1 Peter 1 - Day 598 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-15 Observation: Regardless of who is speaking, every NT author shares one common message - God’s will for our lives is to be sanctified (holy, set apart). Application: For those of you old enough to remember, “Like a broken record," I’ll keep saying that if we could become holy on our own merit, we would have already done so. The way (or path) to holiness is by decreasing our “self” and increasing the Holy Spirit's presence within us. How? By submitting our will to God’s will, which is manifested in love. Whoa, another one of those “Simple to understand but not so easy to do.” The key is having accountability, which is simply, having someone who loves us to God’s very best for our lives. If you can find that right person and/or group, then you’re well on your way. Prayer: Lord Jesus, please help us die to ourselves and to live for You. For those without an accountability person or group, I pray that You would lead them to the right person and community of apprentices of Jesus. James 5 - Day 597 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: James 5:13-18 Observation: James concludes his epistle by encouraging his "brethren and sisteren" to embody the life of Christ. Application: James identifies the power of prayer, especially of the "righteous person." However, the bible tells us that only God is righteous. Huh? So what's going on here? The bible further explains that when we surrender our lives to Jesus, we are forgiven, saved, cleansed, justified and made righteous. It's not about us or what we can do, prayer is all about recognizing what Jesus can do. Prayer: Lord, do Your thing... James 4 - Day 596 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: James 4:7-10 Observation: James continues his exhortation with practical instructions that every Christian can do. Application: Just because something is simple to understand, doesn’t make it necessarily easy to accomplish. Prayer: Heavenly Father, we need You to help us do what we know. James 3 - Day 595 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: James 3:13-18 Observation: James continues his exhortation by defining the difference between demonic and heavenly wisdom. Application: I just had my annual “wellness” check-up, which required some lab work so I had to give blood before my appointment. Everything came back normal, except for my kidneys, which had a slightly abnormal reading. My doctor asked me the routine questions and I explained that I was probably dehydrated. He had me do another lab test to make sure that my kidneys are functioning properly. He never called me back so I’m guessing that I was just dehydrated. Annual checkups are designed to help us assess how we are doing physically. Naturally, it makes sense for us to do routine spiritual checks up as well. Am I bitter or do I harbor selfish ambition in my heart or am I at peace and in submission to God and others? Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for clearly delineating what is of You and what is from our enemy. Forgive and cleanse me of my sins and continue to fulfill Your will in and through me. James 2 - Day 594 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: James 2:17 Summary (by Chuck Swindoll): The book of James looks a bit like the Old Testament book of Proverbs dressed up in New Testament clothes. Its consistent focus on practical action in the life of faith is reminiscent of the Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament, encouraging God’s people to act like God’s people. The pages of James are filled with direct commands to pursue a life of holiness. He makes no excuses for those who do not measure up. In the mind of this early church leader, Christians evidence their faith by walking in certain ways and not others. For James, a faith that does not produce real life change is a faith that is worthless (James 2:17). Application: The book of James challenges me to, "Put my money where my mouth is." If I claim to be a disciple/apprentice of Jesus, then I should be committed to loving God and loving my neighbor. The first part is easy, it's the second part that I need to work on. The key is to remember how gracious God has been to me. In my appreciation for God's love and kindness, I want to reflect His glory to the world. Prayer: Lord, thank You... |
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January 2024
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