September 12

Hebrews 2:16

For as we all know, He (Christ) does not take hold of (the fallen) angels (to give them a helping hand), but He does take hold of (the fallen) descendants of Abraham (extending to the His hand of deliverance).

We are not alone. Jesus left us a helper, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a wonderful guide, helper, and full of wisdom. If a need arises, reach out your hand to Jesus and listen for guidance from the Holy Spirit. We do not need to despair or feel alone. Our helper is always on standby. 

September 11

Hebrews 2:1

For this reason (that is, because of God’s final revelation in His Son Jesus and because of Jesus’ superiority to the angels) we must pay much closer attention than ever to the things that we have heard, so that we do not (in any way) drift from the truth.

We may have the best intentions to spend time in the Word, but distractions happen. Our day improves when we pay attention to the Word of God. It doesn’t have to be hours focused on the Word but a chapter. Our goal is not to drift away from the truth of the Word of God.

September 8

Hebrews 11:3

By Faith (that is, with an inherent trust and enduring confidence in the power, wisdom, and goodness of God) we understand that the worlds (universe, ages) were framed and created (formed, put in order, and equipped for the intended purpose) by the Word of God, that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.

The Word of God created our world. Our job is to have trust and confidence that the Creator can do what He says He can do. The promises of God are real, and God is faithful to those who believe in Him. Our Faith speaks, obeys the Word, and God hears and answers our prayers. 

September 7

James 2:19-20

You believe that God is one; you do well (to believe that). The demons also believe (that), and shudder and bristle (in awe-filled terror- they have seen His wrath)! But are you willing to recognize you foolish (spiritually shallow) person, that Faith without (good) works is useless.

We need to build spiritual muscle. The kind of muscle that speaks Faith during the tough times and the good times. Where we are practicing our Faith, walking our Faith, and talking about our Faith, our goal is the kind of Christian to please God in Faith and never be called a foolish (shallow) person.  

September 6

James 1:23-24

For if anyone only listens to the Word without obeying it, he is like a man who looks very carefully at his natural face in the mirror; for once he has looked at himself, he immediately forgets what he looks like.

Our car will start if we turn the key; it is the same as obeying the Word. Faith and the Word need corresponding action for them to work. When we follow the Word, we understand how God works in our lives, and then we SEE God works in our lives. If we entirely disregard God and His statutes, we tie His hands to be able to work on our behalf.

September 5

John 12:49-50

For I have never spoken on My own initiative or authority, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment regarding what to say and what to speak. I know that His commandment is eternal life. So things I speak, (in accordance with His exact instruction) just as the Father has told Me.

Are we speaking according to the Word and the instruction of God? Do our words speak of eternal life, or are we speaking of death? Our words matter because they will amplify the situation, whether it is a positive or negative experience. If we talk negative comments, the circumstance will stay negative. Only by speaking Faith-filled words and believing them will we be speaking life. 

September 4

Mark 11:23

I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be lifted up and thrown down into the sea!” and does not doubt in his heart (in God’s unlimited power), but believes that what he says going to take place, it will be done for him (in accordance with God’s will).

Faith takes practice! If we don’t have the Faith to move a headache, a mountain is out of our reach. Our Bible needs more face time than our phone, computer, and television to move mountains. When we concentrate on the Word, we build ourselves up to mountain-moving Faith. The door to Faith is waiting for us to walk through it and put it to work in our circumstances.

September 1

James 1:25

But he who looks carefully into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and faithfully abides by it, not having become a (careless) listener who forgets but an active doer (who obeys), he will be blessed and favored by God in what he does (in his life of obedience).

Our lives will radically change when we become active doers of the Word and when the Bible becomes a living word to our hearts and the foundation of our daily lives. As we speak the Word, we will speak life and walk into the law of liberty by our faith. We will be doers of the Word, steadfast and strong.  

August 31

James 1:12

Blessed (happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God) is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the (victor’s) crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

We must be determined and firm in our beliefs when we enter trials. As Christians, we have God’s Word and examples in the Bible that show us how to be firmly fixed on the Word and not subject to change. We have a crown waiting for us as we remain unmovable and reliant on Jesus.  

August 30

Galatians 5:7-9

You were running (the race) well; who has interfered and prevented you from obeying the truth? This (deceptive)persuasion is not from Him who called you (to freedom in Christ). A little leaven (a slight inclination to error, or a few false teachers) leavens the whole batch (it perverts the concept of faith and misleads the church).

We are not to believe everything we hear or see but test what is before us against the Word of God. The Word is our truth and guide, given to us to sift what is false against the truth. An error in the truth of God’s Word that slips into our lives will lead us away from God.