Tuesday, July 9, 2024
1 Corinthians 13:3
If I give away all I have and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Giving can be grandiose with a lot of pomp and circumstance, or it can be hidden and seemingly insignificant. Only God knows which one was done with love. But no matter how grand or impressive those gifts may be, they’re meaningless if genuine love and compassion aren’t behind them. Do things with love today. It matters.
Monday, July 8, 2024
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Sometimes when we give our time, treasure and talents to others, it can be like checking off a list of to-dos. Serve at church-check. Give to the offering-check. But God encourages you to give each of those things with an attitude of cheerfulness. God’s not so concerned with the amount you give as He is with the condition of your heart when you give. So before you pull out your wallet, make sure you put on a real smile.
Friday, July 5, 2024
Acts 13:38-39
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin.
There was a movie in the 80s about a man who felt so much regret for all the bad things he did, he ended up carrying around a heavy bag in order to punish himself. Finally, one day, his enemy came up to him with a knife and, instead of killing him for all the bad things he did, he cut the cord to that heavy bag and set him free. And that is what Jesus has done for you. Even when you were His enemy, His desire was still to give you freedom from that heavy burden. Now, you can live free. Free from sin, death and punishment.
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Romans 6:22
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
George Washington said, “Liberty, when it degrades into sin, gives birth to confusion, and often ends in tyranny.” Today is a special day that Americans spend commemorating being set free from a terrible tyranny. And those Americans who fought for freedom knew that in order to stay free, our nation had to be founded on the truth of God’s infallible Word which never changes.
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Ephesians 3:12
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
No one wants to be pulled over by a police officer. But what if you were pulled over by someone who knew you and liked you? That would change everything. In fact, you would probably feel freer and more confident. And that’s exactly how you can come to God, with freedom and confidence. It doesn’t mean God will give you everything you want, but He will listen as you approach Him in faith.
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Aren’t you so thankful you’ve been freed from the bondage of sin? In a way, you were in a prison and Jesus set you free. But He didn’t free you so that you would stay in the prison. He freed you to share with others how you got out. And you do that by serving others. In fact, God says, you are now free to love as much as you want, to have as much joy as you want, and to use that amazing freedom for good.