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.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Proverbs 16:32
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Being mighty, rich, and successful doesn’t make you a good person… in fact, it often makes you the opposite. If you have all the success in the world but lack good character, what does that make you? What does it profit someone to gain the whole world, but lose their soul? Instead of putting so much emphasis on accomplishments, focus on being the person God wants you to be. Be patient and wise, and practice self-control, making obedience to Him your number one priority. After all, the things that matter in the long term aren’t earthly successes; instead, it’s the person you were before God, and the good works you did for His kingdom.

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Tuesday, May 9, 2023
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.

You experience temptation every day, and if it weren’t for temptations, self-control would be no problem. At the very least they make self-control difficult, and at their worst, temptations can cause you to stumble into sin that you would never have imagined falling for. The allure of sin is powerful, but God has promised that no temptation will come upon you that is truly insurmountable. During His time on earth, Jesus experienced every worldly temptation that you and I do; He understands our sin nature, and how difficult it can be to stay disciplined. But He assures us that as long as the Lord is the king of your life, nothing will tempt you beyond your ability. He will always provide a way for you to escape and endure, so long as you keep your eyes on Him.

Monday, May 8, 2023

Monday, May 8, 2023
Proverbs 25:28
A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

A citadel that has been breached and left without walls is a place where anything could happen. Anyone and anything are free to creep in and live there, and subsequently, anything can get out without permission. Proverbs uses this analogy to describe a person who lacks self-control. Unkind words can burst from them at any time, unfiltered, and anything from the outside can infect their heart and trigger their emotions in an instant. Having self-control means exercising authority over what comes out of you, but it’s also the strength to guard against what you allow in.

Friday, May 5, 2023

Friday, May 5, 2023
Philippians 4:11
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

Being content in the place that God has put you is the secret to finding joy regardless of circumstance. Paul found reasons to rejoice no matter what was happening to him, whether he was being shipwrecked, stoned, imprisoned, or thrown out of cities. He was doing what God had called Him to do, and He was confident that no matter what circumstances he found himself in, nothing could change his relationship to his Maker. Wherever you find yourself today, tomorrow, or a week from now, remember that your purpose and your identity aren’t tied to your circumstances. Hard times will come and go, but the Lord isn’t going anywhere. Hold onto Him and be content in whatever situation He has put you in; you aren’t there by accident, and you won’t be there forever.

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Thursday, May 4, 2023
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

If God already has a plan for everything, why do we bother to pray? The answer is simple: because He wants you to pray and Has invited you to pray. God wants to hear from His kids so He can bless them by answering their prayers. He wants you to pray for others, and others to pray for you too, so that your requests can be answered in ways that more than one person get to witness. The Lord has given you and I the privilege of being a part of the story He’s telling through His creation, and throughout the Bible, you can see prayer being used to part seas, crush armies, and rescue nations. There is no prayer too big or too small for God; He hears them all, and He wants to hear yours too.