Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Wednesday, April 26, 2023
John 20:29
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The gospel is more accessible now than it has ever been. With just a few taps on a smartphone you can find any page of the Bible and read about believers throughout history that have experienced Christ’s power in their own lives. What a tremendous blessing! And yet, in Jesus’ day and for centuries after, people put their faith and trust in Jesus without even owning a Bible. Most of them never laid eyes on Him, but they felt the weight of their sins and knew that they needed a Savior who could pay the penalty. That kind of faith puts a smile on God’s face, and it should challenge you to think seriously about the depth and quality of your personal relationship to Him.

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

God wants your heart more than He wants good behavior. In Jesus’ day the Pharisees obeyed God’s commandments, fasted and prayed, and offered sacrifices regularly. On the outside they did everything right, but their hearts were rotten, and instead of embracing the Messiah they crucified Him. The Lord wasn’t impressed by their faith, but He was amazed at the faith of a Roman centurion who felt unworthy of having the Christ under his roof but pleaded for a healing miracle anyway. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him. Believe that He exists, that He’s paid the ultimate price, and that He rewards those who pursue the truth.

Monday, April 24, 2023

Monday, April 24, 2023
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

I’ve heard it said that faith isn’t the absence of doubt, but the act of clinging on despite the doubts. If faith was the assurance of things that we could see, it wouldn’t be faith. That would simply be sight. Faith is the conviction of things that aren’t always obvious to us, like God’s love, His plan, and His providence. Pain and uncertainty are potent realities that are hard to ignore, but by clinging to the Word of God and the person of Jesus, faith can exist despite everything.

Friday, April 21, 2023

Friday, April 21, 2023
Galatians 5:25
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

The Fruit of the Spirit are attributes that become second nature when the Holy Spirit is present in your life. Love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness and more all flow from the life of someone whose heart is set on Christ. It’s the direct opposite of sin nature, or as the Bible calls it “the flesh,” which manifests as selfishness, jealousy, and hate. Paul encourages believers in his letters to not only live by the Spirit, but to directly avoid sin nature and temptation. To not only produce good fruit, but to cut off bad branches before they produce bad fruit. The person you are and the choices you make are important; treat them carefully and live every day with the humility and gentleness that Christ himself displayed.

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Thursday, April 20, 2023
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Someone claiming to be a follower of Christ who doesn’t control their tongue damages not only others, but themselves and their reputation. What are people supposed to make of your beliefs if the things that come out of your mouth are so different? How could someone speak with such hate toward one person, and with such love to another? The Word says that the tongue is dangerous; like a tiny match, it can easily set a whole forest ablaze. Taming your words is hard work, but the perfect example of gentleness is one prayer away. Ask Christ to give you the same grace for others that He gives to you daily, and He will show you how to love them as He does.

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Jesus seemed to have a calming presence, even when He said things that shook people’s worldview and left them wondering. He spoke with authority, but He wasn’t harsh. He spoke the truth, but He didn’t condemn others. He was gentle with His children, and He commanded His children to be gentle to each other. He isn’t a cruel Savior, and the gift of salvation isn’t one you have to struggle for. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Christ is right there with you on the battlefield, but He’s also with you in the quiet moments as a gentle hand on your shoulder, and a tender voice to calm the storm.