Victory in Christ

Jesus lived on this earth as the perfect example for us to follow.  As He was being crucified, His forgiving heart was extremely evident.  “And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”… (Luke 23:34)  Forgiveness is one of the attitudes that are part of a true Christian’s character.  It is also a command that we must follow if we want the same in return.  “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

Today’s reading: Luke 23; John 18-19

At times we may have good intentions and sincere motives, but our actions do not follow.  Jesus warned Peter that this could happen.  “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)  Before Jesus made this statement, Peter was adamant that he would not deny the Christ.  “Peter said to him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.”’ (Luke 22:33)  When the pressure came, Peter caved in and did what he promised not to do.  “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:61)  Strength to help withstand pressure of temptation can come from daily prayer to our Heavenly Father like the prayer Paul made on behalf of the Ephesians.  “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man;” (Ephesians 3:14-16)

Today’s reading: Luke 22; John 13

When Jesus walked on water, it was dark and the disciples were unsure if it was truly the Lord. Peter spoke to the One they saw, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” When Jesus told him to come, Peter was able to walk on the water! As the wind was blowing, Peter became afraid and began to sink. Jesus let Peter know what He thought about that. “Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” (Matthew 14:31 ESV) Peter was walking by sight and not by faith. How do you walk today? By faith or by sight? (2nd Corinthians 5:7)

Today’s reading: Matthew 14; Mark 6; Luke 9

In Psalm 139 David acknowledged God’s ability to know all of our thoughts.  “O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.” (Psalm 139:1-2)  It is easy to let our minds wander off on things we shouldn’t, but Paul gives us some pointers on focusing our thoughts.  “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.” (Philippians 4:8)  “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:2-3)

Today’s reading: Ezra 4-6; Psalm 137

We know that God’s people did not always follow Him as they should have, but He gave them every opportunity.  “O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; from me comes your fruit.” (Hosea 14:8)  He promised to look after them if would just follow Him and He makes the same promise to us today.  “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)  This book of prophecy from Hosea ends by giving one last encouragement to study and follow God’s word.  “Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.” (Hosea 14:9)

Today’s reading: Hosea 8-14

In God’s word there are many instances of people being influenced negatively by those around them.  One of those is Solomon.  “Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, from the nations concerning which the LORD had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love.” (1 Kings 11:1-2)  Even though Solomon was a very wise man, when it came to who he married he did not make wise decisions nor did he follow God’s command.  These decisions had the exact result that God said they would.  “For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.” (1 Kings 11:4)  Paul had a similar warning for the people at Corinth (and for us today).  “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Today’s reading: 1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5

Our actions are guided by what is on our mind.  Daily study and focus on God’s Word is the best guide for a Christian life.  “My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye; bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.” (Proverbs 7:1-3)  Prioritizing spiritual thoughts over material thoughts will keep us on the path to an eternal home with our Heavenly Father.  “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

Today’s reading: Proverbs 7-9

We read here of many victories David had over his enemies. After that, we see how he handled all the power that he had. “So David reigned over all Israel; and David administered judgment and justice to all his people.” (2 Samuel 8:15 NKJV) Even with all that power, he ruled the way God would have him to because he knew where that power was from.

Today’s reading: 2 Samuel 8-9; 1 Chronicles 18

In Joshua 11:15 we again read of Joshua following God’s plan completely.  “He left nothing undone of all that the LORD had commanded Moses.”  Could he have followed most of God’s commands and been ok?  Could he have changed around one or two things that he wanted to do differently?  What if he thought he had some ideas about how do to things that would be simpler than God’s way?  Maybe he learned from what happened when Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it. (Numbers 20:10-13)  God wants full obedience from us today just like he did with Joshua and Moses. Romans 2:6-8

Today’s reading: Joshua 9-11

Part of God’s command to the Israelite people was how they would handle those who were less fortunate.  “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’” (Deuteronomy 15:11)  We can read some Proverbs that also let us know God’s feeling toward those who share their blessings.  “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.” (Proverbs 19:17)  “He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor.” (Proverbs 22:9)  According to Jesus, any help given to those in need is help given to our Savior himself.  “Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:37-40)

Today’s reading: Deuteronomy 14-16