Friday, October 14, 2022

Friday, October 14, 2022
Romans 15:5
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus.

Much like a father here on earth would, God is pleased when His children get along and live in harmony with each other. The early church was one of the greatest examples of a strong community of believers. They loved the Lord, and reflected His love on everyone around them. By praying for each other, confiding in each other, and bearing each other’s burdens, they were not only showing genuine care and support, but they were also sharpening one another. The Lord wants us to stay sharp, pursue good, and to be there for each other; the body of Christ can do the most when its people keep each other strong.

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Thursday, October 13, 2022
James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

“The truth will set you free” is a lesson taught in the Bible many times. You and I sin every day, but keeping those mistakes bottled up inside isn’t going to help you, especially if you have an ongoing struggle with sin. James encouraged the early church to confess their mistakes to each other, and ask for prayer; prayer is powerful, and we know that where two or more are gathered in God’s name, He is there with them. To “sharpen” yourself, as iron sharpens iron, it’s good to be honest with people that you can trust. However, in the same way, remember to be open and willing to hear people’s honesty, and to forgive them and pray with them when they need it.

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Hebrews 3:13
But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Knowing that you are a new creation might put a certain strut in your step, but God remembers that you are made of dust… and so should you! Anyone, no matter how faithful they are to Jesus, is capable of failure. Remind yourself every day that you are not immune to the sin, the temptations, and the lies that the devil wants you to fall for. You need people in your life that will not only encourage you, but also hold you accountable, and make sure you’re living your best life for Christ. Likewise, there will be times when you’ll need to be that brother or sister for someone else. Be there for others, and let them be there for you, as long as it’s called “today.”

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Galatians 6:2
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

We’ve all needed help at one point or another. Being overwhelmed isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s proof that there are some things in life that are too big for you to conquer by yourself. The Lord will be with you when you’re struggling, but chances are He has also placed specific people in your life to help bear your burdens. Some of them you may know well, and some of them you haven’t even met yet. God loves it when we support each other, and sometimes the simple act of being there for someone can mean everything.

Monday, October 10, 2022

Monday, October 10, 2022
Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

It says something that in a perfect world, it was not good for man to be alone. God saw that, even in the best of circumstances, Adam needed a companion, so He took a rib from Adam and made Eve. God puts people in your life to help you, and in the same way He has put you in other people’s lives to help them. Like iron sharpening iron, one person sharpens another and makes them better than they were before. As you try every day to be more like Christ, allow yourself to be sharpened by the influence of others, while also taking the opportunities God gives you to sharpen others.

Friday, October 7, 2022

Friday, October 7, 2022
Proverbs 10:28
The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.

You can find joy in the arms of the Lord and not dwell on the stresses of life, but you shouldn’t ignore the importance of your decisions in that life. God made you who you are, where you are, when you are for a reason. It’s not His will for you to cast off all responsibility and live a life that’s less than righteous, ignoring His commandments and doing what you please. In order for Christ’s supernatural joy to live in you, you must be committed to Him, and not to yourself. Live righteously, avoiding sin and fleeing from temptations, and you can have joy knowing that your life is one that is pleasing to God.