Team Daily Bible Reading and Commentary Thoughts for July 2024
316Judith
Posts: 12,255 Member
Good Morning All
Welcome Back for our Daily Bible Reading and Commentary Thoughts!
July 1, 2024
Bible Reading
Philippians 3:13-14
Commentary Thoughts
"Toward the mark"
It is one of the devil’s oldest tricks to discourage Christian believers by causing them to look back at what they once were. It is indeed the enemy of our souls who makes us forget that we are never at the end of God’s love.
No one will make progress with God until the eyes are lifted to the faithfulness of God and we stop looking at ourselves!
Our instructions in the New Testament all add up to the necessity of looking forward in faith—and not spending our time looking back or just looking within.
Brethren, our Lord is more than able to take care of our past. He pardons instantly and forgives completely, and his blood makes us worthy!
The goodness of God is infinitely more wonderful than we will ever be able to comprehend. If the “root of the matter” is in you and you are born again, God is prepared to start with you where you are!
Prayer - "Thank You, Lord, that we can never reach the end of Your love for us. Your love, like all Your attributes, is never-ending".
Welcome Back for our Daily Bible Reading and Commentary Thoughts!
July 1, 2024
Bible Reading
Philippians 3:13-14
Commentary Thoughts
"Toward the mark"
It is one of the devil’s oldest tricks to discourage Christian believers by causing them to look back at what they once were. It is indeed the enemy of our souls who makes us forget that we are never at the end of God’s love.
No one will make progress with God until the eyes are lifted to the faithfulness of God and we stop looking at ourselves!
Our instructions in the New Testament all add up to the necessity of looking forward in faith—and not spending our time looking back or just looking within.
Brethren, our Lord is more than able to take care of our past. He pardons instantly and forgives completely, and his blood makes us worthy!
The goodness of God is infinitely more wonderful than we will ever be able to comprehend. If the “root of the matter” is in you and you are born again, God is prepared to start with you where you are!
Prayer - "Thank You, Lord, that we can never reach the end of Your love for us. Your love, like all Your attributes, is never-ending".
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July 2, 2024
Bible Reading
Philippians 1:11
Commentary Thoughts by AW Tozer
The Winsome Saints
Much of Christianity overlooks the fact that if we are led by the Spirit of God and if we show forth the love of God this world needs, we become the “winsome saints.”
The strange and wonderful thing about it is that truly win- some and loving saints do not even know about their attractiveness. The great saints of the past did not know they were great saints. If someone had told them, they would not have believed it, but those around them knew that Jesus was living His life in them.
I think we join the winsome saints when God’s purposes in Christ become clear to us. We join them when we begin to worship God because He is who He is! Brethren, God is not a charity case—He is not some frustrated foreman who cannot find enough help.
Let us remember that God has never actually needed any of us—not one! But we pretend that He does, and we make a big thing of it when someone agrees “to work for the Lord.”
God is trying to call us back to that for which He created us—to worship and to enjoy Him forever!
Prayer - "Thank You, Lord, for the faithful men and women who have gone before us. Thank You for the example of their lives that delighted in having close fellowship with You".0 -
July 3, 2024
Bible Reading
2 Timothy 3:5
Commentary Thoughts by Tozer
Failure Of Religion
Millions of men and women refuse to face up to the fact that religion, in and of itself, is not enough for the sinner’s need.
It is amazing how many things religious people want to do to you. They can start with infant baptism and end up with the last rites when you are 108 years old—and all of that time they will manipulate you, maul you and sweet massage your soul.
When it is all done, you are just what you were.
You are just a decorated and massaged sinner—a sinner who did not eat meat, or on the other hand, a sinner who did eat fish!
When religion has done all it can, you are still a sinner who either went to church or did not go to church.
Religion can put us on the roll and educate us and train us and instruct us.
But after all that, there is still something within our beings that cries, “Eternity is in my heart and I have not found anything to satisfy it!”
Only our Lord Jesus Christ is enough to satisfy the eternal longing in our souls.
Prayer - "Lord, deepening my relationship with You is more important than my involvement in “religious traditions” that have nothing to do with my eternal destiny. I love You, Lord Jesus".
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Happy Independence Day 🇺🇸
July 4, 2024
Bible Reading
Philippians 4:8
Commentary Thoughts by AW Tozer
Striving For Numbers
In Christian circles today, the church that can show an impressive quantitative growth is frankly envied and imitated by other ambitious churches.
Numbers, size and amounts seem to be very nearly all that matters—with a corresponding lack of emphasis on quality!
This is the age of the Laodiceans. The great goddess, Numbers, is worshiped with fervent devotion, and all things religious are brought before her for examination.
Her Old Testament is the financial report, and her New Testament is the membership roll.
To these she appeals as the test of spiritual growth and the proof of success or failure in most Christian endeavors.
A little acquaintance with the Bible should show this up for the heresy it is.
To judge anything spiritual by statistics is to judge by something other than scriptural judgment.
Yet this is being done every day by ministers, church boards and denominational leaders. And hardly anyone seems to notice the deep and dangerous errors.
Prayer - “Lord, I pray this morning for the pastor and elders of my church, that their chief desire will be to invite the Holy Spirit of God into our church to do His refining work in the lives of our people.”0 -
July 5, 2024
Bible Reading
Romans 12:2
1 Peter 5;8
Commentary Thoughts: Began New Reading from (YouVersion) about Your Mind and Who Controls your Thoughts!
God looks at your future, while the enemy tries to keep you in your past.
God says, “You can, in spite of what has been done!” The enemy says, “You can’t, because of what you have done!”
God will never define you by your past issues, but the enemy will try to confine you by them.
Whether it is the good, bad, or ugly that dominates your life up until now, it is Satan’s goal to keep you chained there.
Never let your yesterday keep you from your tomorrow.
Learn from yesterday, but don’t live in it.
Your victory comes through learning and then applying what you’ve learned.
Becoming who God wants you to be starts with your thoughts.
Always remember that Satan’s number one strategy is to plant unhealthy thoughts in your mind, repeating them over and over until you start to think they are your own thoughts.
When Satan told Eve she would be like God if she ate of the fruit, whose thought was that? That thought came straight from Satan himself.
In fact, he’d had the same thought before, as we read in Isaiah 14:14: “I will make myself like the Most High.” It was Satan’s thought, but he planted it in Eve’s mind.
So, be mindful of the devil. Don’t let him have free reign in your mind.0 -
July 6, 2024
Bible Reading
John 8:44
Matthew 16:22-23
Commentary Thoughts
When you tell yourself, I can’t overcome this addiction, whose thought is that?
Or when you think, I have to have this drink, whose thought is that?
Or when you entertain such thoughts as, I am nothing. I have no value. I don’t have power over my emotions of lust or anger, who is doing the talking?
We know these thoughts come from Satan because they are all lies, and he is the father of lies (John 8:44).
Satan makes quick work of planting thoughts and directing them. But his thoughts do not have to have the last word. You have the power to control your own thoughts.
So, how should you respond to Satan’s suggestions?
The same way Jesus did when Peter tried to keep Him from going to the cross. Peter told Jesus, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.”
To which Jesus replied, “Get behind Me, Satan!” (Matthew 16:22-23).
Jesus knew that the words came from Peter, but the thoughts came from Satan. And when Satan gets into your mind, he gets into your actions.
The key to overcoming him is to take your thoughts captive.0 -
July 7, 20/4
Bible Reading
Philippians 4:8
2 Corinthians 10:5
John 8:32
Commentary Thoughts
One reason Satan’s strongholds are so powerful is that they become entrenched.
This happens when Satan can get you to buy into the lie that your situation is hopeless. His goal is to get you to believe that by nature you are a drug addict or a manipulator or a negative person, that you are controlled by fear or shame, that nothing will ever change, and so on.
Once you give in to and adopt this line of thinking, these fortresses become difficult to remove.
Your behavior deteriorates even more since all of us act according to who we believe we are.
The only solution is to tear down these fortresses by “taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Reprogram your mind and release yourself from captivity. This is how you unleash your full potential and free yourself up to then help other men rise to do the same.
The solution is twofold but straightforward. First, identify Christ’s thoughts on a matter, and secondly, align your own thinking under the rule of His truth.
Then the truth will set you free (John 8:32).
In what areas of your life do you need to take your thoughts captive?0 -
July 8, 2024
Bible Reading
John 3:22-30
Commentary Thoughts
The Necessity of Spiritual Growth
Getting a handle on spiritual growth is crucial for at least two reasons.
First, it is God’s command and, therefore, His will for us.
And second, the alternative to growth is stagnation and eventual deformity.
There’s a good reason you won’t find a hymn called “Backwards Christian Soldiers” being sung in any church.
Failing to grow is not an option for believers—at least not if we want to please God.
It may help to begin with a definition of spiritual growth.
Spiritual growth can be defined as that transformational process by which we allow the indwelling Christ to increasingly express Himself in and through us, resulting in a greater capacity on our part to bring God greater glory, be a blessing to others, and advance His kingdom on earth.
Spiritual growth involves more of Christ being expressed in your life and less of you.
John the Baptist said it best. As Jesus’ ministry and popularity grew and John began to step into the background, John’s disciples came to him and said, “Do you realize what’s going on here?”
(John 3:22–26). John responded, “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease” (v. 30).
We are growing spiritually when more of Jesus is being expressed through us than we ourselves.0 -
July 9, 2024
Bible Reading
Ephesians 2:14-16
Ephesians 4:13
Commentary Thoughts
What is Unity?
We have all heard the phrase divide and conquer. In war, this strategy forces the enemy to divide their defenses and leaves them vulnerable. Satan uses these same tactics against the body of Christ. He seeks to divide and conquer because he knows that a disunified church is weak.
But what is unity? Unfortunately, many think that unity means “sameness.” This is not true. Unity is not uniformity. Instead, unity can be defined as any group of people who are characterized by a shared purpose, vision or direction. It’s not about being the exact same, but about advancing toward the same goal. Think about a football team. There are different positions on the field.
Each position has different skill sets, roles and responsibilities. But all players on the team march toward the same end zone because their goal is the same.
What we must realize is that race has always been a part of God’s plan, but God’s plan also included a way to create unity among the different races. That plan’s epicenter is Jesus Christ.
Through Christ, racially divided groups get reconciled into one body, the church. The church is the place where all distinctions should no longer cause any divisions because of our unity in Christ.
Our common goal is advancing God’s kingdom through sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
When believers, from every race, come together and operate in biblical unity, we will no longer be divided or conquered. We will be victorious.0 -
July 12, 2024
Bible Reading
Ephesians 4:15
1 Peter 2:2
Commentary Thoughts
Spiritual Growth Demands Nourishment
It often helps to follow a definition with an illustration of what we’re talking about.
One obvious way to illustrate spiritual growth is by looking at its physical counterpart. Going back to our topic of newborn babies, I’m sure you know that every infant not only wants but also often demands food.
Everything within that child cries out, “Give me something to eat. I’ve got some growing to do!” If you have ever heard a newborn baby cry out of hunger, you can appreciate the apostle Peter’s words of admonition to Christians:
“Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Peter 2:2).
This is one of the best one-sentence descriptions of spiritual growth you’ll find in the Bible.
We may not know exactly how spiritual growth works, but this verse helps us because it compares spiritual growth to physical growth.
The issue for a newborn baby is the development of the life he or she has been given.
Now that may seem so simple and obvious that you wonder why I even mention it.
But it has been my experience as a pastor that this key principle of spiritual growth is often overlooked for exactly that reason.
Spiritual growth is not first and foremost a program or a curriculum, as I said above, but the nourishment and development of a life.
Now I can hear someone saying, “Well, a baby may not be following a program, but her mom certainly is.” That’s true.
There is a well-established, proven program of nourishment that any mom needs to follow if she wants her baby to experience healthy growth.
That’s why I said there is nothing wrong with various programs or steps as long as they are facilitating the growth of spiritual life.
The goal of spiritual growth is to feed the life you were given by the Holy Spirit at the moment of your conversion, or your re-birth, so that you may, as Peter wrote, “grow in respect to salvation” (1 Peter 2:2).
Paul put it this way: “We are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ” (Eph. 4:15).
The point is that your spiritual DNA is complete because you received the life of Christ at your conversion, and nothing can be added to Christ.
Our challenge as Christians is to maximize what we already have, not run around and look for that which we don’t have.0 -
July 13, 2024
Bible Reading
John 10:10
Commentary Thoughts
Spiritual Growth Demands Relationship
As you know, a baby is dependent on other people for the nourishment needed for proper growth. This demands a relationship that begins even before birth as an unborn child draws nourishment from the mother through the umbilical cord.
In this case, the importance of that relationship is clear because the baby is feeding off of the mother, whose life is supplying life to the child. If that relationship is disrupted, the baby is in serious trouble.
A child in the womb is not studying a book, listening to a teacher, or following a program.
He or she is simply piggybacking off of a life that is, ideally, already mature and strong.
As long as the umbilical cord isn’t cut or blocked—as long as the baby stays in right relationship with the mother—growth will continue to occur.
The spiritual application of this physical truth is, of course, the importance of our relationship with Jesus Christ.
It’s interesting that Jesus did not say, “I have come to give you My program,” but rather, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).
So if we are not growing as we should, even though Jesus came to give us not just life but abundant life, then maybe it’s because we have chosen to focus on the program rather than the Person.
Spiritual growth is progressively learning to let Christ live His life through us, and that only happens through a relationship with Him.1 -
A personal relationship with Jesus is so very important. He is the only one who gives us life and a purpose. The closer we are to Jesus, the more we become like Him.2
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Sunday July 14, 2024
Bible Reading
Colossians 2:6
Romans 7:12-14
Romans.chapter 6
Romans chapter 8
Commentary Thoughts
The Essence of Grace
One reason the grace of God is so amazing is that it comes up no matter where we turn to talk about the Christian life. Let me just give you the essence of grace and how it relates to spiritual growth.
Grace is all that God is free to do for you based on the work of Jesus Christ on your behalf. It is God’s inexhaustible supply of goodness whereby He does for you what you could never do for yourself.
This is the ABCs of the faith, but we need to review it because the truth of grace seems to get lost so often when it comes to how we grow in Christ.
That may be true because growth suggests an effort on our part, while grace is a gift that can only be received and enjoyed, not earned.
But the Bible says we are saved by grace, and we grow by grace. Or as Paul told the Colossians, “As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” (Col. 2:6).
If I were the devil and I didn’t want Christians to grow, I would keep them from drawing on God’s grace and drive them back to the principle of law to keep them in bondage.
Romans 6–8 contain Paul’s classic contrast between the law of Moses and grace, describing in painful detail our complete inability to obey God’s commands in our own power.
Now Paul made it very clear that the problem is not with God’s law, which is “holy and righteous and good” (Rom. 7:12).
The fault is with our sinful, fallen flesh. What happened under the Mosaic law is that when God’s perfect standard, with its requirement of perfect obedience, was applied to sinful and weak human beings, something had to give—and God was not about to lower or adjust His standard to accommodate our sinfulness.
And since the law carried with it a penalty for failure to obey, we fell under the sentence of death.
Paul also wrote, “The Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin” (Rom. 7:14).
The reason this is important is that the law had no power to help anyone obey its commands.
Law tells you what to do, but it doesn’t hold out a hand to help you.
The law reveals God’s demands, which never change.
But we need someone to give us the power to obey God’s commands.
Living under "law" is like living with a perfect person who takes joy in telling you everything you are doing wrong, but never lifts a finger to help you get it right. Under these conditions, you will inevitably live an unhappy, defeated, and empty life.
We can see why grace is required for spiritual
growth. Spiritually dead people can’t grow, but all that the law of Moses could produce, was death: because it was all command and penalty- without the enablement to obey.
That’s why Peter said if we are going to grow, it has to be by grace. And not just grace as a theological concept, but as it is related to Christ.0 -
Monday July 15, 2024
Bible Reading
2 Peter 3:8
Commentary Thoughts by YouVersion (Speaker and Bible Teacher Evans
The Knowledge of Jesus Christ
As an author, I rarely ever receive one of my books in the mail from someone I’ve never met, with a request that I sign the book.
But when I speak at a conference where books are available, a lot of people come to me and ask me to sign their copy.
The difference is that they have met the author, and so the book takes on a new meaning. They have connected the content with a person.
Peter told us to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. We have His book, the Word of God, to learn from, and the Holy Spirit as our Teacher. In other words, we have everything we need- to put the ingredient of knowledge to work in our lives.
I have already mentioned how easy it is to get off track in this area and seek spiritual knowledge for its own sake.
But that’s like a young man who carries around a boxful of letters from his girlfriend, content to read them instead of using the insights they contain to deepen his relationship with her.
Our goal is to know Christ, not just know about Him.
A lot of people can give you facts and details about the lives of their favorite sports stars or celebrities. But there’s a world of difference between that kind of knowledge and having the person invite you over for dinner because you are good friends.
You can put the Bible in an honored place in your home, take pictures of it to post on social media—particularly of underlined verses inside, and yet not know the Savior it speaks of.
Knowledge is an ingredient of spiritual growth, but it is knowledge of a Person that we must seek.
To change the analogy, we could say that even though it’s good to use a cookbook, it’s even better to call Mom. Why? Because while the cookbook can give you the steps in a recipe, Mom can tell you why it didn’t work or give you a secret to make it work better the next time. Mom can bring the cookbook to life with her wisdom, experience, and loving touch.
Information about the Christian faith is critical because our faith has specific content.
But it is also critical that this information gets connected to the living reality of Jesus Christ. So,
if you are serious about spiritual growth, the
driving force must be the pursuit of a living relationship with Christ, which will deepen as you get to know Him better.1 -
Very good Judith
We are doing a study of prayer and that is how we get closer to God/Jesus. Talking to Him, Listening to God/Jesus, Talking with God/Jesus & Being with God/Jesus.
Sometimes we just need to be quiet. .
Also praying by a Bible verse or verses. I’m working on that one. 🙏🏻
Have a good day1 -
July 16, 2024
Bible Reading
Philippians 1:1-11
Commentary Thoughts
Key Verse:
Philippians 1:3
I thank my God every time I remember you.
Reflection:
We are created to be in community with others, and every now and then, the Lord puts people in our lives who bring great joy! Sometimes it's our family, but often it's people who enter our lives in the most unexpected places. Paul smiles when he thinks about his friends in Philippi. He thinks of them often, and he doesn't miss a chance to give thanks for them.
Response:
Who are the people in your life that bring you great joy?
Do you see them regularly, or just every now and again?
When was the last time you told them how grateful you are for them?
It's a good practice to begin your time of prayer in gratitude, giving thanks to the Lord before petitioning Him for needs.
Spend some time today focusing on who you're thankful for.
Write down their names.0 -
July17, 2024
Bible Reading
Philippians 1:12-30
Commentary Thoughts
Key Verse:
Philippians 1:27
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Reflection:
It's easy to wait for the perfect situation to do the right thing.
What's more difficult is to do the right thing knowing that the perfect situation may never come.
Paul encourages us to behave in a way that honors the Lord, no matter the situation, no matter the cost, no matter our surroundings.
Response:
Is there a move you're wanting to make, but you’re unsure because the timing or situation isn't perfect?
What is one area in your life that you know you need to change, correct, or eliminate, but you may keep putting it off because the situation isn't perfect?0 -
July 18, 2024
Bible Reading
Philippians 2:1-11
Commentary Thoughts
Key Verse:
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Reflection:
Have you ever noticed that when you do something nice for someone else, you walk away with a sense of peace and satisfaction?
Conversely, have you noticed that when you focus on yourself, neglecting the thoughts and feelings of others, you may feel immediate joy, but no lasting fulfillment?
This is because God has designed us to live in unity, serving one another.
Response:
Write down a time when you could have blessed someone, but chose not to.
If you could go back, what would you have done differently?
Who is the Lord asking you to serve right now?0 -
July 19, 2024
Bible Reading
Philippians 2:12-30
Commentary Thoughts
Key Verse:
Philippians 2:14
Do everything without grumbling or arguing…
Reflection:
There aren't many who truly enjoy being around negative people, at least for any length of time.
When we are surrounded by those who complain about everything, it begins to wear on our souls.
Paul doesn't say, "complain less." He says, "Do EVERYTHING without grumbling and arguing."
That's a tall order, but here's why: verses 15-16 of today’s passage say, "so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.
Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life." Is this hard? Sure. Is it attainable? Absolutely!
Response:
What are the things in your life that consistently bother you?
Do you complain about them regularly?
How could a change in your attitude about those things alter your mental well-being?0 -
July 20, 2024
Bible Reading
Focus on the following Scripture Readings:
Philippians 1:3-4
Philippians 3:-7-8
Commentary Thoughts
Key Verse:
Philippians 3:7-8
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
Reflection:
Based on this verse, Issac Watts penned these lyrics...
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
There are so many things that we do for the approval of others. Social media forces us to give the appearance of looking a certain way or performing at a level that gets noticed. We measure success in “likes” and “subscribes.” But every gain we have equals zero in comparison to the only worth that matters, which is simply knowing Him. Jesus is calling us to know and love Him.
Response:
Do you know Jesus?
Do you remember a time when you surrendered your life to the Lordship of Jesus?
If you haven't invited Jesus to be the Lord of your life, but would like to, pray this prayer..."Lord, thank you for saving me. I believe in you and want to make you Lord of my life today. Amen!''0 -
July 21, 2024
Bible Reading
Re-focus: Philippians 1:3-4
Commentary Thoughts
Prayer Direction:
The idea that we “deserve” all good things saturates our culture and our own thoughts. Glory is sought after, influence is measured, riches are accumulated, and comfort and ease are expected as givens.
And we simply miss the truth. We aren’t inherently good; only God is.
Therefore, we don’t deserve all the good things—only He does.
Every gift, blessing, and comfort comes from God to us in mercy. Jesus, God’s Son given for us, is the greatest example of our Father’s unwarranted kindness.
So, how can we guard against the self-exalting lies of our time?
Like Paul, we make a habit of praying in thankfulness and joy often, and we follow Christ’s example of humility.
He’s the only One who deserved it all. But instead, He chose to empty Himself and become a servant for our sake that we might truly experience God’s goodness by grace alone.
Prayer:
Father, we thank You for Your unfailing kindness and mercy that is new every morning! We thank You with joy for the amazing people in our lives who love us, encourage us, and help meet our needs. We thank You for our church that lifts up the name of Jesus above all! May You bless our families and church abundantly. We even thank You for the difficulties that are producing Your character in our lives! You alone are good and we give it all back to You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!1 -
Back tomorrow!0
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Let;s all pray for Judith and everyone. God knows what is on our hearts.2
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Amen Barb and thank you! God is Good!
July 23, 2024
Bible Reading
Philippians 4:1-9
Commentary Thoughts
Key Verse:
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Reflection:
What you think about the most determines the direction of your life. Where you fix your eyes is where you will go!
A good rule of thumb when downhill skiing or snowboarding through a wooded area is this:
Don't look at the tree! If you look at the tree, there's a good chance you'll hit the tree.
Instead, look at the path, focusing on where you're going instead of where you don't want to go.
The same is true here. Fix your eyes on the things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable.
That's where you want to be!
That’s where the Lord is.
Response:
What do you think about the most?
What are 2-3 things that you have focused on lately that bring no eternal value to your soul?
What are 2-3 things that you are thankful for today? Things that are worthy of praise?2 -
Key Verse:
Wednesday July 24, 2024
Bible Reading
Philippians 4:11-13
Commentary Thoughts
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Reflection:
This is a promise from God—not that everything will be easy, but that if it is of God, He will give us the strength and ability to see it through.
Response:
Look back on your life. When was the last time you felt as though you couldn't get through a hard season or situation? Did God give you strength?
What are you going through right now that seems impossible?
Ask the Lord for strength, wisdom, and the ability to overcome.0 -
July 26, 2024
Bible Reading
Colossians 1:15-23
Commentary Thoughts
Key Verse:
Colossians 1:19-20
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Reflection:
In order for the Colossians to fully grasp the truth, they needed to know the full character of God.
His sovereignty, centrality, and totality are the same today. He holds all things together. On the cross, He reconciled us; our responsibility now is to "remain grounded and steadfast in the faith" (verse 23) and walk in obedience.
Response:
How do verses 15-20 change your perspective on the magnitude of Christ?
Culture can easily shift, and in the process, distract us from seeing God for who He is.
What has distracted you recently from your walk with God?
Spend a moment and pray that God would help you to overcome distractions.0 -
Prayres for Judith as there is no Bibile verses
Maybe all put down their favs
My Favorite while at Moody was Psalms 34:4 I sought the Lord and He deliverd me from ALL MY FEARS! It's a good one with all we may facing and the fires plus for Judith too.
God cares and loves you.2 -
July 27, 2024
Bible Reading
Philippians 4:6-7
Commentary Thoughts
Prayer Direction:
We could always use more of the peace of God in our hearts and lives. And in these verses, Paul teaches us a formula for receiving God’s peace!
He teaches us to pray about everything and bring our requests to God with thanksgiving.
As you bring all of your needs to God today, be intentional to also thank Him for who He is and all He has done.
Then, receive the peace that only He can bring!
Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for who You are.
Thank You for taking my place on the cross and giving me eternal life.
Thank You for your goodness and faithfulness.
Thank You for caring about every detail of my life.
I bring my needs and requests to You alone.
(Openly share your specific needs with God.)
I will not be anxious about these things because I know You are sovereign over them.
I place my trust in You.
Thank You for Your peace that guards my heart and mind today.
Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You!0 -
Monday July 29, 2024
Bible Reading
Ephesians 6:12
Ephesians 1:21
Romans 16:20
John 16:33
Commentary
The Victory is Yours
Whipped 5 times, beaten by rods 3 times, stoned, shipwrecked 3 times, bitten by a snake, adrift at sea for a day, often without food, and arrested several times—Paul the apostle spent in total about 5 to 6 years of his life in jail.
Facing near death along with several other struggles, Paul found himself in a war, but he knew that it wasn’t people he was fighting against. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul informs us of an unseen realm that has influence over the thoughts and values of entire people groups.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
We were born into a war. The opponent isn’t our neighbor, a political party or country that threatens our freedom. This war is not human-centered, it is centered on a spirit realm.
The attack is not on us—it’s on the Kingdom of God that lives inside of us. This war belongs to God, and He has already won.
Jesus took on all sin, sickness, disease, trauma, and abuse and then rose from the grave to be seated “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named.” (Ephesians 1:21).
Knowing this, we have great hope in our Advocate, whose throne withstands all principalities and powers. His victory over evil is our inheritance.
As sons and daughters, we fight from victory, not for victory. This knowledge fills us with peace that crushes Satan under our feet. (Romans 16:20).
“In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Jesus died and rose so that we could live in His victory, taking it on as our identity.
In the middle of storms, we can rest in the Prince of Peace, reminding the enemy that he has already been defeated.
The victory belongs to Jesus, and His victory is ours.
Pray & Reflect
What hardship are you facing that is causing you to feel like a victim?
How does what you read about Jesus’ victory affect how you see this situation?
Take time to bring this situation before God,
surrender it to Him, and rest in His victory and peace.
Ask Him to show you who you are, and what it looks like to make His victory part of your identity.1 -
Tuesday July 30, 2024
Bible Reading
Colossians 2:16-23
Commentary Thoughts
Key Verse:
Colossians 2:20a
If you died with Christ to the elements of this world, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world?
Reflection:
There are three main elements that Paul rebukes in this passage: worshiping angels, false humility, and legalism.
All three of these practices were common in the church of Colossae as an attempt to become "more spiritual."
These attempts were all in vain, though, and these practices contradict what scripture says.
As Paul has already emphasized in previous passages, our only responsibility as believers is to be faithful and obedient to God.
Christ did the rest of the work at the cross, so striving to meet a made-up ideal negates what He accomplished for us.
Response:
It can be easy to try to take matters into our own hands, even when Christ has already accomplished everything we need.
Are there things you do in an effort to be “more spiritual” that are not founded in scripture?
Think about the early days of your faith.
Are there any false teachings that have informed your way of thinking, even subconsciously?
Ask God to reveal any beliefs you have that are not founded on truth.1 -
Wednesday July 31, 2024
Bible Reading
Colossians 3:1-17
Commentary Thoughts
Key Verse:
Colossians 3:1-2
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Reflection:
Because we have been made new in Christ, we get the privilege to leave the mess of sin behind us.
His resurrection paved the way for our freedom!
As Christ followers, we are called to fix our eyes on Jesus, instead of on the patterns of this world.
Response:
Instead of conforming to the world around us, we are called to be holy and set apart.
Which "patterns of the world" from verses 5-9 do you struggle with?
Which "patterns from above" in verses 12-17 would you like to grow in?0
