Month: December 2023

Dec

2023

Old Yeast

“Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7)

Examining Our Hearts

During the Passover feast, God commanded His people to remove all leaven from their homes.

Yeast causes bread to rise, picturing how sin swells up and permeates our lives.

This yearly ritual reminded Israelites to examine their hearts and take sin seriously.

As believers in Jesus, we also must regularly inspect our lives and root out “old leaven” – attitudes and behaviors that displease God.

Christ’s sacrifice frees us from sin’s power, making us new creations. However, we still struggle with remnants of our old nature that lead us astray if left unchecked.

Pride, greed, lust, bitterness, and selfishness can puff us up like yeast if not confronted and confessed.

Getting rid of sinful leaven requires brutal honesty. We must ask God to reveal blind spots and things sabotaging our spiritual growth.

While painful, facing the truth positions our hearts to be purified and transformed by the Holy Spirit’s cleansing fire.

Removing sin restores the sweet fellowship with Jesus that yeast corrodes.

Crumbs of Compromise

It only takes a small amount of yeast to leaven an entire lump of dough. Similarly, “little” sins or compromises spread and damage our whole lives if tolerated.

Believers often excuse gossip, white lies, inappropriate media, anger, or addictions as harmless. But these behaviors grieving the Spirit, have profound consequences if left unchecked.

Rationalizing and downplaying sins gives the enemy footholds. As issues accumulate over time, we become desensitized until flagrant wickedness seems normal.

Yeast is insidious and penetrating. The only solution is to sincerely confess specific sins and turn away from them.

We must remove even small bits of leaven to remain unleavened bread.

Living holy requires vigilance. Regularly evaluating our lives identifies areas needing God’s cleansing fire.

Even after cleansing, we must guard our hearts since sin crouches at the door.

Staying unleavened means promptly repenting when we stumble. God uses our trials to reveal and refine away sinful impurities.

Becoming New

Christ sacrificed Himself as the ultimate Passover Lamb to free us from sin and death.

Now saved by grace, we have a new unleavened identity in Him. Our old selves died on the cross so that we might live free in the Spirit.

However, living into our new natures requires intentionally removing the old leaven of wickedness.

As we increasingly yield control to the Spirit, He empowers us to reject temptations and walk in holiness.

Staying unleavened is only possible through relying on Christ’s strength. Our part is submitting our wills completely to Him.

God is pleased when we actively participate in the process of sanctification. Regular self-examination and repentance keep our lives pure and unleavened for Jesus’ glory.

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Dec

2023

Becoming Spiritual Adults

“Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly–mere infants in Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:1

Leaving Behind Childish Ways

When we first come to faith in Christ, we are like newborn babies – dependent, helpless, and lacking understanding.

Just as a baby needs milk and care from its mother, a new believer needs basic spiritual nourishment and discipleship to grow.

However, we are not meant to remain in this infant state forever. The goal is to mature into spiritual adults who live by the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

Unfortunately, some believers get stuck in perpetual infancy. They never move beyond elementary teachings about God and live according to their fleshly impulses rather than the leading of the Spirit.

The Corinthian church struggled with this issue. Paul rebuked them for being worldly and acting like infants in Christ.

They were still feeding on milk when they should have been digesting solid food and living by the Spirit’s power.

To become spiritual adults, we must make a conscious effort to grow up in our faith. This requires dedicating ourselves to prayer, Bible study, fellowship, serving, and living out what we learn.

As we yield to the Spirit daily, He will transform us to be more like Jesus. Our actions and attitudes will become more Christlike.

We will gain spiritual wisdom and discernment to navigate life’s challenges. God wants us to keep maturing until we reach full maturity in Him.

Laying the Groundwork

A strong foundation is essential for any building to stand firm and tall. In the same way, our spiritual growth requires a solid basis upon which God can build our faith and Christlike character.

This groundwork includes understanding core doctrines like the Trinity, the deity of Christ, salvation by grace, and the authority of Scripture.

Knowing biblical truths about who God is and how He operates in the world anchors us when trials come.

Understanding theology helps prevent us from being deceived by false teachings and distorted views of God.

It equips us to discern truth from error and to recognize divine principles that transcend culture and circumstances.

The more rooted we are in sound doctrine, the more we are able to apply God’s Word wisely in practical areas of life.

Our beliefs directly impact our behavior. Building on solid theological groundwork enables us to grow upward into maturity.

Pressing Onward and Upward

Reaching higher levels of spiritual growth requires consistency and perseverance.

We must make seeking God a daily priority, not just a Sunday routine.

Intimacy with Christ comes through regularly praying, studying the Bible, and practicing what we learn. As we walk closely with Jesus day by day, His Spirit transforms us increasingly into His likeness.

It’s important to recognize that the path to maturity has ups and downs. We won’t completely arrive until reaching heaven. But through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can keep progressing.

When we stumble and regress to childish ways, God will lovingly discipline us and get us back on track if we let Him. His goal is for us to develop the mind of Christ and walk as Jesus did.

Pressing onward requires godly friends and mentors to encourage us, confess sins, answer questions, and model mature faith.

Their wisdom and accountability push us to go deeper with Christ. We must humble ourselves to learn from those further along.

Spiritual growth is a community project. Together, we help one another become mature disciples led by the Holy Spirit.

Living Out Our Faith

The ultimate proof of spiritual maturity is how we live.

If we claim faith but our behavior remains unchanged, something is off.

As we grow in Christ, our values, priorities, words, and deeds will align more with God’s kingdom and righteousness. The Holy Spirit transforms us from within so that our external lives radiate Jesus.

Mature believers live with integrity. They bridle their tongue, control inappropriate desires, and treat people with Christlike love.

Spiritual adults are quick to forgive, slow to anger, and invested in serving others.

They make decisions prayerfully based on biblical principles. Times of hardship reveal the depth of their spiritual roots and trust in God’s sovereignty.

Our lives should match the gospel we profess. The process of becoming spiritually mature equips us to represent Jesus well to a watching world.

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Dec

2023

Making Peace

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18

Peace is an elusive commodity in our world.

Turn on the news and you’ll be bombarded with stories of strife and discord: wars, protests, political clashes, interpersonal conflicts.

Maintaining peace with others can seem like an impossible aspiration when there are so many forces working against it.

Yet as followers of Christ, we are called to “make every effort” to live at peace (Hebrews 12:14). This directive in Romans 12 makes clear our responsibility.

Peacemaking must begin with us, regardless of others’ attitudes and actions. We are to do all we can to promote peace.

Removing Barriers

Making peace requires examining our own hearts.

Do we harbor bitterness, nurse grudges, gossip, or cast judgment on others?

These destroy relationships and grieve the Holy Spirit. God wants us to take responsibility for removing inner barriers that hinder peace.

As we surrender past hurts to the Lord and walk in forgiveness, it clears away debris that chokes relationships.

Praying blessings over those who have wronged us cultivates empathy and softens hardened hearts.

And asking God to refine our speech and filter our words prevents many conflicts from igniting in the first place.

Depositing Seeds of Peace

Once inner walls come down through dealing with our own hearts, we can turn outward and actively deposit seeds of peace.

This starts with modeling qualities that defuse tension like patience, kindness, and self-control.

Taming our tongue and not returning insult for insult deprives quarrels of oxygen.

Lovingly confronting issues in their early stages, before they intensify, can prevent ruptured relationships.

Seeking to truly understand others’ perspectives rather than forcing our opinions fosters mutual edification.

God’s Peace in Us

Of course, living at peace is not fully up to us. We will encounter people who are difficult, divisive or downright antagonistic.

As much as it depends on us, we should pursue peace while trusting God with results that are out of our control.

And we can take comfort that God’s peace in our hearts is not contingent on perfect relationships.

By drawing near to Jesus, the Prince of Peace, we tap into a wellspring of serenity that transcends circumstances.

His Spirit calms anxious thoughts, soothing relational tensions. Even when surrounded by hostility and chaos, we can know God’s peace guarding our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).

Agents of Reconciliation

God calls peacemakers His children and tasks us with spreading peace in our spheres of influence (Matthew 5:9).

As ambassadors of reconciliation, we bring the ministry entrusted to us – one conversation, act of forgiveness, gesture of goodwill at a time (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

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Dec

2023

Overcoming Evil with Good

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.” Romans 12:17

When someone wrongs us, our instinctive reaction is to strike back – to give them a taste of their own medicine.

If we’re insulted, we insult them back. If we’re mistreated, we seek to even the score. We tell ourselves we’re just standing up for what’s right and not letting them get away with it.

But while retaliation can provide a fleeting sense of satisfaction, it fails to heal the hurt we feel.

Trading evil for evil only breeds more animosity and discord.

Paul exhorts us to break free from reactionary retaliation. As followers of Christ, we’re called to take the high road and not mirror the wrong behavior of others.

Overcoming Evil

How do we overcome evil with good?

First, we refrain from reacting in kind. Rather than being controlled by evil events, we ask God for strength to control our response.

This requires tapping into God’s power to rein in our tongue, temper, and thoughts. We refrain from angry outbursts, bitter speech, or plotting revenge.

Instead, we bless those who hurt us through prayer and acts of kindness.
Luke 6:28

Second, we do what is right and honorable in God’s eyes. This means speaking truth with love, readily forgiving injuries, and trying to be at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).

We extend mercy not to condone wrongdoing but to point others to the transforming grace that’s changed our own hearts.

Breaking the Cycle

Each act of retaliation, no matter how slight, fuels a cycle of ongoing tit-for-tat. But by absorbing the blow without returning it, we interrupt the downward spiral.

Like detonating a bomb in mid-air, responding to evil with good defuses volatile situations.

It often pricks the conscience of our offender, prompting them to self-reflect. And it testifies that the love of Christ can overcome hatred and conflict.

Of course, not repaying evil for evil does not mean staying in abusive situations.

We may need to maintain firm boundaries or utilize the law to protect ourselves and others from harm. But even then, we do so without harboring bitterness.

Power of Good

Battling evil with evil unleashes more forces of destruction into the world. Battling evil with good unleashes the power of God.

When we let go of anger and embrace love, we are never overcome by evil.

God infuses each act of mercy and forgiveness with redemptive potential. By relying on His strength, evil can be overcome each time we choose good.

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Dec

2023

Search Me, O God

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

In Psalm 139, David expresses awe at how intimately God knows us. The Lord scrutinizes our paths, our lying down, and our rising up. His hand is always upon us.

He discerns our thoughts from afar, knowing them fully before a word is on our tongue.

David says there is nowhere he could flee from God’s spirit and presence. Both height and depth are open before the Lord’s eyes.

Such omniscience could be terrifying – after all, nothing is hidden from God’s sight. But David does not find it oppressive.

Rather, he is comforted that God’s comprehensive knowledge of him is coupled with faithful love. The God who sees all is also the God who formed and knit us together in the womb.

Ask God to Search Your Hearts

Since God already sees all, David invites Him to keep searching deeply within.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart.”
Psalm 139:23

He welcomes the Lord’s examination because he knows it will lead to purity and restoration. Though God is fully aware of the contents of our hearts, He desires that we consciously open ourselves up to His refining work.

Asking God to search our hearts requires humility and courage.

Do we really want Him to dig up the sinful thoughts and motives we easily justify or ignore?

Are we ready to have Him chip away at prideful self-reliance and expose our deepest hurts and fears?

But the courageous prayer for God to search our hearts always results in blessings.

Offensive Ways

David specifically asks God to reveal any “offensive way” in him. The Hebrew word translated “offensive” connotes rebellion and wrongdoing.

These are the sins of both commission and omission – the wrong things we do as well as the good we fail to do.

When we harbor lies, nurse grudges, indulge in impurity, or operate out of selfish ambition, it grieves God’s Spirit. Defensive walls start rising up in our hearts, severing intimacy with Him.

But as the Lord graciously exposes the offensive ways in us, He extends mercy.

The wonder of the Cross is that Christ bore God’s wrath for our rebellion so we could be forgiven and cleansed.

When we confess and turn from offensive ways, the barriers separating us from God come tumbling down. Sweet fellowship with Him is restored.

The Way Everlasting

The fruit of God’s searching is “the way everlasting” – the path of righteousness that leads to eternal life.

As God excavates the offensive ways in us, He fills those empty spaces with more of His light and truth.

Sin’s stranglehold is broken; virtue and godliness take root. Our thoughts become more aligned with His thoughts; our desires are refined.

Walking in the way everlasting brings tremendous freedom and joy. The false selves we construct always end up enslaving us. But God wants to excavate our mess and shape our true identity as His beloved children.

Though the refining process can be painful, the destination of deeper intimacy with Christ makes it infinitely worthwhile.

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Dec

2023

Purifying Power of God’s Word

“And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.” Psalm 12:6

God’s Word is described as flawless, containing no defects or imperfections. It has been thoroughly refined and purified, just as precious metals are heated to remove all impurities.

Scripture comes directly from the mouth of God, communicated through divinely inspired human authors.

Though the writers had different styles and personalities, God supernaturally guided the process so that His Word accurately conveyed exactly what He wanted to communicate.

The Bible claims about itself that it is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Holy Spirit moved upon the hearts and minds of the writers, enabling them to write God’s message to humankind.

The result is a collection of 66 books that form one unified, authoritative, and infallible message from our Creator to us.

There are no holes, no contradictions, and nothing false or misleading in Scripture. It is complete and inerrant in all it affirms.

Refining Power of Scripture

Just as fire refines and purifies metal, exposing and burning away impurities, so God’s Word refines and purifies our hearts and minds.

As we read, study, and mediate on the flawless truths of Scripture, it challenges wrong thinking, exposes sinful motives, and transforms us to be more like Christ.

The Bible cuts through rationalizations and denial, probing the deepest recesses of our hearts.

God’s Word has a living, active power that scrutinizes the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12).

Scripture confronts prideful self-reliance, washes away secret sins, and unveils hidden motives and agendas we keep even from ourselves.

Regular meditation on God’s flawless truth, roots out all that is impure and draws us closer to the mind and heart of Christ.

As we drink in its wisdom, Scripture gradually and gently sanctifies us, scrubbing away sins and replacing them with virtues pleasing to God. It peels back layer after layer of self-deception and worldly thinking.

Discerning Truth

We live in an age of confusion with no shortage of competing voices. But God’s Word stands above the noise as the standard of ultimate truth.

Through Scripture, God gives us a flawless filter to run everything through – how we think, how we live, what we believe.

Its unchanging truths enable us to discern truth from error, sifting out falsehoods that masquerade as wisdom.

Moral relativism tells us there is no absolute right or wrong. But the Bible makes clear there are moral absolutes rooted in God’s unchanging holy character.

When we steep our hearts and minds in God’s Word, it equips us to evaluate claims and philosophies against the plumb-line of God’s flawless revelation.

Anchor for the Soul

With its unwavering truths, God’s flawless Word provides a steadying anchor for our souls amid the shifting tides of culture.

Scripture gives us bearings to navigate life’s complexities and trials with wisdom, discernment, and confidence in God’s purpose and sovereignty.

Take comfort that His promises are sure – not one will fail. Just as refined gold emerges radiant and untarnished from the flames, those who build their lives on God’s Word will shine brightly for His glory.

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Dec

2023

The Word Made Flesh

Luke 2:7 – “And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

The eternal Word of God, creator of the cosmos, stepped into His creation on that miracle night.

Fully divine yet fully human, the infant Messiah was born to redeem and reign over God’s people.

This long-awaited birth ushered in hope for the hopeless.

Yet Jesus made His entrance in startling humility, anonymity, and accommodating love.

The King of Kings was born not in a palace but a stable then cradled in an animal’s feeding trough. This humble birth foreshadowed His entire mission.

God with Us

Jesus left His throne to meet us in the mess and meanness of real life.

His willingness to enter this dark world signals that no place or people are beyond the reach of His transforming love.

Emmanuel came to be God with us – meeting us right where we are.

A Mother’s Love

Though Jesus is the mighty Son of God, He entered the world dependent on a mother’s care like any newborn.

With tender love, Mary wrapped the tiny Savior in strips of cloth, holding him close to nourish him.

Jesus relinquished His power to fully experience messy human frailty and vulnerability. He desires intimacy with us even in our weakest places. His heart is bound to us in understanding compassion.

Draw Near

Don’t hide your vulnerabilities from Jesus. He welcomes you just as you are, covering you in mercy.

Draw near to Him, confess your needs and unwrap your heart.

Nestle in His unconditional love and find your strength in surrendering weakness to Him.

An Unexpected Throne

The King of Kings was enthroned on a bed of hay, cradled in a trough where beasts fed. His first visitors were poor shepherds, not royalty.

Once again, Jesus upended human expectations of power and prestige.

He cares nothing for status, riches or achievement. Humility and love are the only credentials that impress Him. The Lord identifies with outcasts and elevates the lowly.

Throned in Your Heart

Is your heart a manger ready to receive the King this Christmas?

Make room to enthrone Him within. Clear out everything that competes for that sacred space.

Adore Jesus in the simple moments. He is knocking; open wide!

No Guest Room

Jesus was reluctantly born in a Bethlehem stable because there was no guest room for Mary and Joseph.

The true Lord of all was shockingly turned away to enter the world in despised poverty.

But this exclusion and inconvenience paved the way for later glory.

Christ’s ultimate sacrifice would tear down barriers to welcome all people into God’s family. No longer alienated, we have a home in Him.

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Dec

2023

Good News of Great Joy

Luke 1:30-31 – “But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.'”

Imagine Mary’s shock when the angel Gabriel suddenly appeared and called her “highly favored” by God!

Just an ordinary young woman engaged to the village carpenter, she could hardly grasp Gabriel’s astounding message.

In an instant, her quiet life was powerfully interrupted by divine plans to birth the Messiah through her willing womb. Though the road ahead would be difficult, a joyful privilege awaited.

God Notices the Humble

God delights in choosing the humble and lowly to accomplish His great plans. Despite her humble state, the Lord selected Mary for the highest honor – to bear the Savior of the world.

Her beautiful surrender reminds us that God notices and exalts the faithful.

An Impossible Promise

Gabriel’s announcement went against all logic and human ability. A virgin conceive and bear the Son of God?

This promised conception could only be explained as a miracle of the Spirit.

Yet Mary responded in faith not doubt, exalting God’s power. She modeled bold trust in His supernatural ability to fulfill His Word, no matter how improbable. Her example challenges our closed minds.

Take God at His Word

When facing impossibilities, take God at His Word. Recall His miraculous works.

Praise Him as mighty to do the unimaginable, just as He promised. Set your gaze on the God of the impossible, not the obstacle.

Believe He will accomplish His purposes.

Name Above All Names

“Jesus” was a common name meaning “Yahweh saves.” As the divine Son in flesh, Jesus embodied the glorious truth that God had come to rescue His people from their sins.

This lowly infant cradled in a manger would fulfill the meaning of His name in cosmic proportions.

His death and resurrection would accomplish the greatest salvation mission history would ever know.

Our Savior

In times of trouble, take comfort in the powerful name of Jesus. He is still the mighty God who saves.

Call upon His name and experience His deliverance. Worship Him for ransoming your life from destruction. Jesus – the name above all names!

Undeserved Grace

Even in her humble state, the Lord called Mary “highly favored.” She did nothing to earn this status apart from saying yes.

Yet by pure grace, God selected her for an honor exceeding all others.

We too are highly favored not through effort but solely by God’s gracious choice to lavish His love upon the undeserving. In awe we receive His blessings and bear the fruit He enables by His Spirit.

Offer Songs of Praise

Like Mary, respond to God’s amazing grace with worship and gratitude. Sing joyful songs that you too are highly favored.

Proclaim His goodness for looking upon you in loving-kindness through no merit of your own. Rejoice in your honored place in His story.

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Dec

2023

The Peril of Pride

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

Allure of Pride

We all want to feel good about ourselves. There’s nothing inherently wrong with healthy self-esteem. But when our sense of self becomes inflated and disconnected from reality, that’s when pride takes root.

The temptation is to see ourselves as better than others, to take credit for our talents and accomplishments without acknowledging God’s role.

Pride whispers that we are supremely competent, extremely knowledgeable, and utterly impressive. It’s seductive but dangerously deceptive.

Pride causes us to focus on promoting ourselves rather than pursuing God’s kingdom. We become consumed with preserving a flawless image rather than developing Christlike character.

Pride prevents us from being teachable because we already think we know it all.

It blinds us to our own flaws and leads us to look down on others. A prideful person is never satisfied, constantly chasing after more admiration, power, and success to feed their inflated ego.

Pitfalls of Pride

Proverbs warns that pride leads to destruction. A haughty spirit precedes a fall. When we think too highly of ourselves, we inevitably stumble. Pride makes us resistant to correction and unable to admit fault.

We refuse to take responsibility for our mistakes which can then spiral into bigger problems.

Pride isolates us from community and authentic relationships, as no one wants to be around someone with an superiority complex.

It also limits our capacity to show grace, empathy and compassion to others.

Pride prevents us from acknowledging our deep need for God. We start to operate independently, trusting in our own wisdom and strength rather than seeking the Lord’s.

We become blind to our weaknesses and inadequacies apart from Christ. Relying on self rather than surrendering to God is a sure path to ruin.

All it takes is one gust of adversity to blow over a house of cards built on the shifting sands of pride.

Cultivating Humility

The antidote to pride is humility. This begins by recognizing that every good thing we possess comes from God. Our talents and abilities are gifts from Him.

Any wisdom or knowledge we’ve gained is by His grace.

When we start each day acknowledging our dependence and need for God, it puts us in the right posture before Him.

Regularly confessing our sins and weaknesses also keeps us humble. Spending time serving others shifts our focus off ourselves.

Practicing gratitude fuels humility as we become aware of just how much God and others contribute to our lives.

As we grow in humility, we become more open to correction, eager to learn, and willing to submit to God’s will over our own.

We develop compassion, patience, and grace for others. And we experience the true freedom of resting in who God made us to be, without pretense or self-reliance.

For “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6). The path of humility leads to wisdom, joy and closeness with God.

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Dec

2023

Power of Gentle Words

Proverbs 15:1 – A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Solomon offers practical wisdom about the power of our words. A gentle response extinguishes fury, while harshness enflames strife.

Our speech holds incredible sway over relationships and situations.

The Default is Defensiveness

When criticized or confronted, our natural impulse is to fire back in defensiveness. We want to justify, refute accusations, and explain our rationale.

But this fans flames rather than calming conflict.

A gentle turn of phrase combined with engaged listening can peacefully disarm and unite. It validates the other, even when we disagree on issues. This opens the door to real communication.

Consider Your Audience

Aim to craft responses that account for your listener’s perspective and emotions.

What phrasing might diffuse tension rather than trigger defensiveness in them?

Speak the truth, but do so graciously.

Taming Our Tongues

This takes Spirit-empowered discipline over our reactions.

May God give us wisdom to pause and prayerfully consider constructive, compassionate responses – for our words carry power to harm or heal.

Lord, Set a Guard Over My Mouth

Lord, keep watch over my lips and tame my tongue. When faced with conflict or criticism, enable me to gently engage. Help me wield the formidable power of my speech to restore relationships through caring, thoughtful responses.

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Dec

2023

Finding Rest for the Weary

Matthew 11:29 – “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

In this tender invitation, Jesus beckons all who are weary and burdened to exchange their heavy load for His light yoke that leads to soul rest. Let’s reflect on how we can accept His offer.

Weighed Down and Worn Out

Life in a fallen world leaves many battered, burned out, and overwhelmed. We run hard striving for success, yet even achievement often rings empty. Despite our best efforts, we lack deep soul rest.

Christ’s words give hope – there is rest for the weary found in relationship with Him!

But it requires exchanging our burden for His yoke. This metaphor offers life-giving insight.

Taking His Yoke Upon Us

In Jesus’ day, a yoke joined two animals to work together. Christ invites us into a shared yoke with Himself where we walk in gentle companionship, learning as we labor.

The old yoke of performance and self-effort only oppresses us.

Jesus’ yoke is tailor-made to match His strength and pace. Joined to Him, His power propels us.

Walk with Jesus

Are you exhausted and powerless? Surrender your burdensome yoke for Jesus’ light one. Let His gracious stride set the pace. Follow His lead into soul rest and purpose.

Jesus, I Need Your Rest

Lord Jesus, I’m tired and burned out from striving. Thank you for offering me Your yoke of companionship, purpose, and gentle rest. Teach me Your heart of humility. I accept Your invitation to walk beside You, learning in step with You.

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Dec

2023

Precious in His Sight

Matthew 10:29 – “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.”

Jesus shares this reassuring truth – if God cares about insignificant sparrows, how much more does He care about us, His children?

Consider the Sparrows

Sparrows were common birds that people regarded as virtually worthless. Yet Jesus says God cares when even one sparrow falls.

If He minds seemingly trivial things in creation, we can trust He attends to our lives.

Our problems and pains are not trivial to God. He cares deeply when one of His beloved children suffers, no matter how small we feel. Our weakness moves His heart.

We Are Far More Valuable

Jesus argues from the lesser to the greater – if God cares for sparrows which offer little value, how much more does He care for humans made in His image?

We possess immeasurable worth to Him.

God sees each tear, hears every cry, and catches all our falls.

No detail of our lives escapes His notice or concerns. He treasures us as His prized possession.

Living in Light of God’s Care

May this truth anchor us when turmoil strikes. God is mindful!

Cast all cares on Him, trusting His watchful eye. There’s no need to unravel when we’re precious in His sight. You are noticed. You are not alone.

Lord, Thank You for Caring

Lord, the immense problems of life often cloud my view of Your intimate care. Thank You that not even a tiny sparrow escapes Your sight. Remind me I’m precious to You. Quiet my heart to receive Your comfort anew.

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Dec

2023

Worshiping the One True God

Matthew 4:10 – Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

When Jesus was tempted to worship Satan in exchange for earthly power and glory, He responded by quoting Deuteronomy 6:13. This verse helps anchor our worship as well.

Worship Defined

To worship is to attribute supreme worth, honor, and glory to someone or something.

It signals our deepest allegiance and shapes our priorities. Worship is the human heart’s ultimate posture.

God Alone is Worthy

Because He alone is the infinite, perfect Creator deserving total allegiance, God commands that we worship and serve Him exclusively.

No idol compares to the true God.

Unfortunately, we easily grant “functional worship” status to things like wealth, success, relationships, or popularity by allowing them to rule our hearts and shape our desires.

Our Life’s Throne

Take an honest inventory – what occupies your thoughts and passions?

What do you esteem and rely on above all else?

Ask God to reveal anything commanding your heart’s worship other than Himself.

Re-centering Our Worship

By God’s grace, dethrone false gods and continually re-center your worship on the true God.

He created us for relationship with Himself. As our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, only He is worthy of life’s supreme worship.

Capture My Heart Afresh

Lord, reveal any area where my adoration has shifted from You to lesser things. Forgive me for functionally worshiping the temporal rather than eternal. Recapture my heart and realign my life so You alone are central. You created me to worship You.

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Dec

2023

Guard Your Heart

Luke 21:34 – “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.”

It’s easy to allow unhealthy patterns and distractions to weigh down our hearts, dominating thought life in subtle ways.

Over-indulging pleasures, using substances to unwind, fixating on worldly worries – these things slowly displace kingdom priorities.

Before we realize it, our hearts drift into complacency or chaotic anxiety. Spiritual lethargy sets in. We lose sight of what matters most and stop watchfully anticipating Christ’s return.

Spiritual Inventory

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal anything that may be weighing it down and clouding your spiritual vision.

What precautions can you take against those pitfalls?

Commit to daily decisions that keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

Beware of Temptations

It can be tempting to try escaping life’s burdens through partying, overeating, drinking, shopping, entertainment, or other indulgences.

Attempting to fill inner voids with physical pleasures only weighs down our hearts further.

Lasting relief isn’t found in what this world offers. Turn instead to the Word, prayer, and Christian fellowship for comfort and renewal.

Bring your struggles honestly before God. His presence lifts burdens in ways no vice can.

Walk in the Light

Make it your aim to walk in the Spirit, and not gratify fleshly desires. Glorify God with your body and find your satisfaction in Christ alone.

As you do, excess loses its grip. You gain self-control and single-minded devotion to follow Jesus unhindered.

Burden of Worry

It’s easy to become preoccupied by worries over health, money, relationships, or the future. But obsessive fretting can subtly replace faith and trust in God.

Our hearts grow burdened under weights we were never meant to carry.

Jesus invites us to cast all cares upon Him, for He cares deeply about our concerns.
1 Peter 5:7

As we release anxieties to Christ daily through prayer and application of Scripture, He guards our hearts with His perfect peace. Our focus restores to things above.

Trust His Provision

Committing each worry and need to the Lord lightens the heart’s load. Jesus reminds us that tomorrow’s troubles are not ours to bear today.

He will supply our needs as each day comes. Maintain vigilance against consuming anxiety by affirming His faithful provision.

Living in Readiness

Spiritual complacency makes us unprepared for Christ’s sudden return.

Failure to guard our hearts results in being blindsided when Jesus appears.

But staying alert, sober and prayerful causes that day to hold no fear.

As we continually entrust worries to God, find contentment in Christ, and invest in eternal things, our hearts remain attentive and ready. We can joyfully watch and wait for our redemption that draws near.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Ask the Lord to fill your heart with eager longing for His coming. May the hope of being forever with Christ motivate you to diligent watchfulness and holy living, with your eyes fixed steadfastly on Him. “Come, Lord Jesus!”

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Dec

2023

Divided Loyalty

Luke 16:13 – “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

When two authorities compete for our loyalty, a crisis emerges. We can obey only one primary master. Attempting to divide allegiance between two ultimately pleases neither and leads to inner conflict and compromise.

Jesus confronts us with the impossibility of pursuing God while clinging to money as our functional master.

Decision Time

What competes with God for your heart’s allegiance? You cannot live suspended between two primary masters. To thrive, you must commit fully to the sovereign Lord and align everything else in your life under His loving rule. There is no middle ground.

Our Highest Calling

Serving God means enthroning Him alone as the supreme authority and love that guides our lives. As our Master, His will becomes our highest priority and greatest delight.

His Word shapes our thoughts and values. Pleasing Him is our driving motivation.

This posture produces profound freedom. When God reigns unrivaled in our hearts, we no longer feel pulled in different directions.

Our decisions align with His truth, and we experience purpose, security, and eternal blessing.

Eyes on Jesus

Reflect on areas where your loyalty is divided. Repent and ask God to reign over those parts of your life.

Fix your eyes on Jesus and on him alone.

Find your soul’s resting place in loving and serving your Creator. Here lies joy without regret.

Serving Money

When money and possessions eclipse God in importance, our lives slowly descend into dissatisfaction, anxiety and compromised ethics.

We feel driven to acquire more but are unable to find lasting contentment.

Serving money distorts identity, fuels self-reliance and twists priorities. It demands our time and thought but never satisfies.

We forget our first love and serve mammon by default. This empty pursuit leads only to spiritual poverty.

True Riches

If money has become your master, surrender control back to God.

Repentance restores proper perspective, bringing freedom from materialism’s futile rat race.

In God’s presence is fullness of joy and eternal riches that far outweigh any earthly wealth.

Undivided Heart

Cultivating an undivided heart starts with receiving Christ’s love and forgiveness. From this place of security, we find power to dethrone lesser loves that promise life but bring emptiness.

Serving God alone liberates us to live fully.

When God reigns uncontested in our hearts, work and money find their proper place as resources to generously bless others and further His kingdom.

His lordship brings wholeness and purpose. Our loyalty remains fixed on Him.

Eyes on the Prize

Remember that true wealth and security are found only in our eternal inheritance as God’s children.

Set your mind on His redeeming love. Find your soul’s rest in serving Him alone, and life’s lesser pursuits will fall into proper alignment.

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Dec

2023

Big Faithfulness in Little Things

Luke 16:10 – “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

Much of life is made up of small, ordinary assignments. The vast majority of our time is spent on minor tasks – the laundry, dishes, emails and errands that fill unremarkable days but don’t seem to matter much.

It’s tempting to cut corners on the little things, assuming insignificance equals insignificance.

But this verse reveals that small assignments provide critical tests that train us for greater ones. How we steward the mundane matters profoundly.

Seeds of Greatness

Approach each minor responsibility as an opportunity to demonstrate faithfulness. Bring your best effort, energy and integrity to ordinary tasks.

Permit no compromising shortcuts. Pay attention to details. Be trustworthy in trifles, and God will entrust you with greater treasure.

Small Tests

The Bible teaches that God intentionally allows small difficulties and tests of character to assess if we are ready for larger trials and more responsibility.

Passing minor tests proves our trustworthiness for greater things.

Living with integrity in everyday details – keeping promises, tithing pennies, displaying patience – doesn’t guarantee an easy life. But it does strengthen resolve and godly character required for heavier assignments ahead.

Small Steps

Identify one minor area where you need to build faithfulness.

Maybe it’s keeping your workspace tidy or being on time for appointments.

Set a small goal and stick to it. Let small successes build stability and wisdom for bigger challenges.

Warning Signs

Dishonesty and irresponsibility don’t happen in a vacuum. Patterns of poor character are revealed in small things first.

Ignoring minor infractions and lack of conscientiousness sets us up for major failure down the road.

Don’t disregard seemingly insignificant thoughts, words or actions that violate your conscience.

Nip sin in the bud through quick repentance. Seek God’s help to walk uprightly in the everyday. Minor missteps lead to major downfalls.

Fight Complacency

Ask God to reveal any “little” places in your life where you’ve slipped into compromised thinking or lazy habits.

Commit to immediate course correction, knowing these patterns can quickly grow.

Remain vigilant. The best time to stop moral erosion is before it becomes an avalanche.

Worthy Servants

Faithfulness now in mundane matters and minor moral choices demonstrates your readiness to be entrusted with greater responsibility in God’s kingdom.

He desires to expand your assignments but will not put you in over your head.

As we steward our days and choices well for His glory, God is pleased to give more influence.

Our eternal rewards will correspond to the character and dedication we build in these hidden years of ordinary service.

Wait Patiently

Keep walking uprightly in private when it feels like your work is unseen. Allow the Holy Spirit to develop faithfulness and Christlike virtue within.

Wait patiently for God to promote you in His timing. The path to greater influence passes through small but sacred duties.

Dec

2023

Food that Endures

John 6:27 – “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

It’s easy to devote our limited time and energy pursuing things that do not ultimately satisfy or endure. We strive for wealth, pleasure, success and possessions that will inevitably fade away.

Even necessities like food and clothing can become consuming quests when making a living eclipses higher priorities.

We run ourselves ragged satisfying temporary, temporal cravings while neglecting the eternal.

Set Your Sights Higher

Christ gently redirects our focus in this passage to pursue Him as the only source of lasting fulfillment and security.

He alone offers food that brings complete satisfaction now and endures for eternity. Make seeking Christ your primary aim in this fleeting life.

Bread from Heaven

What is this food that endures to eternal life which Jesus offers?

Earlier in John 6, Jesus declared He is the Bread of Life come down from heaven to give life to the world. Just as bread sustains natural life, Christ sustains those who feed on Him spiritually.

To eat the bread of Christ means trusting wholly in Him for salvation, nourishment and satisfaction of soul.

It means surrendering our futures fully into His hands and relying completely on Him alone.

Feast at the Table

Come regularly and feast at the table Christ has set before you in Scripture. Digest His words and partake of Him through communion, worship and prayer.

Hunger for Jesus more than anything this world offers. Find your heart’s deepest longing fulfilled in Him.

The Father’s Seal

This passage reveals that God the Father has put His full seal of approval on Christ.

As His beloved Son in whom He is well-pleased, Jesus is uniquely authorized to provide the spiritual food that imparts eternal life.

Because Jesus is fully endorsed by the Father, we can place absolute confidence in His words and works. The sinless Savior alone has the power to save and sustain. When we partake of Him by faith, we receive life without end.

Respond with Praise

Thank the Father for sending the living bread from heaven to give you eternal life.

When you are tempted to seek temporary satisfaction in lesser things, remember Christ alone can feed your soul now and forever. Offer Him your highest praise.

Trust His Provision

The things of this world that consume so much of our energy and worry will ultimately fade away. Possessions decay, status fades, careers end. Only what is done for Christ’s kingdom will last forever!

Rather than chasing things that perish, devote your precious time and abilities to pursuing the needs of others and furthering Christ’s work.

Trust Him to provide your daily bread. Focus your energy on treasuring an imperishable inheritance.

Set Minds on Things Above

Fix your thoughts and affections on Christ, not earthly things. He alone can satisfy the hunger of your soul now and for eternity.

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Dec

2023

Voice of God

John 5:25 – “Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.”

Apart from Christ, the Bible describes us as spiritually dead – cut off from the life and light of God.

No matter how energetic, successful or morally upright, we remain dead in our sins, alienated from our Creator.

Left in this condition, we are powerless to save ourselves. Just as the physically dead cannot raise themselves, only God’s intervention can revive our dead souls. We need the voice of the Son of God to pierce our darkness.

Hear and Live!

The glorious news of this verse is that those who hear the voice of Jesus receive resurrection life!

His words alone have the authority and power to penetrate our graves of sin and unbelief and flood our hearts with His indestructible life.

Hearing His Voice

How do spiritually dead people hear the voice of the Son of God?

We hear Him today through His living Word recorded in Scripture and His Spirit who illuminates its truth to our hearts and minds.

Jesus, the Word made flesh, continues to speak through the Bible’s pages.

As we read His words, He reveals truth about Himself, sin, salvation and eternal life. His voice cuts through our darkness to awaken faith and understanding.

Ears to Hear

Incline your ear to hear Christ’s voice today in the Word. Approach humbly, asking His Spirit to heal your deafness and grant repentance, wisdom, and faith.

His resurrecting voice still calls sinners to abundant life!

From Death to Life

Responding in faith to the voice of Jesus brings instantaneous results – we cross from death to life!

His words carry the same authority and power that called Lazarus from the tomb. His voice imparts spiritual life and transformation.

When we hear and believe, we are reborn as children of God. His Spirit comes to indwell us and we begin an eternal relationship with our loving Father. By His voice we become new creations!

His sheep learn to recognize His voice through regular time in the Word, prayer and obedience. He leads us graciously, and we follow.

Gospel Hope

This astonishing promise is too good to keep to ourselves.

If Jesus’ voice has called you from death to life, tell others! Make the most of every opportunity to share this hope.

Your simple testimony of what His Word has spoken into your heart carries power. Christ is still calling the dead to rise through the faith of those who have heard and live.

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Dec

2023

Ripe for Harvest

John 4:35 – “Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”

Jesus uttered these words to his disciples after an encounter with a Samaritan woman.

Having ministered to this outcast soul and witnessed her life transformed, Jesus saw ripe spiritual fields surrounding him. Yet his disciples remained blinded to the hunger of souls.

Like the disciples, we often fail to notice those around us desperate for hope, meaning, and salvation.

We miss opportunities to sow spiritual seeds and reap a harvest for eternity. There are far more ready hearts than we imagine.

Open our Eyes

Ask the Lord to break your heart for the lost and open your eyes to see people as He does.

Plead for His compassion and zeal to reach the wandering and broken.

Where we see apathy or hostility, God sees hearts crying out for Him. Ask Him for faith to act.

Now is the Time – No Delay

Christ’s mandate is urgent – the fields are ripe for harvest now. We are not called to wait for perfect conditions or hold back until fully equipped.

The fields are white and ready today. Eternity hangs in the balance.

God commands us to go into the world and make disciples now. Through His power, our simple acts of loving witness can reap monumental harvest as we sow gospel seeds among hungry hearts.

Obedience brings exponential impact for eternity.

Available Vessels

Are you an available vessel God can use to gather a ripe spiritual harvest?

Yield your time, talents, and treasure to reach those around you. Allow His heart for the lost and His empowering Spirit to flow through you.

He will prepare divine appointments as you make yourself a willing vessel.

Co-Laborers

Jesus reminds us that we are privileged to co-labor with Him in gathering a bountiful harvest.

It requires persistent, patient sowing of truth – in word and deed – with hearts open to divine appointments.

As we walk in obedience, Jesus promises we will reap a harvest beyond our wildest dreams. What joy to partner with Jesus!

Eternal Reward

The harvest is plentiful! Rise to the challenge of Jesus’ words to see others as He does and co-labor urgently with Him. Step out in faith, and share in His incomparable joy of leading many to salvation.

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Dec

2023

Heart Transformation

Jeremiah 31:33 – “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

In Jeremiah’s time, God’s people focused on external rituals, without sincere love for God. Their hearts remained unchanged. As a result, immorality and idolatry corrupted their society.

Outward religion means nothing without inward transformation.

A sinful heart will inevitably lead to sinful actions. No amount of rule-keeping can substitute for a changed heart.

New Covenant Promise

Through Jeremiah, God promised a new covenant to reunite Israel to Himself.

In this covenant, He would not just give external laws but directly imprint His truth on their inmost being. God would change their hearts to know Him intimately.

God’s Laws in Our Minds

To have God’s law written on our minds means His truth and wisdom shape our thoughts and perspectives.

Our minds become saturated with Scripture and centered on God’s kingdom priorities. We learn to discern right from wrong based on His standards.

The Holy Spirit renews our minds as we immerse ourselves in God’s Word.

Our thought patterns, assumptions, and values align with His truth. Our minds are freed from bondage to sinful ways of thinking. As we fill our minds with His truth, it transforms us.

Renewing Our Minds

Ask the Lord to renew your mind each day through Scripture. Submit your thoughts to Him for cleansing and realignment. Pray for grace to think His thoughts after Him. Let His truth reprogram your mind to reflect Christ.

More foundational than our thoughts is the orientation of our hearts—our motivations, desires, and will.

As we yield to the Holy Spirit, He replaces selfishness and sin with love for God and others.

Our hearts find their full satisfaction in pleasing Christ alone. Loving obedience becomes our joyful response to His abundant grace.

Create in Me a Clean Heart

Ask God to write His truth on the tablet of your heart.

May your deepest desires align fully with His gracious will.

Let your heart eagerly long to obey Him out of love, for His glory and the good of others.

Intimate Relationship

In this new covenant, God declares “I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

More than anything, He desires meaningful relationship with us. As we open our minds and hearts to Him, intimacy grows.

We were created for fellowship with God. Only in Him do our restless souls find purpose and complete fulfillment.

As His beloved children, we have the privilege of walking in personal relationship with the Lord of the universe!

Draw Near to God

Don’t be content with ritual and outward conformity. Draw near to God today. Immerse your mind in His Word. Yield your heart to the Spirit’s transforming work. He promises to meet you there with grace to renew your whole being.

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Dec

2023

Heavenly Wisdom

James 3:17 – “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

What exactly is wisdom?

James contrasts man’s wisdom – which is selfish, unspiritual and often demonstrated through bad deeds – with wisdom from above which has beautiful Christlike qualities.

True wisdom starts with a deep, pure reverence for God.

It expresses itself in peacemaking, gentleness, mercy and sincerity. Heavenly wisdom bears good fruit by applying God’s truth in practical ways that benefit others.

Set Your Mind Above

Ask God to cultivate this wisdom from heaven in your life starting today.

Keep your mind set on things above and saturate your thoughts with God’s Word. Yield your will to the Spirit’s control.

God promises that as we submit to Him, we will walk in greater spiritual insight and understanding.

Pure and Peaceful

The first trait of heavenly wisdom is purity of heart and life.

Godly wisdom avoids moral compromise and remains untainted by sinful motives of greed, lust for power or self-promotion.

It flows from a heart cleansed by the blood of Jesus and made whole.

Out of inner purity comes the fruit of peace. Wisdom from above is not divisive, but gentle, forgiving and peace-seeking.

It recognizes that discord arises from sinful desires and responds with humility, restraint and grace.

Peacemakers at Heart

Ask the Lord to make you a channel of His purifying wisdom that overcomes evil with good and makes peace.

Yield your thoughts, words and actions to the Spirit’s control so you sow seeds of righteousness, not conflict. God’s wisdom brings lasting fruit.

Full of Mercy

Heavenly wisdom is considerate of others and submissive to God’s authority. It is not harsh, domineering or demanding but patient, cautious and humble.

Those walking in godly wisdom are quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

Out of thoughtfulness flows mercy. Wisdom from above is compassionate and forgiving, not vengeful. It empathizes with the hurting and extends God’s redemptive grace to others, even enemies.

We must clothe ourselves daily with mercy.

Overflowing Goodness

Ask the Lord to make you increasingly compassionate, quick to overlook offenses and extend forgiveness.

Fill your heart with mercy by considering Christ’s mercy toward you. Let thankfulness for God’s grace spill over in practical actions to reflect His goodness to others.

Sincere and Impartial

Heavenly wisdom is sincere and impartial. It is free from prejudice and hypocrisy. We love genuinely, without favoritism or selfish ambition.

As we walk in surrendered obedience to God’s truth, the Spirit produces His fruit in our lives. Wisdom from above frees us to live wholeheartedly for God’s glory rather than seeking to impress others or promote self.

By Their Fruit

Ask the Lord to cultivate purity, sincerity, humility and integrity within you by the transforming power of His Spirit. May your life bloom with the beautiful fruit of heavenly wisdom.

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Dec

2023

Sovereign Lord

Isaiah 45:7 – “I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.”

This verse reveals a challenging truth – God himself brings about both good and bad in our world. As Creator of all, He actively forms light and dark, prosperity and calamity.

Nothing occurs outside His sovereign will and purpose.

This hard reality grates against our human sense of fairness. We want good but not disaster to come from God’s hand.

Yet Scripture repeatedly affirms the Lord’s control over everything, working all things after the counsel of His will. His ways are higher than our limited perspective can grasp.

Trusting His Heart

Because God is perfectly good and wise, we can trust His heart even when we don’t understand His actions.

When hardship comes, we can anchor to the unshakable truth that the compassionate Lord brings about or allows all things for good purposes.

He is wise enough to use even my pain for my eternal joy and His glory.

God of Purpose

This verse denies life is a string of meaningless, random events. The sovereign Lord actively orders all things with purpose and design.

When calamity strikes, we are tempted to think God has abandoned us. But this passage insists He remains intimately involved, working to accomplish His loving intentions.

Nothing takes God by surprise or operates outside His intentional causation and allowance.

He allows difficult seasons into our lives not to harm but refine us. We can fully trust His heart and timing even in difficulties.

All Things

The God who forms light and creates darkness knows what He is doing. He continues actively crafting each circumstance to fashion His people into Christ’s image and bring about His intended results.

Because He is sovereign, we can take refuge in the promise that God causes all things to work for the good of those who love Him.
Romans 8:2

Cries for Mercy

Like Job, we long for days of prosperity, not disaster! This verse proclaims God Himself authors both outcomes.

When hardship comes, we can appeal to the Lord in repentance and faith, asking Him to relent and restore blessings, health and peace.

Our God is loving and responsive when His people cry out for mercy and grace.

Come Quickly, Lord Jesus!

Ultimately, we await the return of Christ to fully destroy evil and suffering and usher in everlasting joy. Though today we sometimes groan, the day is coming when God will create un-shadowed light forever.

Our tears will be wiped away and His sovereign purposes completed to His glory. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

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Dec

2023

The Second Coming

Hebrews 9:28 – “So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”

When Jesus came to earth the first time, it was to deal with sin. Though completely innocent, he bore the sins of the world when he died on the cross.

His sacrifice made purification possible for all who believe in him.

Jesus’ first coming was marked by humility – he left the glory of heaven to be born into poverty, live as a servant and die a criminal’s death. The Son of God gave his life to purchase our salvation.

The Second Arrival

This verse promises another coming. When Jesus appears a second time, it will not be to deal with sin again. That work is fully accomplished!

He will return as a conquering King to bring full salvation to all who have put their trust in him.

At his second coming, Jesus will complete God’s plan of redemption. He will raise the dead to life, judge all people, defeat evil forever and usher his faithful ones into eternal joy in a restored creation.

What an awesome day that will be!

Eager Expectation

As followers of Jesus, how should we respond to his promised return?

We are called to live in a state of constant readiness for his arrival. Just as faithful servants watch for their master’s homecoming, we must actively watch and prepare for Jesus’ second coming.

This readiness involves righteous living, eager worship, hearts focused on Christ and lives oriented around his kingdom.

It means shining as lights of hope in a dark world. As we long for Jesus’ return, our love and witness become powerful testimonies to God’s amazing grace.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Our eagerness for Christ’s return springs from a deep love relationship with Him. We yearn to see Jesus face to face, free from sin and imperfection.

We long for the new creation He will bring. Come, Lord Jesus!

May this be the cry of our hearts, whether He comes today or many years from now. No matter how long we wait, we know he is coming soon!

Certain Hope

The validity of our faith hinges on the promise of this verse – that Jesus will literally, bodily, visibly return to earth in power and glory. All creation eagerly awaits this breathtaking moment. Though His coming seems delayed, it is sure. At the appointed time, we will see our Savior face to face!

Come Quickly, Lord

No eye has seen the wonders and joys being prepared for us in eternity with Christ! As we eagerly await Jesus’ return, life’s trials and pains are bearable because we know they are temporary.

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Dec

2023

Ministering Spirits

Hebrews 1:14 – “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”

Angels are mysterious beings of great power and splendor, messengers from the very throne room of God.

Scripture gives tantalizing glimpses of these heavenly creatures who sometimes appear in visible form to deliver God’s word or accomplish His will on earth. Angels radiate God’s glory and might.

Yet this verse reveals another aspect of angels we often overlook – their humble service.

These majestic messengers are “ministering spirits” who quietly work behind the scenes to serve those who will receive salvation through Christ.

Unseen Guardians

Though usually invisible, angels are constantly near, attending to our needs.

They protect us from unseen dangers, guide our paths and deliver encouragement or timely messages from God.

As ministering spirits, they labor tirelessly on our behalf out of love for their Creator and care for His children.

On Assignment

This verse reminds us angels are not free agents – they are “sent to serve.”

God dispatches these spiritual forces on specific assignments to accompany, shield and strengthen His people. They act only at His bidding to accomplish His purposes.

What an encouragement to know the Lord sends these unseen allies to minister grace exactly when and where we need it!

We may be oblivious to their presence, but they work alongside us to provide divine help, wisdom and protection according to God’s will.

Eyes to See

Ask God to open your spiritual eyes to perceive angelic ministry. Thank Him for sending these messengers of grace into your life circumstances.

Pray for heightened awareness of how He is working through them to protect, guide and strengthen you each step of the journey.

Serving the Saved

This passage reveals the special assignment of angels – to serve those who will receive the salvation accomplished through Jesus Christ.

As believers in Christ, we are the heirs of salvation angels are commissioned to minister to.

God sends angels to accompany, encourage and protect His blood-bought children. They are not meant to be worshiped but to quietly do the King’s bidding for the sake of those He died to redeem.

What an honor to be served by these powerful heavenly beings!

Glimpsing Glory

As ministering spirits dispatched to serve the saved, angels give us glimpses of a dazzling spiritual reality beyond our earthbound existence.

Their powerful presence conveys the majesty and might of the God they serve. Angels remind us we are not alone but have unseen allies working on our behalf.

May you grow in awareness of these messengers of grace sent to minister to you as an heir of Christ’s salvation. Let them turn your eyes to behold the stunning glory of the One who sends them.

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Dec

2023

Raised from the Dead

Acts 2:24 – But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

Agony of Death

Death is often agony. When illness slowly drains the life from a loved one, it’s agony.

When an accident suddenly snatches away a child, it’s agony.

When violence ends a life unjustly, it’s agony.

Death was not part of God’s original perfect creation. It slithered into the world through human rebellion against God’s loving authority. Ever since, death has held humanity in its icy grip of pain, grief and fear. Its skeletal shadow stalks every life.

Christ’s Agony

Jesus was no stranger to the agony of death. He wept at Lazarus’ tomb. He cried out when his friend died. He knew the stinging sorrow of loss and grief.

Jesus’ own death was infinitely more agonizing. As he hung dying on the cross, the sins of all humanity were laid upon his innocent shoulders.

The beloved Son endured the Father’s wrath for our transgressions. Though innocent, he suffered shame, abandonment and assault from evil powers.

The Savior’s anguished cry reveals the torment of carrying our sins to death itself.

Freedom from Death

But the grave could not keep Jesus! On the third day, God’s power raised him back to life. The bands of death were shattered forever by Christ’s resurrection victory.

He rose again to live eternally, the first-fruits of new resurrection life for all who trust in him.

For those who believe, Jesus’ resurrection completely transforms death’s agony into hope. His resurrection proves that death does not have the final word.

At the last day, those who follow Jesus will also rise again, raised to eternal life with glorified bodies.

United with Christ, we need no longer fear death or the agony of the grave!

Living Resurrection Hope

The promise of Jesus’ resurrection floods our lives with living hope. As we walk each day with our risen Lord, his overcoming life flows through us by the Holy Spirit.

No circumstance or suffering can ultimately defeat us, because his resurrection life carries us through.

May the reality of Christ’s resurrection free you from the agony and fear of death. Jesus is alive forevermore!

Fix your hope fully on his grace and victory. He will raise you to life eternal on the day he returns.

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Dec

2023

Self Examination

2 Corinthians 13:5 – Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?

Heart Checkup

It’s easy to go through life without taking time to examine our inner self. Like neglecting routine health checkups, we may feel fine on the outside but have unchecked issues brewing on the inside.

That’s why this verse challenges us to take our spiritual pulse – to openly look within and evaluate the condition of our hearts.

Just as a doctor checks vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure, we need to regularly assess indicators of our spiritual health.

Are we pursuing intimacy with God through prayer, scripture and worship?
Do we readily repent when convicted of sin?
Are spiritual fruits like love, joy and peace evident in our lives?

Examining these aspects helps reveal the state of our connection to Christ.

Mirror Test

Introspection is difficult. We often avoid looking closely at our reflection in the mirror of God’s truth.

Careful self-examination may reveal complacency, pridefulness, or areas of disobedience. Yet scripture calls us to honestly assess ourselves in light of God’s standards.

His Word is a mirror that shows us who we really are.

This verse reminds us to hold ourselves accountable; we need God’s Spirit to reveal blind spots in our lives. His conviction leads to confession, keeping our hearts tender and responsive to His transforming work in us.

As we surrender to His lordship, our lives come into tune with His will and His ways.

Running Diagnostics

We don’t have to guess about the condition of our spiritual life. This passage encourages a diagnostic self-check, prompting raw honesty before God. Opening our hearts to His examination positions us for growth and change.

Ask God to search your heart and reveal anything that shouldn’t be there. Listen for His gentle conviction and willingly walk in repentance.

His Word promises that if we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive and purify us. God longs for intimacy with us and obedience brings great joy to His heart.
1 John 1:9

As we run regular checkups on our spiritual health, we’ll experience fresh grace, renewed passion and the blessings of an unhindered relationship with Him.

The Great Physician

Ultimately this verse points us to Christ, the master healer of our souls. Only He can diagnose the deepest needs of our hearts and bring true transformation. His unfathomable love compels us to live fully for Him.

Actively pursue spiritual checkups as a vital part of your walk with God. His searching and cleansing light leads to wholeness, freedom and abundant life.

Your Great Physician stands ready to heal and restore your heart to the fullness He intended.

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Dec

2023

Love Takes Action

1 Timothy 5:8 – Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Assessing Our Love

It’s easy to say we love others, including family. But talk without action is empty.

This verse offers a tough standard – love shows up in practical provision.

Honoring Our Own Household

At minimum, attending to the needs of our immediate family demonstrates love’s reality.

If we disregard this, our faith rings hollow. Love takes action.

From there, we extend care to the wider circle of relatives. Inconvenience and cost cannot be excuses for ignoring their well-being. Love serves.

Worse than an Unbeliever

If those in our own household lack basic needs while we live comfortably, something is terribly wrong!

Love meets needs sacrificially, going beyond lip service.

Lord, Show Me How to Love

Lord, reveal areas where my love has been inactive toward my family. Convict me where I’ve been selfish and complacent, missing chances to serve. Give me wisdom and means to provide for their needs generously.

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Dec

2023

Rid Yourself of Sin

1 Peter 2:1 – Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

Taking Out the Trash

As followers of Christ, we are called to actively root out, and toss away habitual sins that entangle us, just as we would bag up smelly trash.

Malice and Deceit

Malice is the fruit of nursing bitterness and ill-will toward others.

Deceit manifests in subtle lies, exaggerations, or hypocrisy that poisons relationships.

We must remove these.

Hypocrisy and Envy

Hypocrisy exists when our words don’t match our actions.

Envying what others have breeds discontentment with God’s gifts for our own life. We must discard these sins too!

Slander

Slander appears when we drag others’ names through the mud.

This sin murders reputations and destroys trust. Gossip must be crucified.

Christlike Character

As we cleanse our hearts of sinful patterns, godly virtues planted by the Spirit can flourish – kindness, integrity, contentment and grace, and so much more.

Lord, Reveal Sin in Me

Lord, shine Your spotlight into the recesses of my heart. Reveal any malice, deceit, envy, slander or hypocrisy, bring it to my attention so I can rid it from my life by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Replace it with Christlike character.

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Dec

2023

Transforming Seed

1 John 3:9 – No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.

Regenerated by God

When we place faith in Christ, we experience new birth by God’s Spirit.

The Holy Spirit takes up residence within, imparting Christ’s resurrection life.

His living presence germinates internally, taking root in our hearts. Our remade desires bear fruit for the Kingdom of God.

No Longer Enslaved

Before knowing Christ, sin easily entangled us. But the Spirit’s seed brings power to resist temptation.

Though we still stumble sometimes, sin no longer chains us.

Growth Takes Time

Our transformation in Christ is a process.

The seed is planted at conversion but takes time to grow. Nurturing spiritual disciplines foster maturity and holiness.

Lord, Grow Your Seed in Me

Lord, thank You for planting Your seed of life within me. I confess that sin still trips me up sometimes. I ask that by the Holy Spirit, Your seed would take deeper root in me, transforming me from within. Nurture holiness in me until Christ is fully formed.

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Dec

2023

Rejecting Worldly Desires

1 John 2:16 – For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

Examine the Heart’s Desires

Sinful cravings arise in us when we allow our hearts to be shaped by the world, rather than God’s truth.

This verse exposes three of the primary temptations we will encounter.

Bodily Passions

The lust of the flesh refers to sensual appetites and passions.

If we repeatedly indulge fleshly desires, they can rule us. We must crucify these tendencies by the Holy Spirit.

Superficial Pursuits

Lust of the eyes represents envying what we see and chasing after things that do not satisfy – wealth, beauty, status. We must look beyond the superficial.

Empty Pride

Pride of life shows up when we boast in our achievements, material acquisitions, and social status, rather than humbly stewarding God’s gifts. We must find identity in Christ alone.

Anchored in Christ

As the world’s enticements call, we must cling tighter to Christ our anchor.

He frees and transforms those enslaved by temporary pleasures and priorities.

Guard My Heart

Lord, protect my heart from adopting the fleeting values of this world. Keep my desires aligned with Yours. When I’m tempted, anchor me firmly in Your truths. Fill me with Your Spirit that I may find joy in that which lasts.

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Dec

2023

Get Real

Mark 7:6 – He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.’

Jesus confronts religious hypocrisy – honoring God with words, not the heart.

This penetrating statement invites us to examine if we’re simply going through empty motions or genuinely connecting with God.

Words Without Heart

It’s possible to get so accustomed to religious routine that our hearts grow distant, even as we maintain spiritual disciplines.

Our prayers, worship, and Bible reading risk becoming hollow forms.

When this happens, repentance is needed.

We must turn from pretense and get real with God again. Even good practices can become a “going through the motions” exercise when the heart’s not engaged.

Returning to First Love

Think back to when your relationship with God was new.

Remember the joy and awe of His love and the sincerity of your devotion. Though the freshness fades, the foundation of genuine love remains.

Return afresh to your first love by pouring out your heart without pretense.

God sees straight through to our core anyway. You can’t fake a real relationship. What matters is the tender disposition of a turned heart.

For God’s Eyes Only

This verse is a call to drop the performance and instead cultivate an inner life with God marked by transparency, authenticity, and unpretentious affection.

It’s summed up in four words – get – real – before – God!

Lord, Ignite My Heart Afresh

Lord, I confess that my devotion can become routine when I lose sight of You. Revive sincere passion in my heart.

When I start going through empty motions, refocus me on connecting with You out of genuine love, not obligation. Purify my motives so my life pulse aligns with Yours.

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Dec

2023

Christ Our Sure Foundation

1 Corinthians 3:11 – For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Examining Our Foundation

As believers, we must ensure our lives are built upon the solid bedrock of Jesus Christ.

A strong foundation determines the integrity of the structure.

Christ Alone

Jesus made clear He alone is the cornerstone, the immovable foundation upholding our faith.

No human leader or worldview can substitute. Our lives must be rooted in Christ.

Assessing the Materials

With Christ as the foundation, we must take care to build wisely upon it.

Using temporary materials like selfish ambition, cultural trends, man-made ideals will not withstand fire.

Built to Last

When Jesus is our secure base, storms cannot topple us.

Lives rooted in His eternal truth produce fruit that endures. Such lives shine as beacons of hope.

Lord, Firmly Plant Me in You

Lord Jesus, You alone are the sure foundation for my life and godliness. Establish me firmly upon You, the solid rock. As I build each day, help me to use only materials from Your kingdom that will stand the test of time. You are my cornerstone.

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.

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