July 8, 2021

1 John 3:14

14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.

Do you see the either/or of this verse? The Holy Spirit says we can have either love or death. Life is love, no love is death. To live selfishly or with pride, with yourself at the center, is to literally abide in death. What does that really mean? 

It means that one of the great tests of Christianity is your heart’s temperature. Do you love? If God’s love has met you and begun to change you then that love will flow out from you. You will really feel it. If you don’t, it doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t a Christian, but it does mean you’ve started choosing yourself, relying on yourself, instead of Him. Make the change today! Soak in His love.

Prayer prompt: Lord, please help me to understand and feel your love so it will flow through me to the world.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 27, Psalm 30, 1 Chronicles 29 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

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July 7, 2021

Psalm 3:3

3 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,

    my glory, and the lifter of my head.

I want to be strong. I want my kids to see me as invincible and the one they can run to in trouble. I want to be Captain America, but I’m not. Really, I’m more like the scared kid than the invincible dad. That’s why this verse means so much to me. 

I am the scared kid, but I have an invincible Dad. God is a shield about me, total protection. God gives me what value I have calling me loved and His child. God lifts up my head when it droops from fatigue and discouragement. That’s just how good He is when I go to Him. Commit today to look to Him for your security, your satisfaction, and your identity.

Prayer prompt: Lord, let me look to you to lift my head, to be a strong shield around me. 

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 26, Psalm 29, 1 Chronicles 28 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

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July 6, 2021

Acts 1:8

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

These verses have all the appeal of a command to climb Mt Everest or run across the Lower 48. We have to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. Do you know how far the ends of the earth are? And as soon as crazy Elon Musk colonizes Mars, we’ll have to send evangelists up there too. That’s exhausting just to think about. 

But don’t miss the first part of the verse. Jesus commands us fly and gives us wings. We will have the power to do what He calls us to do. Not because we will tap some unforeseen abilities in ourselves, but because He will provide it in the Holy Spirit. Step up to the long journey and trust in His strength to move you on.

Prayer prompt: Lord, help me to remember the power You’ve given me to accomplish Your plans.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 25, Psalm 28, 1 Chronicles 27 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

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July 5, 2021

John 16:33

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

How do you have peace in tribulation? How did Jesus sleep during a storm? There’s another story in the gospels about a storm raging to the point that Jesus’ followers were scared their boat would capsize, yet Jesus was asleep. They woke Him in a panic, but He simply got up, yelled at the storm, and the storm stopped. Jesus had peace in a storm because He had overcome the storm and knew He could at any moment. 

Do we have faith that Jesus will overcome the storm? There’s no question that we’re in a storm, we’ve got tribulations in this world. But do we trust that at any moment He will stop it, overcome it? In these verses Jesus uses the past tense. It’s already done. And soon we will see His total victory. Do you have peace in the storm?

Prayer prompt: Lord, I know you rule the universe from the biggest thing to the smallest; I trust you.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 24, Psalm 27, 1 Chronicles 26 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

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July 2, 2021

Galatians 6:9

9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

I recently spoke with a guy who ran his first marathon. He told me about his plan for the race falling apart such that his last 6 miles were much harder than expected, yet he finished. His body was rebelling with each step, and yet he finished because he didn’t give up. He took things one step at a time. 

Working to be God’s light in this world will be contested at every step. Your joints will ache, your heart will break, and your tears will flow. There won’t be a single part that will be easy or even feel natural. But hold tight to a promise: there is an end to this race. If you don’t give up, you will reap a harvest. It won’t be easy and it won’t be short, but it also won’t be futile. Harvest time is coming!

Prayer prompt: Lord, teach me to trust your grace for each day and to keep the finish line in mind!

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 21, Psalm 24, 1 Chronicles 23 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

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July 1, 2021

Romans 8:18

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

These verses can seem like cold comfort in the middle of some of the awful things we go through. If, however, you can hear these verses and dwell on them deeply, they can become an anchor to your soul now and later, in the sunlight and the darkness. 

The Holy Spirit assures us that the presence of God, His person, the glory of who He is is so overwhelmingly big, heavy, and spectacular that it will more than compensate us for the suffering we’re enduring. We aren’t told exactly how, nor are we able to see that glory nearly enough now as it is a glory still to be revealed. But, looking at Jesus and His work on the cross for us, we can get a glimpse of something so deeply good that we can be enticed. All will be well!

Prayer prompt: Lord, help me to look at the cross and really know that you can bring glory out of suffering.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 20, Psalm 23, 1 Chronicles 22 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

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June 30, 2021

James 5:16

16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Confession is simply the worst. I’m not sure there is anything more bitter in the mouth and yet sweeter in the belly. Our sin is like mold in the basement. The only way to get it out is to pull out everything, really dry out the area, and get light and air down to it. Do you have someone who can help air out your soul?

One counselor has said, “We are only as healthy as our secrets.” And that is true. God knows it all and He loves and forgives you. And He commands you to get others involved. In the gospel community, everyone admits they have sinned. It’s how you get in the door. When you come clean with your sin, you will find people who understand and who can help.

Prayer prompt: Lord, push me into community, so I can be enjoy confession.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 19, Psalm 22, 1 Chronicles 21 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

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June 29, 2021

John 3:16

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

It is important to go back to basics. The beginning point of Christianity is simply an admission: Jesus, I need you to save me. John 3:16 serves as the most basic introduction to Christianity that many have. And for good reason, it says the Gospel in a very brief and attractive way. Because of God’s great love, He acted toward us in the most sever and generous way by giving His Son who can become salvation for those who believe. 

While that verse can be the entrance to Christianity, don’t leave it behind as you move through the life of a Christian. It’s been said, “The gospel is not the ABCs of Christianity but the A through Z of Christianity.” In that one word, gospel, we have what we need to continue living for Him through disease, disaster, and just the deadening totally stop our society seems to have made. Cling to Him today remembering that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 

Prayer prompt: Lord, let me meditate on your love, your salvation, and the hand that has reached out to bring me to You.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 18, Psalm 21, 1 Chronicles 20 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

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June 28, 2021

John 13:35

35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Think about those classic spy movie scenes where the spy and his contact go back and forth through elaborate and silly phrases. At the end of the sequence, the spy’s identity is confirmed and he’s let into the back room. Passwords and secret handshakes, prearranged symbols to authenticate, to prove the genuine article. 

What’s our password in Jesus? What’s the thing we all really know, that gives the unmistakable scent, look, bearing, of someone who has known Jesus? The Lord told us: Love. To know God’s love is to be changed so thoroughly that love pours out of you. Is what characterizes you? Is that what you show to everyone you meet because you’ve been changed by Jesus?

Prayer prompt: Lord, teach me to run to those in need rather than away, knowing your love and showing it.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 17, Psalm 20, 1 Chronicles 19 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

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June 25, 2021

John 13:35

35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Think about those classic spy movie scenes where the spy and his contact go back and forth through elaborate and silly phrases. At the end of the sequence, the spy’s identity is confirmed and he’s let into the back room. Passwords and secret handshakes, prearranged symbols to authenticate, to prove the genuine article. 

What’s our password in Jesus? What’s the thing we all really know, that gives the unmistakable scent, look, bearing, of someone who has known Jesus? The Lord told us: Love. To know God’s love is to be changed so thoroughly that love pours out of you. Is what characterizes you? Is that what you show to everyone you meet because you’ve been changed by Jesus?

Prayer prompt: Lord, teach me to run to those in need rather than away, knowing your love and showing it.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 14, Psalm 17, 1 Chronicles 16 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

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June 24, 2021

Matthew 26:50

50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.

It is important to know that Jesus was in complete control as He went to die. Each of the gospels make clear that Jesus knew what was happening, and allowed it. In this part of Matthew, as Jesus is arrested, He speaks calmly to Judas even calling him ‘friend’. 

It’s crucial for a leader to seem cool under fire, whether he is or not. It gives his orders credibility and his followers confidence. Jesus didn’t just seem cool, with a sweat-of-blood understanding of what was ahead, He still calmly went through with the cross. And He did it out of love for you. That’s a leader we can follow.

Prayer prompt: Lord, I will follow your banner into any battle.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 13, Psalm 16, 1 Chronicles 15 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

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June 22, 2021

2 Peter 1:3

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,

All things is a lot of things. All things that we need for life and godliness? All? I don’t know that I feel that way often, but here’s the promise. You are well supplied with everything you need for life and godliness.

And it comes from one place: knowing the one who called us into His own presence. The God who found us as enemies and made us friends has called us to His feast, His house, and His family. We have everything we need because we have Him. Have you let that sink in? Imagine what it would feel like to have the confidence of knowing you have everything you need.

Prayer prompt: Lord, teach me to trust your abundance!

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 11, Psalm 14, 1 Chronicles 13 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

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June 21, 2021

Romans 8:30

30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Do you ever feel like the Christian life is a tight rope? You managed to find the start of this walk, but you could fall at any minute. Progress seems to be achingly slow. Making it to the end seems so unlikely that it’s probably impossible. How do you find the hope to keep walking?

This verse in Romans 8 flips us around. We’re not walking a tightrope, He is. He has predestined, called, justified and will glorify you. He will. If you look back at the verse, all the verbs apply to Him, not you. Breathe in, breathe out, work passionately, and always trust that He is going to finish the work He started. 

Prayer prompt: Lord, thank you for caring so deeply and keeping me so tightly held.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 10, Psalm 13, 1 Chronicles 12 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

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June 18, 2021

Romans 8:26

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 

There are some people who are too smart, too important to really feel like you could talk to them in a normal way. There are some emotions that are too big or nuanced to fit into the words you know, and some that don’t fit into the words available to anyone else either. There are so many experiences and situations that are beyond our understanding, so how do we put our finger on the right question, the right request? 

You have a translator. The Bible teaches that because the Holy Spirit is God He has God’s wisdom, perspectives, and protocol. He knows how to say what you should have said, how to articulate what you are feeling, and how to ask what you would have asked if you grasped the situation perfectly. So pray, and trust the power of the perfect prayer, which the Holy Spirit is helping you pray right now.

Prayer prompt: Lord, thank you for being available at all times with the perfect mediator for my prayers.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 7, Psalm 10, 1 Chronicles 9 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

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June 17, 2021

Jonah 2:1-2

1 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, 2 saying,

“I called out to the Lord, out of my distress,

   and he answered me;

 out of the belly of Sheol I cried,

    and you heard my voice.

What kind of God takes calls from the belly of a fish? I would be so embarrassed to have to call someone from prison, with that message on the front end asking if they will accept a call from such and such penitentiary. What if they say no? What if they say yes, and I have to speak to them, not as an equal, but as a guilty criminal?

In these verses, Jonah is confident that God heard his prayers, even from the bottom of the sea, in a fish Jonah was swallowed by because of his disobedience to God. We really aren’t God’s equals, and we do speak to Him as those who are guilty. And He still hears us. His love is so magnificent, that God hears you, even calling from whatever pit you’re in. Do you call?

Prayer prompt: Lord, may I call out to you at all times, running to you rather than away.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 6, Psalm 9, 1 Chronicles 8 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

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June 16, 2021

Jonah 2:1-2

1 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, 2 saying,

“I called out to the Lord, out of my distress,

   and he answered me;

 out of the belly of Sheol I cried,

    and you heard my voice.

What kind of God takes calls from the belly of a fish? I would be so embarrassed to have to call someone from prison, with that message on the front end asking if they will accept a call from such and such penitentiary. What if they say no? What if they say yes, and I have to speak to them, not as an equal, but as a guilty criminal?

In these verses, Jonah is confident that God heard his prayers, even from the bottom of the sea, in a fish Jonah was swallowed by because of his disobedience to God. We really aren’t God’s equals, and we do speak to Him as those who are guilty. And He still hears us. His love is so magnificent, that God hears you, even calling from whatever pit you’re in. Do you call?

Prayer prompt: Lord, may I call out to you at all times, running to you rather than away.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 5, Psalm 8, 1 Chronicles 7 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

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June 15, 2021

1 Corinthians 15:19

19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

I don’t know that I can honestly say I envy the saints in Scripture. Hebrews reminds us that while there were big victories, some of those men and women were tortured, mocked and flogged, imprisoned, stoned, sawn in two, killed with the sword, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated. Yet, is my life supposed to be different from theirs? 

What is it about my Christianity that makes me think I can afford to get comfortable in this world? What did they see in the life to come that made them so willing to suffer? We can never forget that Christ does not give us hope for this life only. He came to bring us to a better life, a life so good, we have a hope that will sustain us through literally anything. Don’t live for this life only.

Prayer prompt: Lord, this world is not my home. Please don’t let me get too comfortable here.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 4, Psalm 7, 1 Chronicles 6 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

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June 14, 2021

2 Corinthians 9:6

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

In this verse, God is dealing with giving, and look at how He sees it: as sowing. The money you give to God’s Kingdom work is like a seed. Too often, we think of giving as something lost, but that’s not how we see an investment. I think you’d stop investing pretty quickly if you never expected a return. But that’s not what giving to God’s work is like. There is a return. 

When we give to God’s work, we are asking God to take this meager sum and do something with it, just like when we hand money to an investment banker. What can He do with it? He’s asking you if you want to give a little, and see a little return, or if you want to sow a lot and watch something big happen? Well, what do you think? 

Prayer prompt: Lord, give me excitement and imagination when I think about how You will use my Kingdom investment.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 3, Psalm 6, 1 Chronicles 5 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

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June 11, 2021

2 Corinthians 9:7

7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

How can it be possible to give cheerfully? Can you imagine people excitedly waiting in a long line to put their check in the little box on a Sunday? Or a husband getting grief from his wife because he just couldn’t wait and gave online before they could do it together? Ludicrous. Except for that verse in the Bible. 

It is possible. Start by remembering the amazing wealth of blessings God has given you, thinking about the scary hold money can have on your heart, and to looking out on all the good giving through your church is going to do. When you start to see and remember, without the compulsion that Religion heaps on, it is indeed possible to be, even hard not to be, a cheerful giver!

Prayer prompt: Lord, give me the joy of giving as I remember the kindness You’ve given to me!

Daily Reading: Numbers 36, Psalm 3, 1 Chronicles 2 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

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June 10, 2021

Ecclesiastes 4:12

12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Every Sunday, every Community Group night, is there a little speed bump to get over? Is it possible that you have to motivate yourself to go spend time with Christians? The Bible tells us why: we are more easily defeated if we’re alone. 

Others will keep your momentum going, your momentum will keep others going. God designed us to work together and to work better when we’re together. The people at Hope Church need you and you need them. If you can see that, and really believe it, you won’t be easily broken. Become another brick in God’s unbreakable structure.

Prayer prompt: Lord, help me to invest in Your community, so I will not be easily broken.

Daily Reading: Numbers 35, Psalm 2, 1 Chronicles 1 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

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