Team Daily Bible Reading and Commentaries for October 2024
316Judith
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October 2, 20/4
Bible Reading
Jeremiah 29:10-12
Commentary Thoughts
Epochs and civilizations appear after a time to be flung on the scrap-heap by God in a strangely careless manner.
The remarkable thing in the record of the Ages is that each Age ends in apparent disaster.
The saint knows that God reigns, and that the clouds are but the dust of his Father’s feet and he has no need to fear.
He feels assured that these catastrophic occurrences are but incidental, and that a higher peace and a purer character are to be the permanent result. History is fulfilling prophecy all the time.
The path of peace for us is to hand ourselves over to God and ask Him to search us, not what we think we are, or what other people think we are, or what we persuade ourselves we are or would like to be, but, “Search me out, O God, explore me as I really am in Thy sight.”
Reflection Questions:
What does the downfall of dictators indicate about the effectiveness of peace that is imposed on people?
What does history teach me about human attempts to make peace?
Quotations taken from God’s Workmanship
and Biblical Psychology, © Discovery House Publishers
Bible Reading
Jeremiah 29:10-12
Commentary Thoughts
Epochs and civilizations appear after a time to be flung on the scrap-heap by God in a strangely careless manner.
The remarkable thing in the record of the Ages is that each Age ends in apparent disaster.
The saint knows that God reigns, and that the clouds are but the dust of his Father’s feet and he has no need to fear.
He feels assured that these catastrophic occurrences are but incidental, and that a higher peace and a purer character are to be the permanent result. History is fulfilling prophecy all the time.
The path of peace for us is to hand ourselves over to God and ask Him to search us, not what we think we are, or what other people think we are, or what we persuade ourselves we are or would like to be, but, “Search me out, O God, explore me as I really am in Thy sight.”
Reflection Questions:
What does the downfall of dictators indicate about the effectiveness of peace that is imposed on people?
What does history teach me about human attempts to make peace?
Quotations taken from God’s Workmanship
and Biblical Psychology, © Discovery House Publishers
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Thursday October 3, 2024
Bible Reading
Numbers 6:24-26
Commentary Thoughts
When we are born again from above, quickened
and raised up by God, we find it is possible to consider the lilies because we have not only the peace of God, but the very peace that characterized Jesus Christ.
We are seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
The old way of doing things, the old fuss and fume are dead, and we are a new creation in Christ Jesus.
In that new creation is manifested the very peace that was manifested in Jesus Christ.
When God raises us up into the heavenly places,
He imparts to us the very purity of Jesus Christ.
That is what the sanctified life means—the undisturbable range of His peace, the unshakeable, indefatigable power of His strength, and the unfathomable, crystalline purity of His holiness.
Reflection Question:
Do I fuss and fume over every inconvenience or do I consider the possibility that they were put
there to slow me down and cause me to see
something important that I would have missed?
Quotations taken from Our Brilliant Heritage, © Discovery House Publishers0 -
October 4, 20/4
Bible Reading
1 John 5:15
Commentary Thoughts
We must be like a plague of mosquitoes to the Almighty with our fussy little worries and anxieties, and the perplexities we imagine, all because we won’t get into the elemental life with God which Jesus came to give.
“His love in times past” should enable us to rest confidentially in Him.
There is security from yesterday, security for tomorrow, and security for today.
It was this knowledge that gave our Lord the imperturbable peace He always had.
Communities are man’s attempt at building up the city of God; man is confident that if only God will give him time enough he will build not only a holy city, but a holy community and establish peace on earth, and God is allowing him ample opportunity to try, until he is satisfied that God’s way is the only way.
Reflection Questions:
What worries and anxieties do I indulge in that reveal my lack of peace?
What societies and systems do we build to minimize our need for peace with God?
Quotations taken from Biblical Ethics and The Highest Good, © Discovery House Publishers0 -
October 6, 20/4
Bible Reading
Revelation 3:16-17
Commentary Thoughts
We preach to men as if they were conscious of being dying sinners, but they are not. They are having a good time, and all our talk about the need to be born again is from a domain they know nothing about; because some men try to drown unhappiness in worldly pleasures it does not follow all are like that.
There is nothing attractive about the Gospel to the natural man; the only man who finds the Gospel attractive is the man who is convicted of sin.
Apart from a knowledge of Jesus Christ, and apart from being crumpled up by conviction of sin, men have a disposition which keeps them perfectly happy and peaceful.
Conviction of sin is produced by the incoming of the Holy Spirit because conscience is promptly made to look at God’s demands.
Reflection Questions:
What message of peace do I have for those who don’t know they are alienated from God?
Why is the gospel not attractive to those who love life the way it is?
How does God’s goodness keep me from realizing my need for Him?
Quotation taken from Biblical Ethics, © Discovery House Publishers0 -
October 7, 2024
Bible Reading
1 Peter 5:8-9
Commentary Thoughts
Satan is never represented in the Bible as being guilty of doing wrong things: he is a wrong being.
Men are responsible for doing wrong things, and they do wrong things because of the wrong disposition in them.
The moral cunning of our nature makes us blame Satan when we know perfectly well we should blame ourselves; the true blame for sins lies in the wrong disposition in us.
In all probability Satan is as much upset as the Holy Ghost is when men fall in external sin, but for a different reason.
When men go into external sin and upset their lives, Satan knows perfectly well that they will want another Ruler, a Savior and Deliverer; as long as Satan can keep men in peace and unity and harmony apart from God, he will do so (see Luke 11:21-22).
Reflection Questions:
Who do I blame for my sin?
What does Satan gain if I lead an upright and moral life?
What does he lose if I mess up so badly that I recognize my need for peace apart from my own efforts?
Quotation taken from Biblical Psychology, © Discovery House Publishers0 -
October 8, 2024
Bible Reading
Colossians 3:14-15
Commentary Thoughts
The peace of Christ is synonymous with His very nature, and the working of that peace was exhibited in our Lord’s earthly life. It is the God of peace who sanctifies wholly.
The gift of the peace of Christ on the inside; the garrison of God on the outside, then I have to see that I allow the peace of God to regulate all that I do, that is where my responsibility comes in—“let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”
One of the things which we need to be cured of by the God of peace is the petulant struggle of doing things for ourselves.
Has the God of peace brought you into a calm, or is there a clamor and a struggle still?
Are you still hanging on to some obstinate conviction of your own?—still struggling with some particular line of things you want.
Reflection Questions:
What does it mean to allow peace to rule my heart?
What is the difference between staying calm and living in peace?
What is the difference between calmness and peace?
Quotations taken from The Highest Good and If You Will Ask, © Discovery House Publishers0 -
October 9, 2024
Bible Reading
Hebrews 10:12-14
Commentary Thoughts
When God begins His work in us He does not make a mighty difference in our external lives, but He shifts the center of our confidence.
Instead of relying on ourselves and other people, we rely on God, and are kept in perfect peace.
We all know the difference it makes if we have someone who believes in us and in whom we believe. There is no possibility of being crushed.
The Great Life is not that we believe for something, but that when we are up against things in circumstances or in our own disposition, we stake our all on Jesus Christ’s honor.
May the God of peace sanctify us wholly so that we are no longer sickly souls retarding His purposes, but perfected through suffering.
Reflection Questions:
How does my position in Christ keep me from being crushed by conflict?
How does God’s peace allow me to be perfected through suffering?
Quotations taken from Approved Unto God and God’s Workmanship, © Discovery House Publishers0 -
October 10, 2024
Bible Reading
Isaiah 9:6-7
Commentary Thoughts
Jesus is the “Prince of Peace” because only in Him can men have God’s good-will and peace on earth.
Thank God, through that beloved Son the great peace of God may come to every heart and to every nation under heaven, but it can come in no other way.
None of us can ever have good-will toward God if we won’t listen to His Son.
The only way to peace and salvation and power, and to all that God has in the way of benedictions and blessings for us individually and for the whole world, is in the Son of Man.
When the phrase “the Passion of our Lord” is used it means the transfiguration of peace and power and patience.
Reflection Questions:
In what ways do I try to make peace with God without going through His Son?
Is my peace passionate or lethargic?
Quotations taken from He Shall Glorify Me, © Discovery House Publishers0 -
October 12, 2024
Bible Reading
John 14:1-3
Psalm 16:11
Commentary Thoughts
Everyone knows the story of Cinderella, the young woman who lived in a very painful set of circumstances. She had an abusive stepmother and step-sisters who hated her and wanted to make her life miserable. Every day she lived in an environment of neglect and rejection, experiencing so much heartache as she waited on her family members hand and foot.
Then, one day everything changed. It was supernatural. Thanks to the intervention of her fairy godmother, she ended up at a ball wearing a beautiful gown and catching the eye of the prince, who soon fell in love with her. When she accidentally left her glass slipper behind, the prince searched the whole countryside to find the woman to whom it belonged. In time, the writer of the fairy tale could sum it up this way: “And they lived happily ever after.”
There is a parallel to this story for those who believe in Jesus Christ. The Son of the King has searched us out so that your own story can have a happy ending. He’s going to take you home to be with Him eternally. No matter what challenges you face in your life, you have a divine Prince of Peace who has prepared a home for you!
What do you need to be rescued from in your life? Who can give you the happy ending you long for?0 -
October 13, 2024
Bible Reading
2 Corinthians 5:1
1 Corinthians 3:10-15
Commentary Thoughts
Let’s talk a little bit about heaven. The first thing I want you to know about heaven is that it is a promised place.
Before He spoke about heaven in John 14, Jesus said, “Believe in God, believe also in me.”
We can trust His promise, because Jesus is not a liar, and God is not a liar.
We can take their promises to the bank.
To make that promise real, Jesus is going to give us a new heavenly body.
He’s going to recraft your body—remake it so it will fit in the new environment of heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1).
Your present body cannot live forever.
The body you have now is never free from the possibility of pain and decay.
You don’t have a body that is able to take in all the data that will be given to you in heaven.
Jesus will break through every limitation and give you a brand-new body—one without pain and deterioration, without the earthy restraints you experience now.
You’ve got a reservation and a confirmation number for eternity. And it is based on His promise. He’s got a place for you and your new heavenly form.
What bodily limitations are you experiencing that you’d like to leave behind?0 -
October 14, 2024
Bible Reading
Revelation 7:9
Hebrews 12:22-23
Commentary Thoughts
Heaven is home. It’s home because it's where your heavenly Father is.
It’s a place to experience love and rest and purpose. It’s a family location.
All your brothers and sisters in Christ will be there.
Heaven will be populated by those who love God. The Old Testament saints will be there—we can have lunch with Abraham, grab a cup of coffee with Jacob, and walk the malls of heaven with Esther and Ruth.
David and Moses will be there, and we can ask Adam and Eve why they ate that fruit.
All the New Testament saints will be there as well—Paul, and Peter, and all the apostles.
And we can have a glorious reunion with those we loved on earth and missed so much when they passed away.
Best of all, God will be there with open arms to receive us into our eternal home.
When He left this earth, Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:3).
The reservations have been made in your name and He’s ready when your time comes to check in.
Who are you looking forward to being reunited with in heaven?0 -
October 15, 2024
Bible Reading
James 1:17
Commentary Thoughts
A Healthy Dose of Gratitude
Are you needing a boost of joy and strength for your day?
Try adding a healthy dose of gratitude to your routine.
Include a time of praise and worship as you exercise; post five things you’re thankful for on social media, your bathroom mirror, or your household white board; or share what you most appreciate from your day over dinner with someone you love.
The method doesn’t matter as much as establishing the habit—a habit of praise.
God’s gifts don’t need fancy packaging to qualify for gratitude.
Most of life happens in the small surprises and simple pleasures. That means anything counts!
From an extra-long hug from your child, to another driver letting you in front of them during a rough commute, to trying on a beautiful new shade of lipstick or enjoying a taste of chocolate after a good meal, God’s goodness is all around.
We just need to be watching for it.
A thankful heart can’t help but mine deeper and deeper for the gems that are within each new day.
Likewise, a grateful mind keeps looking higher and higher, above life’s difficulties or frustrations, to the One who is above it all.
Even on our worst days, we can thank God because we trust that He sees the bigger picture, and He has good plans for us.
There’s really nothing like a healthy dose of gratitude. Don’t go a day without it!
Lord, I choose to be mindful of the blessings
You’ve built into my day. From the greatest
miracle to what seems ordinary, I know these
blessings come from You.0 -
October 18
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!0 -
October 19
Bible Reading
Psalm 17:6
Commentary Thoughts
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 -
October 20
Bible Reading
Psalm 130:3-4
Commentary Thoughts
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.
(“Hallelujah I am set free in Jesus Name)
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 -
October 21
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 -
October 22
Bible Reading
Romans 8:34
Commentary Thoughts
Praying for Me?
Jesus prays for us. How incredible is that? The One who never sleeps is at the right hand of God in heaven, constantly praying with us and for us.
We were also in His thoughts and prayers in the hours preceding His crucifixion. Among His requests on our behalf were that…
We would know and accept the words we’ve heard from Him.
Our heavenly Father would protect us from the evil one by the power of Christ’s name while we are in this world.
We could experience utmost joy.
We as Christians would be unified in our faith and exhibit God’s love to the world until we one day reunite with Jesus in heaven.
Jesus is still praying today. He’s praying for you and your church family to be protected, preserved in the truth, and filled with joy. He is also praying for the people you know and love who don’t yet know Him.
Whatever you’re up against right now, He’s praying you through it. At this very moment, Jesus has you on His mind.
Today I am reminded of how intimately close You are. I know I’m not alone; I’m in the presence of my King.0 -
October 23
Bible Reading
Galatians 1:12
Psalm 119:98-99
Psalm 119:130
Commentary Thoughts
The Light
No spiritual transformation in history compares to the apostle Paul’s.
Within only three years of his conversion, he went from persecuting Christians to their death, to debating religious teachers and astonishing listeners with his fearless preaching of Jesus as the Son of God.
He could do these things because he immersed himself in the teaching of Christ as a new believer. “I received my message from no human source,” he explained later. “I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12 NLT)
Like us, Paul didn’t have the advantage of knowing Jesus while he walked the earth; he had what we have: the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit, and a relationship with Christ.
That was his seminary, so to speak. Through that training, God equipped Paul to instruct pastors, plant churches, and evangelize the unsaved all over the ancient world, and the ripple effect of his ministry reaches to us today.
His experience excites me so much!
What might God do through us as we invest time in Bible reading and prayer?
Clearly, God doesn’t care how long we’ve been a Christian. He doesn’t disqualify us because we’re in the early days of our faith. He can teach us, purpose us, use us from the start of our salvation or at any point thereafter.
His Word makes the difference, illuminating who Jesus is and God’s incredible plans for us. Nothing else turns up the light so quickly.
What a gift Your Word is!
Knowing that the Holy Spirit will take Your teachings and enlighten my soul every time I open up my Bible is a game changer.0 -
October 24
Bible Reading
Psalm 130:5
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Micah 7:7-8
Psalms 27:13-14
Commentary Thoughts
Take Heart
Recent studies have declared millennials, especially women, the most anxious generation of all. But it’s not just millennials. Surveys by the American Psychiatric Association reveal that our national anxiety is increasing, from baby boomers to the teenagers of Generation Z. Today’s sixteen-year-olds now have the anxiety levels of fifty-year-olds in the past. Which means we are no longer a people who anticipate but a people riddled with worry.
I’m not an anxious person by nature, but my heart goes out to the many friends I know and meet who do consistently struggle with it. When I am feeling anxious, nothing soothes me as much as the balm of God’s own words. So instead of trying to comfort you with my own reassurances, do you mind if I share a few of God’s promises that calm my heart and mind?
I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits,
and in His words I put my hope. (Psalm 130:5 ESV )
We are pressed on every side by troubles,
but we are not crushed. We are perplexed,
but not driven to despair. We are hunted down,
but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. (II CORINTHIANS 4:8-9 NLT)
As for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. (MICAH 7:7-8 ESV)
You are very, very loved.
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. (Psalm 27:13-14 CSB)
Whatever you’re going through today, my sisters, I’d like to pray for you as we close out our time together: In the name of Jesus, may you find deep blessing and assurance in the knowledge that He conquered the powers of darkness and dread so you wouldn’t have to. I pray for His strength, and joy, and abiding peace over you as you live for Him. And may He, the God of hope, “fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).0 -
October 26, 2024
Bible Reading
Galatians 2:20
Commentary Thoughts
Letting Go
The world will tell you that the ultimate success is a big bank account, or being famous, or having a husband and kids.
If we’re honest, though, many of us define success by our ability to either juggle all the demands of life or control what happens in our worlds.
But the real test of success is our friendship with God and the depths to which we trust Him.
I learned this firsthand. I’m a very motivated person and a really hard worker who gives 100 percent in whatever I do, so I’m used to ambitiously hunting down success.
But there came a time in my life when I had to let go of trying to make success happen and start being available to what God had for me.
That meant setting aside my desires to keep acting in order stay at home and be the primary caretaker of our kids.
The cry of the surrendered heart is “Here I am, God. Use me however You choose.” For people like me who prefer to be in control, reaching this place of surrender is as challenging as it sounds.
But there is a big upside: Once you’re there, it takes the pressure off of success. You no longer have to be responsible for it. You can focus on being faithful, letting God handle the success of your efforts.
He will, you know. And you’ll be able to be fully present to everything He is doing in you and through you.
You are the One who can be trusted with the depths of my dreams and desires. As I surrender control, increase my trust that You’ll work all things for what You know is best.0 -
October 28, 2024
Bible Reading
James 1:17
Commentary Thoughts
A Healthy Dose of Gratitude
Are you needing a boost of joy and strength for your day?
Try adding a healthy dose of gratitude to your routine.
Include a time of praise and worship as you exercise; post five things you’re thankful for on social media, your bathroom mirror, or your household white board; or share what you most appreciate from your day over dinner with someone you love.
The method doesn’t matter as much as establishing the habit—a habit of praise.
God’s gifts don’t need fancy packaging to qualify for gratitude. Most of life happens in the small surprises and simple pleasures. That means anything counts!
From an extra-long hug from your child, to another driver letting you in front of them during a rough commute, to trying on a beautiful new shade of lipstick or enjoying a taste of chocolate after a good meal,
God’s goodness is all around. We just need to be watching for it.
A thankful heart can’t help but mine deeper and deeper for the gems that are within each new day.
Likewise, a grateful mind keeps looking higher and higher, above life’s difficulties or frustrations, to the One who is above it all.
Even on our worst days, we can thank God because we trust that He sees the bigger picture, and He has good plans for us.
There’s really nothing like a healthy dose of gratitude. Don’t go a day without it!
Lord, I choose to be mindful of the blessings
You’ve built into my day.
From the greatest miracle to what seems to be ordinary, I know these blessings come from You.0 -
October 29
Bible Reading
Philippians 4:8
Commentary Thoughts
Think On These Things
If forming good habits were easy, we’d all be happy, healthy, and fit comfortably in that cute party dress. But it’s the good habits that give us a run for our money, right? Which means we need to bring our best to the effort.
If you’re struggling to develop a new habit, it might help to ask yourself: “What’s holding me back?
Is it fear, a lack of motivation, or a lack of information about how to reach my goal?”
A little research or a life coach can go a long way in providing the how-tos.
And in Scripture after Scripture, God encourages us to “be strong and courageous,” because the battles we face are actually His to win, if only we seek His help. Bringing Him into the fight with us makes fear start to fall away.
As for motivation, why not try putting mindfulness to work for you?
The Bible advises us: “Whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
After you’ve done something consistently, you know how good it feels and how beneficial it is for you.
So the next time you’re tempted to stay in bed instead of getting up to exercise, don’t give power to your tiredness.
Think instead on how much happier you’ll be once you’ve finished your workout.
Think on the good results you’re achieving—better health, more confidence, a stronger body, a longer life with the people you love.
And think on the fact that you’re worth it. God says so. And if He says so, you can believe it!
Then put your feet on the floor and keep pushing to be your best. The future you will thank you.
I stand in awe that You are more than willing and able to fight the hard battles with me.
As I invite You into the process, dread and fear will diminish, and healing and renewal can begin0 -
October 30
Bible Reading
Luke 15:18
Commentary Thoughts by AW Tozer
"I Will Arise And Go"
When Jesus told the story of the Prodigal Son, He was giving our lost society a graphic picture of more than a willful son or a backslidden man.
Years ago I spent time alone with God in prayer and supplication, asking the Spirit of God to aid me in the comprehension of the parable of the Prodigal Son. I have relied upon the understanding which I believe God gave me.
I believe the Prodigal Son is God’s clear-cut picture to us of the entire human race that went out to the pigsty in Adam— and came back to the Father in Christ!
The most telling part of the parable is the fact that the errant son “came to himself ”—and that speaks to us of the reality and necessity of repentance.
He could repent and turn and seek forgiveness because he knew that his Father had not changed.
He knew the character of his Father. Except for that knowledge, he could never have said: “I will arise and go to my Father!”
Brethren, all of us who have come back to God by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ have found, as did the prodigal, that the Father in heaven has not changed at all!
Prayer - "I praise You, Lord, that nothing about You has changed. And nothing that has
happened in this world has caught You by surprise. You are our faithful, loving and just Father".0 -
October 31, 2024
Bible Reading
Romans 6:13
Commentary Thoughts
Unwilling To Yield
I know there are people who hear me preach regularly who will never consider changing their way of living. They will go “underground” before they will do that!
Our situation is not an isolated case.
There are millions of men and women with an understanding of the revelation of God in Jesus Christ, who are still not willing to receive and commit themselves to Him whom the very angels and stars and rivers receive.
They hesitate and they delay because they know God is asking the abdication of their own selfish little kingdom and interests.
This is the tragedy of mankind, my brethren! We have rejected Him from our lives because we must have our own way.
But until Jesus Christ is sincerely received, there can be no knowledge of salvation, nor any understanding of the things of God.
The little, selfish, sinful man rejects the Son of God.
While he is still enumerating the things he deserves, the Son of God stands outside.
My brethren, I repeat: This is the great tragedy of mankind!
Prayer - "Dear Lord, we all know of some people in our lives who are aware of the truth of the gospel but who choose to live apart from God. I pray that Your Spirit will cause each of these people to feel an overwhelming sense of dread concerning their future destiny".0