Only Christ Can Ascend

This question and answer points to Jesus Christ. The psalm was written hundreds of years before Jesus walked the earth but the answer is nonetheless Jesus Christ. 

So what about us? Are we able to ascend the mountain of the Lord. Simply put, without Jesus, no. 

When God looks at you without the blood of Jesus on your life, He sees your sin and is repulsed! Let that marinate. 

However, when you accept what Jesus did on the cross for the forgiveness of your sin and thus are covered by the blood of Jesus, when God looks at you He sees Jesus and is pleased. 

Therefore, apart from Christ, you cannot ascend the mountain of the Lord nor stand in His Holy Place. 

Accept what Jesus did on the cross for the forgiveness of your sin, today! Tomorrow  is not promised. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 24:3-4

3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 14; Psalm 24; Proverbs 20:11

Walk Through Don’t Stop

Psalm 23 is one of the most well known Psalms. This passage in Psalm 23 is my favorite because it is a reminder that I will face difficult times, but if I keep moving through, I will get to the other side. 

Think about difficult times that lasted awhile because instead of trusting God and pressing through, you sat down, cried, complained, and did anything you could to hold on to the struggle. Don’t do that anymore. 

This is not breaking news: EVERYONE goes through difficult times. The key is to walk through, don’t stop. 

What’s your challenge de jour? Trust God! Keep moving! The other side is just around the bend. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 23:4

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 13; Psalm 23; Proverbs 20:11

It’s As Simple As That

This section of Romans 12 is the answer to the question, “how do I live well for the Lord.” If you live out these words, you will be following, well, Jesus Christ, it’s as simple as that. 

I encourage you to spend time meditating on this passage today. Ask yourself the difficult question of how are you doing with these requirements. Seek God and make necessary changes. 

The message is clear. There’s no reason not to live them out daily! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Romans 12:9-13

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 12; Psalm 22:19-31; Proverbs 20:8-10

My God My God

A verse in the Bible that often puts Christians in an interesting place is found in Matthew 27:46. Jesus is recorded as saying, “My God My God why have You forsaken me.” It is for these words that Christians exclaim that this is the first time that Jesus is feeling rejected by God. The problem with that thought process is it shows that they have not paid attention to the text. 

As you read today’s passage, I encourage you to also read Matthew 27:32-46. You will notice some similarities with what the psalmist writes and what is happening at the crucifixion of Jesus. 

What Jesus is actually doing when He says these words is, “I have told you that I am the Messiah. Here is more proof.” The people there knew the scripture. They memorized it. They would have been able to connect the dots, if they wanted to. 

As you live for Christ, I pray you will understand that He endured all God asked Him to with trust. He knew God would be faithful no matter the circumstance. Jesus was never concerned that God would forsake Him and neither should you. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 22:1a

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Today’s Readings:

Romans 11:13-36; Psalm 22:1-18; Proverbs 20:7

Prayer Walks

Our ministry does prayer walks. The purpose is to make God’s presence in this area known. We seek God for direction, then go where He tells us. The fruit from these prayer walks has been amazing. 

As I read this passage in Romans, I thought about how easy it can be to get complacent with our prayer walks because of all God is doing in and through them. But this passage reminds me that if we don’t continue to do these prayer walks, then people who need to hear the word of God, will not. 

What has God called you to do in His name? Never grow weary in doing it. Someone’s eternity may be hanging in the balance. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Romans 10:14-17

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 10:14-11:12; Psalms 21; Proverbs 20:4-6

Chariots & Horses Or The Lord

As I began growing in Christ, this passage quickly became one of my favorites. It shows the imagery of the power of chariots and horses in that time. People used the might of their military to take over other countries. In a real sense, the strength of their “chariots and horses” was where they placed their trust for their future. 

The Psalmist contrasts that earthly mindset with the truth of God’s power. As we place our trust in Him, we learn that the power of chariots and horses are no match for God. 

There is no record of anyone or anything having a final victory over God. To put your trust in anyone or anything above Him is a mistake with eternal consequences. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalms 20:7

7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 9:25-10:13; Psalms 20; Proverbs 20:2-3

A Life Of Obedience

The gospel of John records Jesus saying, “If you love me you will keep my commands.” In a word, we must obey Him. But what does a life of obedience look like? That’s the question of the day. 

The answer may surprise you with its simplicity. A life of obedience looks like the life of Jesus. 

Did He have the favor of God on His life? Yes! Did He have the favor of man on His life? Yes! Did He study the scripture and heed every word? Yes! Did He suffer hardships? Yes!

That’s what a life of obedience looks like. We obey all God has commanded. We endure hardship. And we share this gospel to all, whether they believe it or not. This curries favor with God and, ultimately, man! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalms 19:7-9

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. 

Today’s Readings:

Romans 9:1-24; Psalms 19; Proverbs 20:1

Predestined & Free Will

There has been a theological debate that has carried on for years. Has God pre chosen those who will spend eternity with Him even before they are born, or do we have free will to choose Him?

I offer this thought process. Throughout the Bible we are always given the choice to choose God or reject Him. Adam was placed in a perfect world and was given only one, “do not do.” Why?

Why did God give Adam an opportunity to choose Him or not? Here are my thoughts. 

God wants to have a love relationship with us. Since He does, our love for Him must be our choice as well. If God has already predetermined who will have a right relationship with Him regardless of an individual’s desire, then the choice has been removed. 

Because God is omniscient, He knows who will choose Him and who will not. Thus He has foreknowledge of everyone who will choose Him. This is not predetermined. It is our choice. 

My final point is found in the words of Hebrews 11:6. The writer says that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Why would God remove the need for faith if not having faith makes it impossible to please Him? If God is not pleased with you, then you are not in a right relationship with Him. Spend time today considering this. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Romans 8:29-30

29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified;those he justified, he also glorified.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 8:26-39; Psalms 18:37-50; Proverbs 19:27-29

Heirs

When I was growing up, to me, the word “heir” was synonymous with “rich people.” I rarely heard the word used unless I was being told that someone was an heir to the throne or an heir to great riches. 

Here’s the good news! We are heirs to the “great riches” of salvation found in and through Christ Jesus. 

Because of His sacrifice on the cross, everyone who accepts His gift for the forgiveness of our sin, immediately becomes heirs—co-heirs with Jesus Christ. 

Take time to consider what it means to be co-heirs with Jesus. Does your lived life reflect this reality? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Romans 8:16-17

16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 8:9-25; Psalms 18:16-36; Proverbs 19:26

What Governs Your Mind

I love the clarity in this passage. I have taught on it before. It’s simple. What guides your thoughts is how you live. 

However, many “Christians” try to fool themselves. They say with their mouth, “I love the Lord, He is my everything,” but the lives they live actually say, “I am the lord of my life. No one tells me what to do.”

Which one are you? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Romans 8:6-8

6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 7:14-8:8; Psalms 18:1-15; Proverbs 19:24-25

Fear God, Not Trouble

As I read this proverb, I am reminded of what the psalmist writes in Psalms 91:7-8, “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.”

Yes, trouble will come, but praise be to God because when we fear Him, the trouble does not touch us permanently. We may notice the effects. We may experience a challenge. But in Christ, trouble does not bring destruction. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 19:23

23 The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 7:1-13; Psalms 17; Proverbs 19:22-23

Defeat Temptation

Temptation is not sin.

Let that marinate in your Spirit. Many people believe because they have a thought, they are trapped in sin. That is far from true. They use Jesus’ words in His Sermon on the Mount to condemn themselves. They use it wrong. 

When Jesus says anyone who looks at a woman “with lustful intent” commits adultery, He’s talking about the person who is dwelling on such thoughts. The person who is plotting to follow through on such thoughts. He is not talking about the person who has the thought then casts it down. That person is experiencing spiritual warfare. That person will win by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

When you make God your pursuit, you will always defeat temptation. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Romans 6:11-14

11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sinbut alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness,but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 6; Psalms 16; Proverbs 19:20-21

Jesus Is The Answer

In this passage, the psalmist poses two important questions, “Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?” The answers are Jesus!

This brings up another question, are we doomed. The answer is yes, without Jesus Christ in our life, we are doomed to an eternity separated from God. 

Have you accepted what Jesus did on the cross as payment for the sin cost you owe God? If not, do not let another second pass without entering into a right relationship with God the Father through Jesus the Son by the power of the Holy Spirit. Be careful not to let the aroma of church attendance intoxicate your mind to where you believe your religious acts and acknowledgement that God exists are enough to pay your debt. This would be your tragedy. 

Jesus Christ is the only one who can dwell in the sacred tent and live on God’s Holy Mountain. Your presence there is only possible through Him. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 15:1

1 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?

Today’s Readings:

Romans 5:6-21; Psalms 15; Proverbs 19:18-19

No Glory In Unbelief

I frequently hear well meaning Christians say, “it’s okay to have doubts and unbelief.” That’s just not true. Do we have doubts, yes. Do we have unbelief, yes. But at no time is it “okay” in God’s eyes. 

Does He love us anyway, yes. And I believe that’s where people get confused. They think that because God loves them anyway, it’s okay to fall into doubt and unbelief. Jesus said, “if you believe and do not doubt…” Doubt and faith, unbelief and belief cannot effectively coexist in the same place. Eventually one will drive the other out. 

Notice that Abraham never fell into unbelief. His unwise actions were not from unbelief, they were from a belief that he felt should lead to action on his part. Which is also a mistake, so don’t do that either. 

When God gives you direction but it seems like things are not going your way, remember what the Psalmist said, “I remain confident in this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” 

Read the beginning of Job 38 to be reminded of who God is compared to you. Why would you ever question Him through your unbelief? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Romans 4:19-21

19 Without weakening in his faith, (Abraham) faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 4:13-5:5; Psalms 14; Proverbs 19:17

Not Works Based

I’ve noticed that many people think they can work their way to heaven. They say things like, “I’m a good person. Why wouldn’t God allow me into heaven.” They’ve convinced themselves that following Christ well can be attained by doing things, a works based faith. 

To follow Christ well, it takes faith, first. Your faith in Christ and what He did on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins is the requirement, not works. 

Notice Paul writes that Abraham believed first, THEN he was circumcised, which was the “work” for that covenant with God. It is no longer required. 

Your faith in God through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit is all you need. The proof of this is followed by Holy Spirit-led works. But these works don’t save you, they merely identify you as a child of God in Christ. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Romans 4:4-5

4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 4:1-12; Psalms 13; Proverbs 19:15-16

The Real Meaning

One of the most misquoted verses in the Bible is Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” First, it’s in the middle of a sentence, which shows that by itself one cannot get the full meaning behind the words. 

Second, the way people use it is to justify that their sin is no worse than someone else’s sin. It’s a way to feel better about oneself. Sometimes well meaning Christians use this verse to help a non-believer have a desire to come to Christ. This is well intended, but using the entire passage would be better for that. 

As you read it you will notice that Paul is showing that a living God sent His Son for the redemption of all sin. Anyone who puts their faith in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice, will have eternal life with God the Father. Paul is teaching that everyone needs to place their faith in Christ. No one is exempt. 

This passage goes far beyond identifying sinners. It’s a reminder that we have a Lord who gave His life for all. Now go share this good news indiscriminately. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Romans 3:20-26

20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.

21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousnessis given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 3:9-31; Psalms 12; Proverbs 19:13-14

Outward and Inward

As a Christian, we need to pay close attention to how Paul is describing the Jews who have been circumcised, but do not follow the law. That is the equivalent of a Christian who claims to have accepted Christ’s sacrifice for the forgiveness of their sin and are baptized, yet continue to live a disobedient life. 

In a real sense, it could be said that a person is not a Christian who is one only outwardly!

We are to live a life in which our outward appearance as a Christian is bolstered by our inward desire to remain obedient to the Father through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Living a double life hurts your witness. Trust me! I know from personal experience. And if you’re anything like me, that double life eats away at you. If it doesn’t, you have a very serious problem. 

Take time to sit with God today. Ask Him to point out any hypocrisy in your life. When He does, repent. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Romans 2:28-29

28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 2:25-3:8; Psalms 11; Proverbs 19:10-12

Believer Repellant 

This passage speaks to Christianity in the United States today. There are many people who will not follow Christ because of how they see “Christians” behaving. 

Many “Christians” harbor hate in their heart for people and voice that hate, in the name of the Lord. Many “Christians” say how much they love the Lord, with their mouths, but their actions tell a much different story. 

How about you? What does your witness for Christ look like? Take a serious look at yourself and ask God to show you how you appear to others in His name. You might be shocked to find that the image of God on your life does not draw people to the Lord but rather repels them away. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Romans 2:23-24

23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

Today’s Readings:

Romans 2:1-24; Psalms 10:16-18; Proverbs 19:8-9

Stop Playing Christian

This passage is a clear warning to believers and non-believers alike. God is not to be trifled with. 

How do you treat God? Is He sovereign over your life or do you cherry pick His name for your purposes? Paul is telling us that God will give you over to your foolishness and allow you to remain far from Him for eternity. 

YOU DO NOT WANT THAT! (read that twice)

Take time today to sit with God and ask Him to show you areas of your life where compromise has won the day. Ask Him to help you push that out of your life. 

There’s a line in a famous movie that we would do well to heed. “Get busy living or get busy dying.” Either follow Christ well and live eternally with Him or reject Him and live eternally separated from. Choose your busy. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 1:28-32

28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

Today’s Readings:

Acts 1:18-32; Psalms 10:1-15; Proverbs 18:6-7

What Is The Gospel

In Romans chapter one, Paul writes that the gospel is the power unto salvation for all who believe. If it is the power unto salvation, then it is important that we know what it is. 

Here it is in simple terms:

Jesus was born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life as an example for us, fulfilling all that had been prophecied about Him. He willingly went to the cross to be the sacrifice for our sin. He gave up His life, dying on the cross to atone our sin against God. He was buried and on the third day God resurrected Him and He ascended to the right hand seat of the throne of grace.

That is why you can have a right relationship with God the Father. Notice, you did nothing to have this right relationship beyond accepting what Jesus did for the forgiveness of your sin. 

Now go and share the gospel with others. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Romans 1:16-17

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Today’s Readings:

Romans 1:1-17; Psalms 9:13-20; Proverbs 19:4-5