Friday, July 28, 2023

Friday, July 28, 2023
Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

God is so much bigger than you can possibly picture, and He loves you more than you could ever give Him credit for. He left His own kingdom and came down to the muddy, broken world to live and die as a man, all for you, and everyone who puts their faith in Him. There’s no length He won’t go, and hasn’t gone, for the sake of those He loves, and who love Him. He is all-wise, all-powerful, all-generous and all-caring, and His word tells us that we have not because we ask not. When you pray, pray like you believe He will answer, because He can and He will, all in His perfect timing.

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Thursday, July 27, 2023
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Jesus spent a large part of His ministry preaching peace to the anxious. His words in scripture remind us that life is about more than food, money, or clothing, and that the Lord will care for His kids. You’ll be on this planet, in this country, and in this phase of life for as long as He wants you to be there. Be responsible with the jobs, relationships, and possessions that He has already given you, but remember that at the end of the day, your life isn’t your own. Don’t be anxious about your circumstances; instead, give thanks for what you already have, and let your requests be known to God. Not a single sparrow falls from the tree without the Lord’s notice, and you are worth much, much more than a sparrow.

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.