Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Proverbs 16:33
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.

We make plans, make decisions, and make do with the circumstances we’ve been given. That’s all anyone can do with the life they’ve been given under the sun. Live responsibly, and live well, trusting God with the details and giving thanks for what you have. Serve the Lord everywhere you go and look for ways that you can be Christ’s example in the lives of others. When it’s all said and done, you and I must live the way Jesus taught us to live, giving the Lord our best, and trusting Him with the results.

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Ecclesiastes 9:11
Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.

There’s no “secret to success” that always works. No matter how fast you are, strong you are, or smart you are, you’re still subject to circumstance. God is ultimately the one who determines the course your life will take, not you… which is something to be thankful for. It means that the battle isn’t yours to fight, and that the things beyond your control are in the most capable hands of all. Good and bad will fall on you; that’s how it is for everyone in this broken world. But because of the cross, no matter what good or bad happens to you here, you have an eternal seat at God’s table, where you’ll never have to struggle again.

Monday, July 24, 2023

Monday, July 24, 2023
James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

The Lord is responsible for every good thing. He wove the world from scratch, and filled it with beauty, joy, and love. This place was a paradise made for God’s children, and though it’s fallen far from what it was meant to be, the presence of sin and death doesn’t mean that God doesn’t still bless His kids. Everything good and perfect was invented by Him; the vibrant sunsets, the taste of fresh food, the innocent laughter of a child. All of it was created by Him for your enjoyment, and they should be enjoyed. In a world so full of bad things, why let the good gifts of God pass us by without taking the time to appreciate them?

Friday, July 21, 2023

Friday, July 21, 2023
Luke 6:21
Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

In this passage, Jesus is talking to those who suffer hunger, grief, poverty, and persecution, and yet still serve Him. The world has never been kind to those who love God, and just as the world hated Christ, they are bound to hate you too. But imagine a dad discovering that his child has been bullied and mistreated by their friends, all because they refused to disobey what their father had told them. Would a good dad not want to scoop that child up in his arms, wipe away their tears, and give them every happy reward they could? Blessed are those who suffer and endure, because the pain you put up with for your Father’s sake in this life will be rewarded overflowingly in the next life.

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Thursday, July 20, 2023
Ecclesiastes 3:4
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance

The world God made has so much joy woven into it, but that same world has also been broken by sin. You can’t be happy all the time, and you will inevitably experience things that make you wonder whether you can ever be happy again. But sadness doesn’t have to last. There’s a time for everything, and God isn’t upset at you when you can’t muster a laugh. He understands your pain and your hardships; after all, He was human once, and even the Son of God mourned. But thanks to Him, though some things can rob you of a smile, nothing can ever rob you of hope. Hope that the Lord has a plan for everything, and that one day, He will wipe away every tear.

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Wednesday, July 19, 2023
James 5:13
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.

If you’re happy, praise God for everything He’s blessed you with, and be happy! If you’re in a tough spot, pray that He would calm the storms and help you endure. Both are equally important, and life isn’t made up of just one or the other. What matters is that, in whatever mood you find yourself in, you give it all to the Author of your life. He’s responsible for every good thing that comes your way, and He’s the one who will answer your prayers during the darkest hour.