Change

January 27th – Ezekiel 11:19

Ezekiel 11:19

When it comes to making a change, receiving Jesus as our Savior is the very best one we can make. For it not only transforms our present, but most importantly our future. The moment we accept the Lord’s invitation and welcome Him into our hearts, a most wonderful thing begins to happen. The Holy Spirit immediately sets up shop within us. He gets to work chipping away at our heart of stone, and lovingly mends the broken pieces. Breathing new life into our spirits, God’s Holy Spirit replaces our hardness with tenderness and infuses us with His divine presence. The result is a masterpiece of grace, love, and redemption, where the old is replaced by the new, and the beauty of Christ radiates from within us. Embracing this change is to step into a life overflowing with the richness of divine transformation and the joy of living in the light of God’s glory. For in the hands of the Holy Spirit, we become vessels of His love, grace, and power, radiating His light and reflecting His image to a world in need of redemption.

January 27th – Ezekiel 11:19 Read More »

January 26th – Mark 11:25

Mark 11:25

I heard a Bible teacher say, “What God does for someone else isn’t our business. It’s not up to us to judge how He blesses them.” I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get frustrated seeing others experience the favor of God when they have hurt or wronged me. But unforgiveness and bitterness are heavy burdens which keep our hearts chained, and our spirits from growing. To truly be free, we need to embrace the liberating power of forgiveness. That’s why Mark encourages us to  choose a better and healthier way of living by releasing any resentment we harbor towards another. By letting go of bitterness and embracing forgiveness, we open the door to healing and restoration. The act of forgiveness isn’t just for the benefit of others, but essential for our own spiritual well-being. It’s a call to change from bitter to better, allowing God’s grace to transform our hearts and lead us into a life characterized by love, compassion, and peace.

January 26th – Mark 11:25 Read More »

January 25th – Matthew 10:34

Matthew 10:34

It can be a lonely road when we set out to change our lives and grow closer to the Lord. Because really following Jesus can mean division within our closest relationships, and even losing people from our lives. And while the process can be deeply painful, we can comfort in knowing the Lord understands. For He too was rejected, abandoned, and hurt by those He loved. But when we embrace His path, we gain a deeper connection with God and a community of fellow believers who support and uplift us along the way. Our pursuit of Christlikeness, though accompanied by loss, is part of a higher calling that aligns us with the very heart of our Savior. The pain is a testament to the depth of our commitment to Christ, and in the midst of such trials, His comforting presence sustains us. Because in Jesus we find understanding, empathy, and a divine purpose that transcends earthly relationships. And what God offers is far greater than anything or anyone we lose.

January 25th – Matthew 10:34 Read More »

January 24th – Jeremiah 17:9

Jeremiah 17:9

We are all born with a God shaped hole. A deep longing within us. A spiritual void that seeks purpose and fulfillment. Those who don’t know Jesus as their Savior, try to fill that emptiness on their own. But when we try to fill the hole inside with worldly substitutes, we discover that only a connection with God can truly satisfy the depths of our souls. Sadly, we live in a world that has turned its back on its Creator. It has become hostile to the Lord and His people. Yet as society seeks to make gods out of materialism, instant gratification, and superficial pleasures, the darker and emptier its people become. Because true contentment can’t be found in the fleeting distractions the world offers. Only God can completely fill the void within us. When we change from seeking the world to seeking God, we embark on a journey towards lasting contentment. One where His love, purpose, and grace become the sustaining forces in the midst of an ever-changing world.

January 24th – Jeremiah 17:9 Read More »

January 23rd – Philippians 1:6

Philippians 1:6

Facing the unknown of change is a scary proposition. And going it alone makes change that much more daunting. But for those who put their faith in Jesus, we never face anything by ourselves. Because in the journey of change, we are never alone. For the Lord walks beside us, guiding, comforting, and transforming us every step of the way. When we received Jesus as our Savior, God started a good work within us. To mold us into His perfect image. And He promises the work will continue until completion. Each day, God is busy smoothing our rough edges, and making our paths clear. So when we work at changing our lives to ones that bring Him glory, we can be assured of God’s refining hand constantly working alongside us. As we navigate the ebbs and flows of change, Philippians 1:6 serves as a wonderful reminder that the Creator who began the work of transformation within us, will be always be there there sculpting our hearts and lives into the reflection of His divine purpose and perfect image.

January 23rd – Philippians 1:6 Read More »

January 22nd – 1 Corinthians 6:14

1 Corinthians 6:14

To justify continuing to live a sinful lifestyle after receiving Jesus as their Savior, Corinthian Christians would say,”Foods for the stomach and the stomach for food.” Meaning it wasn’t a big deal to give their body anything it wanted. After all, they were free from the law. But the Apostle Paul was quick to correct their wrongful thinking. Because as Christians, our bodies are meant for a higher purpose. To honor the Lord. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, sacred vessels deserving of respect, love, and honor. And as such, the choices we make should reflect love, purity, and gratitude for the divine dwelling within us. We dishonor God with our bodies when we engage in actions that violate His moral principles. From indulging in harmful, immoral behaviors, to neglecting our well-being. Honoring God with our bodies is an expression of gratitude for the precious gift of life and a recognition of His presence within us. And one day, our bodies will be raised in glory. They will be incorruptible, marvelous, and the perfect likeness of Jesus!

January 22nd – 1 Corinthians 6:14 Read More »

January 21st – Ezekiel 36:26

Ezekiel 36:26

We are all born selfish. Self preservation, and self interest are hardwired into our biology. As babies we cry to have our needs met. And as children we throw tantrums when we don’t get our way. Sadly, some people never grow from this state of self centered to selflessness. Sadder still, the attitude of “me first” is celebrated by the world in which we live. But that’s no way for Christians to live. We follow Jesus Christ. The One who sacrificed everything to give us everything. And our hearts should overflow with gratitude for the love He so generously gives. Because the love of Jesus is amazing. It has the power to change us from selfish individuals to selfless servants of others. It inspires us to look beyond our own needs and see the struggles and pain of those around us. And as we experience and His love and compassion, we’ll find our hearts grow with empathy, kindness, and a genuine desire to serve and uplift others. We’ll be reshaped into His image and lead a life of love that truly glorifies Him.

January 21st – Ezekiel 36:26 Read More »

January 20th – Hebrews 13:8

Hebrews 13:8

Each January 1st carries with it the excitement of a clean slate, a fresh start, and a new beginning. It marks the start of another year filled with the certainty of love and loss, triumph and tragedy, and joy and sorrow. Yet no matter what 2024 may hold, whatever change this new year ushers in, we can rest assured that the one thing we can count on to always remain the same is Jesus. For the Lord we serve is constant in His character, love, and promises. So as we step into the unknown of a new year, we find comfort in the unchanging nature of our Creator. Who is a source of stability in the midst of life’s transitions. It is in this steadfast assurance that we discover courage, hope, and the unwavering certainty that God’s faithfulness will accompany us through every moment of the coming year. With thankful hearts we see His loving promises endure. Offering a steadfast foundation on which we can build our hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the days ahead.

January 20th – Hebrews 13:8 Read More »

January 19th – 2 Peter 3:9

2 Peter 3:9

As the world grows darker, I find myself crying out more often, “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!” Because it’s hard for me to understand why He waits. But thankfully, my timing isn’t God’s. And His patient desire for all to come to repentance and receive His gift of eternal life, speaks of His awesome love and gift of change and second chances. It reveals a compassionate Creator who offers the blessings of time and opportunities for transformation. This invites us to embrace change not only in ourselves but in others. All with the understanding that God’s patience grants second chances to every seeking heart. It’s a call to navigate life with hope. Knowing that each moment presents a chance to turn towards God and receive the grace of a second opportunity. In moments of doubt or discouragement, 2 Peter 3:9 stands as a beacon, affirming that change is not only possible but anticipated by a merciful and patient Creator. One who offers us a chance for renewal and a fresh start.

January 19th – 2 Peter 3:9 Read More »

January 18th – Numbers 14:1

Numbers 14:1

There’s no two ways about it. Change is hard, messy, and painful. That’s why so many of us stay stuck where we are. Because often it’s easier to deal with demon you know, than the one you don’t. I think about the Israelites. They take a lot of flack from people who don’t understand why they didn’t enter the promised land running with excitement and yelling for joy. But put yourself in their shoes. The generation to enter Canaan was a protected one. For forty years all they knew was a life of peace and plenty under the care of God. Now they were being called to become mighty warriors in His army. To go from a people with a faith, to a people with a mission. A call given to us as well. God doesn’t want us to be stuck in mediocrity. Or to be content with merely having a lukewarm faith. He wants us to become people with a mission. To allow His loving grace to transform us into battle ready soldiers. Ones working for His kingdom and glory, spreading His message of love and eternal life to a desperate, and often hostile, world.

January 18th – Numbers 14:1 Read More »