Read Isaiah 49:1 through 57:21 “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news . . . ‘Your God reigns!’” (Isaiah 52:7). This proclamation, more than any other spoken by Isaiah, reveals his attitude toward God’s work, his relationship with God, and his faith in God. He wanted to assure Judah that God was in charge …
The Right Fight
Read 1 Timothy 1:1 through 6:21 Paul wanted Timothy to choose the right fight. Anyone who serves in the ministry of the gospel faces many real and potential conflicts. Many of these conflicts involve nothing more than personal preference and can sidetrack a minister from the vision God gave him or her. Understanding the charge, Paul gave Timothy the help …
Cleansed to Serve
Read Hebrews 7:1 through 10:39 “I have a beautiful house—if I ever cleared out all the clutter so someone could see it.” Sometimes life seems like that beautiful house no one can see because of all the clutter. Talents, plans, dreams, and other personal characteristics may seem swallowed up by sin. God, however, provided a plan to clear out the …
Are You Drifting?
Read Hebrews 1:1 through 2:18 In light of the realization of who Jesus is—the radiance of God’s glory, the exact representation of God, far superior to angels and all created beings—we must be very careful to pay even closer attention to the Word of God that we have heard (Hebrews 2:1). It will not be the blatant, in-your-face sins that …
Action Words
Read Colossians 3:5 through 4:18 Being a Christian is not only a matter of belief, it’s a matter of action. Colossians 3:12,13 lists some of those actions: clothing ourselves with virtues including compassion, humility, and patience; bearing with the faults of other believers; and practicing forgiveness where needed. Although we have been saved by grace, not works, our actions give …
Seek Me First
Read Song of Solomon* 1:1 through 8:14 My own vineyard I have neglected (Song of Solomon 1:6). Sonia sank into bed, totally stressed and exhausted. The day had been like most others. Up at five. Get kids ready for school. Drop them off at the bus stop. Off to work. Pick up the kids at the sitter at six. Cook …
Your Part of the Battle
Read Proverbs 21:1 through 24:34 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord (Proverbs 21:31). In the midst of life’s struggles have you ever asked yourself, “How much should I do, and what should I wait for God to do?” God expects us to trust Him. There is no success in the …
A Well-Chosen Response
Read Proverbs 13:1 through 16:33 Anger is a strong emotion that can have negative consequences if not managed correctly. One negative way that anger can manifest itself is through our speech. An angry person tries to tackle a problem through an overpowering response. Gentleness is strength under control. A gentle person attempts to bring resolution to conflict through a firm …
Healthy Fear
Read Psalms 127:1 through 129:8 Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours (Psalm 128:1,2). We don’t usually think of fear as being healthy. Some people have excessive fears—of going outdoors or being trapped in small spaces. People fear many things like …
Rest in Him
Read Psalms 116:1 through 118:29 Worry is a common plight. We get so consumed with our problems that it affects our entire lives—we don’t sleep well, we overeat or under eat, we suffer medical problems, and our relationships go downhill. It is easy to get caught up with the immediate problems or fears that we face rather than focusing on …