Friday, April 28, 2023

Friday, April 28, 2023
Romans 8:38-39
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

You can’t top the love of the Almighty God. He created love, and He is love. To say that anything in creation could separate you from His love would be to say that the creation is more powerful than the Creator. That’s not going to happen. Any life you’ve lived, any sin you’ve committed, any place on earth you find yourself, God still loves you. His will is that everyone should come to know Him and experience the joy and peace that comes from a relationship with the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Throw aside your doubt, repent of your sin, and run into His arms. You’re His child, and He’s your Father; nothing will ever change that.

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Thursday, April 27, 2023
1 Corinthians 1:25
For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

The world will call God’s wisdom foolish. Why obey a list of commandments that deprives you of so much worldly pleasure? Why put your life in the hands of a Savior who you’ve never even seen face to face? And yet, the “foolishness” of your faith is the Lord’s profound wisdom: guidance on living a good life, and recognition of what Christ did for you. Of course, during your time on earth you’ll be subject to temptations, doubts and fears. But take heart because you won’t be fighting them alone. Even the smallest fraction of God’s strength… the weakness of God, as Paul puts it… is enough to move mountains.

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.