Monday, October 30, 2023

Monday, October 30, 2023
Luke 6:27-28
But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

Jesus didn’t say “love your enemies, unless they’re hard to be around,” or “love your enemies, unless they don’t have the same opinions as you.” He never said “love your enemies, unless they’re different, because that would be inconvenient.” His straightforward command was to love your enemies even when they curse you, hurt you, and hate you. Even when showing courtesy and respect to them seems like a lost cause. The truth is, they’re sinners just like you, and if it weren’t for Christ loving HIS enemies, you wouldn’t have a place in the Kingdom.

Friday, October 27, 2023

Friday, October 27, 2023
Titus 1:7
For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain.

You may be the closest thing to Christ that a stranger ever encounters. You never know what impact you will have on people, which is why every follower of Jesus, and especially those who teach, should be more like Him. A servant of God should be honorable and wise, but never in their own sight. They should be humble about themselves, and patient towards others, remembering that we all fall short of the glory of God. Whether a Sunday school teacher, bible study leader, or a pastor, it’s the job of teachers and ministers to love God with all their heart, and to love their neighbor as themselves.

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Thursday, October 26, 2023
James 3:1
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

Someone who takes on the role of teaching, leading, or influencing others when it comes to the Christian walk should be wise and careful. It’s not a job for just anyone. God’s word is serious, and even though it’s every believer’s job to share the gospel with the unsaved, not everyone should be preaching from the pulpit. It’s true that the Lord chooses flawed and sinful people to do mighty things… just look at Jesus’ disciples, or even Paul for that matter. But remember that before they became teachers, each one of them was radically changed from the inside out by God, leaving behind the sin they once clung to. What are you clinging to today?

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

A pastor’s responsibility to nurture and strengthen the souls of his congregation is tremendous. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that lives are at stake; not terrestrial, earthly lives, but eternal ones. The right message could plant mustard seeds of faith into a stranger’s heart, but false or misguided teaching could turn many away who would have come to Christ. In Hebrews 13, Paul implores the early church not to make it harder on their leaders and teachers by having a poor attitude. He never instructs believers to embrace questionable doctrine without a second thought, but you should obey the good and righteous people God has put over you and be willing to be corrected by them. It usually isn’t the teacher who needs instruction, but the student.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Tuesday, October 24, 2023
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

Chances are you know plenty of people who are working hard to make an impact for Christ, whether they’re teaching Sunday school, hosting bible studies, or preaching on Sunday morning. They may seem like everyday people… and you’d be right. God uses unsuspecting, ordinary, even flawed people to do great things in His name. The people who obey His call are worthy of not only high esteem, but also love and support from the Christians around them. If believers don’t support each other, who will?

Monday, October 23, 2023

Monday, October 23, 2023
1 Timothy 5:17
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

Age means experience, experience means character, and good character demands respect. You and I should respect our elders, who came before us and helped shape the world we now live in. Those who have walked with Christ for a long time have doubtless helped others on their walks, too, sharing wisdom gained from experience. They’ve not only changed lives here on earth, but they’ve added lives to God’s Kingdom. Sometimes it’s natural, but sometimes it’s hard work. Don’t let the elders in your life go unappreciated.