July 8, 2024

A NEW CREATION

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Encouraging Words

Every person who is living their life pursuing Christ, striving to be like Him, following His teaching to love God and love their neighbor, has become this promised new creation. God will cleanse us of our old things and make all things new. Praise be to God!

July 7, 2024

ARROGANCE VERSUS HUMILITY

Proverbs 11:2

Wherever arrogance enters, there also is dishonor,
But the mouth of the humble meditates on wisdom.

Personal Challenge

We are encouraged by our Lord to be humble and put others before ourselves. This is what He did. The Proverbs consistently state that the proud and arrogant will always come to a place where they will be humbled and dishonored. On the other hand, those who strive to be humble, will be lifted up and honored. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

July 6, 2024

Saint of the Week

St. John Chrysostom

July 5, 2023

COMPELLED

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Personal Challenge

Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, gave up His place in heaven for a period of time so that He could be born as a human, live a sinless life, be put to death on the cross, and then arise from that death for all of creation. He died for all of creation and destroyed death and its grip upon us so that we would not have to die one ourselves but live for Him. Glory be to God!

July 3, 2024

OUR MOUTH

Proverbs 10:31 (10:32)

The mouth of a righteous man distills wisdom,
But the tongue of an unrighteous man utterly destroys.

Personal Challenge

Of all the parts of the physical body, the mouth and tongue seem to get the most attention. The mouth and tongue have done more damage and caused more pain than any other part of us. They can also do great good by lifting up and encouraging others. Our challenge, day in and day out, is to choose to use these parts of our bodies righteously or unrighteously. Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!

July 2, 2024

CONFIDENT

2 Corinthians 5:6-8

So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

Personal Challenge

As followers of Christ, we have a confidence in who our savior is and that he has everything in the palm of His hands. We do not fear what is going on around us. We do not worry about the state of the world. We know that because of Him, all things work out to His glory. Our challenge is to keep our eyes and hearts focused on Him as we see the world around us falling apart. We trust that He will hold it all together until that day He returns. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me the sinner!

July 1, 2024

BLESSING OF THE LORD

Proverbs 10:22 (10:23)

The blessing of the Lord is upon the head of a righteous man;
It enriches him, and grief of heart will not be added to it.

Encouraging Words

We are rewarded for trying to live righteous lives by our Lord. When we strive to live His way and not the way of the world, He will bestow His blessing upon us and protect us from grief. Thanks be to God!