Thursday, March 16, 2023

Thursday, March 16, 2023
James 5:7
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.

Isn’t the Lord’s timing perfect? Perhaps there’s been something in your life that you’ve earnestly prayed about, and seen God answer at just the right moment. Or, maybe you’re still waiting for Him to answer. Either way, whether it feels like God is listening or not, He hears every prayer, and knows every thought of your heart. Be patient, James tells us, and wait for the Lord’s timing. You can’t know when He’ll move, and none of us know the day or hour that Christ will return, but one thing we can be sure of is that God is never too late.

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Rest is so important that God commanded His people not to labor or do anything on the Sabbath. You’re a finite creature, and you can’t go on forever without letting both your body and your mind take a break. But as wearying as your responsibilities may be, the one thing we’re never to become weary of is doing good. During your time on earth, God will present you with all sorts of opportunities to love people, share the gospel, and provide for the needy. There’s nothing wrong with being tired, but don’t let it stop you from giving your best. Endure, and see how God uses your faith to do something amazing.

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Tuesday, March 14, 2023
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Life’s tough, and Jesus knows that just as well as anyone. He experienced every hardship, temptation, and pain that’s common to mankind, all while holding back His power to stop it. He knows how hard it can be to endure, and He has promised that those who hold strong will be rewarded. The temptation to sin will push you and pull you every moment you’re awake, and the world will always try to stomp on what you believe. It didn’t like Christ, and it won’t like you… but like Christ, if you follow the will of God and endure until the end, unceasing joy awaits.

Monday, March 13, 2023

Monday, March 13, 2023
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

One minute doesn’t seem like a long time, until you’re enduring something strenuous or boring. A minute of sleep goes by a lot faster than a minute of running! But running is exactly the metaphor that Paul used to describe how we as believers should live our lives. God put you here for a reason; He wants to use your life to accomplish amazing things, but for that to happen, you need to be willing to run the race. To put aside sin, flee from temptations, and pursue whatever it is that the Lord has given you to pursue.

Friday, March 10, 2023

Friday, March 10, 2023
Psalm 1:1-2
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Part of faithfulness as a Fruit of the Spirit is sticking to what’s right and true. Throughout your life, the enemy will try to bend you and break you. You’ll be tempted to chase sinful things, and to doubt the goodness and sovereignty of God. But having faith doesn’t mean you never have temptations or doubts; faithfulness is being able to face the devil’s lies and stand your ground. Faithful is the person whose heart is for the Lord, who mediates on His goodness day and night. Build your character upon the rock that is Jesus, and He will keep you strong.

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Thursday, March 9, 2023
John 14:23
Jesus answered him, ‘If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.’

Whoever accepts Christ has invited God into their lives, not just as a spectator, but as a Father. But even so, He is often only as relevant in your life as you allow Him to be. If you shut the door on your Father, He doesn’t stop being there, nor does He stop being God, but it does limit your ability to see Him. Part of being faithful is keeping Him at the center of your life and trusting Him with everything. The Lord isn’t a backseat driver: He wants to take the wheel. But more than that, He wants you to have faith enough in your Father to get out of the driver’s seat and let Him be the God of your life.