Thursday, March 21, 2024

Thursday, March 21, 2024
John 3:17
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Jesus didn’t make excuses for sin. Sin is sin, and in many of Jesus teachings, He raised the standard for “good” and made it clear just how imperfect you are. But His message wasn’t one of condemnation; He didn’t come to earth hurling fire and brimstone to incinerate sinners. Instead, He offered mercy to the woman caught in adultery, forgiveness for tax collectors and cheaters, and paradise to the thief on the cross. The world desperately needed a Savior, a sacrifice to take on the punishment you and I deserved so justly for our mistakes. That sacrifice was Jesus Christ, and as the Son of God hung on that cross, it was His love for you that held Him there, until “it is finished.”

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

How will people believe in what they have not heard, and how will they hear unless someone tells them? When Jesus was crucified, He didn’t just pay for the sins of a select few. He paid for the sins of the world, and He wants the world to know! His last commandment to His disciples was one of the most important commandments He ever gave, which was to spread the good news of the gospel to all of creation. You and I had the opportunity to be believers today because of their obedience; imagine who else might benefit from your openness to sharing the gospel of Christ.

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Luke 15:4
What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?

Jesus uses metaphorical sheep, coins, and even a prodigal son to illustrate how God loves you and will chase you even when you aren’t chasing Him. Christ’s love is deeply personal, and He cherishes you enough to know every hair on your head, and every thought on your mind. Jesus said that all of heaven rejoices when even one sinner repents, more so than ninety-nine righteous persons with no need of repentance. It’s not the outward performance that God wants, but the internal changing of the heart, and we see through the Word that our Lord is more than willing to pursue the heart that has wandered from Him.

Monday, March 18, 2024

Monday, March 18, 2024
Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

Everyone is “lost” before Christ finds them. You and I can’t control where we’re born, where we take our last breath, or much less anything that happens in between. And the most frightening thing we can’t control is where we go when this life is over. Without the love of Jesus, you and I are lost and hopeless… which is why God’s love coming to us is such good news. Even while this world was full of sinners, the Son of God died so that we might have hope, not only for this life, but for the next one too.

Friday, March 15, 2024

Friday, March 15, 2024
Acts 10:34-35
So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus made a point to minister to all kinds of people. Jews and Gentiles. Church leaders and Samaritans. Royals and the unclean. It showed that He is available to all. God doesn’t see borders and boundaries. He sees hearts and souls. Make it your mission to minister like Jesus—to whoever He puts in your path!

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Thursday, March 14, 2024
Colossians 3:11
Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

You may feel like you’re falling short, and that you’re not enough. And you’re right. But Christ is enough. He covers the gap between you and God—making a way despite your shortcomings. He is sufficient for all things. And his grace is enough to create unity among everyone who believes in Him.