“Knowing God”

Friday, January 24.

Philippians 3:8-14.

It is possible for a husband to live with his wife for 50 years, eat at the same table, and share the same routine but never really understand her. In the same way, we can attend church and read books about the Lord without truly knowing our Creator. We get to know God by spending time in His presence and reading what He reveals about Himself in His Word. 

For example, Matthew 1:33 calls the Lord Immanuel, which means “God with us.” Jesus promised, “I will not leave you as orphans … I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you” (John 14:18-30). Scripture also describes Him as our “very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). God isn’t some distant, future rescuer; He is here and involved now (Psalm 32:7). God is the rock where we can find shelter, stability, and strength (Psalms 62:2; Isaiah 40:31). 

Getting to know God isn’t something that happens automatically. It comes through spending time with Him and a lifelong journey of sanctification. If you’re curious about the Father and want to experience more of Him, pause now and ask the Holy Spirit to increase your knowledge and guide you.

Memory verse: Psalms 46:1

“Knowing God is more important than knowing about God.” Karl Roberts

“Praying In the Name of Jesus”

Wednesday, January 22.

John 16:3-33

Do you remember the teaching Jesus introduced the night before His death? He told His followers, “Whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you” (John 15:16 NIV). Praying in the name of Christ declares our: 

Association with the Savior. Our relationship with Jesus allows us to approach the Father. We used to be foreigners, but at salvation, we became God’s children through the redemptive work of the Son of God. The Holy Spirit within us proves we belong to the Father, who listens to the requests of His family. 

Access to the Father. Jesus’ death opened an immediate, unhindered path to the Father’s presence. When the Savior offered Himself as the final priestly sacrifice Hebrews (7:26-28), the temple veil that separated the Holy of Holies from man was torn in two (Mark 15:28). In that moment, access to God became available to all who believe. Through the Holy Spirit, we can talk to God directly without a human intermediary (Ephesians 2:18). 

Because of our Savior Jesus Christ, we can freely access our heavenly Father. Let’s give Him thanks for the remarkable privilege of prayer! 

Memory verse: Ephesians 2:19

Prayer is the key of the morning and the bolt for the evening.” Mahatma Ghandi

“The Danger of Jealousy”

Monday, January 20.

January 3:13-18.

Jealousy has destructive power. It’s actually a disagreement with God over something we don’t have that He has chosen to give someone else. Or, in some cases, it results from fear of being replaced in a relationship or job. To overcome this attitude, we must first acknowledge that we have a conflict with God. We should confess our wrong mindset, repent, and then turn away from it. 

The next step is harder: Thank God for the person of whom you’re jealous, and express gratitude for the blessings in his or her life. Then the weight of our ill feelings will begin to lift. In addition, do something good for the other person, regardless of how you feel. We can never overcome jealousy if we think only of our feelings. 

One of the most helpful things we can do is focus on what the Lord is doing in our own life. This brings us back to the path He’s chosen for us. God has our best in mind, but it may be that we’re missing His blessings because our mind is elsewhere. The more we delight ourselves in Him, the more our desires will align with what He wants for us. 

Memory verse: Psalm 37:4

“You can be the moon and still be jealous of the stars,” (Gary Allan).

Friday, January 17

Luke 6:46-49

Many churchgoers will be disheartened to learn that ministry work doesn’t reserve them a place in heaven. Good deeds mean nothing to God unless they are the outgrowth of a relationship with Him. It doesn’t matter how many acts of kindness or service a person has performed—only those who have received Jesus Christ will enter heaven. 

The definition of believe often confuses church members who lack genuine faith. They believe in God, Jesus, and heaven. But there’s a difference between giving intellectual assent to an idea and spiritually acknowledging Christ as Savior. What we see in the Bible is that when someone truly comes to faith in Jesus, he or she changes. It’s impossible to remain the same after realizing one’s desperate need for Him. 

A desire for salvation begins with the recognition that we’ve sinned against God and there is no hope of salvation apart from Jesus. When we trust in His sacrifice for the payment of our sin debt, God promises to respond. If you desire to be in heaven with Him for eternity, ask yourself, Have I been saved? If not, now is the time. 

Memory verse: John 4:39

“Be faithful in small things because it is in them your strength lies,” (Mother Teresa)