Now is our chance to choose the right side, God is holding back to give us that chance, it won't last forever, we must take it, or leave it.
CS Lewis
CS Lewis
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“What keeps physical beauty from being vain or empty or useless or wasted is the discretion that is rooted in the fear of the Lord. All the beauty in the world is meant to call attention to the beauty of our Creator.” —John Piper
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Salvation is not a reward for good people. There are no good people because everyone has sinned (Rom. 3:10-12). We are saved by grace alone through faith in Christ.
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September 4: Utopian Truth for Today
#Devotional
Hosea 8:1–10:15; Acts 4:1–37; Job 16:1–9
Wealth often tempts us to materialism, as our possessions make us feel secure, valued, and comfortable. But sometimes the lack of these assets allows this temptation to exert even more power over us, driving us to spend our lives chasing the higher salary, the bigger house, or the new car. Our pursuit of this illusion makes it easy to dismiss passages like Acts 4 as utopian fantasy—ideal for difficult times, perhaps, but hardly realistic.
“Now the group of those who believed were one heart and soul, and no one said anything of what belonged to him was his own, but all things were theirs in common. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on them all. For there was not even anyone needy among them, because all those who were owners of plots of land or houses were selling them and bringing the proceeds of the things that were sold” (Acts 4:32–34).
We too easily find ways to distance ourselves from the selfless acts of the early believers. Sell plots of land or houses? Give it all away? That doesn’t seem reasonable. Won’t people take advantage of us? Won’t they grow lazy and begin to feel entitled?
The early church responded differently. They responded to the testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with concrete acts of faith. They saw Christ as Lord over all they previously regarded as their personal possessions. They were so united in purpose and prayer that the things they owned mattered little unless they could be used in service to others—in doing the work of Christ.
No matter where we stand financially, we need a new mindset. If it’s difficult to imagine changing our lifestyle to help someone in need, then we need to examine our hearts. If we cling to the belief that our possessions give us security, value, and comfort, then we need to examine our faith. Either way, we have to assess our possessions, talents, and time, consider the people in our lives, and make decisions that are governed by the values of a new kingdom.
How can you better use your money, possessions, time, and talents to serve others?
#Devotional
Hosea 8:1–10:15; Acts 4:1–37; Job 16:1–9
Wealth often tempts us to materialism, as our possessions make us feel secure, valued, and comfortable. But sometimes the lack of these assets allows this temptation to exert even more power over us, driving us to spend our lives chasing the higher salary, the bigger house, or the new car. Our pursuit of this illusion makes it easy to dismiss passages like Acts 4 as utopian fantasy—ideal for difficult times, perhaps, but hardly realistic.
“Now the group of those who believed were one heart and soul, and no one said anything of what belonged to him was his own, but all things were theirs in common. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on them all. For there was not even anyone needy among them, because all those who were owners of plots of land or houses were selling them and bringing the proceeds of the things that were sold” (Acts 4:32–34).
We too easily find ways to distance ourselves from the selfless acts of the early believers. Sell plots of land or houses? Give it all away? That doesn’t seem reasonable. Won’t people take advantage of us? Won’t they grow lazy and begin to feel entitled?
The early church responded differently. They responded to the testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with concrete acts of faith. They saw Christ as Lord over all they previously regarded as their personal possessions. They were so united in purpose and prayer that the things they owned mattered little unless they could be used in service to others—in doing the work of Christ.
No matter where we stand financially, we need a new mindset. If it’s difficult to imagine changing our lifestyle to help someone in need, then we need to examine our hearts. If we cling to the belief that our possessions give us security, value, and comfort, then we need to examine our faith. Either way, we have to assess our possessions, talents, and time, consider the people in our lives, and make decisions that are governed by the values of a new kingdom.
How can you better use your money, possessions, time, and talents to serve others?
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September 4 - Jesus Identifies Harvest Workers
#LifeOfChrist
“‘Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest’” (Matthew 9:38).
The primary problem that hindered Jesus’ ministry as He taught, preached, and healed in Palestine is the primary problem that hinders our ministry today: “the workers are few.”
The workers Jesus is referring to are the people who would work in a field that was soon to be harvested—that is what the Lord is calling the disciples to do. This was the first part of our Lord’s training method with the Twelve. His disciples learned that the need for the gospel to be brought into a world that is headed for judgment far surpasses the outreach itself.
Who can reach the lost, hell-bound world of sinful, hurting people who need to hear and believe the gospel? Who will tell them of their plight and lead them to the way of escape?
In His own days on earth, Christ’s workers were few, and they still are today. The first need in His ministry is for workers, and one of the most important things those workers must understand is that their shortage of numbers can be increased only by God’s provision and power.
God’s people need to look at their world the way Jesus looked out at the multitudes in Galilee and over the city of Jerusalem. We need to observe the people around us as Ezra observed his fellow Israelites on the way from Babylon to Jerusalem (Ezra 8:15) and the way Nehemiah inspected the walls of Jerusalem before he began to rebuild them (Neh. 2:13).
Ask Yourself
Why are the active, evangelistic servants of God in such short supply these days? What are the causes for our silence, our indifference, our unconcern for the woeful plight of every lost man or woman we meet? As Jesus commanded, make this a specific focus of your prayer—and of your obedience.
#LifeOfChrist
“‘Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest’” (Matthew 9:38).
The primary problem that hindered Jesus’ ministry as He taught, preached, and healed in Palestine is the primary problem that hinders our ministry today: “the workers are few.”
The workers Jesus is referring to are the people who would work in a field that was soon to be harvested—that is what the Lord is calling the disciples to do. This was the first part of our Lord’s training method with the Twelve. His disciples learned that the need for the gospel to be brought into a world that is headed for judgment far surpasses the outreach itself.
Who can reach the lost, hell-bound world of sinful, hurting people who need to hear and believe the gospel? Who will tell them of their plight and lead them to the way of escape?
In His own days on earth, Christ’s workers were few, and they still are today. The first need in His ministry is for workers, and one of the most important things those workers must understand is that their shortage of numbers can be increased only by God’s provision and power.
God’s people need to look at their world the way Jesus looked out at the multitudes in Galilee and over the city of Jerusalem. We need to observe the people around us as Ezra observed his fellow Israelites on the way from Babylon to Jerusalem (Ezra 8:15) and the way Nehemiah inspected the walls of Jerusalem before he began to rebuild them (Neh. 2:13).
Ask Yourself
Why are the active, evangelistic servants of God in such short supply these days? What are the causes for our silence, our indifference, our unconcern for the woeful plight of every lost man or woman we meet? As Jesus commanded, make this a specific focus of your prayer—and of your obedience.
DAY 4: What was at the heart of Paul’s concern for the use of the gift of tongues in the church in Corinth?
https://telegra.ph/DAILY-BIBLE-09-04
https://telegra.ph/DAILY-BIBLE-09-04
Telegraph
DAILY BIBLE
Reading for Today: Song of Solomon 7:1–8:14 Psalm 104:31-35 Proverbs 24:21-22 1 Corinthians 14:1-20 Notes: Song of Solomon 8:6, 7 For love. This represents the 1 Corinthians 13:1–8 of the Old Testament. Four qualities of love appear: 1) love is unyielding…
Christians, do not let ungodly culture dictate how you raise your family.
Teach your children the truth of Scripture from an early age.Point them to Jesus by your daily example.
Teach your children the truth of Scripture from an early age.Point them to Jesus by your daily example.
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Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye shall see Him.
Revelation 1:7
Present tense, He is coming! The sheer scope of it, every eye shall see Him...
Revelation 1:7
Present tense, He is coming! The sheer scope of it, every eye shall see Him...
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September 4 (Friday)
Dear Daughter,
Friday riddle: what does the vineyard know that the vine forgets? That fruit season and pruning season are the same calendar, just different months.
Rest tonight from measuring output. Let this weekend simply be tending — a walk, a meal, a held hand.
Not every evening needs to produce something.
'A time to plant' (Eccl 3:2).
What can you simply tend this weekend, without demanding a harvest from it?
#DearDaughter #FridayTending #StrongMarriage
Dear Daughter,
Friday riddle: what does the vineyard know that the vine forgets? That fruit season and pruning season are the same calendar, just different months.
Rest tonight from measuring output. Let this weekend simply be tending — a walk, a meal, a held hand.
Not every evening needs to produce something.
'A time to plant' (Eccl 3:2).
What can you simply tend this weekend, without demanding a harvest from it?
#DearDaughter #FridayTending #StrongMarriage
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Person: "I don't have time to read the Bible."
Same person:
30 minutes scrolling TikTok
45 minutes watching Reels/Stories
2 hours watching Netflix
You don't have a time problem.
You have a priority problem.
"Seek first the kingdom of God." (Matthew 6:33)
Same person:
30 minutes scrolling TikTok
45 minutes watching Reels/Stories
2 hours watching Netflix
You don't have a time problem.
You have a priority problem.
"Seek first the kingdom of God." (Matthew 6:33)
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Sep 4 (Fri)
Friday joy: Delight in one another this weekend! 😊❤️ Rest is holy — take it together! Eccl 9:9 💪
What will you enjoy together? #StrongMarriage #September
Friday joy: Delight in one another this weekend! 😊❤️ Rest is holy — take it together! Eccl 9:9 💪
What will you enjoy together? #StrongMarriage #September
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Whatever today brings, Christ is already there.
You do not need to know what today holds when you know the One who holds you.
You do not need to know what today holds when you know the One who holds you.
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We do not deserve the Gospel. Indeed, it is amazing!
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You cannot love the gospel of grace without also loving the God of justice.
The cross shows us both his infinite mercy and his holy wrath against sin.
The cross shows us both his infinite mercy and his holy wrath against sin.
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Sometimes God has to bring us to a point of desperate need before He can get us to turn to Him.
Oh, the power of words!
“The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.” Proverbs 10:11
“The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.” Proverbs 10:11
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The way to overcome the sin of lust is by greater delight in and pursuit of Jesus himself.
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