Posts with the category “obedience”

9/7/2024"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."- Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)Have you ever been unfairly accused of being something just because of those you hang out with? We know the term as “guilty by association.”In this proverb, Solomon gives us a straightforward yet valuable piece of advice: the people we surround ourselves with have a significant impact on our l...  Read More

9/6/2024"Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity."- 1 Timothy 5:1-2 (NIV)In this passage, the apostle Paul gives Timothy, a young pastor, practical guidance on how to relate to various members of his church community. Paul emphasizes the importance of trea...  Read More

9/4/2024“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”— Matthew 4:4 (NIV)In this passage, Jesus is in the wilderness, facing temptation after 40 days of fasting. Physically, He is hungry, tired, and vulnerable, yet He responds to Satan's temptation with a powerful truth: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word...  Read More

8/26/2024"Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children."— Ephesians 5:1 (NIV)As children of God, we are called to imitate Him in all that we do. Just as a child looks up to their parent and seeks to emulate their behavior, we too should strive to live as God's beloved children.The Apostle Paul encourages us to imitate God. We are called to reflect His character in our daily lives, emb...  Read More

8/22/2024"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."— Acts 3:19 (NIV)Repentance is a word that often stirs a sense of discomfort or guilt, yet it is a beautiful gift from God. In Acts 3:19, Peter calls us to repent and turn to God with a promise: our sins will be wiped out, and we will experience times of refreshing from the...  Read More

8/20/2024"Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning." Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity."—Joel 2:12-13 (NIV)In the book of Joel, the prophet calls the people of Israel to repentance in the face...  Read More

8/15/2024"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."—2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)Giving is an essential part of the Christian faith, but how we give matters just as much as what we give. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, the Apostle Paul highlights the importance of the attitude behind our giving. He reminds us that our...  Read More

8/13/2024"In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."— Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)We all have dreams, ambitions, and plans. We map out our lives, set goals, and work hard to achieve them. It’s natural to want to have control over where we are going and how we are going to get there. Proverbs 16:9 acknowledges this human tendency to plan, but it also offers a gentle re...  Read More

8/12/2024"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."- James 1:2-3 (NIV)Life is filled with challenges. Some are small, like daily frustrations, while others are significant, like the loss of a loved one or a personal crisis. In this passage, James encourages us to find joy in the mid...  Read More

8/11/2024"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."- 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV)In a world that often values self-promotion, pride, and assertiveness, the concept of humility can seem counterintuitive. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to humble ourselves before God. This verse reminds us that true strength and success come not from exalting oursel...  Read More

8/6/2024"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."— James 1:12 (NIV)Life often presents us with challenges that test our faith and resilience. In these moments of trial, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, disheartened, or even defeated. Yet, it is precisely in these ti...  Read More

8/5/2024"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."— Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)In our daily lives, it's easy to become focused on pleasing those around us—our bosses, colleagues, or family members. We strive for recognition, prom...  Read More

8/4/2024"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."- Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)Faith is the bedrock of our relationship with God. Hebrews defines faith as both confidence and assurance. It is a firm trust in the promises of God and a certainty in the things we cannot physically see or touch. This verse reminds us of the power of faith in our lives. Remember, faith...  Read More

8/3/2024Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.– Psalm 20:7 (NIV)*In our world today, it is easy to put our trust in material things, our resources, or in our own abilities. We may trust in our bank accounts, our jobs, our relationships, or even our own strength and intelligence. It’s easy to seek security in the tangible But this verse reminds us t...  Read More

7/30/2024"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."- Joshua 1:8 (NIV)In Joshua 1:8, we are given a profound piece of advice on how to live a life of prosperity and success. God is instructing Joshua to constantly keep His word in his thoughts and actions. Just ...  Read More

7/29/2024"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."- Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)In this powerful verse from Hebrews, we are reminded that our journey of faith is akin to a race. This is not a sprint, but a marathon requiring steadfastness ...  Read More

7/28/2024"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace."— Acts 20:24 (NIV)Paul's words in Acts 20:24 reflect a life wholly dedicated to the mission God has given him. His focus isn't on personal gain or comfort but on faithfully completing the task set befo...  Read More

7/27/2024"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."— 1 Timothy 6:12 (NIV)As believers, we are called to engage in the good fight of faith. This isn't a call to physical battle but a spiritual struggle against doubt, fear, and the temptations of this world. This fight is against th...  Read More

7/26/2024"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."— 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)In this powerful verse, Paul gives a fourfold exhortation that calls for vigilance, steadfastness, courage, and strength. Each of these commands addresses a crucial aspect of our spiritual journey. These are powerful commands to live by as followers of Christ. He reminds us to be on our guard,...  Read More

7/25/2024In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.— Matthew 5:16 (NIV)In this verse, Jesus encourages us to be a light in this world. Just as a lamp shines in a dark room, we are called to shine brightly in the midst of darkness. Our actions and words should reflect the love and goodness of God, so that others may see ...  Read More

7/20/2024"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."- Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)This verse reminds us of the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who challenge and inspire us to grow in our faith and character.Just as iron sharpens iron, our relationships with others can sharpen us spiritually and emotionally. When we engage with fellow believers who encourage us, challenge us, a...  Read More

7/18/2024"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."— Luke 6:38 (NIV)Today's verse from Luke reminds us of the importance of giving and generosity. God calls us to be generous in all aspects of our lives. Whether it's our time, talents, or resources, we a...  Read More

7/3/2024Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”— Luke 9:23-24 (NIV)Jesus’ words in Luke 9:23-24 call us to a radical form of discipleship. The call to "deny themselves and take up their cross daily" is not just ab...  Read More

6/27/2024"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings."- 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)It's easy to become complacent or distracted in our faith, but these verses serve as a wake-up call to st...  Read More

6/26/2024“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”— 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)In our daily lives, it is easy to become consumed with the visible and tangible aspects of our existence, it can be easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We often focus on our immediate circumstances, material possessions, and the pr...  Read More

6/25/2024We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.— Isaiah 53:6 (NIV)Isaiah 53:6 poignantly reminds us of our innate tendency to stray from God's path, likening us to sheep that wander off in search of their own way. It serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for each and every one of us. ...  Read More

6/18/2024Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.- James 1:27 (NIV)In this single verse, James captures the essence of true religion in the eyes of God. He highlights two crucial aspects: compassionate action and personal holiness. These components form the foundation...  Read More

6/17/2024"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love."- 2 John 1:6 (NIV)Love is such a central theme in the Christian faith. It is the foundation of our relationship with God and with others. In this verse, we are reminded that true love is demonstrated through our obedience to God's commands. It's not jus...  Read More

6/12/2024"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."— Galatians 6:2 NIVIn our day to day life, the concept of community often gets lost amidst the noise of individual pursuits. We are conditioned to focus on our own goals and challenges, sometimes at the expense of those around us. However, the Bible calls us to a different way of living—a life marked by compa...  Read More

6/10/2024"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." — Matthew 7:24 NIVIn life, we are constantly faced with choices and decisions that shape our future. Just as a wise man builds his house on a strong foundation, we are called to build our lives on the solid rock of God's word.In this verse, Jesus concludes His...  Read More

6/5/2024"Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God."- 3 John 1:11 NIVIn a world where we are constantly bombarded with images and messages that glorify evil and promote selfishness, it can be easy to give in to temptation and follow the ways of the world. But as followers of Christ, we are call...  Read More

6/2/2024"By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done."- Genesis 2:2-3 NIVIn the opening chapters of Genesis, we witness the majestic unfolding of creation. God spoke, and the universe came into being. Over s...  Read More

6/1/2024"He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’" — Psalm 46:10 NIVIn the craziness of our daily lives, we often find ourselves caught up in a whirlwind of activities and concerns. One kid to soccer another to band and a third that needs help with homework. We strive to meet deadlines, manage responsibilities, and keep up wi...  Read More

5/22/2024"There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God." — 1 Samuel 2:2 (NIV)In this verse, Hannah, the mother of Samuel, lifts a song of praise to God, exalting His unique holiness and unmatched strength. Her prayer reflects a profound recognition of God's incomparable nature. As we meditate on this scripture, we are invited to consider the distin...  Read More

5/17/2024"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Matthew 28:19 NIVIn Matthew 28:19, Jesus gives His disciples a clear and compelling mandate: to go and make disciples of all nations. This verse, known as the Great Commission, is not just a historical directive but a timeless call to action for every believe...  Read More

5/14/2024"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" - Romans 10:14 NIVIn this verse, the apostle Paul is emphasizing the importance of sharing the Gospel with others. He is reminding us that people cannot call on the name of the Lord unless they first hear...  Read More

5/11/2024"But Ruth replied, 'Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.'"- Ruth 1:16 NIVIn this poignant verse, we witness Ruth's unwavering loyalty and commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth makes a powerful declaration to her mother-in-law. Her words echo a profound devotion...  Read More

5/6/2024"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."- 1 John 4:11 NIVIn this simple yet profound verse, the apostle John captures the essence of Christian living: love. He begins by reminding us of the incomprehensible love of God. It is a love that surpasses understanding, a love that is unconditional, sacrificial, and boundless. God's love for us is the foundation up...  Read More

5/2/2024"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."- Colossians 4:2 NIVIn today’s verse, the apostle Paul encourages believers to devote themselves to prayer. This instruction isn't just a casual suggestion; it's a call to prioritize prayer in our lives. Paul emphasizes three key aspects of prayer: devotion, watchfulness, and thankfulness.First, Paul urges us to be devoted to praye...  Read More

4/30/2024"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." - 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)In today’s reading, we are reminded of the incredible promise that God has given us everything we need for a life of godliness through His divine power.We have been given an incredible gift - the gift of abundant provision through...  Read More