Watch Your Tongue
Read: James 3:1-12
James, the half-brother of Jesus, warns us of another little thing that can also be very destructive. He says that even though the tongue is little, it boasts great things. It’s like a small spark that sets a great forest on fire (3:5). Although the tongue is small, there is nothing small about the damage it can do. Words carry with them the power of healing or a destructive capacity far greater than the poison of any mosquito bite.
It is essential that we use our words with great wisdom and care. Consider carefully the words you choose. Will they be seasoned with the balm of grace or with the poison of anger?
United In Christ
Read: Galations 3:26-29
Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus".
In God our diversity doesn’t divide but rather unites and enriches us as we recognize that we all have Jesus, His Word, and His ways in common. As we embrace Him together, our differences become secondary and our mutual love for Him drives us to love each other as He has loved us.
Jesus is the master mixer! In His kingdom, pride and prejudice are out, and love and mutual acceptance are the order of the day. Christ’s love creates unity in the midst of diversity.
New Heaven and New Earth
Read: Revelations 21:1-4
The biblical view of the future tells us that God is Lord over time itself: “With the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8). We can be optimistic about the future because God will replace our world with a new one. In that new heaven and new earth we will experience blessed fellowship with our Creator for eternity (Rev. 21:1-4). Even now, Jesus is preparing a place for those who love Him (John 14:1-3), a place where “there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying” (Rev. 21:4). Jesus is preparing a place for us and preparing us for that place.
God is our refuge
Read: Psalm 46
God is certain that he will be exalted among the nations and in the earth (v 10). Praise him for his confidence and this certainty.
Psalm 46:1,2 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the seas". Fear is the natural response to circumstances that threaten to overwhelm us. Faith believes that God is greater than our circumstances and will ultimately save and deliver us from all evil.
Don't Worry
Read: Numbers 13:26-33
Jesus says in Matthew 6:25-34 “Do not worry.” Don’t worry about the basic needs of life—food, clothing, shelter—and don’t worry about tomorrow.
Worry may be a symptom of a bigger problem. Sometimes it’s a lack of gratitude for the way God has cared for us in the past. Or perhaps it’s a lack of faith that God really is trustworthy. Or it may be a refusal to depend on God instead of ourselves.
Some people expand the worry circle to their families, friends, and churches. They’re a lot like the 10 spies in Numbers 13:26-33 who spread their fear and doubt to everyone else. But those who put their trust in God alone can stand alongside Joshua and Caleb, the only ones in the group of 12 whom God allowed to enter the Promised Land.
Don’t let worries hold you back from what God may be trying to teach you. He invites you to bring your anxious thoughts directly to Him (Phil. 4:6). To be anxious about nothing, pray about everything.
]]>Ambassadors For Christ
Read: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
2 Corinthians 5:20 "So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”
Share the good news and guide others toward a deeper faith. Being
“ambassadors for Christ” (2 Cor. 5:20) opens doors of opportunity both
to share the gospel and to strengthen the struggling. Seek out someone
today who needs encouragement or “the word of reconciliation” (v.19). A word of encouragement can make the difference between giving up and going on.
Joyful Living
Read: 1 Timothy 6:17-19
God’s greatest gift to us is our relationship with His Son Jesus.
It’s a gift beyond comparison. Jesus promised that when we abide in Him
we will experience the fulfillment of His joy (John 15:11), and without
that kind of deep, abiding joy the rest of life is mundane at best.But
Scripture also casts the joy of the Lord in terms of temporal things.
The enjoyment of “things” can be a positive spiritual experience. When
we recognize that He “gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim.
6:17) and that “every good gift . . . is from above” (James 1:17), our
hearts should be full of thankfulness and praise. This, in and of
itself, is an act of worship! Enjoy the Giver and the gifts.
True Confessions
Read: Psalm 51:1-13
The psalmist David admits, “I was brought forth in iniquity” (Ps. 51:5). But in his sin David knew where to go—to the God of abundant mercy who will cleanse us from our sin (vv.1-2).
When we recognize the ongoing reality of sin in our lives, we are reminded of our ongoing need for the presence of God and the power of His Word to keep us safe and spiritually sane. He is waiting for us to confess our faults and embrace the forgiveness and cleansing that He readily offers.
Remember, a refreshing plunge into God’s mercy awaits you on the other side of confessed sin!
Own up to your sin and experience the joy of confession.
Be Ready For Jesus’ Return
Read: Matthew 24:36-44
Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. —Matthew 24:44
When Jesus left the temple at Jerusalem for the last time, His disciples asked what would signal His return to earth (Matt. 24:3). He told them many things to watch for, but warned that people would still be unprepared.
The apostle Peter told us that in the last days scoffers would say of Jesus’ return: “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation” (2 Peter 3:4).
Scoffers
are with us today, just as Peter warned. Are you among them? Or are you ready
for the Lord Jesus to return?
Signs of His coming multiply, Morning light breaks in eastern sky; Watch, for
the time is drawing nigh—What if it were today? To ignore the Bible is to
invite disaster.