Keep Jesus at the center of your marriage! 👑❤️
When He reigns, love flourishes and strength abounds! Col 3:15 ❤️
Is Christ truly first in your home? #StrongMarriage #July
@StudyBibleFam
When He reigns, love flourishes and strength abounds! Col 3:15 ❤️
Is Christ truly first in your home? #StrongMarriage #July
@StudyBibleFam
The atmosphere is heavy, and I cannot comprehend the supernatural return of Christ for His own, but it is a certainty, and another day closer.
❤3
Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy Cross I cling...
❤1
The Christian life is not about becoming a "better version" of yourself. It is about becoming more like Christ.
Those are two very different goals.
Those are two very different goals.
❤5
God is real.
Jesus is real.
The Holy Spirit is real.
The Bible is real.
The gospel is real.
The resurrection of Christ is real.
Salvation is real.
Heaven is real.
Hell is real.
Repent and trust in Jesus Christ.
Christ is King!
Jesus is real.
The Holy Spirit is real.
The Bible is real.
The gospel is real.
The resurrection of Christ is real.
Salvation is real.
Heaven is real.
Hell is real.
Repent and trust in Jesus Christ.
Christ is King!
❤6🔥4
Cultural Christianity wants a crown without a cross, heaven without holiness, and comfort without repentance.
❤1
The word of God is inspired, authoritative, inerrant, and sufficient.
These truths need to be contended for in every generation.
These truths need to be contended for in every generation.
❤1
Therefore, there is now no condemnation, for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1
Forgiveness for the past (and present), hope for the future, is found in Christ.
Romans 8:1
Forgiveness for the past (and present), hope for the future, is found in Christ.
❤1
July 30: Destructive People
#Devotional
2 Samuel 22:1–51; Jude 1:1–16; Psalm 147:1–20
Some destructive people don’t realize the carnage they leave in their wake. Others intentionally cause rifts and pain, driven by selfish motives. Jude’s letter, which contains succinct prose, startling imagery, and a swift warning, is unlike anything we read in Scripture. The letter equipped early Christians to deal wisely with false teachers who had entered the church community. Today, it can provide us with wisdom to respond to some of the most difficult people and situations we encounter.
The community that Jude addressed contained destructive false teachers “who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” (Jude 4). They did not respect authority, but acted out of instinct rather than conviction: “But these persons blaspheme all that they do not understand, and all that they understand by instinct like the irrational animals, by these things they are being destroyed” (Jude 10).
Jude’s metaphors for these false teachers give us a sense of what to look for in destructive people: “hidden reefs at your love feasts, caring for themselves, waterless clouds carried away by winds, late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, uprooted, wild waves of the sea foaming up their own shameful deeds, wandering stars, for whom the deep gloom of darkness has been reserved for eternity” (Jude 12–13). He depicts people whose destructive, selfish behavior lacks conviction. Like wayward stars, these false teachers go off course, perhaps taking others with them.
After these descriptions, we expect Jude to warn his readers to stay away from these types of people. But he does the opposite: Jude’s closing warning calls readers to interact with people of this sort—though they must do so with incredible wisdom: “have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh” (Jude 22–23).
Interacting with people who doubt and wander requires a deep knowledge of our own weaknesses and failures. It requires maturity of faith. Jude gives three specific instructions: that we build ourselves up, pray in the Spirit, and keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 21–22). This interaction requires the work of a God “who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy” (Jude 24).
How do destructive people in your life influence you? Based on how they influence you, how should you approach or end the relationship?
#Devotional
2 Samuel 22:1–51; Jude 1:1–16; Psalm 147:1–20
Some destructive people don’t realize the carnage they leave in their wake. Others intentionally cause rifts and pain, driven by selfish motives. Jude’s letter, which contains succinct prose, startling imagery, and a swift warning, is unlike anything we read in Scripture. The letter equipped early Christians to deal wisely with false teachers who had entered the church community. Today, it can provide us with wisdom to respond to some of the most difficult people and situations we encounter.
The community that Jude addressed contained destructive false teachers “who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” (Jude 4). They did not respect authority, but acted out of instinct rather than conviction: “But these persons blaspheme all that they do not understand, and all that they understand by instinct like the irrational animals, by these things they are being destroyed” (Jude 10).
Jude’s metaphors for these false teachers give us a sense of what to look for in destructive people: “hidden reefs at your love feasts, caring for themselves, waterless clouds carried away by winds, late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, uprooted, wild waves of the sea foaming up their own shameful deeds, wandering stars, for whom the deep gloom of darkness has been reserved for eternity” (Jude 12–13). He depicts people whose destructive, selfish behavior lacks conviction. Like wayward stars, these false teachers go off course, perhaps taking others with them.
After these descriptions, we expect Jude to warn his readers to stay away from these types of people. But he does the opposite: Jude’s closing warning calls readers to interact with people of this sort—though they must do so with incredible wisdom: “have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh” (Jude 22–23).
Interacting with people who doubt and wander requires a deep knowledge of our own weaknesses and failures. It requires maturity of faith. Jude gives three specific instructions: that we build ourselves up, pray in the Spirit, and keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 21–22). This interaction requires the work of a God “who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy” (Jude 24).
How do destructive people in your life influence you? Based on how they influence you, how should you approach or end the relationship?
July 30 - Jesus Rebukes the Faithless Disciples
#LifeOfChrist
“‘Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?’” (Matthew 8:26).
Sometimes events seem so obvious to us, we wonder why others don’t see the problems or difficulties just as clearly. During the storm the disciples wondered two things: why Jesus could ask them what was so frightening, and how He could not be afraid Himself. In the midst of chaos, any other response seemed absurd. They even accused Him of insensitivity: “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38).
But Christ had to rebuke His men because their fear sprang from faithlessness. He basically asked them, “Haven’t you been with Me long enough to see what I can do and to know you are perfectly safe? Even if you should drown, that would mean instant heaven. There’s nothing to worry about.” They should have remembered Psalm 89:8–9, “O Lord God of hosts, who is like You, O mighty Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You. You rule the swelling of the sea; when its waves rise, You still them” (cf. 46:1–3; 107:23–30).
For the disciples, Jesus would literally fulfill the psalm. And for believers today, who are aware of His power and love, there is still no need to be afraid of anything. God will see us through the most tumultuous of life’s storms because He can and will take care of His children.
Ask Yourself
When was the last time you despaired of life and safety, feeling as though there was no escape from your current situation without divine intervention? In fact, how many of these has God allowed you to live through—and to see His capable deliverance?
#LifeOfChrist
“‘Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?’” (Matthew 8:26).
Sometimes events seem so obvious to us, we wonder why others don’t see the problems or difficulties just as clearly. During the storm the disciples wondered two things: why Jesus could ask them what was so frightening, and how He could not be afraid Himself. In the midst of chaos, any other response seemed absurd. They even accused Him of insensitivity: “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38).
But Christ had to rebuke His men because their fear sprang from faithlessness. He basically asked them, “Haven’t you been with Me long enough to see what I can do and to know you are perfectly safe? Even if you should drown, that would mean instant heaven. There’s nothing to worry about.” They should have remembered Psalm 89:8–9, “O Lord God of hosts, who is like You, O mighty Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You. You rule the swelling of the sea; when its waves rise, You still them” (cf. 46:1–3; 107:23–30).
For the disciples, Jesus would literally fulfill the psalm. And for believers today, who are aware of His power and love, there is still no need to be afraid of anything. God will see us through the most tumultuous of life’s storms because He can and will take care of His children.
Ask Yourself
When was the last time you despaired of life and safety, feeling as though there was no escape from your current situation without divine intervention? In fact, how many of these has God allowed you to live through—and to see His capable deliverance?
He’s still breaking chains.
Still making ways.
Still doing more than we could ever imagine.
Still making ways.
Still doing more than we could ever imagine.
🔥4
Muhammad is dead.
Buddha is dead.
Joseph Smith is dead.
Every Pope dies.
Gandhi is dead.
Every Dalai Lama dies.
Every human leader eventually enters the grave.
But Jesus Christ is alive!
Buddha is dead.
Joseph Smith is dead.
Every Pope dies.
Gandhi is dead.
Every Dalai Lama dies.
Every human leader eventually enters the grave.
But Jesus Christ is alive!
❤5🔥4
The world is not falling apart, Biblically, it is falling into place...
❤1
July 30 (Thursday Closer)
Dear Daughter,
Late-July reflection: Is your marriage becoming more like Christ? 🔄
More respectful? More prayerful? More unified?
Keep pressing forward.
'Be transformed by the renewing of your mind' (Rom 12:2).
What growth has God brought this month?
#DearDaughter #JulyReflection #StrongMarriage
Dear Daughter,
Late-July reflection: Is your marriage becoming more like Christ? 🔄
More respectful? More prayerful? More unified?
Keep pressing forward.
'Be transformed by the renewing of your mind' (Rom 12:2).
What growth has God brought this month?
#DearDaughter #JulyReflection #StrongMarriage
❤2
The early followers of the Lord Jesus Christ did not look upon the gospel ministry as a means of enriching themselves. They had taken the place of poverty and were willing to follow Jesus, no matter what it meant.
- Harry Ironside
- Harry Ironside
❤6
Small daily acts of love create a mighty legacy! 🔥💪
Keep showing up, keep loving faithfully — God is building something beautiful! Zech 4:10 ❤️
What small act will you do today? #StrongMarriage #July
Keep showing up, keep loving faithfully — God is building something beautiful! Zech 4:10 ❤️
What small act will you do today? #StrongMarriage #July
❤2
Do not confuse tone-policing with discernment. Sometimes the issue is not how the truth was said.
Sometimes people just hate the truth.
Sometimes people just hate the truth.
❤6