Things Above

DAILY VERSE

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Colossians 3:2

DEVOTION

If we only had the foresight to hit our knees every time we were tempted, our lives would be greatly changed.

Now, if we were to make this a 24/7 practice, our lives would be unrecognizable – in a good way.

We’re all guilty of clinging onto things more than we cling to God. If we lived in a state where we were prepared to lose everything in a given moment, we’d be living much more fruitful lives.

Focus on the things that matter.

Fill Your Tank!

DAILY VERSE

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.

2 Corinthians 4:16

DEVOTION

We all grow old. Some of us already have white beards, and some of us don’t have a clue what it’s like to have the aches and pains of old age yet.

Through sickness and health, the promise is that we will have new bodies, free of pain and the daily trappings of our human bodies.

No matter what you’re going through, strengthen your heart by feasting on God’s Word!

A car needs fuel to run. Likewise, so do we!

The Perfect Example

DAILY VERSE

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.

Ephesians 5:1

DEVOTION

We have plenty of examples of how to treat others and carry ourselves from the New Testament. Jesus is the perfect example. Though we can never hope to be spotless lambs like He was, we can certainly draw from how he treated and reacted to others.

The key to this is realizing that we were ALL created in God’s image, and He loves every one of us the same. We too, should remember that, even though we may not agree with someone’s lifestyle choices or beliefs, God still wants to reach them.

Choose Your Friends Wisely

DAILY VERSE

The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 12:26

DEVOTION

We often have friends we’ve known forever. Many of us form bonds that last a lifetime. You can share the most intimate details of your life with these people. They’re good counselors.

But if you’ve become a Christian more recently, taking stock of your relationships is important. You may be able to lead a friend to Christ, or they may lead you back down a dark path.

Jesus used the analogy, “And if your right-hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away.” He didn’t mean that literally, it was meant to illustrate the severity of keeping anything that causes you to stumble in your walk, out of your life.

So, choose your friends wisely.

Run the Race

DAILY VERSE

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

1 Corinthians 9:24

DEVOTION

Paul was speaking to those who were familiar with competing in the Olympic games. They understood that it took hours and hours of training to compete and win at the level.

Shouldn’t we do the same?

Jesus paid it all, but to be effective, we need to be immersed in God’s Word. How can we hope to fight off the attacks of the enemy or lead someone to Christ if we’re not prepared?

View every day as if your feet are in the chocks and the sunrise brings with it the sound of the starters pistol!

No Concept of Goodness

DAILY VERSE

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

Romans 3:23

DEVOTION

Adam broke humanity by giving in to temptation. Enjoying the glorious garden, living in the presence of our amazing God; he gave it all up and quickly lost his birthright.

That one mistake saddled every human being with a scarlet “S” for eternity until Jesus took sin upon Himself and restored that relationship. But it’s only for those who believe.

We can never make the mistake of thinking we are good enough to earn entry into heaven. We have no concept of that level of goodness, we are constrained by our earthly knowledge. The ONLY way is to believe in the Lord Jesus, repent of our sinful nature, cling to Him, and allow His goodness to flow through us so that others may be saved.

Develop a Reliance on God

DAILY VERSE

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.

1 Peter 1:6

DEVOTION

Trials never last forever. For whatever their purpose, we must go through things that test our faith. They’re meant to build our character and push us to rely on God. Like anything, it takes practice.

Once we develop a reliance on God as our default reaction to our troubles, we’ll see God react in amazing ways.

Jesus Will Never Leave You!

DAILY VERSE

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?

Matthew 18:12

DEVOTION

This verse truly encompasses Jesus’ love for us.

I grew up going to church; Sunday school, singing in the choir, and attending summer camps. But like many, when I was a teenager, those things lost their importance. I attended less and less. I joined the Air Force and moved to Europe. I still had faith, but I was only reaching out when I needed something. God was still faithful, though I was not.

He never gave up! My family prayed for me throughout my young adult years. When things started to finally fall apart, Jesus was there. He never abandoned me or forsook me; He was always there. As the Holy Spirit softened my heart, I realized Jesus had been knocking the entire time.

We all get lost sometimes. Never forget; Jesus will never leave you!