Thursday, October 20, 2022

Thursday, October 20, 2022
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

When we slip up and sin, it’s all too easy to start blaming the temptation instead our ourselves. The temptation to sin is comparable to the temptation to eat things we shouldn’t. No one is making you eat a third donut, but it’s difficult to resist when it’s right in front of you. The same is true with sin: nothing is forcing you to disobey God, but temptation can be very real. But the Word says that in every situation, no matter how tempting, God will provide a way for you to escape, that you may endure. No one is without sin because, inevitably, we all fail, but there isn’t a temptation under the sun that you can’t escape… not with the Lord by your side.

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Wednesday, October 19, 2022
1 John 1:8-9
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Do you claim to be without sin? Deep down, do you believe yourself to be a good person? If you and I pretend we’re worthy of Heaven all on our own, we’re deceiving no one but ourselves. The Word assures us that no one is righteous, not even one. But God is merciful and remembers that we are made of dust; He doesn’t expect us to be blameless, which is why He sent Jesus to take our punishment and pave the way for eternal life. Humble yourself and confess your sins, and the Savior will be faithful and just to forgive you and purify you from all your mistakes.

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Romans 6:16
Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?

You can only serve one master. The decisions you make in your everyday life flow either from your own heart, or the Lord’s. You will be dominated by one or the other, which means, in other words, you’re a slave to the one whom you obey. We know that nothing good can come from sin, but obeying God’s commandments and doing things that please Him will bear fruit, not only for you, but for those around you. During your time on earth, present yourself as a slave to righteousness and to God, but remember that righteousness alone won’t get you into Heaven; Christ is the Savior, and no one comes to the Father except through Him.

Monday, October 17, 2022

Monday, October 17, 2022
Romans 6:1-2
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

Nobody is without sin in their life, but you can thank the Lord for sending Jesus to die on a cross and pay for your mistakes! Because of Him, your sins no longer condemn you… so why not live with no rules, if God’s grace is so infinite? “By no means!” Paul exclaims in his letters. How can you, having repented and allowed Christ to make you a new creation, continue living with sin? None of us will ever be perfect, but if you truly love Jesus and understand His sacrifice, you understand the importance of following His will and obeying His commandments, to the very best of your ability.

Friday, October 14, 2022

Friday, October 14, 2022
Romans 15:5
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus.

Much like a father here on earth would, God is pleased when His children get along and live in harmony with each other. The early church was one of the greatest examples of a strong community of believers. They loved the Lord, and reflected His love on everyone around them. By praying for each other, confiding in each other, and bearing each other’s burdens, they were not only showing genuine care and support, but they were also sharpening one another. The Lord wants us to stay sharp, pursue good, and to be there for each other; the body of Christ can do the most when its people keep each other strong.

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Thursday, October 13, 2022
James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

“The truth will set you free” is a lesson taught in the Bible many times. You and I sin every day, but keeping those mistakes bottled up inside isn’t going to help you, especially if you have an ongoing struggle with sin. James encouraged the early church to confess their mistakes to each other, and ask for prayer; prayer is powerful, and we know that where two or more are gathered in God’s name, He is there with them. To “sharpen” yourself, as iron sharpens iron, it’s good to be honest with people that you can trust. However, in the same way, remember to be open and willing to hear people’s honesty, and to forgive them and pray with them when they need it.