Clear Instructions

As a father, Army officer, coach, and teacher I have learned the importance of giving clear instructions. I’ve also learned that sometimes the clearest of instructions are still not followed. Typically when that happens, there’s a problem that will require much care and attention. 

In this passage, God gives the man clear instructions. But He doesn’t stop there, He also gives the consequence for not following these clear instructions. With such clarity, nothing could possibly go wrong, right?

Has God given you clear instructions in an area of your life? Do you find it difficult to follow these clear instructions? If so, you’re in good company. Far too many of us struggle, at times, to follow God’s clear instructions for our lives. 

Take time, today, to ponder times in your life where you were given clear instructions. How did you respond in those times? If you don’t always follow clear instructions, consider why that’s difficult for you. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Genesis 2:15-17

15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden;17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”

Today’s Reading:

Genesis 2

Radah

In this passage the Hebrew word for “rule” is radah. It means to have authority or dominion over something. However, it does not carry the negative connotation of “oppression.” It is a respectful rule as God’s representative here on earth. 

Take a moment to understand this command. Mankind was created and given the mission to have respectful authority over all things of the earth. God has confidence in His creation. God has confidence in YOU.

Please note that mankind’s radah does not extend to one another. We are not to exercise radah over one another. Rather we are to live in harmony with agape for one another. 

Could you imagine a world in which mankind exercised radah over all creation and exercised agape with one another? I’d like to live in that world. How about you? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Genesis 1:26

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

Today’s Reading:

Genesis 1

Do You Know Him

The COVID pandemic was a difficult time for many people. However, something good that came out of that season of life was a rap I wrote called “Do You Know Him.”

The message of the song centers around observing people who know OF God but have never taken the time to get to know Him. The reality is, if people knew Him, then their pursuit of unrighteousness would stop immediately. It is virtually impossible to truly know God and desire to do evil. 

It’s one thing to fall into temptation. It’s completely different when you willfully pursue it. In this passage, John teaches that there is a difference between doing good and doing evil. 

The key? Do you know God or do you not. 

Well, Do You Know Him? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

3 John 11

11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

Today’s Reading:

3 John

Situational Obedience

This passage is a reminder of the connection between love and obedience. Jesus taught on multiple occasions our love for Him would be manifested in obedience to His commands. 

Unfortunately, far too many of us have situational obedience. We obey God when the obedience fits into our narrative. However, if obedience does not lead to the outcome we prefer, then we say, “God knows my heart.” 

Yes, He does know your wicked, disobedient heart, and He will reward you accordingly. Of course, that’s not what we want to hear in America. We have convinced ourselves that we know what’s best and we spend our days dabbling in our walk with God while we put most of our energy in the pursuit of our dreams, what we want. 

Take time out today and allow God to search your heart and reveal to you those areas that do not honor Him. Then get rid of them. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 John 6

6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.

Today’s Reading:

2 John

An Overcomer

I am unsure how many times I’ve read this passage, but today it hit different. John is teaching us that our love for God propels us to places that non-believers will never go. 

Every person faces struggles. The difference is, those who love God will one day overcome those struggles by stepping into eternity with Him. Those who do not love God will increase their struggles by stepping into an eternity separated from God. I don’t want that for you or me!

If you say you love God, then your life should be one of loving obedience to His word. Salvation is not a business transaction in which you get to go to heaven because you said a prayer and gathered with people weekly. Salvation is manifested in a love for God and others that must serve in humility. It manifests in a love that seeks to be obedient to the Father. 

You know your heart. If it’s not seeking to love God through faithful obedience, you are living a life with a struggle that you can never overcome. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 John 5:1-5

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands.And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Today’s Reading:

1 John 5

Edict Of Love

One definition of an “Edict” is an official order or proclamation given by someone in authority. We see this played out in the book of Esther when Haman convinces the king to sign an edict giving permission to destroy the Jews. Of course God thwarts that through the lives of Esther and Mordecai. 

This passage gives us an “edict of love” from God. Love is not optional. We cannot say that we love God while at the same time saying that we hate our brother or sister. Love is complete. 

God so loved the world. He does not love this group but not that group. Therefore we should do no less. 

How can you show love today? Go do it! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 John 4:19-21

19 We love because he first loved us.20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command:Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

Today’s Reading:

1 John 4

Love Is An Action

How often do you tell people you love them? How often do your actions tell people you love them? This is the end of the matter: God so loved the world that He gave!

If we follow God’s love in the Bible, we will see that His love is always in the form of action. Jesus said, “If you love me keep my commands.” Our love is manifested in obeying God.

As you go about your day, seek ways to put your love in action. This is how people will know that you belong to Christ. Let them see you love sacrificially. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 John 3:16-18

16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Today’s Reading:

1 John 3

Commanded To Love

One day Jesus was asked which is the greatest commandment. He answered, “Love the Lord your God…” He then said the second commandment is just like it, “Love your neighbor as yourself…”

It’s not a stretch to say that we are commanded to love. So the question becomes, “are you obeying God’s greatest commandments.”

Love can be tricky because in the US we have a distorted definition of love. We only have one word for love so it can get over used. 

But if we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our love, we will have no problem obeying God’s command to love because we will be looking outside our own desires to the desires of the other person. This is the highest love. It’s the love Jesus displayed on the cross and it is the love that we must live daily. 

Take time out of your day to think about how you love. Is your love focused on you and what you want? Or is your love focused on the needs of others? Putting others first is challenging but it’s always worth it. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 John 2:3-6

3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we knowwe are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

Today’s Reading:

1 John 2

A Good Person

In the United States “casual Christians” talk about about being a good person. They say things like, “I’ve done many good things. I deserve to go to heaven.” The problem with that mindset is they believe God owes them eternal life with Him. 

NEWSFLASH: He owes us NOTHING!!

In this first chapter of 1 John, we see that we are all sinners in need of salvation. John shares with us that Jesus is our Savior. Because of His sacrifice, we can have a right relationship with God the Father. We simply need to confess our sin and receive Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin. God is faithful and just. He will forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 John 1:8-10

8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

Today’s Reading:

1 John 1

Next Level Patience

I have a friend to whom I frequently say, “just be patient.” They are doing their best to remain patient, but sometimes life gets to them and their patience wears a little thin. 

This NEVER happens with God. He has next level patience. 

Consider that the God of all creation created man. But man turned from Him and was disobedient. Instead of completely wiping man from the earth, He set in motion a plan to redeem His creation back to a right relationship with Him: Next Level Patience. 

Think about times you’ve been impatient. How did you handle it? Did you show grace? As God has given me more opportunities to be patient, I have learned that being patient is a gift from Him. It means I am more like Him. No person has the patients of God. But we should aspire to be that patient. It’s needed. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Peter 3:9

9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Today’s Reading:

2 Peter 3

Do Right Anyway

Today’s passage is good! I encourage you to read it multiple times. Let it marinate. 

God is just. He’s not bound by man’s cultural norms. He isn’t beholden to what man thinks is right. He is a sovereign, holy God who has no unrighteousness in Him. 

On our absolute best day, we are still infinitely far from God’s righteousness on His “worst” day. We’re no match.

But here’s the good news. In Christ, we get to be called righteous. This is not because of some good deed we did. It’s only because, by faith, we accepted what Jesus did on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin.

As you read this passage, notice how God responds to the one who seeks Him first. Notice that the one who seeks Him is surrounded by unrighteous behavior, yet they do right anyway. That’s what we should do. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Peter 2:4-9

4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 6 if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless 8 (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— 9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.

Today’s Reading:

2 Peter 2

Walk Like This

I recently had a wonderful talk with some friends of mine. One of them asked the question, “how do I walk in my purpose.” As I read this passage, I realized that Peter is answering their question. 

It’s not one simple thing, but a series of characteristics that we must add to our lives with increasing measure. Will it be easy, yes and no. 

Yes, because we have the Holy Spirit living inside us telling us which way to go, who to talk to, and what to say, among other things. All we need to do is listen. 

No, because we have our flesh which wars with everything the Holy Spirit wants us to do. On top of that, our adversary, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. If we do not stay sober minded and alert, he will take us out. 

Walking in your purpose is what you must do. Allowing the Word of God to guide you through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit is the way you will successfully do it. And the beautiful part, you’re not alone. You have a host of brothers and sisters standing ready to support you in your walk. There are over 150 who receive this text with you daily. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Peter 1:5-9

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control;and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind,forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

Today’s Reading:

2 Peter 1

Who Said It

When we are told to do something, it matters who said it. We make our decisions based on the credibility of the person who has told us to do the thing. 

For example, if a person you do not trust tells you to do something, you’re probably going to have many questions, you’ll hesitate, and likely may not do that thing. 

Conversely, if someone you love and trust tells you to do a thing, you may have questions, but your trust will win the day and you’ll go ahead do what they told you. 

Who said it matters. 

In this passage, Peter is giving us instructions on how to live well in Christ. This is the same Peter who walked with Christ. He is the same Peter who walked on water. He is the same Peter who denied knowing Christ three times. And he is the same Peter who preached on the day of Pentecost. He is credible. 

Take time to ponder the words in this passage. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you toward a life dedicated to Christ. A life where you cast all your cares on Jesus knowing He cares for you. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Peter 5:6-9

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Today’s Reading:

1 Peter 5

BAE

I know a Godly couple who have been married for several years. The wife knew he would be her husband from the first time they met. As time past, most everyone knew this couple was destined to be together. 

One day, Mitchell Rodgers posted a single sentence that made this union “official” and started them on the path of matrimony. He posted on social media, “Bailey is BAE.”

In some circles, this acronym means “Before Anyone Else.” As I read 1 Peter 4, I realize that we must place God in that position of our lives. God is to be revered above all else. He holds the key of life. As we pursue a relationship with Him, He will enable us to serve people with the gifts He provides. 

Take time out of your busy schedule to seek God’s purpose for your life. If you want a fulfilling life that will positively impact the lives of others, God must be BAE. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Peter 4:7-11

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithfulstewards of God’s grace in its various forms.11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Today’s Reading:

1 Peter 4

Revere Christ

Far too often I come up short in revering Christ. I wish I could say I didn’t, but I do. There are times when I say the wrong thing, do the wrong thing, respond the wrong way, and I am sure you could tell me other ways that I fall short of revering Christ. 

But God, who is rich in mercy, still gives me chances to live out my reverence for Christ. My sincere heart’s desire is to live for Him. This passage reminds me that I am responsible to live a life that honors God. I need to be prepared to share why I revere Christ in all situations. 

I love that Peter tells us that we must do this with “gentleness and respect.” Whether we are talking to other people or to ourselves, we must remember to be gentle and respectful. This is how we show that we revere Christ. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Peter 3:15-16

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Today’s Reading:

1 Peter 3

Victim Mentality

“I didn’t do anything wrong.” These are words often said by people who have a victim mentality. No matter what happens in their life, they are innocent of all wrong doing. This passage gets to the heart of victim mentality. 

Peter warns that those who suffer for their wrong doing are not to be commended. However, those who seek righteousness and yet are wronged, those are to be commended for their suffering. 

Take accountability of your life. What is your role in the struggles you are facing? Once you identify your role, make sure to eliminate anything that goes contrary to what God wants. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Peter 2:18-20

18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

Today’s Reading:

1 Peter 2

Be Holy

In His Sermon on the Mount Jesus tells us to be perfect, just like our Father in heaven is perfect. The meaning of “perfect” in that verse is similar to the meaning of the word “holy” used in today’s passage. Both mean separated from evil. 

God is completely separated from evil. He is perfect as the Creator. You can search, but you will never find evil in the Triune God. Trust me, many people have convinced themselves and others that God is evil. These people have been tricked by their flesh and the craftiness of the enemy. 

Understanding God means changing your mindset from worldly things and placing your mind on the things of God. (See Romans 12:2).

You must live in the pursuit of holiness. You must be set apart from this world. Heaven is your home, not earth. You should look different and be different. This is not something you can fake. It is a road that will be lonely at times, but you must endure to the end. 

Spend time with the Lord today. Ask Him to show you areas of your life where you are not pursuing Him. Ask Him to show you how you may be compromising your integrity. Then make changes as He guides you. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Peter 1:13-16

13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conformto the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Today’s Reading:

1 Peter 1

James 5

Tomorrow’s podcast episode will be on James 5. I encourage you to plan to watch/listen to it. 

Last night I spent nearly five hours texting with a friend. Our friendship was on the verge of collapse. The enemy had infiltrated the friendship with a two prong attack, and it was working. 

But God, who is rich in mercy, showed up. I’m still amazed at how He guided us through a tough conversation. I’m convinced that He has something in store for this friendship, therefore the enemy went on a Blitzkrieg level attack. 

What areas of your life are under attack? Trust God and be patient. We have no idea what God’s ultimate plans are. We only know that they are for our good. Isn’t that enough?

Spend some time, today, sitting alone with God. Ask Him where your defenses need to be improved. He will show you, better yet, He will help you improve in that area. My friend and I can testify to it because we experienced it last night! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

James 5:7-9

7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waitingfor the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Today’s Reading:

James 5

Just Ask

One of the most misused passages in the Bible is Matthew 7:7-8, which says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

John also records Jesus as saying words to the effect of if you ask for anything in my name, you will have it. 

Both of these passages have caused many people to walk away from the faith because they did not receive what they asked for. In their mind, this means that the Bible is invalid. They are mistaken. 

Although this passage in James  clarifies that issue, we see throughout the Old Testament that God did not give to those who chose not Him. 

We must always be mindful of the fact that God knows our motives. He knows our why, even when we are fooling ourselves by saying things like, “God, if you let me win the lottery, I will be able to truly help the poor.” 

Use whatever you have now to help the poor. When you ask God for anything, search your heart to be certain you’re asking with right motives. It’s key to receiving what you are asking for. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

James 4:1-3

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battlewithin you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

Today’s Reading:

James 4

Heavenly Wisdom

When I was working on my Masters in Ministerial Leadership degree, I took a class called Methods of Biblical Preaching and Teaching. My classmates and I chose the book of James to do three types of preaching. I got chapter 3:1-12 as my section. I wish I would have gotten 13-18. The last two verses speak volumes about how we are to live as Christ followers. 

The writer implies that there are multiple types of wisdom. The wisdom that we must live by comes from heaven. He then provides a description of the fruit of such wisdom. 

Take time to do a life inventory. Ask the Holy Spirit to identify the type of wisdom you possess. If it is not heavenly wisdom, make that switch immediately. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

James 3:17-18

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Today’s Reading:

James 3