The Reason You’re Tested

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. - James 1:2-3

Valuable things are often tested to prove that they’re genuine. When you go to a bank and give a $100 bill to the teller, she holds it up to the light. Why? Because she’s looking for a watermark of authenticity – testing it to make sure it’s genuine.

One pastor shares that when he visited The Philippines years ago, the government didn’t yet have the technology to add watermarks to the currency. So instead, the bank tellers would hold the money close to the light and then examine the pictures that were printed on them.

This pastor was curious, so he got up the nerve to ask one of the bank tellers how to know that the money is genuine by just looking at it. The teller told him that if the hair of the man pictured on the currency is not combed perfectly, then the dollar is counterfeit.

Things that have value need to be tested – and that includes your faith. When God allows challenges to come your way – whether it’s your health, a struggle with grief, or tough financial times – He’s holding you up to the light to show the world your faith is genuine.

The faith that is not tested is the faith that can’t be trusted. So when you’re being tested, let the light of God shine through you so the world can see His mark on your life!

Prayer Challenge:

Ask God to give you a rock-solid, genuine faith that will withstand any test that comes your way.

Armed for Teaching Sunday School by Doug Hall

Today's Bible Verse... 

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them."  —Ecclesiastes 12:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we are young and have so many things to do, many things can distract us from what is important. We must let the Lord gather our passions under his grace in those early days of excitement and frenetic joy so we can be used for God's greater good. For most of us, age brings a crescendo of limitations of one kind or another. This doesn't mean life has to be bad, just that we had better put our priorities in order. Hopefully we learned the lessons of faith in our youth so that we have the maturity and wisdom to be mentors, examples, and counselors for those who come after us on the path.

My Prayer...

Holy God, I pray for the youth of your Church. Give them passion and joy as they find you and follow Jesus. May their faith be real, vibrant, joyous, and triumphant! Give them a sense of your glory. Sustain them through their later years with a deep assurance of your presence, victory, and grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Water for Your Soul

by Max Lucado

Where do you find water for the soul? Jesus gave an answer one October day in Jerusalem. People had packed the streets for the annual reenactment of the rock-giving-water miracle of Moses. Each morning a priest filled a golden pitcher with water from the Gihon spring and carried it down a people-lined path to the temple. He did this every day, once a day, for seven days. “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’ ” (John 7:37-38).

He “stood and shouted” (NLT). The traditional rabbinic teaching posture was sitting and speaking. But Jesus stood up and shouted out. Forget a kind clearing of the throat. God was pounding his gavel on heaven’s bench. Christ demanded attention.

He shouted because his time was short. The sand in the neck of his hourglass was down to measurable grains. In six months he'd be dragging a cross through these streets. And the people? The people thirsted. They needed water, not for their throats, but for their hearts. So Jesus invited: Are your insides starting to shrivel? Drink me.

Internalize him. Ingest him. Welcome him into the inner workings of your life. Let Christ be the water of your soul.

Toward this end, I give you this tool: a prayer for the thirsty heart. Carry it just as a cyclist carries a water bottle. The prayer outlines four essential fluids for soul hydration: God’s work, God’s energy, his lordship, and his love. You’ll find the prayer easy to remember. Just think of the word W-E-L-L.

Lord, I come thirsty. I come to drink, to receive. I receive your work on the cross and in your resurrection. My sins are pardoned, and my death is defeated. I receive your energy. Empowered by your Holy Spirit, I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength. I receive your lordship. I belong to you. Nothing comes to me that hasn’t passed through you. And I receive your love. Nothing can separate me from your love.

Don’t you need regular sips from God’s reservoir? I do. I’ve offered this prayer in countless situations: stressful meetings, dull days, long drives, demanding trips, character-testing decisions. Many times a day I step to the underground spring of God and receive anew his work for my sin and death, the energy of his Spirit, his lordship, and his love.

Drink with me from his bottomless well. You don’t have to live with a dehydrated heart.

Receive Christ’s work on the cross,
the energy of his Spirit,
his lordship over your life,
his unending, unfailing love.
Drink deeply and often. And out of you will flow rivers of living water.

What's Eschatology?  by Doug Hall

 

Today's Bible Verse...

Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.

—Psalm 71:9

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

 

We live in an age where those who are older are often shoved aside. This is true in the professional world with employees. This is also true in churches which often find themselves pandering to those who are younger or more financially powerful, while forgetting the aging and powerless. Let's remember that God cares what happens to each one of us, no matter status or stature or age.

My Prayer...

Almighty God, I know that you will never leave me or forsake me. I believe the promise that nothing can separate me from your love for me in Christ Jesus. But Father, I see so many who are older and forgotten that I must admit that I am frightened that I, too, will face loneliness and feebleness in those last days. Please give me confidence to cast my anxieties on you and trust in your presence. Most of all, Father, I pray that you will be glorified in my body in life and death, in health and sickness, and in youth and age. In Jesus' glorious name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. 

These Things Are Not Supposed to Be

“But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain.” Psalm 3:3-4 (NIV)

They weren’t supposed to attend a country music festival and end up running for their lives.

He wasn’t supposed to take an anniversary trip with his beloved and end up shielding her from a bullet.

She wasn’t supposed to kiss her man in blue goodbye to protect and serve and end up never kissing him again.

She wasn’t supposed to be dancing and laughing with her best friend one minute and end up kneeling next to her lifeless body the next.

These things are not supposed to be.

I don’t have answers. I don't have explanations.

But I know the One who does.

The One who is “a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head” (Psalm 3:3a).

The One who promises that when darkness invades my happy space ... when disaster turns my life upside down ... when evil presses in on every side ... He will never leave me nor forsake me. He is always there.

His name is The Ancient of Days. (Daniel 7:9-10) The One who was, is and forever will be. (Hebrews 13:8)

The One who sent a young shepherd boy named David to speak words of hope we still need today.

"You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head ... and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:45b-46a, 46c-47, NIV).

Our world is a scary place. Shootings. Riots. Explosions. Natural disasters. It feels as if danger and uncertainty lurk around every corner. We don't know what each day will hold. But, friend, we do know the One who holds our days.

We can be fearful and discouraged or we can be confident and encouraged. The choice is ours

.

It matters where we fix our eyes and on whom we fix our hope.

God is our hope ... our only true hope. (Psalm 62:5)

Run to the One who is your strength and your shield. (Psalm 28:7) The One who fights for you. (Exodus 14:14) The One whose presence will never leave you. Who will never forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

The name of the LORD is a strong tower to which we can run and are safe, even in the most desperate of circumstances. (Proverbs 18:10)

Whether He stills the storm or invites us in. Whether He moves the mountain or helps us climb it. He will be with us. 

God is our Rock. (Psalm 18:2) His love is steadfast. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

It’s true. You and I don’t have all the answers. Google doesn’t have all the answers. But, we know the One Who does. 

Pray this prayer with me (based on Psalm 3:2-6):

Thank You, Lord, that You are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to You, Lord, and You answer me from Your holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because You, O Lord, sustain me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.

Lord, I will keep my eyes fixed on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Solomon's Porcupines by Erik and Vicki Johnson

Today's Bible Verse...

Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. —Ephesians 4:15

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our goal as believers is to mature into the full presence of Jesus Christ in the world by being his unified Body of believers. This challenging goal can only be accomplished if we speak the truth — God's Spirit-inspired message — and do so with an attitude of love. How can we expect to convey the message of God's love which sent Jesus if we don't live that love ourselves?

My Prayer...

Almighty and sacrificial God, please help me capture all my impure motives and ungodly attitudes and clothe them in your love. I need the purifying and transforming presence of the Holy Spirit even more powerfully present in my life each day, so please fill me and make the Spirit's fruit more real in my attitudes and actions. In the name of the Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.

Hardwired for Triumph

By Steve McVey

Biotechnology teaches us that our DNA is a blueprint of who we are as physical beings. All of your physical features are nothing less than an expression of the programming that existed in your DNA from the moment you were conceived. DNA defines your physical nature.

In the same way, the Bible teaches that you have a spiritual nature. When you received the life of Jesus Christ, your nature was transformed. The Bible says that you became "a partaker of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4). You might say that you received a GNA, with the G standing for  "God."  His life became yours. That makes you different from most people.

Your life pulsates with divine power because of the presence of Jesus Christ within you. At the core of your being, you are hard-wired for triumph because God "always causes (you) to triumph in Christ Jesus" (2 Corinthians 2:14). Christ is in you and will live His life through you. What greater assurance of victory can a person have?

The Apostle Paul affirmed, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). Jesus Christ is your strength, your wisdom (see 1 Corinthians 1:30), and your assurance of victory in life. (See 1 Corinthians 15:57) You don't have to go through life with a defeated attitude. When you recognize and rest in who you really are, things can change!

Christians aren't who we used to be. It is important for us to understand that or we will be held back by the debilitating mind set of our old life. The person you were before you met Christ  died. (See Galatians 2:20) You are now a brand new person (see 2 Corinthians 5:17) who is capable of dreaming new dreams and living a life you could have never lived without Christ.

"According to your faith be it unto you," Jesus told one man who desperately needed to see his circumstances change. (See Matthew 9:29) Christ wanted to do something wonderful in this blind man's life, but it was necessary for the man to trust Him.

The foundation for your optimism is Jesus Christ. Faith in Him is the conduit through which He is able to pour out into your life all the good He has planned for you to be, to have and to do. It all bolls down to one simple question: Do you believe that God wants you to experience and enjoy His blessings or not?

As you look down the path that lies ahead for you, do you anticipate good things from God? Do you expect things to become better or worse?  Make no mistake about it - what we believe about God's working in our lives in this arena has an inestimable effect on how we move ahead and what we will experience and enjoy in the coming days.

Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, when the journey from Egypt to Canaan should have taken only 11 days. Why did it take them so long to enter into the Promised Land? The Bible says, "they were not able to enter because of unbelief' (Hebrews 3:19). With paradise only 11 days away, they lived in self-imposed misery for 40 years, all because they refused to believe God.

How long have you wandered in circles? Maybe, like Israel, you've been in the wilderness for many years. God says through Isaiah that it's time for you to accept and appropriate good news. Get ready, good news has arrived. Your Father is bringing you out of the wilderness.

Will you believe God? You aren't like those in the world, out-side of Christ. You have an anointing by the enabling grace of Christ within you to live a supernatural life. Will you accept and appropriate the good news? Will you lay hold on the hope of fulfilling the God given dreams of your heart? Trust Him and watch the great things He will accomplish!

Original Sin Evident from Birth by Doug Hall

 

Today's Bible Verse...

In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.—Acts 2:17 

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

 

As those living in the last days, each believer — young and old, male and female — must be Spirit-led and Spirit-empowered to give his or her personal testimony to the grace of God given us in Jesus Christ. As Jesus prayed for us before his death (John 17:20-23), we must be united across the gender barriers and across the age barriers and across the racial barriers if the world is to truly know that God sent his Son as Savior of the world!

My Prayer...

God of all nations, please break down the barriers that divide us and that blunt the wonderful message of your grace. Pour out your Spirit upon us and convict us of our prejudice and selfishness, and replace it with your transcending love. Forgive us, forgive me, when my own shortsightedness and selfishness interferes with the world seeing a united Church proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD

By H. Steinbron

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God".... It is so good to have this clear and absolute statement of what every redeemed one knows, namely, that we have all the Scripture, and all of the Scripture is breathed out to us from the creative breath of God. We must never come under the influence of any unbeliever who casts doubt upon the extent, content, or origin of the Holy Scriptures.

True believers do not corrupt the Word of God because they know God has given His Word by inspiration.  This word "inspiration" means that God controlled the human writer of Scripture in such a way that the WORDS were put down exactly as God wanted man to have them. These inspired words are therefore infallible and inerrant, which is another way of saying that they are perfect and have no errors connected with them whatsoever. The Bible may deal with numbers, history, science, chronology, the knowledge of God, or man's salvation; and we should be sure that there is no mistake in the words.

True believers reverence the Word of God for many reasons. (I) "...man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God" (Luke 4:4). (2) The Bible is the RECORD that God gave concerning His Son (I John 5:9-11). (3) God has magnified His Word above all His name (Psalm 138:2).

True believers should be taught that the Word cannot be lost or changed. Listen to the testimony of I Peter 1:25. " ... the Word of the Lord endureth for ever." Is this Word in heaven or some far away place where man cannot get all of the Scripture? No, it is "the Word" which is preached unto you! The inspired Word of God! 

No Time for the Needy by Jonny Hawkins

 

Today's Bible Verse...

The people served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the LORD had done for Israel.  —Judges 2:7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Each generation must have its own first-hand faith. Transforming faith takes more than receiving a godly heritage and stories of the past deeds of God. It requires a fresh experience of God's mighty presence!

My Prayer...

Holy God, help me pass down my faith in you, and my love for you, to my children and to other young believers. More than that, Abba Father, help them experience your mighty power and great deeds personally through ministry and sacrificial service. I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus! Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

 

What Difference Does He Make?

by Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever--the Spirit of truth (John 14:16-17 NIV).

Friend to Friend

If you were going off to war, and knew you’d be put on the front lines and probably wouldn’t be coming back home to your family, what would you tell them? Think of the final instructions you’d give your children, the affirmation of your love you’d whisper to your spouse, and the words of endearment you’d share with your friends.

Jesus was in that very situation as He shared His last meal with the disciples in the upper room. All along, He had given them clues about how His earthly life would end and the purpose for His brief life here on earth. But they didn’t understand. They refused to believe their king would be anything other than worshiped as He had been when He rode into town on the back of a donkey and was hailed with palm branches and praise.

I imagine during their last meal together, Jesus went through a mental list of what He needed to tell His friends before He went to the cross. John records those precious moments in John 13–17. Those words are some of the most endearing of Scripture and ones I read time and time again. I encourage you to read those chapters and place yourself in that room with Jesus, for you, dear one, are one of His disciples, and the words Jesus shared with the Twelve are meant for you as well.

Let’s look at one word of comfort and instruction regarding a special parting gift Jesus was leaving His trusted friends. He said:

If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever--the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them (John 14:15-21).

Did you catch that the Holy Spirit had been with them, but now He was going to be in them? What difference do you think that would make in someone’s life? What difference has that made in your life?
After Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven, the Holy Spirit fell on the disciples and transformed a bunch of bungling cowards into powerful, prophesying preachers. They commanded the lame to walk, cast out demons, preached to the masses, confronted angry crowds, and laughed in the face of death.
They changed the world.
On that glorious day at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit fell on the worshiping believers, a new day was unleashed for the church. The Holy Spirit now resides in every person who has accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior (Romans 8:9). The Spirit of the living God has empowered us with the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-22).
Then why don’t we exercise that power? Because we don’t believe.

In developing countries, it is not unusual to hear of miraculous healings, signs, and wonders, and even the raising of the dead. No one told them those things don’t happen anymore. Praise God for that! They believe in the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives and expect God to show up when they call on His name. Oh that we would put our sophisticated, over-educated minds aside and go to God as children who believe He is who He says He is and does what He says He will do.

When we come to Christ, we are given the Holy Spirit as a deposit of our heavenly inheritance (Ephesians 1:14), as a seal upon our hearts (Ephesians 1:13), and as a permanent resident within us (Hebrews 13:5). But we have the choice to stumble about in our own strength, saying “I can’t,” or embrace the power of the Holy Spirit and say, “I can.”
Today, I’m choosing to access the power that is already mine. What about you?

Let’s Pray
Lord, I’ll be honest, sometimes I forget that I even have the power of the Holy Spirit in me. I stumble about like I’m spiritually blind rather than walk surefooted like an empowered child of the King. Help me to access the power that You have already given me. Help me to understand what that power looks like. Help me to understand the person of the Holy Spirit better.
In Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

Counseling a Man and His Dog by David W. Harbaugh

 

Today's Bible Verse...

Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.  —1 Timothy 5:3

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Practical loving concern for those who are powerless and forgotten is rooted in the heart of God and championed in Old Testament Law. One of the first internal problems the early church urgently and positively dealt with was prejudice and neglect of the Greek speaking widows in Jerusalem. It was important to God and to them! Paul further reminds us that we better have the same concern for widows today! (Notice that James extends that same concern for both widows and orphans! James 1:27)

My Prayer...

Forgive me, loving Father, for I sometimes get so lost in my own opportunities and problems that I don't look around and check on those in my church family who need my help much less those in need who are not Christians. Touch me with your Spirit so that I may better hear, see, and respond to their needs. Thank you for your concern for all people, and please use me as one of your tools of concern to bless those in need. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

 

A Prayer for Strength against Spiritual Warfare

By Jack Graham

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” - Ephesians 6:12

Two brothers came home drunk one night for what must’ve been the 20th time. They had been warned by their parents not to do it again, but the warning didn’t seem like it was deterring them at all. So when the father heard them come in this time, he didn’t confront them but let them go to bed to sleep it off.

The next morning when the two brothers awoke, their dad was sitting at the kitchen table with two pistols. He handed one to each of the brothers. They asked him, “Dad, what’s this all about?” The dad responded, “The way you’re living is slowly killing me and your mother. You might as well just shoot us.”

Cruelty, like Chinese water torture, just pounds and pounds away at others until they either explode into rage or shut down altogether. And while it may not be ‘murder’ per se, it’s an act of disrespect that is akin to hating others.

Maybe today, you’re on the receiving end of someone else’s cruel behavior. Or, perhaps you find yourself on the giving end of cruelty. Wherever there is hatred and anger, combat it with the truth wrapped in love. Overcome cruel behavior by fighting evil with good and speaking the truth in love!

Heavenly Father, each day is a struggle against sin and temptation. Give us the strength to overcome cruelty with grace, and hatred with love. God, remind us that our actions matter. We do not fight a physical battle but a spiritual one, and with each act of compassion we build your kingdom. Help us to be kingdom-builders today. Amen.

Astrology and False Doctrine by Jonny Hawkins

 

Today's Bible Verse...

Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father.  —1 Timothy 5:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

There is an eagerness, passion, and a clear sense of purpose that can go with being young — headstrong, untested, and rash is how some who are older might describe it. There is a surety with age because of tried and true methods proven over time — staid, predictable, and unmovable is how some who are younger might describe it. These differences can cause tension and conflict; yet both have something to be learned from the other. No matter how mistaken an older Christian may be, he or she should be treated with the respect that comes from a life proven in faith. But older Christians must also be willing to receive correction from a younger one, especially if it is done prayerfully by a young believer who has demonstrated his humility, love, and respect toward those who are older.

My Prayer...

O Eternal Father, God of my ancestors' history and the assurance of my future, please help me be a person of integrity, especially when I deal with those who are not of my age group. May I be respectful and careful with my tone as I speak with those who are older. May I be pliable and open to change when confronted with my errors by those who are younger. Most of all, Father, please lead those people into my life who will love me enough to forgive my errors and also love me enough to point them out to me and to help me grow beyond them. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. 

4 Questions You Should Ask When Reading the Bible

by Dr. Matthew Harmon

1 John 1:5-9: This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from alla sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

What Questions Are You Asking?
What we get out of the Bible largely depends on the kinds of questions we ask when reading the text. But how do we know what are the right questions to ask? Jesus provided a good starting point when he summarized the two greatest commandments: (1) love God with our whole being, and (2) love our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:34-40). From these two commandments we can ask four basic questions to help us grow in our relationship with God.

What Do We Learn about God?
God is the main character of the Bible, the hero of the story. So it makes sense that the first question we ask is what we learn about him. Scripture reveals who God is in different ways.
First, it shows us his character, or his attributes. Sometimes the Bible states these directly (e.g., Isaiah 6:3). At other times you need to infer truths about his character (e.g., 1 Kgs. 22:1-40). Even in a book like Esther, where God is never directly referred to, there is much to learn about him.
Second, the Bible shows us God’s conduct. What we see God doing in a passage tells us who he is. A good example is Psalm 23, which describes several things God does for his people: lead, restore, comfort, prepare, and anoint. Paying attention to what God is doing in a passage helps us grow in our understanding of God.

What Do We Learn about People?
Every passage has something to tell us about humanity. Let’s approach this question from different angles.
The first angle is looking in the text for aspects of what it means to be created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-28). What longings or desires does the passage reveal that are expressions of being made in God’s image?
The second angle is to look for the fallen condition(s) it exposes. The fallen condition refers to the sinful beliefs, attitudes, feelings, actions, or tendencies mentioned or implied in the text (e.g., Prov. 6:16-19). As fallen creatures we experience the same kinds of temptations and battles with idolatry described in the text, even if they take different forms in our lives today.

What Do We Learn about Relating to God?
Loving God with our whole being takes many forms. A good place to begin is considering what we should praise God for (e.g., 1 Pet. 1:3-5). Often this will flow out of what we learn about God--his character, conduct, and concerns.

Second, reflect on what sin you need to confess and repent of (1 John 1:5-9). Consider the ways you see the fallen condition at work in your life and confess that to God. What tangible steps of repentance do you need to take in light of what the Spirit has shown you?

Finally, look for promises that you need to believe (2 Pet. 1:3-4). Think through what aspects of the gospel are present in the passage and how God wants to change you through it.

What Do We Learn about Relating to Others?

God made us to be in community with each other. He makes us part of the body of Christ and calls us to be a light to those around us. God has placed people all around us that we must interact with: family, friends, coworkers, classmates, neighbors, etc. Some are believers, others are not. Regardless, the Bible has much to say about how we should interact with others (e.g., 1 Pet. 2:11–25).

Remember, the ultimate goal of reading the Bible is to have our lives transformed by God so we resemble our Lord Jesus. Asking these four simple questions focuses our attention on the main message of the Bible and prepares us to apply biblical truths to our lives in meaningful ways. Why not try it out for yourself?

Pastor's Distracted Mind by Doug Hall

 

 

Today's Bible Verse...

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

—1 Timothy 4:12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

How do you command the respect of others when you are young? You don't! You earn that respect by the character and quality of your life. Those of us who are older must recognize and validate younger Christians who are people of character and faith. Those of us who are younger, need to live a life of character that cannot be questioned. Character, morality, faith, and loving kindness are essential attributes of the Christian, no matter his or her age.

My Prayer...

Holy God, I thank you for those in our church family who are young and stand for your character and who live godly lives despite pressure from their peers to do otherwise. Father, I also thank you for those who are older in the faith, who have given me a chance to use my gifts and who have influenced and encouraged me in my spiritual growth. Please help us keep our church united in mission and purpose across the different age groups, to your glory and for the growth of your Kingdom. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. 

 

When Our Heart Fails

by shani4jc

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26

I think many of us often feel that, as Christians, we always have to be strong and have our act together. I think we can convince ourselves that if we let others know we are falling apart and struggling to just survive another day, we somehow fail God and make Him seem less than He is to others. We think that the world will equate our weakness to His weakness. We feel that our struggles may make others think that He really isn’t all powerful, all knowing, all sufficient, and able to do the miraculous. We may fear that others may see us barely getting by and question whether the God we say loves us so much really loves us at all. We may even begin to question these things ourselves when the battle rages on and on. I know I wonder these things myself. But the truth is, God uses all of our trials and tribulations to actually reveal who He truly is instead of contradicting it. He uses our weakness to show His strength. He uses our failures to show that He can take our mess and make it into a powerful message. He uses our inabilities to showcase His infinite ability. He uses our flaws to reveal His perfection. Yes, we may struggle and wrestle through the hardships in this life, but He doesn’t! We may fail, but He doesn’t. And it’s okay for us to let others know the reality of who we are because when we reveal our true self, we reveal the truth of who He is!

Humor and Scripture in Preaching by Andy Robertson

 
Today's Bible Verse...

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.  --Proverbs 23:22

Thoughts on Today's Verse... 

"Honor your father and mother." This is basic to God's plan for our lives. When families are built within God's covenant of grace, respect and obedience by children toward their parents is a blessing to the children! As adults, we preserve the dignity of our parents and teach our children important life-lessons when we honor and respect them appropriately. Let's not get swept up in our era of parent-bashing. Let's bless our parents in ways that honor God. (If your parents were ungodly or abusive, find older folks in your church family for your emotional and spiritual support, while in as many ways as is possible treat your physical parents with honesty, respect, and integrity.)

My Prayer... 

Loving Father and eternal God, thank you for my parents — physical and/or spiritual. Bless them with what they most need to find their way home to you. Give me wisdom to know how best to show my love and respect to them. Most of all, Father, please help them to see that my love and character come from you. In Jesus' name pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.