fame, reputation, and everything else the world says will make us happy. So don’t be so concerned with the things that are inevitably going to fade away. A life lived for God offers so much more than anything else can give, both in this life and in the eternal life beyond. By following His will, you get to experience the best version of your life possible, all while furthering God’s Kingdom and being His shining light in a dark world.

Thursday, July 21, 2022

Thursday, July 21, 2022
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.

Time and time again in the scriptures we are told to watch out for false teachings. Lots of people over the ages, and especially today, claim to be preaching God’s word, when all they’re really doing is twisting the scriptures into what they want to believe. But just because it’s wrong doesn’t mean that it won’t be appealing. As Paul writes in his letter to the Corinthians “even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” Thankfully, we have the bible to help discern the good from the bad. Whatever beliefs or philosophies the world tries to sell you, remember to compare them to the unmoving, unfailing, steadfast Word of God, where truth can always be found.