Team Daily Bible Reading and Commentary Thoughts for August 2024
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August 28, 2024
Bible Bible Reading
Colossians 3:22-24
Commentary Thoughts
Right Where You Belong
Would you classify yourself as a participant or a spectator? Maybe because I’ve been working since I was in kindergarten, I’m inclined to get in there and get involved, regardless of what’s going on.
Some people naturally seem to gravitate toward the action. If it’s game on, they’re a go. But others are actually completely the opposite—introverted, these friends tend to be slower to join in. But once they do enter the game, they make an incredible contribution.
The type of hesitancy to avoid is that which originates in something other than temperament.
Our friends who are retired or ailing probably know it best, though stay-at-home moms can easily struggle with it: the hesitancy brought about by buying into our circumstances.
Do you know what I mean? It’s when you feel discarded, useless, relegated to the sidelines, and you suspect that’s right where you belong.
It doesn’t take much to think our best days are behind us. Well, think again, sisters. God has powerful work for you to do. You may no longer be part of the economic workforce, but you remain in the Kingdom’s workforce.
Your back may be bad, but if your mouth still works, you can tell your neighbor and your grandkids and your favorite waitress at the local restaurant about what a faithful friend Jesus is.
You may be confined to a bed, but as long as you have breath and a heartbeat, you can be praying for everyone you know.
Life may have you on the sidelines, but you’re still on the team. If you’re on the team, you’re still part of the game. If you’re part of the game, you have a role to play. Get in there and give it your all. I’ll be cheering you on.
Lord, whether it’s a day where I’m leading the
charge or a day where I’m in the background,
may I make every moment count. Thank You for picking me for Your team in the biggest game of all!1 -
August 29, 2024
Bible Reading
Psalm 17:6
Commentary Thought
Answered!
I suppose that anyone who prays has done this, but I’ve sometimes caught myself thanking God for “answered prayer,” when what I really meant was, “Thank You, God, for answering the way I wanted!" What I see in Scripture, though, is that whenever His sons or daughters pray, God answers; it’s just that sometimes it’s “no” or “not now” or “this instead” rather than “sure, here you go, child.”
This has pushed me to examine myself and my reasons for praying in the first place. And it’s been pretty convicting for me, to say the least. Is God solely my divine 911—my emergency standby—or my Friend whom I take everything to?
Am I coming to Him only for His gifts, or to know Him better?
Do I pray as a spiritual-sounding means of getting what I want, or to truly seek what God wants?
And when He does answer, do I trust that He has me covered, no matter the answer?
The difference in my attitude matters more than I want to admit sometimes. And the litmus test is this: I’m deeply, actually relating to Him when I not only desire His will above my own, but when I can respond, “I trust You, Lord,” to any answer of His.
I repent of being shortsighted in my relationship with You. Draw me deeper and deeper into our friendship, teaching me to seek You and Your will above all.0 -
August 30, 2024
Bible Reading
Psalm 130:3-4
Commentary Thought
Clean Slate
I don’t know how figure skaters and gymnasts do it.
Having points deducted every time you fall has to be intimidating.
Viewing their world from the outside makes me so thankful that God skips the points system with us.
Instead of treating us as competitors before a judge or convicts in front of a jury, our heavenly Father treats us as a dad should. That changes our entire picture.
As a parent, have you ever kept track of how many times your kids have fallen down?
Or if you don’t have children, did your own parents log how many times you fell?
Is the tally in your baby book?
No, a loving parent doesn’t dwell on the stumbles.
A loving parent cares that his or her child gets up again and keeps going.
God doesn’t keep an inventory of our sins. That means we don’t have to either.
Once we repent, that sin is over and done with in His eyes.
There’s no need for us to look back, because God sure doesn’t.
Our slates are cleared. Wiped clean. His mercies are new. Every single morning.
It can be hard for us to believe that if we’re strapped with shame or a guilty conscience. But those lingering whispers are not from the Lord.
Jesus has already paid the debt for those sins, and thus He has successfully fought our case as our divine Advocate. We’ve been cleared. Case closed.
The reason it doesn’t always feel closed is because our accuser, Satan, loves to kick us while we’re down and keep us there.
His favorite mirror is the rear-view, where what’s behind is constantly in our sights.
Jesus, however, sets us back on our feet, points us forward, and clears us to run.
Every one of us has things in our past that we’d like to erase. I could reel off several right now.
What matters is: Have you sincerely repented of that sin or failure to God?
If yes, then do you know what the current headlines in heaven say about your case?
ALL CHARGES DROPPED. [YOUR NAME] SET FREE.
Believe it! As John 8:36 says: when Christ sets you free, you are free indeed!
Jesus, it’s because of You that I’m free of my past
Now help me accept and believe it.
Moving forward, may I boldly walk in the truth of forgiveness just as boldly as You work on my behalf.0 -
August 31, 2024
Bible Reading
2 Timothy 2:23-24
Commentary Thoughts
Sitting It Out
We’re living in a culture where almost no one hesitates to say what’s on their mind. In the court of public opinion, every topic is fair game; every comment carries weight. So Paul’s sound advice to a young pastor is a good word for us today.
Social media, office politics, bickering among friends or family members or within a church—petty arguments are popping up around us almost constantly, like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. Anytime they do, God invites us to pause, take a breath, and consciously decide: Am I going to join in or sit this one out?
We do have that choice. And according to Paul, it’s a choice worth taking seriously.
Conflict is essentially a bicycle built for two. When one person steps off and quits their quarrel ride, you can guarantee that, unless another rider comes along, the bike won’t be going much farther.
There are undoubtedly situations and topics that deserve our full (and patient) engagement. Paul’s own life bore this out. But for those little opinions that only stir up trouble, or the nitpicking over inconsequential things? We can leave those fight-starters alone, lest they become fire-starters.
Though sometimes I’m tempted to spout my opinion, give me the grace to hold my tongue and walk away from the pettiness before it starts.0
