Soul Survival - the bible for real life

Man in a forested place on his knees with a bible in front of him with text that reads: Have You Experienced the Great Exchange?

29 Jul

“Have You Experienced the Great Exchange?” July 29

Posted by Donna Reidland God's Word Day by Day

What if someone offered to take every failure you’ve ever committed…

…and in return give you a perfect record?

It sounds impossible.

Yet that’s exactly what God offers through Jesus Christ.

Many people think Christianity is primarily about trying harder, keeping rules, or becoming a better person. But the gospel tells a far different—and far better—story.

It’s what has often been called “The Great Exchange.”

Jesus takes our guilt, our sin, and our failure to keep God’s law perfectly, and in return gives us His righteousness before the Father.

Have you experienced that exchange?

Today’s readings remind us why no amount of religious effort can save us—and why the grace of God is such incredibly good news.

Woman in a red sweater praising God with text that reads: How Brokenness Over Sin Leads to Joy

28 Jul

“How Brokenness Over Sin Leads to Joy” July 28

Posted by Donna Reidland God's Word Day by Day

Most people think repentance and joy are opposites.

Repentance sounds painful. Joy sounds happy.

Yet one of the greatest statements about joy in all of Scripture comes immediately after God’s people are deeply convicted over their sin.

How did brokenness become celebration?

Why did Nehemiah tell the people, “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength”?

And why is that same truth just as powerful for believers today?

We’ll also discover how God uses different spiritual gifts to accomplish His purposes, why understanding His character gives us confidence, and how He faithfully works even through the storms we face.

Woman looking off into the distance with text that reads: The Subtle Distractions That Derail Christians

27 Jul

“The Subtle Distractions That Derail Christians” July 27

Posted by Donna Reidland God's Word Day by Day

Few people wake up one morning intending to ruin their testimony.

They don’t plan to drift from Christ, compromise the truth, or throw away years of faithful service.

Yet it happens with heartbreaking regularity.

Pastors. Ministry leaders. Faithful church members. Even people we once admired.

Rarely does it begin with outright rebellion. More often, it starts with something much subtler—flattery, fear, success, money, influence, relationships, or simply allowing distractions to pull them away from God’s priorities.

Nehemiah faced all of those temptations while rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall. Yet he refused to allow the enemy to sidetrack him.

How did he recognize the enemy’s tactics? And what can we learn that will help us guard our own hearts, ministries, and testimonies?

Today’s readings offer timeless wisdom for anyone who wants to finish faithfully.

Blond woman with her hands folded in prayer looking pious with text that reads: When Religion Isn't Enough

26 Jul

“When Religion Isn’t Enough” July 26

Posted by Donna Reidland God's Word Day by Day

Churches today are filled with people doing religious things.

They attend services, pray, sing worship songs, volunteer, give money, and try to live respectable lives. From the outside, they look like faithful Christians.

But God has never been impressed by outward appearances.

He has always looked at the heart.

Some people have never truly understood the gospel and, despite years in church, have never experienced genuine heart transformation. Others know the truth but are trying to appear spiritual while quietly living in disobedience.

How can we know the difference between genuine faith and empty religion?

Today’s readings give us a sobering warning—and a wonderful invitation to examine our hearts before God. Because while religious activity may fool people, it never fools Him.

Thoughtful woman wondering if something is true with text that reads, Are You Tempted to Envy Someone?

25 Jul

“Are You Tempted to Envy Someone?” July 25

Posted by Donna Reidland God's Word Day by Day

Have you ever wondered why someone else seems to have everything you’ve prayed and worked for?

Perhaps you’ve watched someone else’s career flourish while yours stalls. Maybe their ministry grows, their children seem to thrive, or their finances appear effortless. Or perhaps you’re simply frustrated because you work hard while others seem to succeed with half the effort.

The temptation isn’t just discouragement—it’s envy.

If we’re not careful, envy can quietly grow into grumbling, complaining, bitterness, and resentment toward both people and God.

Today’s reading in Proverbs exposes the heart behind envy and reminds us that God’s calling isn’t to compete with others but to faithfully serve Him wherever He has placed us. When we trust His wisdom instead of comparing ourselves to others, we discover a contentment the world can never offer.

Couple preparing for divorce with text that reads: Does the Bible Ever Allow Divorce?

24 Jul

“Does the Bible Ever Allow Divorce?” July 24

Posted by Donna Reidland God's Word Day by Day, Marriage

Divorce touches nearly every family in one way or another.

Some people believe God never allows divorce under any circumstances. Others assume that if they’re no longer happy—or if they discover they married the wrong person—divorce is the obvious answer.

But what does the Bible actually say?

What if you realize you’re unequally yoked? What if your spouse is unfaithful? What if there’s physical or sexual abuse? Is divorce ever permitted? And if so, when?

Today’s readings take us to one of the most difficult passages in Ezra, where God’s people dealt with unlawful marriages. That raises important questions for Christians today about marriage, divorce, forgiveness, restoration, and God’s design for the family.

Whether you’re married, single, divorced, or hoping to marry someday, understanding God’s wisdom on this subject can spare enormous heartache and help you honor Him in every season of life.

Woman reading the Bible in secret with text that reads: What If It Was Suddenly Illegal to Read the Bible?

23 Jul

“What If It Was Suddenly Illegal to Read the Bible?” July 23

Posted by Donna Reidland God's Word Day by Day

Imagine waking up tomorrow to headlines announcing that churches have been closed.

Owning a Bible is now illegal. Bible apps have disappeared. Christian websites are gone. Sermons and podcasts have been banned.

Would your faith survive?

More importantly, would you know God’s Word well enough to encourage your family, teach your children, or strengthen another believer without opening a Bible?

That may sound extreme, but throughout history many believers have lived under those very conditions. Ezra certainly understood what it meant to know and treasure God’s Word while living in a pagan culture.

Today’s readings challenge us with an uncomfortable but necessary question:

Are we faithfully feeding ourselves on God’s Word—or have we become content to be spoon-fed once a week?

We’ll discover why Ezra became such a powerful servant of God and what his life teaches us about preparing our hearts to know, obey, and teach God’s truth in an increasingly hostile culture.

African-American man's hands holding an empty walllet with text that reads, Does Your Purse Seem to Have Holes?

22 Jul

“Does Your Purse Seem to Have Holes?” July 22

Posted by Donna Reidland God's Word Day by Day

Do you ever wonder where all your money goes?

You work hard. You pay the bills. You try to be responsible. Yet it sometimes feels like your paycheck disappears almost as quickly as it arrives—as though you’re carrying around a purse with holes in it.

Could there be more going on than inflation, unexpected expenses, or bad luck?

In Haggai’s day, God told His people to “consider your ways.” They had become so focused on their own lives that they had neglected what mattered most to Him. As a result, everything they worked for seemed to slip through their fingers.

Could God sometimes use our finances—or other difficult circumstances—to get our attention and lovingly call us back to Him?

We’ll also consider where every blessing truly comes from and why remembering that truth is one of the greatest antidotes to pride.

Strong arm lifting dumbbell with text that reads: Strong arm lifting dumbbell.

21 Jul

“How Do You Stand Firm When the Culture Turns Against God?” July 21

Posted by Donna Reidland God's Word Day by Day

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to stand for biblical truth.

Values that were once widely respected are now often mocked. Things God calls sin are celebrated, while those who uphold biblical convictions are frequently labeled intolerant, hateful, or out of touch.

Perhaps you’ve wondered…

Should I say something—or stay quiet?

Should I stand firm—or avoid the conflict?

Should I risk being misunderstood, rejected, or even losing opportunities because of my faith?

God’s people have wrestled with those same questions before.

Today’s readings remind us that following God has never depended on living in a friendly culture. The returned exiles faced fear, intimidation, and opposition, yet they chose to worship and obey God anyway.

We’ll discover what it means to fear God instead of man, why that battle begins in our own hearts, and how believers can remain faithful—even when the culture moves in the opposite direction.

Abused woman sitting on the floor with text that reads: Does Loving Your Enemies Mean Staying in Abuse?

20 Jul

“Does Loving Your Enemies Mean Staying in Abuse?” July 20

Posted by Donna Reidland God's Word Day by Day

Abuse is one of the most painful realities of life in a fallen world.

Maybe you have experienced it yourself. Maybe someone you love is living through it right now.

But when Jesus tells us to love our enemies, what does that actually mean?

Does it mean we quietly endure abuse? Should we remain in dangerous situations? Does forgiveness require us to ignore evil or refuse to seek help?

These are difficult questions, but God’s Word doesn’t leave us without hope or direction.

In today’s readings, we’ll watch Paul respond to brutal mistreatment in a remarkable way. His example teaches us something profound about forgiveness, justice, and the eternal perspective every believer is called to have. We’ll also look at what Scripture says about protecting victims, involving civil authorities, and where those who have suffered abuse can find real help and lasting hope.

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“Have You Experienced the Great Exchange?” July 29

“How Brokenness Over Sin Leads to Joy” July 28

“The Subtle Distractions That Derail Christians” July 27

“When Religion Isn’t Enough” July 26

“Are You Tempted to Envy Someone?” July 25

“Does the Bible Ever Allow Divorce?” July 24

“What If It Was Suddenly Illegal to Read the Bible?” July 23

“Does Your Purse Seem to Have Holes?” July 22

“How Do You Stand Firm When the Culture Turns Against God?” July 21

“Does Loving Your Enemies Mean Staying in Abuse?” July 20

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