While we don’t earn God’s love through good works or stay in His graces because of them, a life that has truly been changed will produce different fruit. In fact, Jesus Himself said, you will know a tree by its fruit (Lk. 6.44). The amount and quality of our fruit is often a good indication of our spiritual maturity. Today’s New Testament reading talks about some of that fruit. So, as you read, ask yourself, are you growing in Christ? Does the fruit of your life testify to a changed life? And if so, is it increasing?
The rise in evil today is unprecedented. Just turn on the news: mass shootings, terrorist attacks, violent protests, murder, sex trafficking, child pornography, abortion on demand, road rage, and more. Of course, anger fuels much of it. Anger that is off the chart in intensity and in the number of people who are violently so. What is at the root of it all?
Daniel saw the rise in evil in his time, too, as pagan kings and others tried to destroy the people of God and their faith in Him. God, even, gave him a vision of the calamities that were to come on future generations. But then … He gave Daniel a beautiful hope-filled promise. Could that same promise help us as we see the rise in evil all around us?
Are you involved in what God is doing in the earth today? We can all be by praying for His will, for revival in the hearts of His children, for the unsaved, and for our leaders. Or we can run the risk of acting like Christian fatalists passively waiting for God to do what He’ll do.
Also read about praying for our enemies, the result of not parenting God’s way, and the importance of walking in the light.
Blameshifting and believing we are merely the victims of chance, circumstances, biology, or the actions of others can lead to hopelessness and despair. It hurts those who do the blaming more than those who are blamed. How can we respond in ways that are pleasing to God and that lead to peace, joy, blessings, and genuine life change, instead?
Also read about Daniel’s incredible prophecies, the challenges of praising God in the midst of life in a fallen world, and see another example of how the Old Testament and the New fit together in one story … God’s story.
In today’s reading from Daniel, God’s judgment on Babylon’s King Belshazzar was announced in a very dramatic way. A disjointed man’s hand suddenly appeared and wrote on the wall. History tells us the pronouncement in “the handwriting on the wall” was carried out that very night.
God’s Word may not suddenly appear on the walls of our government. It may not appear on the walls of our homes or businesses, but it’s just as sure in our lives and the world at large.
Today’s New Testament reading warns of God’s judgment, too. This time against false teachers. Their doctrines are man-centered and appeal to the flesh and our selfish nature. No wonder they are still popular today. Yet, because they are often mixed with truth, their lies can seem plausible. But they will pull us away from knowing God as He really is and often shipwreck our faith. So, we need to be able to recognize them.
Is the Bible enough to help us live life in our complex world? Is it enough when we’re faced with difficult issues like abuse, neglect, addiction, and sickness? What does it mean when we say God’s Word is inerrant and sufficient and what does it have to do with you and the problems you face?
Also, read about how God spared His servants from a fiery furnace, how He caused a prideful man to live like a brute animal, how He removes power from kings and leaders and gives it to whomever He wills, and how a fool allows his emotions to rule him.
Is there some area of life where you’re struggling to trust God? Do you find yourself impatient because God has failed to answer your prayer or change your circumstances? Maybe it’s the loss of a job or an unwanted medical diagnosis. Perhaps someone has sinned against you but seems to be happily going on with his or her life. Whatever it is, it hurts and you find yourself struggling to trust God.
Do you want to make next year the best year ever in your Bible reading? If so, you need more than what you get on Sunday morning no matter how good the preaching is. You, also, need more than a verse or two on a smartphone app. You need to wade in.
In the last two chapters of Ezekiel, the Prophet had a vision of a river flowing out of the Millennial Temple. It represents the gospel and the fullness of Scripture. Some things are “ankle deep”—easy to understand. Others are “knee-deep” and require more study. Others are deeper still and we may not be able to understand them fully. Even so, God wants us to wade in so we can grow in our understanding of Him and His Word.
Also in today’s post, read about 4 attitudes to have in the midst of trials and persecution.
My free God’s Word Day by Day devotional can help you get more from your Bible reading whether it’s ankle deep, knee deep, or deeper still. In fact, this coming year could be your best year ever!
And if you’d rather follow along as I read through the Bible on YouTube, you can subscribe here.
The Bible says a lot about wives submitting to their own husbands. But what if you’re married to an unreasonable husband or one who is harsh, unsaved, or even sinning? How should a wife respond to an unreasonable spouse? Surely, God doesn’t expect wives to be submissive then! And what about husbands? How are they to treat their wives, even those who are unsubmissive or difficult?
The Apostle Peter wrote this first epistle to people who were facing a great deal of hardship and persecution from those in authority and from unbelievers in general.
How do you respond to persecution and mistreatment when it comes? Are you shocked and angered by it? Or do you respond in godly ways? What was Peter’s advice to God’s persecuted people in the first century and could it be just as important for us today?
