Month: November 2023

Nov

2023

His Strength, Our Weakness

Zechariah 4:6 – So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.

Leaning on Our Might

When facing opposition, our tendency is to trust in human strength, talents, or vigor to achieve God’s work.

But this verse reminds us that lasting fruit comes through a different source.

Empty Without His Spirit

Apart from the energizing power of the Holy Spirit, our efforts are futile.

We may coerce temporary change in others but cannot impart lasting heart transformation.

Power in Weakness

This is freeing! Our humble weakness creates space for the Spirit’s surpassing power.

As we rely fully on Him, results exceed human capacity. We simply yield.

An Unstoppable Force

The Spirit is an unstoppable force that cannot be thwarted.

When He moves in response to dependent prayer, not even stone walls can withstand His might.

Lord, Fill Me Afresh with Your Spirit

Lord, forgive me for operating out of human strength instead of relying on the Spirit’s power. I choose to embrace weakness that Your strength may be displayed. Fill me daily with Your energizing, transformative Spirit.

If you enjoy these daily devotionals, you may be interested in our short One Minute With God daily audio and visual thought provoking Scripture snippets to get your day started.

Check them out at @faithupsidedown on YouTube.

Nov

2023

Killing Sin Before It Kills You

Romans 8:13 – For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

Flesh vs. The Spirit

Each day we choose whether to operate by the flesh or the Spirit.

The flesh represents our sinful desires and tendencies, while the Spirit reflects God’s will and character.

Two Possible Outcomes

If we habitually gratify the cravings of the flesh, we’ll experience spiritual decay and death.

But if through the Spirit’s power we put sin to death, we’ll enjoy spiritual life and peace.

The Battle Within

Though Christ has broken sin’s power, the flesh wages war in believers.

We must actively crucify fleshly deeds lest sin destroy us. Our part is vital.

Empowered from Within

This battling is not meant to be done alone in the flesh.

As we yield to the indwelling Spirit, He gives strength to overcome temptation and walk uprightly.

Lord, Fill Me Afresh with Your Spirit

Lord, I confess that sin still crouches at my door seeking to devour me. Flood every corner of my heart afresh with Your Spirit so that I can gain victory over the flesh. Make me sensitive to sin’s first stirrings so I can reject it before it takes root. Daily crucify my sinful nature, that I might fully live by Your Spirit.

If you enjoy these daily devotionals, you may be interested in our short One Minute With God daily audio and visual thought provoking Scripture snippets to get your day started.

Check them out at @faithupsidedown on YouTube.

Nov

2023

The Day of God’s Wrath

Revelation 6:12 – I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red.

Foreboding Signs

John’s vision reveals cataclysmic events ushering in the great day of God’s wrath.

The shaking earth, darkening sun, and blood moon signal the end is near and judgment is coming.

Arrival of Wrath

God’s restraint will not last forever. The day will come when His righteous anger toward unrepentant sin will be unleashed.

Only those secured in Christ will stand.

Heed the Warnings

Though these prophecies await future fulfillment, we must not ignore their message.

Now is the day of salvation! Let the foreboding signs stir urgency to pursue Christ.

Standing Secure

Believers need not fear the coming day of wrath. God’s justice was satisfied by Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf.

As the earth shakes, we can cling to the Rock who bore God’s wrath in our place.

Lord, Anchor Me in Your Grace

Lord, the warnings of coming judgment remind me time is short. Secure me safely in Your grace so I will stand unafraid when Your righteous wrath is poured out. May many find refuge in the Savior before it’s too late.

If you enjoy these daily devotionals, you may be interested in our short One Minute With God daily audio and visual thought provoking Scripture snippets to get your day started.

Check them out at @faithupsidedown on YouTube.

Nov

2023

Christ Has Conquered

Revelation 1:18 – I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

He Lives!

After his brutal execution, Jesus emerged from the grave alive forevermore!

By conquering death, Christ rendered powerless the ultimate weapon of our enemy. What hope this brings!

Keys to Life and Death

Jesus alone holds the keys unlocking the doorways of death and Hades.

His resurrection establishes supremacy over sin’s deadly consequences. With Christ, life prevails.

The Sting Removed

Knowing Jesus has the keys, believers need not fear death’s threat.

For us, the grave becomes a doorway into eternal life and reward. The sting of death is removed!

Living Hope

Because Jesus lives and reigns eternally, we can have rock-solid confidence that His purposes will be accomplished and His promises will stand.

Our hope rests on the Living One!

Lord Jesus, You Are Alive!

Lord Jesus, as I face loss, grief and despair, remind me that You hold the keys of death and Hades! Though I cannot see past today, You inhabit eternity. I confess You as Lord of the living and the dead. Death will not have the final word, only life through You.

If you enjoy these daily devotionals, you may be interested in our short One Minute With God daily audio and visual thought provoking Scripture snippets to get your day started.

Check them out at @faithupsidedown on YouTube.

Nov

2023

Pathway to Wisdom

Psalm 111:10 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

Where Wisdom Starts

In a world offering shallow, fleeting wisdom, Psalm 111 compels us back to the true starting point – reverence for the Lord.

As we humbly honor God, wisdom blossoms.

Cultivating Awe

Developing a holy awe of the Lord realigns our perspective.

As we grasp His power, otherness, and glory, we find our proper place as dependent creations.

Obedience Opens Eyes

The pathway of wisdom is obeying God’s instructions. As we walk in holiness and truth, we gain insight.

Spiritual understanding arrives through active obedience.

Fear to Wisdom to Praise

This lifelong cycle propels us forward.

Awe of God inspires obedience, obedience yields wisdom, and wisdom overflows in heartfelt praise of our wise, loving Father.

Lord, Teach Me Your Ways

Lord, instill in me a holy awe that drives me to walk closely in Your ways. As I follow Your precepts, flood my heart with wisdom and understanding. May praise, not doubt or fear, be my response as I grow in knowledge of You.

If you enjoy these daily devotionals, you may be interested in our short One Minute With God daily audio and visual thought provoking Scripture snippets to get your day started.

Check them out at @faithupsidedown on YouTube.

Nov

2023

Created for Glory

Psalm 8:3-4 – When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?

Gazing at His Handiwork

When we gaze up at the vast night sky shimmering with stars, we gain perspective on our smallness compared to the mind-boggling expanse of God’s creation. We are tiny specks.

Yet We Are Seen and Known

Despite human insignificance, this psalm marvels that God is intimately mindful of us.

He cares tenderly for each individual as His beloved child. We matter to Him.

Crowned with Glory and Honor

Though small, humans hold immense value as the pinnacle of God’s earthly creation.

We alone bear His image and steward the world on His behalf. What an honor!

Walk in God-Given Dignity

Embrace your identity as God’s treasured image-bearer. Through Christ, you gain an exalted position over creation. May your life display the dignity of one crowned with glory.

Lord, Instill Heavenly Perspective

Lord, when I start to measure my worth by worldly standards, lift my eyes to behold Your majestic heavens that put my life in proper perspective. Remind me I am seen, known and loved by You. I am small yet valued, weak yet crowned with glory by Your grace.

If you enjoy these daily devotionals, you may be interested in our short One Minute With God daily audio and visual thought provoking Scripture snippets to get your day started.

Check them out at @faithupsidedown on YouTube.

Nov

2023

Every Idle Word

Matthew 12:36 – But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.

Power of Words

Our words hold tremendous power, for good or evil.

Though we may dismiss gossip, lies, or hurtful speech as harmless, Jesus warns that each idle word has eternal implications.

A Mirror to the Heart

Christ sees our words as an overflow of the heart.

Toxic speech reveals inner decay that needs cleansed. Our tongue will testify either for or against us.

Choose Words Carefully

Since every careless word will be replayed on judgment day, we must allow God to guard our lips.

May love, grace and wisdom guide our speech – online and off.

The Fruit of Redemption

Believers transformed by the Spirit speak words of life, not death.

May your conversation reflect the gracious redemption we’ve received in Christ.

Ask God to Seal Your Lips

Lord, I confess that my words often do damage instead of good. Please purify my speech and restrain my tongue from gossip, lies, or tearing others down. Seal my lips unless what I say imparts grace, wisdom and kindness. Cleanse my heart so that my words will testify to Your redeeming work in my life.

If you enjoy these daily devotionals, you may be interested in our short One Minute With God daily audio and visual thought provoking Scripture snippets to get your day started.

Check them out at @faithupsidedown on YouTube.

Nov

2023

Persecution and Reward

Matthew 5:11 – “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”

Pain of Rejection

Being insulted or slandered is deeply painful, especially when it’s unfounded.

We want to defend ourselves and set the record straight when attacked.

Standing for Christ

But Jesus says we’re blessed when persecution comes from aligning with Him.

The world rejected Christ, so why would we expect better treatment as His followers?

Eyes on Eternity

Current mistreatment pales compared to eternal reward.

By keeping heaven in view, we can endure opposition with grace, leaving vindication to God.

Overcoming Evil with Good

Let’s follow Jesus’ example by refusing to retaliate against persecutors.

Our calling is to love the unlovely and overcome evil with good, leaving judgment to God.

If you enjoy these daily devotionals, you may be interested in our short One Minute With God daily audio and visual thought provoking Scripture snippets to get your day started.

Check them out at @faithupsidedown on YouTube.

Nov

2023

Where’s the Gratitude?

Luke 17:18 – “Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”

Ingratitude Surrounds

Jesus healed ten lepers, an incredible act of compassion.

Shockingly, only one returned to thank Him – a despised Samaritan outsider. The remainder took Christ’s grace for granted.

Focused on Fleeting Gifts

In their excitement over physical healing, the nine overlooked the Giver.

They sought Jesus’ gifts more than His presence. We easily mirror such self-focus.

Give Thanks in All Things

Followers of Christ must cultivate gratitude, not just for big blessings but for His faithfulness in each moment.

Thankfulness acknowledges God’s ever-present grace.

Guard Against Entitlement

Seeking God’s gifts without praising Him breeds spiritual entitlement.

Thanksgiving keeps our hearts aligned with His undeserved generosity. Offer extravagant thanks!

If you enjoy these daily devotionals, you may be interested in our short One Minute With God daily audio and visual thought provoking Scripture snippets to get your day started.

Check them out at @faithupsidedown on YouTube.

Nov

2023

Authority Over Evil

Luke 10:17 – The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

Ordinary Yet Empowered

Jesus sent out regular people to preach and heal.

Though ordinary, the 72 were given Christ’s authority to minister in His name and even demons submitted.

United with Christ’s Mission

We share in Christ’s continuing mission when we rely wholly on Him instead of ourselves.

His purpose and power work through yielded believers.

Right Source of Joy

The disciples rejoiced not in their own gifts or results but in Christ’s unmatched authority.

Our joy is finding sufficiency in Jesus alone.

Advancing God’s Kingdom

As we walk closely with Jesus, He equips us to push back darkness.

His kingdom advances powerfully through Spirit-filled servants.

If you like these daily devotionals; perhaps you would be interested in our daily
“One Minute with God”
YouTube videos. Check them out!

Nov

2023

Exposing Our Own Sin

John 8:7 – When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

Confident Condemnation

The Pharisees eagerly condemned the adulterous woman, demanding her execution.

They arrogantly assumed the role of judge, blind to their own guilt.

The Mirror Turns Inward

Jesus’ response exposed their hypocrisy. Were they without sin themselves?

None could claim a spotless record. They recoiled as the mirror turned inward.

Revealing Self-Righteous Hearts

It’s easy to denounce others while excusing our own subtle sins. But Jesus’ words reveal self-focused hearts.

We all fall desperately short of God’s standard.

Examining Ourselves First

As sinners saved by grace, we must remove planks from our eyes before addressing specks in another.

Merciful truth exposes and heals.

Nov

2023

Royal Law of Love

James 2:8 – If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.

The Supreme Law

Of all Christ’s commands, love stands supreme. Loving others fulfills the entirety of God’s law.

This “royal law” encapsulates what God desires from His people.

No Loopholes

It’s easy to find loopholes to justify mistreatment of those outside our circles.

But Christ calls us to indiscriminate love crossing all divides. No exceptions!

Horizontal and Vertical

Loving others demonstrates our love for God. Care for outcasts and strangers shows God’s heart beats within us.

True devotion is expressed through service.

Do Justly, Love Mercy

May our lives be known by fighting injustice and embracing the marginalized.

As we love others tangibly, we fulfill the royal law of the King.

Nov

2023

The Silent Lamb

Isaiah 53:7 – He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

Bearing Injustice

Though completely innocent, Jesus endured horrific oppression and affliction.

He suffered injustice in silence, absorbing punishment not meant for Him.

The Lamb’s Humility

As a sheep surrenders to the shearers, Jesus willingly gave Himself up to be slaughtered for our sins.

His humility silenced all claims to personal rights.

Willing Obedience

No one took Jesus’ life from Him. He chose to lay it down in obedience to the Father so we could be saved.

His death fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy.

Our Sacrificial Lamb

Praise God that Jesus, the Lamb of God, gave Himself silently and willingly so we might live!

His sacrifice achieves what religion never could – full atonement.

Nov

2023

Beautiful Feet

Isaiah 52:7 – How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Bringing Good News

In a world filled with bad news, followers of Jesus have the privilege of bringing joyful good news of peace, salvation, and God’s reign.

What beautiful work!

Running with Urgency

Like urgent couriers, we eagerly carry this hope-filled message across mountains and valleys to those needing to hear of God’s grace.

The time is short so we must move quickly!

Proclaiming Christ

Our central role is to proclaim the salvation offered through Christ’s finished work on the cross.

All who believe receive redemption and new life in Him.

Blessed Feet

Though the task seems daunting, God takes our faltering steps to spread the gospel far and wide.

Our feet are made beautiful by the message they carry.

Nov

2023

Welcoming Angels Unaware

Hebrews 13:2 – Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

Call to Hospitality

In our self-centered culture, we easily overlook strangers and outsiders.

But Scripture calls us to love others by showing generous hospitality, meeting felt needs.

You Never Know

When we take time to welcome strangers, chat with newcomers at church, or have neighbors over for dinner, we may be entertaining angels unawares! We serve Christ by serving others.

Eyes Wide Open

Look for chances to include those on the fringes and extend care to the overlooked.

God will send divine appointments if we’re attentive to the lonely around us.

Blessing in Both Directions

Not only may we bless heavenly beings through down-to-earth hospitality, but they are sent to minister God’s care to us in return.

Hospitality blesses both ways!

Nov

2023

Citizens of Heaven

Hebrews 12:22 – But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly.

Mount Zion Awaits

Earth is not our true home. Through Christ, Christians have come into the eternal heavenly city – the radiant New Jerusalem where God’s presence floods the streets with joy.

The City of God

We belong to the bustling, vibrant heavenly city alive with worship and community.

One day we’ll walk streets of gold, dwelling securely in our Father’s house.

Surrounded by Angels

Imagine being surrounded by countless majestic angels gathered in joyful praise!

We’ll join the nonstop worship celebration that resounds through heaven.

Citizens of Heaven

Though still on earth, we’re citizens of heaven.

Cling tightly to this identity. It infuses everyday life with significance and fills each moment with hope.

Nov

2023

Step Out in Faith

Hebrews 11:8 – By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.

The Calling of Faith

God called Abraham to leave his familiar home and go to an unknown destination.

Despite blurry vision, Abraham obeyed God’s summons and embarked on a journey of faith.

No Road Map Required

The cliche “walk by faith, not sight” defined Abraham’s life.

He followed God without a road map or clear guarantees, just trust in the Commander’s goodness.

Great Gains Require Risk

Stepping out in faith often involves uncertainty and risk. But taking God’s hand into the unknown opens the door to growing intimacy with Him and receiving amazing inheritance.

Where is God Calling You?

Faith may be prompting you to take a new step.

Though the way seems hazy now, listen to God’s voice and take courage. Walk by faith – the view ahead will grow clearer!

Nov

2023

The Grace of Forgiveness

Colossians 3:13 – Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Choosing Patience

Relationships get messy. We will hurt and be hurt. Paul urges us to bear with and accept one another despite inevitable offenses. Patience and mercy must mark our lives.

Taking the Initiative

We shouldn’t wait for an apology when someone wrongs us but rather take the initiative to forgive. Holding a grudge plunges us into bitterness. Freely forgive.

Following Christ’s Example

The ultimate model is Christ who forgave us completely though we were dead in sin. We must extend undeserved forgiveness to others, covering their faults with love.

The Fruit of Forgiveness

As we forgive the way Jesus forgave, relationships are restored and unity strengthened. We become more merciful and Christlike. What wondrous fruit forgiveness yields!

Nov

2023

Spirit-Empowered Courage

Acts 4:31 – After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

United Prayer

The early believers prayed fervently together for boldness amid persecution. Though the odds seemed against them, they leaned on God for courage.

The Spirit Shakes Things Up

As they prayed, the Spirit brought shaking and filling. The house trembled at the Spirit’s power. Every believer was freshly immersed in His presence and purpose.

Fearlessness to Witness

In the Spirit’s grip, shame and anxiety gave way to boldness. These prayerful saints couldn’t stop speaking of Christ! Threats no longer silenced them.

Our Need Today

We need a fresh in-filling of the Spirit to declare the gospel boldly in the face of a hostile culture. May united prayer bring fresh quaking, filling, and fearless witness.

Nov

2023

Healing in His Name

Acts 4:10 – Then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.

Name Above All Names

When Peter healed the lame man, he made it clear the power was not his own. The healing came through calling on the name of Jesus Christ – the crucified and risen Messiah.

Unrivaled Authority

That name sets Jesus apart, conferring unrivaled authority and ability. As Peter invoked His name, irresistible power was released to restore the man’s legs and ankles.

Standing Strong

Jesus’ name had brought wholeness. The crippled beggar was now standing tall, healed inside and out. What a vivid demonstration of Jesus’ supreme authority!

The Name We Call Upon

Today, we continue Christ’s healing ministry in dependence on His powerful name. As we pray in Jesus’ name, His merciful might flows through us. All praise to the matchless name!

Nov

2023

A New Home

2 Peter 3:13 – But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

Things on earth are broken, but we can hold firmly to God’s promise of a coming day, when Jesus will recreate and restore all things. Righteousness will reign fully in the new heaven and earth.

Eager Expectation

With eager anticipation, we can look forward to that magnificent day. In this certain hope, we carry on faithfully, knowing our labor in the Lord is not in vain. Our future is secure.

A Flourishing World

Try to envision the breathtaking beauty of a world with no sin, suffering, or death – only righteousness and shalom.

No longer will evil darken the earth. All will flourish in goodness.

Our True Home

As much as we love this planet, it is not our permanent home. We’re made for the flawless new creation to come where God will dwell intimately with us. What a joy to anticipate our true home!

Nov

2023

Listen Up!

2 Peter 1:17 – For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

At Jesus’ baptism, the Father affirmed Him, saying, “This is my beloved Son. With him I am well pleased.” Though Jesus had yet to start His ministry, the Father declared Him deserving of honor and glory.

Majestic Glory Speaks

The voice originated from resplendent glory – the brilliant, holy presence of God. When the Majestic Glory speaks, we should lean in to catch every word. His voice thunders truth.

Assurance and Insight

The disciples who witnessed this event gained deep assurance of Jesus’ identity and close relationship with the Father. God’s words provided clarity and insight about His Son’s significance.

Hear This!

If we have ears to hear, God still speaks today through His Spirit and Scripture – affirming Jesus, providing guidance, and declaring His truth. Let’s listen closely to the Majestic Glory!

Nov

2023

Pursuing Holiness

2 Corinthians 7:1 – Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

God pours out astonishing promises on His beloved children – forgiveness, guidance, eternal life! Since we have these assurances, we’re empowered to pursue holiness.

Removing Contaminants

We must examine our hearts and lives, asking God to reveal anything tainting our body or spirit. Sin and impurity grieve the Holy Spirit. As they’re exposed, we must repent.

Training for Godliness

Let’s cultivate holy habits and influences that will train our hearts God-ward – Scripture meditation, prayer, worship, Biblical community, and more. These shape us into Christlikeness.

Reverence for God

Our motivation is profound reverence for the holy God.

We yearn to live in a manner pleasing and honoring to Him who saved us at infinite cost. By His grace, holiness can flourish.

Nov

2023

Treasure in Jars of Clay

2 Corinthians 4:7 – But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

Followers of Jesus contain a treasure inside – the light of the gospel and power of the Holy Spirit. This wealth of purpose, hope and supernatural life far exceeds any earthly riches.

Surpassing Power

The power at work in us is all-surpassing, divine, and unlimited. It accomplishes more than we could imagine. This resurrection power raised Jesus from the dead!

Jars of Clay

But this treasure resides in simple clay jars – fragile human vessels. We are weak, flawed, and breakable. Yet God chooses to entrust us with His priceless truth and power.

To God Be the Glory

The treasure in jars of clay reveals God’s power comes from Him alone, not us. In humility, we rely on His strength working through our weakness, that He alone may be glorified.

Nov

2023

Kingdom Ambassadors

2 Corinthians 5:20 – We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

As followers of Jesus, we have the incredible privilege of representing Him as ambassadors of His Kingdom. We bring the message of reconciliation with God to a broken world.

Bearing His Heart

An ambassador speaks on behalf of their leader. We have the honor of articulating Christ’s compassion and desires, making His loving appeal through our words and deeds.

Living the Message

For our message to have impact, our lives must reflect the grace, truth, and peace of the Kingdom. We represent Jesus’ best when unity and love mark our relationships.

Urgency and Hope

Knowing time is short, let’s plead passionately for people to be reconciled to God, yet with gentleness and respect. He is ready to forgive all who will come!

Nov

2023

Cast Your Cares

1 Peter 5:6 – Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. As we surrender control and acknowledge our dependence on Him, He draws near.

Humbling ourselves allows His strength to be perfected in our weakness.

Trust His Timing

Things unfold in God’s impeccable timing, not ours. Waiting can be hard, but He promises to lift us up at precisely the right moment. Meanwhile, we can cast all our cares on Him who cares deeply.

Freedom from Worry

As we humble ourselves before our caring Father, anxiety loses its grip.

We can relax, knowing God holds each situation – and us – securely in His mighty hands. He’s got this!

Lifted Up

In due time, God will lift the humble. He’ll strengthen, encourage and comfort you, providing all you need to rise.

Allow humility to pave the way for His sustaining grace.

Nov

2023

Hope and Holiness

1 Peter 1:21 – Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Christ is the bedrock of our faith. Fixing our gaze on His resurrection power, we find eternal hope.

As we encounter His transforming grace, our character is increasingly glorified and conformed to His holy image.

From Despair to Hope

Before knowing Jesus, we had no lasting hope. But in Him, despair is swallowed up by confident assurance. With our future secured in God’s hands, we walk steadily on, fears calmed.

Reflecting God’s Character

As we behold Jesus’ glory, we are remade from the inside out. Pride, greed and sin give way to humility, generosity, and righteousness. We were saved for a purpose – holiness.

Our Living Hope

No matter the circumstance, we can cling to hope because of Christ’s defeat of death and exaltation.

Our faith rests securely in the God who raises the dead! What wondrous hope is ours!

Nov

2023

Life to the Full

1 John 5:12 – Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Eternal life doesn’t come through religion, good works, or positive thinking. There is one source – Jesus Christ.

He alone offers the gift of abundant life now and forevermore. If we do not have a relationship with Him, we have no life.

More Than Existing

Jesus promises not just bare survival, but satisfying, flourishing life to the full. In Him, we discover meaning, purpose, joy and hope surpassing all that the world can offer. He fills the deepest longings of our souls.

Receiving the Gift

We enter this rich life by humbly receiving Christ’s offer of salvation. Believing in Him, we pass from death to life. God pours out His Spirit, making our hearts come alive. What a glorious gift!

Overflowing Life

When Jesus is at the center, our lives are infused with His vibrant love and power. As we walk closely with Him each day, His life in us flows out in worship, service, and generosity. Abundance overflows.

Nov

2023

Clarity is Coming

1 Corinthians 13:12 – For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Like nearsighted folks squinting to read a blurry eye chart, our current understanding of God, others, and ourselves is obscured and incomplete.

We grasp only fragments of truth as if peering dimly through a fogged-up window. Our vision is obstructed.

The Great Reveal

But take heart! The day is coming when the haze will lift and everything will be crystal clear. We’ll know God deeply, see ourselves honestly, and comprehend life’s mysteries. Puzzling pieces will perfectly fit together. Questions will be answered.

Preparing Our Eyes

Though our view is unclear now, we can still pursue truth and wisdom through prayerful study and reflection.

We believe God will gradually reveal more of Himself in the waiting. Let’s focus our gaze on seeing rightly.

Eyes Fixed Ahead

Cling to the promise that one day the obscuring glass will be removed and we’ll see face-to-face in dazzling high-definition.

Until then, we walk by faith, not yet sight. Our hope remains – perfect vision is coming!

Nov

2023

Love Without Limits

1 John 3:17 – If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?

How we respond when confronted with suffering reveals much about our hearts. Do we turn away untouched or allow God’s love to overflow in practical aid?

This verse is a sobering wake-up call to get real about whether our lives demonstrate Christlike compassion.

Talk is Cheap

While good intentions and emotions have value, godly love goes further to generously meet tangible needs.

As Christ followers, we’re called to more than offer encouraging words, but to give sacrificially of our time, resources and energy. True faith serves with sleeves rolled up.

Overcoming Indifference

It’s tempting to become desensitized to the poverty around us. We must actively resist apathy, believing each person matters profoundly to God.

When we embrace opportunities to care for the hurting, we reflect His limitless love that leaves no one behind.

Love On The Move

May our hands and feet follow where Jesus leads – binding wounds, feeding the hungry, welcoming outcasts.

As we grow in generosity and mercy, the world will better glimpse the Savior’s heart of compassion. Our lives must back up the message that God loves without limits.