Monday
God Is Just, God Is Sovereign, and God Is Love
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress (Psalms 46:1-11 NLT).
God is our fortress, strength, and refuge. Be aware, though, that He will rage against nations and people which turn away from Him. God's love, mercy, and grace is abundant, but He is just.
There is nothing that can be hidden from Him. Everything is His throughout creation. We must trust and turn to Him. He is our refuge. Stop running from Him and defying His commands. Those who turn to Him, will find shelter. Those who turn from Him will find His wrath and justice.
We each have a choice: the river of joy or the fires of the field.
Dear Lord, thank you for providing a way for us to come to You by your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Tuesday
The Tempter
For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world (1 John 2:16 NLT).
I believe God wants us to enjoy our life as we walk in this world. He smiles when we are having fun. However, we must remember how this world tells us that it's okay to do this or that if it makes us feel good. We must watch out for this form of the Devil’s temptations. When we give in to the desires of this old broken world, it isn't good for us and it isn't godly. Our Creator does not smile when we indulge in illicit acts just for pleasure or pride.
Know your enemies, physical and spiritual. Know what draws you away from God’s desire for you.
Father, thank You for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. By this very act, those who confess their sin and come to Jesus, are given the amazing promise of heaven. Lead us in Your righteousness for Your name’s sake. Amen.
Wednesday
His Word Is Alive
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires (Hebrews 4:12 NLT).
God's Word not only inspires but corrects our path and direction. His Word cuts through the smokescreen that we put up so others, and even ourselves, can't see our evil deeds. His Word brings to light the things in our lives that separate us from Him.
Trust fully in God. His Word is perfect. Thank you Lord for your living Word.
Dear Lord, open ears to hear, eyes to see, and a heart to accept Your amazing truth. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Thursday
The Peace of Christ
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world (John 16:33 NLT).
Real peace and comfort is in Jesus. He is the answer to all of our needs. He is our rock and our comforter. We should stop looking to the things of this world for what only He can provide.
Dear Lord, help those who are struggling with life look to You for all their needs. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
Friday
Living in Harmony
How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the LORD has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting (Psalms 133:1-3 NLT).
In these times of discontent, it's important to remember that God desires us to live in harmony with each other. We are His children and must remember that makes us all brothers and sisters.
Living in harmony doesn't mean we have to approve of each other's actions (sin) but it does require us to love and pray for each other.
We also must remember that disagreement is not hate. We can disagree and keep it civil. I know sometimes that's a tall order but we must work through those situations.
Sometimes we might even have to avoid those who we can't remain civil with, but we must love them and pray for them. It's not easy at times but we are instructed by our Savior that this is His command. Love one another.
Dear Lord, help us remember to love the sinner but hate the sin that destroys lives. Let us remember that each of us are sinners. We are all broken. We all sin, just in different ways. Help us not to point fingers, but to show Your love. At the same time, help us to stand firm on Your truth and Word. Thank you Lord, for Your perfect words of instruction. I pray this in Your mighty name. Amen.
Saturday
A Mist
Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:14-15 ESV).
My friends, life is short. Our time to walk this earth is growing shorter each day. We should live the life, God has blessed us with to its fullest. We should praise God for each day we have. We should share Jesus with all the people we meet, not necessarily preaching, but by being His Light. We should be kind to all people, but speak truth when needed.
Every day is a gift from God. Live it fully! Live like this is the last day you will ever have on this earth. I have friends who are battling cancer. I also have many friends who are dealing with horrible worldly problems. It seems that we are all in a battle. Just look around. People are hurting. But it's how we let God work in our hurts and our brokenness that determines if we can handle our daily struggles.
A friend shared at biker church one morning that she had never seen so many long faces in the congregation. She then added that we needed to wipe that frown off our faces because we are children of the most high God. We need to get our smile on!
If we are to live life to its fullest, we must live in a way that glorifies our heavenly Father. We should glorify His Name in all we do. Praise God!
It's all about You, Jesus. Amen.
Sunday
Walk or Talk?
For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power (1 Corinthians 4:20 NLT).
I think this is a valid question for each of us every day. We have a tendency to get off track. We are moved and swayed by our surroundings and the people with which we associate. If you are a proclaimed follower of Jesus, are you walking the walk? Are you leading a life that would honor Him? Are you reaping the benefits of being a man or woman that is “in Christ”? Are you living in the freedom that Jesus provides? Are you being a good example to others?
The old saying holds true: “Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some person ever reads.” - William J. Toms
Are you representing Christ in all you do? We all make mistakes, but are you reliving the same mistake(s) over and over and over? Be honest and then come to Jesus in repentance and start today anew.
Thank You God for giving us the ability to come back into Your fold through our confession and repentance. Lead us today, Lord, in Your mighty name I pray. Amen.
