Amos McCarthy

Monday, October 12.

You don’t have to be prominent in the world’s eyes to be an influential person. Through your example and testimony, you can help others understand who Jesus Christ is and what it looks like to live for Him. 

Scripture includes many examples of righteous men and women who were influential in their generation. One of them was Daniel, who was a godly influence not only on his friends but also on kings. Even as a youth, he was committed to obeying God’s law. Consequently, when Daniel was offered food from the Babylonian king’s table, he requested vegetarian meals instead, to comply with Jewish dietary restrictions. His commitment to the Lord outweighed any fear of reprisal for rejecting the royal provisions. And God protected Daniel by giving him favor with his overseer.

Although most of us won’t have an opportunity to influence global leaders, our example can impact a workplace, neighborhood, home, or future generations. As was true of Daniel, a godly example is rooted in obedience to Scripture because it’s the source of wisdom. In a world that is tossed about by upheaval, fear, and uncertainty, our confidence in the Lord stands out and influences those around us.

Memory verse: Daniel 3:17.

“God is a circle whose center is every and circumference nowhere.” Voltaire

Wednesday, October 7.

The Creator of the universe, who formed us and sustains our life, bids us come to Him for food and drink without cost. He’s not referring to free material provision but instead has in mind a far greater gift: salvation. This blessing is freely offered to all who will come to His Son and discover the truth that Jesus is the Bread of Life and Living Water who alone can give eternal life. 

Have you come to the Lord Jesus Christ to be forgiven of sins and reconciled to the heavenly Father? If so, are you continually partaking of the spiritual sustenance He provides? Just as we need a consistent supply of food and drink to live and thrive physically, so too do we need daily spiritual nourishment through God’s Word and abiding presence. 

Are you trying to live the Christian life in your own strength by working hard to serve the Lord and become a better person? Such an approach leads only to fruitless exhaustion. To flourish and grow, a person must be completely dependent on Christ for spiritual nutrition. That involves drawing near to Him each morning through His Word and prayer and receiving His grace all day long.

Memory verse: Isaiah 55:1

“Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure.” D. L. Moody

Tuesday, October 6.

Although we’re usually quick to bring God our own requests and the needs of loved ones, we must also remember to pray for our local churches. If you’re not sure where to start, the apostle Paul’s writings offer some help. Today’s passage, from his letter to the Colossians’ believers, expresses gratitude for what the Lord has done in four specific areas of their lives:

Faith. God’s salvation is something we should never take for granted. Thank Him for bringing the gospel to the people in your church and giving them the faith to believe.

Love. Ask the Lord to increase their love for one another so they can respond, both inside and outside the church, as Christ would. 

Hope. Pray that the hope of heaven would be their focus rather than the fleeting pleasures and values of this world. 

Truth. Praise the Lord for the gospel, which has been proclaimed in your church. Ask that it would bear fruit and increase so more people will understand its truth and receive God’s grace.

Let’s make it a habit, perhaps on Sundays, to spend time praying for our church and pastor, asking God to accomplish His will through them.

Memory verse: Colossians 4:4

“If you are stranger to prayer, you are stranger to the greatest source of power on earth.” Billy Sunday

Wednesday, September 30.

Patience is hard work! This is especially true when we are waiting on God, who keeps to His own timetable. But believers who trust Him to deliver can look forward to rich blessing.

A person’s willingness to be patient reveals the value of what he or she desires. No one goes wrong waiting for the Lord to send His best in His perfect timing. Of course, believers don’t receive everything they ask for. At times, God simply says no. Other times, He adjusts our desires to match His. In our humanness, we can’t possibly know all the details of a situation. So we ask for what we think we need, based on our limited information. A submissive heart accepts the Father’s gentle redirection. When the awaited object of desire comes, it may not look like what we originally requested, but it will be exactly what we need.

Another benefit is that waiting patiently on the Lord is an awesome witness. When He responds, others see the reality of God, His faithfulness, and the wisdom of our commitment. In addition, our own faith is strengthened. Fools rush to seize their prize, but wise believers know that blessing will come in God’s good time.

Memory verse: Isaiah 40:31.

Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” Aristotle