Thursday, November 4, 2021

Thursday, November 4, 2021
King Solomon reminds you God sees the good and the bad; the one to reward and the other to judge.
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, watching over the evil and the good. (NASB)
We often think evil doers get away with it. No one ever gets away with wrongdoing! This is a lie of the enemy. The Bible says that which is hidden will be made known; eventually punishment will be exacted. Not every time does God take the life of the evil! A friend reminds me to pray for the salvation of those who do evil; something our Lord modeled on the cross!
Every Christ-follower would be hopelessly and justly condemned to — eternal separation from God and the bliss of Heaven — were it not for His amazing grace! Bible-teacher Chip Ingram talks about the “velvet vise” of God that steadily increases pressure on our hearts until we willingly cry out, “I give” — confessing our wrong-doing. If you have a sin God is convicting you of – stop, do not delay in humbly confessing it, and turning from it. If you have never had the sin in your life taken care of, go to www.familylife.org and click on the box that asks, “Do you know Jesus?”

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Wednesday, November 3, 2021
The apostle Peter writes that the Lord sees your good deeds, even if no one else does.
I Peter 3:12 “For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears attend to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil” (NASB)
“Óut of sight out of mind” Since God is a spirit, and His judgment doesn’t fall immediately . . . it’s so easy to forget that He sees EVERYTHING! The extra time you sacrifice to tutor your child in schoolwork; the money that you had saved for something special for, is given cheerfully when God nudges your obedient heart. Even if no one else knows the deeds you humbly do for Him – HE does!
The implication is that if God sees, He will protect! The day in which Peter wrote his letter the government was ruled by the evil emperor Nero, who killed Christians as a scapegoat for his own madness when he burned Rome. Not every Christian was saved from Rome, but God heard their prayers, and their lives were better and more blessed even if they perished.
The eyes of the Lord are also upon the evil and He is angry with them every day! No one wants to be the object of God’s wrath. When the children of God are persecuted, in time, God will apply vengeance as only He can. Ultimately, those who do evil will not prosper in the same way as those who enjoy God’s favor.

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Tuesday, November 2, 2021
The prophet Samuel declares that a person’s external qualities are not as important to God as inner character.
I Samuel 16:7 “for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (NASB)
As human beings we are all about externals: the right clothes, perfect teeth, and cosmetic surgery is a big industry. None of these things are wrong! But the most important part of you is what you are on the inside – your character, the part God sees!
Today’s verses are all about God’s choice of a king for Israel. The prophet Samuel was sent to the house of Jesse, by God, to find a king among his 8 sons. These young men were evidently all good looking, and Samuel thought they were all — king material! God told him not to base his opinion on externals, because God looks at inner qualities like faith and courage. Jesse’s youngest, David, would be the next king. He looked good inside and out!

Monday, November 1, 2021

Monday, November 1, 2021
Old Testament Ezra wrote of the importance of seeking the Lord’s help versus trying to solve problems on our own.
II Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. (NASB)
If you’ve ever searched for your wallet or car keys, you’ll appreciate this verse! God is searching every day for ways to support those who are committed to Him. Many people start their Christian life strong but fade in the stretch. Whenever you’re tempted to try and fix your life without God – remember His past faithfulness and trust Him once again! He hasn’t changed!
This verse is taken from the life of one of Judah’s kings that started great but didn’t finish well. Asa — out-numbered by the enemy early in his reign — cried out to God and was saved! The king left God out of a similar situation years later and paid dearly for it. God is pleased when we make Him our shield and refuge . . . Resisting the temptation to seek our own solution.

Friday, October 29, 2021

Friday, October 29, 2021
The apostle John reminds Christ-followers Who is in charge.

I John 4:4 You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. (NASB)

Perceptions are not always accurate. The sight of a burly, tattooed, motorcycle biker may make you fearful . . . when, in fact, he may be gentle and kind-hearted! The Bible cuts through misperceptions to give you God’s truth. Despite your worries, you can choose to believe what God says when His book the Bible says, “Be anxious for nothing, pray about everything.”

If you find yourself tied up in knots because you think God’s plan has been defeated and it’s just a matter of time before the world as you know it will end . . . take a breath!! God is still on the throne, and I guarantee you He is not worried. When it comes to Evil vs. Good: news flash! That battle was decided 2000 years ago . . . and God won!!

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Thursday, October 28, 2021
The apostle Paul calls on Christ-followers to focus on the ultimate goal of loving unconditionally.

I Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. (NASB)

God has a plan for your life that requires a mature, responsible attitude. Just as it’s important to grow physically; spiritual growth requires that you grow as a person . . . so as to embrace the richer role of God’s plan for your life.

The apostle Paul is talking in this chapter of the gifts of prophecy, tongues, and knowledge. These gifts have a “shelf-life” when it comes to the plan of God. Ultimately these gifts will cease, but what we need to major on is loving others as God loves – unconditionally!