Thursday, January 21.

One of the most misleading pieces of advice you will hear is the recommendation to follow your heart. God says, “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick” (Jeremiah 17:9). We all enter life with a inclination toward sin and selfishness, and there is no way we ourselves can change this. Instead of trusting a sinful heart, what we really need is a new, clean heart, and only the Lord can give us one.

Our heavenly Father sent His Son into this world to die on the cross and pay the penalty for our sins. Only in that way could we be forgiven and receive a clean heart from which flow holy desires and ambitions. Through Christ, we are set apart for God, welcomed into His family as adopted children, and in-dwelt by His Spirit.  

Thanks to our new heart and the Holy Spirit’s empowering presence, we are enabled to live a righteous life of obedience to the Lord. Instead of living with a deceptive heart, we can now draw near to God in fellowship and understand the truth of His Word. With gratitude for our new heart, let’s rely on the Spirit’s power to help us discern error and make wise decisions.

Memory verse: Jeremiah 17:9.

“The gift of spiritual discernment allow members of the church can see things not visible and see things not tangible.” Russel Nelson

Tuesday, January 19.

Once we have received Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, we are clean in His eyes. But that doesn’t mean we will never sin again (John 13:9-10). As we live in this world, we’ll continue to exhibit some fleshly patterns—at times thinking wrong thoughts, making hurtful comments, having inappropriate attitudes, and behaving foolishly. That’s why continual cleansing from sin is important.  

James gives us a process by which we can purify our hearts. When we resist the devil, mourn for our sin, and humbly draw near to God in submission, our Father is always faithful to forgive and cleanse us. Confession and repentance are like a spiritual shower that washes away the filth of sin so we can be clean and renewed. 

Ephesians 5:25-26 speaks of cleansing the church “by the washing of water with the word.” Scripture acts like a sharp sword that convicts us, reveals our hidden sins, and teaches how to live in a manner pleasing to the Lord. 

Let’s follow James’s advice today by submitting to God and renewing our minds with His truth. I pray that we can perceive and understand the Lord’s ways, and be confident of our salvation and eternal security despite our failures. 

Memory verse: 1 John 1:9.

“Seek God’s ways in all you do and he will show you the path to take.” Proverbs 3:6.

Tuesday, January 19.

Once we have received Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, we are clean in His eyes. But that doesn’t mean we will never sin again (John 13:9-10). As we live in this world, we’ll continue to exhibit some fleshly patterns—at times thinking wrong thoughts, making hurtful comments, having inappropriate attitudes, and behaving foolishly. That’s why continual cleansing from sin is important.  

James gives us a process by which we can purify our hearts. When we resist the devil, mourn for our sin, and humbly draw near to God in submission, our Father is always faithful to forgive and cleanse us. Confession and repentance are like a spiritual shower that washes away the filth of sin so we can be clean and renewed. 

Ephesians 5:25-26 speaks of cleansing the church “by the washing of water with the word.” Scripture acts like a sharp sword that convicts us, reveals our hidden sins, and teaches how to live in a manner pleasing to the Lord. 

Let’s follow James’s advice today by submitting to God and renewing our minds with His truth. I pray that we can perceive and understand the Lord’s ways, and be confident of our salvation and eternal security despite our failures. 

Memory verse: 1 John 1:9.

“Seek God’s ways in all you do and he will show you the path to take.” Proverbs 3:6.

“God is our Guide”

JANUARY 18, 2021 BY AMOS MCCARTHY (EDIT)

Monday, January 18.

Have you ever encountered a rule that seemed confusing or unnecessary? Often in situations like those, what we lack is context, a deeper understanding. Sometimes the Lord’s wisdom can feel frustrating or confusing, too. But chances are, we simply need more insight and time. That’s why a regular discipline of reading and meditating on Scripture is so essential. Alongside prayer and consistent worship, the ongoing intake of God’s Word is the foundation of our growth in Christ.

We need time to get to the point of understanding what it means to be free in Christ while simultaneously submitting to Him. Becoming spiritually mature is a lifelong process, and there are no shortcuts. Wherever you are in your faith journey, remember there is still room to grow in Christlikeness. And that requires both intention and attention, as you take steps each day to seek Him. The Lord knows just what you need to keep moving. All you have to do is ask.

Our understanding of freedom in Jesus grows over time. In your own journey, which moments taught you the most? What does it mean to “take care” with regard to your liberty in Christ, as Paul puts it (1 Corinthians 8:9)?

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 8:9.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” Psalm 32:8