Day 23 - October 23rd

SCRIPTURE:

“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.

“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation:

“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.

Revelation 3:13-20 (NLT) 

KEY VERSE:

Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. (v. 20)

THOUGHTS:

While we use this verse to call people to salvation through the forgiveness and blood of Jesus Christ, it is clearly written to the lukewarm Christians of Laodicea as a challenge to rekindle a deeper love relationship with Him. There is a God-shaped hole in all of us that He is waiting to fill. He is already among us but He is waiting for each of us to invite Him into our hearts, our homes, and our lives. If you’re not as close to God as you used to be, He’s not the one who’s moved. He will not go where He’s not welcome. He only inhabits the places where He’s been invited. What are you waiting for?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being in our world and all around us each day. But I must confess that sometimes I am unaware and other times unappreciative that You are there. Today, I invite You to come into my heart and fill my life with Your presence, comfort, and power. I do not want to be a lukewarm Christian. My desire is to live my life each day for You with all that is within me. Thank You for providing me with Jesus, the true Lover of my Soul, and it’s in His strong name that I pray. Amen.

Day 22 - October 22nd

SCRIPTURE:

Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God's temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:

“I will live in them

    and walk among them.

I will be their God,

    and they will be my people.

Therefore, come out from among unbelievers,

    and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord.

Don’t touch their filthy things,

    and I will welcome you.

And I will be your Father,

    and you will be my sons and daughters,

    says the Lord Almighty.”

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.

2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 (NLT)

KEY VERSE:

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. (7:1)

THOUGHTS:

Purity is difficult in a world that is filled with distractions and temptations – difficult, but not impossible. Just because something is hard, it doesn’t mean that we can ignore it or forget about it. And we must not allow “cheap grace” or a sinning religion to replace God’s call for us to live passionate, sold out lives for Christ. We are saved by grace through faith to do good works. We must never allow laziness, rebellion, or a lack of commitment to contaminate us. We must stay vigilant and on guard because there are people who are watching us to see if the faith we claim and profess is the faith we live out each day.

PRAYER:

Lord, today I ask for the Refiner’s Fire to cleanse my heart again. “Purify my heart, let me be as gold and precious silver. Purify my heart, let me be as gold, pure gold. Refiner's fire, my heart's one desire is to be holy; set apart for You, Lord. I choose to be holy; set apart for You, my Master, ready to do Your will.” In the strong name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Day 21 - October 21st

SCRIPTURE:

In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.

So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.

Romans 14:5-10 (NLT)

KEY VERSE:

If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. (v. 8)

THOUGHTS:

In my finite mind I struggle to understand the concept of forever. I love life and living each day to its fullest. And yet, I realize that as I grow older the days of my life are definitely numbered and I have a lot more behind me that I do in front of me. While realizing that, I live with the knowledge that when I die, I get to go to live forever with the Lord because I am His possession. Everything that I have in this world is temporary except for the love of the Lord, and it is forever. So, live or die, either way I win. Thank You, Lord! Now to help my family, friends, and loved ones get ready to go…

PRAYER:

Forever Father, thank You for saving me from my life of sin and setting my feet on the Solid Rock, Christ Jesus. Thank You for His sacrifice on the cross for my sins. I look forward with anticipation to the day that I get to add my voice to the choir of heaven and sing Your praises forever. Until then, let my life honor You and help me share with others the Good News of Christ’s amazing love wherever I go for as long I You give me breath. In the strong name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Day 20 - October 20th

SCRIPTURE:

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT)

KEY VERSE:

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

(v. 10)

THOUGHTS:

A masterpiece – of all the things I’ve compared my life to, I’ve never considered it to be a masterpiece. Masterpieces are works of art and extremely valuable. But I am. God’s Word here says so. The Psalmist even tells me that I am “fearfully and wonderfully made.” (139:14, NIV)  When God set His hand and His mind to creating me, He finished and smiled, and thought to Himself, “Wow, what an amazing piece of workmanship!” Now, what we need to do is to put His craftsmanship on display and intentionally live for Him and not like the rest of the world.

PRAYER:

Creator Sustainer, thanks for all of the work that You’ve put in on me. Open my eyes and help me to recognize the opportunities that I have to put my life on display for You to others. I want to live for You without any reservations. Help me not to be shy, but rather to be bold, when it comes to sharing my faith. I want others to see Christ in all of my life so that they can be drawn to You and respond to Your love, acceptance, and forgiveness in their lives too. In the strong name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.  

Day 19 - October 19th

SCRIPTURE:

Lord, how great is your mercy;

    let me be revived by following your regulations.

Many persecute and trouble me,

    yet I have not swerved from your laws.

Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart,

    because they care nothing for your word.

See how I love your commandments, Lord.

    Give back my life because of your unfailing love.

The very essence of your words is truth;

    all your just regulations will stand forever.

                                   Psalm 119:156-160 (NLT)

KEY VERSE:

The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever. (v. 160)

THOUGHTS:

The very essence of who we are is supposed to be a reflection of the very essence of who God is. His morality and holiness are neither temporary nor changeable because His essence and nature are eternal and unchangeable. His very essence stretches across the boundaries of time and space to meet all peoples, races, and cultures right where they live. We must never try to adapt God’s will to our times. We must make the most of our time here on earth by accepting God’s words of truth and allowing them to guide and direct our lives here on Planet Earth, so that we can live with Him in a Heaven that’s to come. 

PRAYER:

Almighty God, I come to You today to yield my very essence to You and You alone. Mold me into the image of Jesus Christ, so that my life reflects Your character and Your compassion. Give to me the wisdom I need to see through the temptations of today and to always do what honors You, both now and forever. This I pray in the strong name of my older brother, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Day 18 - October 18th

SCRIPTURE:

Your laws are wonderful.

    No wonder I obey them!

The teaching of your word gives light,

    so even the simple can understand.

I pant with expectation,

    longing for your commands.

Come and show me your mercy,

    as you do for all who love your name.

Guide my steps by your word,

    so I will not be overcome by evil.

Ransom me from the oppression of evil people;

    then I can obey your commandments.

Look upon me with love;

    teach me your decrees.

Rivers of tears gush from my eyes

    because people disobey your instructions.

                             Psalm 119:129-136 (NLT)

KEY VERSE:

The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. (v. 130)

THOUGHTS:

A GPS is a wonderful thing…as long as you are able to follow the directions. Mine has a favorite saying, “Recalculating.”  Sometimes the right road is not as difficult to find as we think. We just need to know where to begin our search. The Christian also has a GPS – God’s Positioning System. It’s commonly called the Holy Bible. Reading it is a must if you want to find the starting point, know the route to take, receive in-course corrections, and reach your final destination. The right way may not be easily found but it is clearly marked for those who are willing to look for it.

PRAYER:

Abba Father, thank You for giving us Your words in Scripture that reveal Your will for all mankind. Bless me each time I open it with fresh words of instruction and encouragement. May I find both the answers for my questions and Your will for my life. Illuminate my simple mind and help me to understand how much You want me to succeed.

Day 17 - October 17th

SCRIPTURE:

How can a young person stay pure?

    By obeying your word.

I have tried hard to find you—

    don’t let me wander from your commands.

I have hidden your word in my heart,

    that I might not sin against you.

I praise you, O Lord;

    teach me your decrees.

I have recited aloud

    all the regulations you have given us.

I have rejoiced in your laws

    as much as in riches.

I will study your commandments

    and reflect on your ways.

I will delight in your decrees

    and not forget your word.

                                  Psalm 119:9-16 (NLT)

KEY VERSE:

I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. (v. 14)

THOUGHTS:

We go to the mailbox and quickly thumb through what we find there hoping that something of importance or value (something besides bills or junk mail) has found its way to us. But, as is most often the case, no. As Christians we find worth in those nuggets of truth that God reveals to us from our daily Scripture reading every bit as much as we do in getting a refund check in the mail. God’s truth is not limiting; it is freeing. It is His daily gift of love and direction to us and we need to value it just as much as we do a prized possession, or a savings account, or a close friend.  

PRAYER:

God of the Ages, thank You for breathing Your holy Word into the hearts and minds of Your scribes who let it flow into written words that touch Your people. Your words are light and life. Allow Your truth to come alive in our lives just as it does in our hearts and minds. In the strong name of Jesus, the Living Word, I pray. Amen.