But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.

— Acts 2:24

July 1: God Makes Good out of Trouble

#Devotional

1 Samuel 1:1–2:21; James 1:1–8; Psalm 119:1–16

God often shows His goodness to us through trials, making good out of human error. We see this principle in the lives of Elkanah and Hannah. Elkanah was prone to make mistakes. His first mistake was to marry two wives (1 Sam 1:1–4); his second blunder was to ignore his wives’ disputes (1 Sam 1:6). On top of that, he repeatedly imposed his own form of justice by giving Hannah double what he offered Peninnah, his other wife (1 Sam 1:5). In this story, however, the goodness of God redeems the mistakes made by fallible people.

Despite Elkanah’s generosity to her, Hannah was deeply disturbed: Nothing Elkanah offered could compensate for her barrenness (1 Sam 1:8–10). In this period, women who had not borne children were often considered accursed and second rate, as demonstrated by Peninnah’s persecution of Hannah. In her distress, Hannah prayed to God at the temple, seeking redemption. Eli the priest recognized the sincerity of her plea and blessed her (1 Sam 1:15–18).

God also recognized Hannah’s sincerity, and He answered her call by giving her a son, Samuel, who would grow up to be a great prophet (1 Sam 1:19–28). Hannah’s son offered her hope; in response, she delivered a beautiful piece of poetry to honor Yahweh’s goodness (1 Sam 2:1–11). This poem was so significant that Mary would later echo it in her own song of praise (see Luke 1:46–56). Through Hannah’s story, we see that God’s work among His people is so interconnected that He often chooses to answer not only our prayers, but also the prayers of others in the process.

In scenes like this—where God not only makes good out of a bad situation, but also sets up a providential event in the history of His people—we see much of the framework for the Christian life. New Testament writers including James drew on stories such as Hannah’s when discussing the trials of God’s people. In the first century ad, James remarks in a letter:
“Consider it all joy, my brothers [and sisters], whenever you encounter various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing” (Jas 1:2–4).

What trials are you currently experiencing? What do you think God is doing through them?

July 1 - Jesus Warns of False Prophets

#LifeOfChrist

“‘Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves’” (Matthew 7:15).

False prophets are not simply wrong teachers, propagating a different philosophy or alternative theology. They are spiritually dangerous and we should not expose our souls and minds to their perverse, poisonous influence. These purveyors of error and heresy are spiritual beasts and far more deadly than any physical ones. Peter warns that they are “like unreasoning animals. . . . reveling in their deceptions . . . enticing unstable souls” (2 Peter 2:12, 13, 14; cf. Jude 10). Therefore, perfectly understanding all this, Jesus’ admonition to “beware of the false prophets” is not merely a mention of something but a warning to be on guard against and keep our minds away from what is spiritually harmful.

For the benefit of His listeners, it was natural for Jesus to compare false prophets with wolves. In Palestine, wolves roamed the landscape seeking to prey upon stray or lagging sheep. When a wolf found a defenseless sheep, it attacked quickly and tore the sheep to pieces. Just like those merciless and ferocious animals, false teachers are always seeking new victims.

Jude’s letter warns against false prophets and tells how we can safeguard ourselves against them: “Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life” (v. 21). Our first priority is to be right with the Lord, living in a place of divine fellowship and sound teaching. Then we can warn others of false prophets and carefully rescue them from the damning influences (Jude 22–23).

Ask Yourself

Are there any spiritual half-truths that have worked on you in the past? How did they prove to be wolf-like after tricking their way into your thinking?

DAY 1: Who was Cornelius, and why was he so important?

https://telegra.ph/DAILY-BIBLE-07-01-2

What are believers to do during these turbulent times?

1. Love the Lord (Mt 22:37)
2. Love your neighbor (Mt 22:39)
3. Give justice to the weak (Ps 82:3)
4. Pray without ceasing (1 Th 5:17)
5. Be at peace (Rm 12:18)
6. Make disciples (Mt 28:19-20)
7. Serve one another (Gal 5:13)

“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Proverbs 16:33

God really wants us to be aware of his meticulous sovereignty.

“You ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’” James 4:15

If you meet with a system of theology that magnifies man, flee from it as fast as you can.

Charles H. Spurgeon

Scripture must interpret our experiences, never the other way around. Feelings and testimonies can be helpful, but God's Word is our final authority.

The idol of niceness has convinced many Christians that warning people is unloving. The prophets, apostles, and Jesus did not agree.

Dear Daughter,
Welcome to July — a month of growth in the summer heat 🔥
Let your marriage thrive through prayer, honor, and perseverance.
God gives strength for every season.
'Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength' (Isa 40:31).
What are you trusting God for in your marriage this month?
#DearDaughter #StrongMarriage #NewMonth

The primary focus of a Christian's life is to seek God.

Wishing you a blessed Sunday.

Welcome to July! A fresh month to deepen your marriage roots! 🌱💪

Let God’s love grow stronger, sweeter, and more fruitful in your home this month! Ps 1:3 ❤️ What new growth are you praying for in your marriage this July? #StrongMarriage #July

“A whisperer separates close friends.” Proverbs 16:28

Psst. Do you know what so-and-so said about you?

“You can kill us, but you cannot do us any real harm.”—Justin Martyr (martyred A.D. 165)

“Since the Lord Jesus as my Surety has removed all my sin by His death, and as evidence of this has arisen from the dead,

“should I then yet live in sin?

“Should not I then arise with Him from the death of sin and live with Him in all holiness?”

— Wilhelmus à Brakel, The Christian’s Reasonable Service, 1:634

10 questions for your Bible reading:

1. What does this reveal about God?
2. What did this mean to the original audience?
3. What does this teach about human nature?
4. What does this expose in me?
5. Is there a sin to repent of?
6. Is there an example to follow or avoid?
7. Is it only describing an incident, or is God prescribing a command?
8. How does this point to Christ?
9. How does this fit into the larger story of Scripture?
10. How should I obey what I've read today?

Don't just read the Bible. Let the Bible read you.

No matter who you are or where or where you live, your greatest need is Jesus Christ.

Is not this Christ good enough?

Or are we afraid of being happy too soon in being married to him?

Goodwin

I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God (Job 19:25-26).
Because He lives, sin and death will not have the last word.