Team Daily Devotions for July 2025
Tuesday, July 1
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9 (NIV)
Bible Reading:
A diver in Korea was found earlier this year clinging to a broken surfboard. The man had become lost from his friends and disoriented in the water. All he could do was cling to the board despite suffering from hypothermia. He recovered from the ordeal, but imagine how tightly he must have gripped the board that saved him!
That’s how we should grip the things of the Lord! The psalmist said, “I cling to you; your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:8, NIV). Deuteronomy 30:20 says, “Cling to Him, for He is your life.” Psalm 119:31 says, “I cling to Your testimonies,” referring to God’s Word. And Romans 12:9 tells us to “cling to what is good.”
Clinging to what is good is more than just avoiding what is evil. It involves actively looking for the good things God is doing and finding hope and joy in these things. The world around us is filled with evil.
We must avoid it with all our hearts and make sure we are clinging to the Lord Himself, gripping Him tightly, along with His Word and His good works for us.
Today, strengthen your grip!
I heed not the billows, for still I can sing; the cross is my anchor, and there will I cling.
William J. Coniver
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The Park Bench
Wednesday, July 2Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:5 (NIV)
Bible Reading:
At the age of 39, Wales Goebel felt God calling him to leave his construction business and begin working with young people.
Over the years he led thousands to Christ. He helped establish a series of pregnancy centers and an adoption agency.
At age 92, he felt God calling him to a new ministry. He told his wife that he believed there was a ministry God had for him at the lake.
He would go each day, sit on a park bench, and pray for the Lord to send him someone to whom he could talk and witness.
That bench became his pulpit where he led many people to Christ and enrolled them in a Bible study. He’s still doing that at the age of 97.1
When we live an openhearted life, we will exhibit hospitality, meet the needs of others, and show empathy to them. We’ll look for opportunities unique to our situation.
Take some time to evaluate how open your heart is to serving others in these ways and pray for God to give you opportunities to demonstrate His love through your actions.
Pray for ideas, and then go forth to serve the Lord.
You’re never too old to do the Lord’s work.
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The Happiness Paradox
Thursday, July 3Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord. Psalm 89:15 (NLT)
Bible Reading:
Science Daily released a report stating what many people already knew: Trying to be happy makes us unhappy. The phenomenon is called the “happiness paradox.”1 Chasing happiness leads to exhaustion and disappointment. The Bible indicates that happiness, joy, and cheerfulness are byproducts of spiritual living.
Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians while imprisoned in Rome. He may have composed his letter under house arrest in his own rented home (Acts 28:30-31), or perhaps he had been moved to a cell closer to the courtroom where his case was heard. In any event, Paul seemed upbeat, cheerful, productive, and undisturbed by his circumstances. He mentioned joy and rejoicing over and over in Philippians. Paul heard the joyful call to worship and was walking in the light of God’s presence.
Today, worship our Savior, and rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 3:1).
God is the only source of real happiness. He does not need anything or anyone to make him happy; even before he made the world, the three persons of the Trinity were completely happy with each other. What God does for Christians is to make them as happy as he is. Jeremiah Burroughs
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Not a Suggestion
Friday, July 4Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4
Bible Reading:
Individuals write out their last will and testament as an expression of their will. As a matter of law, their will must be executed exactly as written. Three times in the New Testament epistles, the phrase, “This is the will of God,” occurs (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:18; 1 Peter 2:15). These are not suggestions but expressions of God’s will.
But there are other ways of discovering God’s will through His inspired Word—specifically, when commands are given. For example, we discover it is God’s will for us to rejoice by virtue of the Greek grammar in Philippians 4:4. Twice in that verse Paul says to “rejoice,” even saying we are to rejoice “always.” When writing “rejoice” twice in that verse, Paul used the imperative form of the Greek verb. In other words, Paul was commanding the Philippians to rejoice in all things—similar to the same Greek form in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 where Paul said to “give thanks” in everything.
These aren’t suggestions; they are the will of God for His people.
If you find it hard to rejoice in a certain situation, you can always rejoice in knowing that God is in control of everything.
We must rejoice in God when we have nothing else to rejoice in. Matthew Henry
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The Summer Retreat: God's Creation
Saturday, July 5The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Psalm 19:1
Bible Reading:
It’s only natural that we spend more time outdoors during the summer months than any other time of the year. School is out, the weather is warm, and we discover new places while vacationing. The collectors among us delight in our finds: seashells, beautiful stones, unique wildflowers and leaves, and photos of amazing sites in nature.
Regardless of where we spend our summer months, there is one thing we can collect wherever we go: evidence of God in creation. Wherever we go and wherever we look, we see evidence of God’s power, grace, creativity, and life.
The apostle Paul wrote that “since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead” (Romans 1:20).
The psalmist David observed that “the heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.”
Nature is the ultimate classroom in which we observe the creative acts and the sustaining power of God Himself.
Use your time in nature as motivation for declaring the praises of God for the privilege of living in His creation.
The creation is both a monument of God’s power and a looking glass in which we may see his wisdom. Thomas Watson
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Wisdom from the Psalms
July 6
Psalms 84:10
For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.Mike had seen pictures of most of the places he visited before he went. Even so, he was not prepared for the beauty he found.
Pictures lost the magnitude, somehow. Traveling across the country brought everything into sharp focus. Being in it was a thousand times better than just seeing pictures of it.
Nothing beats the real thing. Once we are touched by the grace of God, nothing else compares. What this world has to offer us is but a snapshot of what we can really have. The real thing is best. Embrace God, and all that He is, and all that He does. You'll never need anything else.
Prayer: Lord, nothing can compare with You. In my life I have experienced wonderful things, but none so wonderful as Your love. Thank You. Amen.
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Be Not Conformed
Monday, July 7And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
Bible Reading:
The Anglican (English) Bible translator, J. B. Philips, is well known for his rendering of Romans 12:2:
“Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves toward the goal of true maturity.”
“Conform” can be translated passively (“conformed”) or actively (“conform”)—most modern translations choose “conformed.”
“Conformed” suggests that the world is constantly putting pressure on Christians to conform them into the values of the world.
The latter suggests that we are not to choose conformity to the world. “Be transformed” (passive) parallels “do not be conformed.”
Instead of allowing the world to conform us, we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind through constant study and meditation on the Word of God.
Live defensively, guarding against the pressure of this world. And live actively, filling your mind with God’s truth.
The Bible tells us not to be conformed to this world either physically or intellectually or spiritually. Billy Graham
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From the Inside Out
Tuesday, July 8Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14Bible Reading:
We often hear of institutions that need to be reformed “from the inside out.”
The same is sometimes true of the human body when an external problem is corrected by a change in diet.
What is visible on the outside is often a reflection of what’s happening on the inside.
The psalmist connected our words and our heart. But Jesus refined the connection by saying that “from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders” (Mark 7:21).
That’s why the writer of Psalm 119 said that in order not to sin externally, he hid God’s Word in his heart (Psalm 119:11).
It’s also why the apostle Paul said the key to living the will of God is renewing the mind (Romans 12:2).
The more we fill our mind and heart with God’s truth, the less room there will be for the ways of this world to ultimately manifest themselves in our external life.
Are you filling your heart and mind with God’s Word on a daily basis? It is the only way your life can be transformed.
Philosophy and religion may reform, but only the Bible can transform. Brian H. Edwards
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Truth or Torture
Wednesday, July 9Till I die I will not put away my integrity from me. Job 27:5
Bible Reading:
Haralan Popov was imprisoned and tortured by Communists in Bulgaria during Soviet times.
On one occasion, prison authorities called him to the office and said, “Comrade Popov, we have decided to free you from the pit, since we feel you’ll be more sensible and obliging in the future.” The pit was a hot, stifling hole where countless prisoners suffered and died.
In return, the official wanted information about other believers. After a moment of silent prayer, Popov said, “No.” It was a decision that cost him dearly, but Popov would not violate his integrity.1
One of the marks of a leader is integrity. Few of us will have to pay such a high price as Haralan Popov, but that’s all the more reason we should be painstakingly honest in little things.
Choose today to live according to godly principles in all areas and situations in life.
I believe in God and serve Him. I’m a pastor to these men. And you want me to report to you all they tell me? Never could I do that. Do what you want to me and this body. It is but clay. But I will never deny my faith. Haralan Popov
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I Don’t Mean to Brag…
Thursday, July 10Do not boast…. Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth.
Proverbs 27:1-2Recommended Reading:Proverbs 27:1-5
Two men were talking, and one said, “I don’t mean to brag about my financial skills, but the bank calls every week to tell me my debt is outstanding.” The other said, “Well, I don’t want to brag either, but my psychologist says I have the biggest ego he’s ever seen.”
There’s something about bragging that displays immaturity. Paul had plenty to brag about—his heritage, his pedigree, his zeal, and his accomplishments. But he chose to live in humility and not allow pride to overtake him.
Bragging comes to us more naturally than humility, just like weeds grow in a garden easier than vegetables. A garden needs to be cultivated, and God wants to cultivate our hearts so we brag less and worship more.
The Bible says, “‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends” (2 Corinthians 10:17-18, NIV).
The next time you feel like bragging about something, try this.
Instead of speaking to someone else in pride, speak to God in thanksgiving. After all, He and He alone is the One who blessed you.
The surest mark of true conversion is humility. J. C. Ryle
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Learning to Learn
Friday, July 11Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.
Philippians 4:11Bible Reading:
A four-year-old can play “Chopsticks” on the piano, but a fourteen-year-old can play Brahms’ “Lullaby.”
A four-year-old can read short words, but a fourteen-year-old can read novels.
A four-year-old can ride a bike without training wheels, but a fourteen-year-old can fly down a trail on a mountain bike.
What is the key element in all these progressions of skill? It is learning.
But it is not just physical or mental skills that can be learned; spiritual skills can be learned as well.
The Greek word for learn is the verb form of the word for disciple—a learner or pupil.
Both words mean to learn by practice, instruction, and experience.Learning presupposes a lack of knowledge or skill that is later gained through practice, instruction, and experience.
So when the apostle Paul said, “I have learned...to be content,” he was saying he hadn’t always been content—that he had been dissatisfied, impatient, or discontent.When you feel discontent, ask God to teach you contentment in whatever way He chooses. Learning takes time, patience, and humility.
Contentment with what we have is absolutely vital to our spiritual health. Jerry Bridges
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The Summer Retreat: God’s People
Saturday, July 12And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
Bible Reading:
The intricacies of the human body are complex, but this we know: The parts are all interconnected—they “talk” to one another so as to maintain balance and health. And since the Bible uses the human body to illustrate the Body of Christ, there is a lesson for us: The more we “talk” with other members of the Body, the healthier the Body will be.
It’s natural for Christians to gather in familiar groups based on relationships made in church. But the summer months provide an excellent opportunity to expand our relationships with fellow Christians we may not normally interact with.
Opportunities abound for cookouts, picnics, recreational gatherings, day trips, and the like. Gathering together with others, especially those we may not know well, is an opportunity for God to broaden our perspectives and deepen our relationships.
When getting together with familiar friends this summer, broaden your plans to include some new acquaintances in anticipation of God building up your life and theirs.
Christianity is all about relationships with God and with others. David Watson
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July 13, 2025
Wisdom from the Psalms
Psalms 88:8
Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.Fritz had read the horrible stories about AIDS, but never gave it much thought. Now his doctor was telling him that he had the disease.
Fritz didn't want to die, especially all alone, but he knew that many of his friends would make themselves scarce as soon as they found out what he had. He had become a leper, an outcast, with nowhere to turn.
Facing death was only a part of it. Facing life would be even harder.
We do terrible things to some people in our society. People who suffer greatly need our compassion and love, but instead they receive our judgment and condemnation.
Christ does not ask us to accept sin, or the results of sin, but He commands us to love the one who sins.
One thing we may never do is cast aside another of God's children. We do not have that right.
The Lord loves all His children, and we need to learn to love all our sisters and brothers.
No one need ever be alone, if we will extend our hands in love to the sick, the lonely, the poor.
Prayer: My God, there are so many suffering people in this world. Lead me to where they are, that I might give them something of myself, that together we may become the family You made us to be. Amen.
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Much or Little
Monday, July 14I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Philippians 4:12
Bible Reading:
Ancient teachers and philosophers who traveled around speaking were paid for their services. In fact, their payment was supposed to be in proportion to the perceived value of their teachings. Since the apostle Paul did not charge for his teaching ministry, his opponents said his teachings had no value (2 Corinthians 11:7-12).
Paul sometimes received financial support from churches where he ministered (2 Corinthians 11:8; Philippians 4:14-16), but he also worked as a tentmaker so as not to be a financial burden to anyone (Acts 18:3).
Why did Paul conduct his ministry on a by-faith basis when it came to material needs?
Because he had learned that in every circumstance, God was faithful to meet his needs. Whether he had plenty or little did not matter since he had learned to be content “in all things.” He had learned that the strength of Christ was sufficient in every situation (Philippians 4:13).
We also are called to live by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). Let every moment of need be an opportunity to trust God.
Contentment is an embracing of the providence of God. George Seevers
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Neither Ashamed nor a Shame
Tuesday, July 15Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.
2 Timothy 1:8Bible Reading:
It’s not unusual for teenagers to be embarrassed when their parents witness for Christ to strangers in public settings. It even happens to adults when one of their friends stops to witness to someone. It’s understandable for children to be embarrassed; it is less understandable when adults have the same reaction.
The apostle Paul reminded Timothy not to be embarrassed (“ashamed”) of two things: Jesus Christ Himself or of his imprisoned friend and mentor. Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy in the final season of his life when he was imprisoned in Rome. Just as Peter had once denied knowing Christ, it would be easy for Timothy to deny knowing the imprisoned apostle. It is worth remembering that Christ told His followers that those who denied Him “before men” He would deny before the Father in heaven (Matthew 10:33).
Take every opportunity to stand for Christ and to stand with those who speak boldly for Him.
Be not ashamed of your faith; remember it is the ancient gospel of martyrs, confessors, Reformers, and saints. Above all, it is the truth of God, against which the gates of hell cannot prevail. Charles Haddon Spurgeon
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Biblically Bold
Wednesday, July 16I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness in the great assembly; indeed, I do not restrain my lips, O Lord, You Yourself know. Psalm 40:9
Bible Reading:
Voices of deception are ringing around us, and that’s why the voice of the Church must be heard. This is no time to be intimidated, ashamed, or embarrassed. When we share the Gospel or defend a biblical worldview, others may not like it. The Bible’s message about issues such as sexual ethics is for everyone’s good. The best possible life is one that adheres to Scripture.
When with a gentle but unapologetic voice we speak truth to culture, we are being, well, countercultural. When we speak truth to power, we are being salt and light. While the world screams out its views in anger, we have the opportunity of sharing a better way in love.
There will be times when we’ll be marginalized, mistreated, and, in some places, even martyred. Don’t let this defeat you. Every generation of Christian believers has experienced rejection, discrimination, and persecution. Our focus is on serving Jesus and those to whom He sends us. We’ll have all the time we need for comfort in heaven. Don’t restrain your lips.
Our inheritance is unfading. Our treasure is secure—it will not diminish. Our role is pivotal. Our faithfulness is required. Pastor Allen Jacksonu
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Gifted
Thursday, July 17As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another. 1 Peter 4:10
Bible Reading:
Earlier this year, an Ohio woman bought a painting for $2.99 at a thrift store and sold it for nearly $3,000 when she discovered it was the work of a gifted artist. Most of God’s children are like that. We underestimate our value and the value of the spiritual gifts God has given us. Maybe we worry too much about finding our gifts and spend too little time exercising them. As we serve the Lord, our gifts will emerge. But anxiety over finding our own distinctive set of spiritual gifts may keep us from today’s tasks.
The apostle Peter simply said, “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies” (1 Peter 4:9-11). That’s something you can do today!
The New Testament’s teaching on spiritual gifts focuses not on self-discovery but on loving service. In fact, the anxiety about discovering “my” spiritual gift will probably fade completely when you focus on what you can do to build up the body of Christ. Jonathan Threlfall
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Unity and Diversity
Friday, July 18Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12, NIV
Bible Reading:
Most authorities on human anatomy recognize 78 organs in the human body. The apostle Paul used the human body to illustrate the diversity and unity of all Christians in the Body of Christ. Organs are diverse, yet the human body is a unit.
Paul used the human body and its parts to illustrate his teaching on spiritual gifts which God “[distributes] to each one individually as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11).
Just as God arranged the human body and its parts “just as He pleased” (1 Corinthians 12:18), so He has distributed spiritual gifts in the Body of Christ the same way.
And just as every organ in the human body has a part to play in function and in health, so every Christian has a part to play in the function and health of the Body of Christ.
Paul identifies the spiritual gifts God has given to the Church in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12–14.
What spiritual gift(s) has God given you?
How are you using it to build up the Body of Christ?
Pride of gifts robs us of God’s blessing in the use of them. William Gurnall
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The Summer Retreat: God’s Word
Saturday, July 19But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season. Psalm 1:2-3
Bible Reading:
Productivity consultants advise breaking down a large task into a series of smaller tasks.
For example, instead of trying to lose twenty pounds, try losing one pound per week for the next twenty weeks.
And instead of having an hour-long quiet time each day, begin with a ten-minute devotional and add five minutes each week.
The same can be true for reading God’s Word—setting a goal for reading specific portions.
Try reading a chapter of Proverbs and five psalms each day for a month.
Or you might spend the summer reading the five major prophets or the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament.
Or purchase a harmony of the Gospels—the four Gospels blended into one book—and spend the summer meditating on the life of Christ.
Perhaps you can spend the summer investigating scriptural teaching on a subject that is important to you like finances or parenting.
Set a goal for reading God’s Word during the summer months. You will be a deeper and wiser person come September.
Never let a hurried lifestyle disturb the relationship of abiding in Him. Oswald Chambers
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Wisdom from the Psalms
July 20
Psalms 90:17
And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.Cheryl loved her artwork. She could express so many things with canvas and paint that she couldn't express any other way. She showed the depths of her soul. All her work had a spiritual sense to it. It came from a deep and beautiful place inside her own soul. Cheryl felt that the image of God in her was best displayed through the works of her hands and heart.
Within each of us is a wellspring of beauty that comes from God above. How we express it varies from person to person, but it is there, nonetheless. Reach deep into your soul and share the wealth of beauty buried there. To do so is to share God.
Prayer: Enter into my life, O Lord, and make it something beautiful and special. Whatever talents I have are Yours. Bless them, that they might produce much, Father. Amen.
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Words of Love
Monday, July 21
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:6
Bible Reading:
The apostle Paul created lists in his letters.
He listed the spiritual gifts (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-10), the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), the acts of the sinful nature (Galatians 5:19-21), and others.
But he never ordered his lists in terms of importance—except in one instance. In 1 Corinthians 13:13, he listed the three most important virtues in the Christian life: faith, hope, and love. And of these three, he said love is the greatest.
Nowhere is love more important than in the words we speak to others. The Bible speaks clearly about the power of speech.
Proverbs 18:21 says that our words have the power of life and death. The apostle James warned his readers about the power of speech and how easy it is to be double-minded when it comes to our words:
“Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:10). If love is the greatest virtue, surely our words should be spoken with love at all times.
Look for ways today to speak words that reflect God’s love, words that convey grace to others.
Our words reveal our thoughts. William Arthur Ward
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Like Corinth or Like Christ?
Tuesday, July 22Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14Bible Reading:
Two of Paul’s longest letters were written to the church at Corinth.
The length of these letters reflects the complex problems presented to Christians by the city of Corinth itself.
It was a huge city of more than half a million inhabitants, a crossroads of trade and cultures, overflowing with pagan religious activity. One of the dozen temples in the city honored Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.
It should come as no surprise that Paul dedicated an extensive treatise to true love in 1 Corinthians 13 in order to counter pagan perceptions of love.
In his concluding words to the Corinthians, he summarized all that he had written in his letter: “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.”
And then he summarized that summary by saying, “Let all that you do be done with love.”
That statement reflects his lengthy teaching in chapter 13 about the nature of true love where he said that nothing in the spiritual life has value unless it is accompanied by selfless, others-centered, Godlike love (verses 1-3).
Be aware of your actions today—are they Corinth-like or Christlike?
Love is the queen of all the Christian graces.
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Comforting Thoughts
Wednesday, July 23Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3
Bible Reading:
The nineteenth-century Irish pastor Philip Bennett Power had a tender way of comforting those who were suffering from pain or the various trials of life.
He suggested three axioms for strength and perseverance in difficult times:
“(1) Get firmly convinced that God, God Himself, God the Father, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our Father, is a God of comfort.
(2) Do not look anywhere else for your prime and first comfort. I do not deny that there is much comfort in friends, in happy feelings, in books… but I want you to gather in your thoughts and feel that the only sure comfort is with God.(3) Expect comfort from God.”
Paul considered suffering for Christ a privilege, and he kept serving and obeying God in spite of persecution and difficulties.
He persevered. The same God who helped Paul persevere through tough times will help you.
Ask Him to give you the strength to keep going in any area of life in which you feel weariness and pain.
If your Father will not comfort you, who will? He is the most likely person to get comfort from; therefore the proper person to go to for it. Philip Bennett Power
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Duplications
Thursday, July 24Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. Philippians 3:17, NLT
Bible Reading:
Have you heard of mimeograph machines? They preceded photocopiers, scanners, and 3-D printers. For many churches, the first opportunity to print their own materials came with mimeograph machines. A waxed-paper stencil was inserted into the typewriter, which cut letters onto the film. The film was rolled around an ink drum which was turned with a crank.
The church has always been in the duplication business. Our main object of duplication is people. The Lord Jesus stamps His image on us, and as others pattern their lives after ours, we help them grow to be duplicates of Christ.
God’s Word must be passed on to those who aren’t as far along as we are in our Christian walks. Through formal discipleship programs or informal times of sharing God’s Word, giving counsel, and praying together, let your life guide someone closer to Jesus. Ask God to duplicate Christ’s likeness in you, then through you!
There are few people whom God calls to do great things for him, but the best thing most of us can do in this world is to live out a real, simple, beautiful, strong Christian life in our allotted place. Thus in our little measure we shall repeat the life of the Master himself. J. R. Miller
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Be an Example
Friday, July 25Therefore I urge you, imitate me. 1 Corinthians 4:16
Bible Reading:
History is filled with examples of examples—relationships in which one person influenced another by their example. Steve Jobs was an example for Mark Zuckerberg; Warren Buffett was an example for Bill Gates. Socrates was an example for Plato, and Plato was an example for Aristotle. Mahatma Gandhi was an example for Nelson Mandela, and the list is almost endless.
Everyone is an example to someone whether for good or for ill.
One of the most striking things the apostle Paul wrote was his encouragement for others to imitate his example.
This was not a prideful or egotistical exhortation by Paul as he clarified in 1 Corinthians 11:1: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”
His ultimate purpose was for believers to be like Jesus Christ, not like Paul. And because the four Gospel accounts of Christ were not available to be read, the only way to be like Christ was to be like others who were imitating Him.
Consider this: When others witness our words and actions, if they imitate us, will they be imitating Christ or just imitating us?
A good example is the best sermon. Unknown
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The Summer Retreat: God’s Presence
Saturday, July 26You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
Bible Reading:
The teacher of a large women’s Bible study in a major metropolitan city decided to take the summer off: no quiet time, no Bible reading, and no prayer life for the entire summer. When September rolled around, she found herself more miserable than she had ever been in her life.
Summer can be a great time for restoring strength and energy.
But what is the best way to do that?
When the psalmists were burdened and busy, they found rejuvenation by spending time in the presence of God, not by avoiding His presence: “My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God” (Psalm 84:2). “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand [elsewhere]” (Psalm 84:10).
If you have lost your joy and the pleasures of the Christian life, consider David’s words: “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
Consider this summer as an opportunity to accept Jesus’ invitation: “Come to Me...and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Anxious care is out of place in a heavenly Father’s presence. Kenneth Wuest
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Unoffendable
Monday, July 28Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. Proverbs 12:16, NIV
Bible Reading:
Sometimes an ordinary statement can make a big impact.
One day Brant Hansen heard someone say, “It’s a choice we can make, to just choose not to be offended.”
Hansen latter quipped that he found this statement offensive! But with reflection, he concluded, “We should forfeit our right to be offended.
That means forfeiting our right to hold onto anger.
When we do this, we’ll be making a sacrifice that’s very pleasing to God.
It strikes at our very pride.
It forces us not only to think about humility, but to actually be humble.”1
When we accept Christ as Savior, we begin the process of sanctification.
And part of that process involves learning how to get along with other believers.
As followers of Christ, we have strong beliefs, and all of us have differing personalities and perspectives.
As you interact with fellow Christians at home, work, or church, choose to forgive them and love them.
Overlook insults.
The Bible says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). Learn to be unoffendable.
We can love; we can forgive; we can refuse to be offended…because God loved us first. Brant Hansen
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Blest Be the Tie That Binds
Tuesday, July 29Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 1 Corinthians 12:27
Bible Reading
Before it’s completely forgotten, we should revisit the hymn, “Blest Be the Tie That Binds,” and recover its spirit: “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. Before our Father’s throne we pour our ardent prayers; our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares.”
It’s harder to squabble when you sing and live those lyrics. It’s often hard to live peacefully with all the other members of the Body of Christ. Even Paul and Barnabas had a falling out in Acts 15:36-41. Time and maturity seemed to heal their division, and we need to learn the art of allowing wounds to heal, divisions to dissolve, and hearts to unite.
All Christians are part of the Body of Christ, and it’s healthy to reach out to those who may be in a different category—married or single, young or old, rough or polished, rich or poor. Especially those with a need about which we can pray. After all, “our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares.”
We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens bear, and often for each other flows the sympathizing tear. John Fawcett
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Rules for Aging
Wednesday, July 30Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? Job 12:12, NIV
Bible Reading:
Dr. John Dunlop, a gerontologist, has two rules for staying mentally healthy as we age.
“Rule 1: Wake up every morning knowing what you are going to do that day.
Rule 2: Go to bed every night knowing that you helped someone.”1 Those rules work for us whatever our age, but a benefit of growing older is developing a richer appreciation for how the Lord can use us every new morning.
The prophet Isaiah wrote, “The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed” (Isaiah 50:4, NIV).
As we enter new chapters in life, we may feel we’re too busy, too weak, too weary, or too old to serve Him.
But part of running the race of the Christian life well is serving God throughout our entire lives.
Look for ways you can serve Him today, no matter what stage of life you’re in.
Those who trust in God should never view any season of life as unproductive; even the last stage…. God has a purpose for you to fulfill each day of your life. Dr. John Dunlop
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No Coasting
Thursday, July 31Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2
Bible Reading:
Earlier this year at the Faun-Ardèche Classic bicycle race in France, the leading group of riders went in the wrong direction near the end.
Cyclists were sprinting toward victory when they took the wrong turn at a roundabout, allowing Romain Grégoire of France to claim the victory.
Each of us wants to finish the race well. We don’t need any wrong turns near the finish line. Someone called this “long-distance Christianity.”
Leighton Ford wrote, “God has a purpose in and for our aging.
That purpose has to do with the hidden life of the Spirit so that, as the body grows older, our spirit may grow deeper and stronger.
Our ongoing calling, in later years as in earlier years, is to die daily, perhaps even hourly, with our Lord, and to realize (especially in our later years) the reality and power of his death and of his resurrection.
Ask God to help you stay focused on the goal of the Christian experience rather than becoming distracted by the things of the world. Look to Him today!
Live ready to go when Christ comes for you.
J. I. Packer0