A man without the Word is a man without a weapon. Pick up your Bible. Lead with it. Your family's spiritual survival may depend on it.
❤7
For those who are led by the Spirit of God, are the children of God.
Romans 8:14
Romans 8:14
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There is coming a day very soon, when God will say, enough is enough.
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The Lord is not only sovereign over history.
He is sovereign over your ordinary Tuesday, your tired heart, and your unfinished work. Rest in Him.
He is sovereign over your ordinary Tuesday, your tired heart, and your unfinished work. Rest in Him.
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4 Encouragements for Graduating Seniors:
1.Your identity is in Christ, not your accomplishments.
2.God’s calling for your life matters more than the world’s expectations.
3.Don’t drift from Christian community after graduation.
4.Whatever your walk of life is, follow Jesus.
1.Your identity is in Christ, not your accomplishments.
2.God’s calling for your life matters more than the world’s expectations.
3.Don’t drift from Christian community after graduation.
4.Whatever your walk of life is, follow Jesus.
❤4
They will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.
Matthew 24:30
Matthew 24:30
🕊5
July 31: Cosmic, Creation, Chaos
#Devotional
2 Samuel 23:1–24:25; Jude 1:17–25; Psalm 148:1–150:6
Psalm 148 is cosmic in scope and comforting in message. It’s a depiction of how Yahweh brought order to chaos in the very beginning. Yahweh put the heavens, heights, angels, hosts (His armies), sun, moon, stars, and waters in their place—each a sign of His rule over the universe (Psa 148:1–5). Yahweh rules over the elements commonly depicted as gods in the ancient Near East; He rules over the symbols of chaos. And this cosmic depiction is comforting.
The version of the creation story we typically hear tells how things came to be, which is good. But when the story is cast like it is in Psa 148—where we see God as ruler and Lord over chaos—the message moves beyond an intellectual knowledge. If God rules over chaos, and has since the beginning, He can bring order to the chaos in our own lives. For this reason, the psalmist praises Yahweh both for His creation and for His work in his own life.
The end of Psa 148 further reveals Yahweh’s intimate work with the worshiper: The psalmist declares Yahweh praiseworthy because “he has raised high a horn [the symbol of strength] for his people … for the children of Israel, a people close to him” (Psa 148:14). Yahweh’s work in creation proves that He is the most worthy partner in adverse situations. When things get tough, Yahweh will come through.
Sadly, the message of God’s provision for us has become so cliché that it’s easy for us to take for granted. Perhaps that’s why it’s the central message of so many biblical books. For example, when Jude prays for protection for believers, he calls out to Jesus—dedicating his message to Him and His work (Jude 17–25). In doing so, Jude uses the words that would have traditionally conjured up images of God’s work in either creation or war—both of which parallel psalms like Psa 148. Jude declares that Jesus deserves “glory, power, and authority” (Jude 25) because He is the “savior” of people and the universe, both of which Yahweh created (Jude 24). Jesus is the one who came to earth to win the battle against chaos.
Next time things seem to get rough, try replacing the cliché of “God is in control” with “God is Lord over chaos.” The tense here is important. God isn’t trying to be Lord—He is Lord. When God spoke, the chaos was subdued. Likewise, when God speaks truth into our lives, the chaos in our lives is subdued. Through Christ’s work, we have the opportunity for this intimate relationship with God. Through Christ’s efforts in us, we can become people who act with Him to subdue chaos.
What chaos do you need God to subdue today?
#Devotional
2 Samuel 23:1–24:25; Jude 1:17–25; Psalm 148:1–150:6
Psalm 148 is cosmic in scope and comforting in message. It’s a depiction of how Yahweh brought order to chaos in the very beginning. Yahweh put the heavens, heights, angels, hosts (His armies), sun, moon, stars, and waters in their place—each a sign of His rule over the universe (Psa 148:1–5). Yahweh rules over the elements commonly depicted as gods in the ancient Near East; He rules over the symbols of chaos. And this cosmic depiction is comforting.
The version of the creation story we typically hear tells how things came to be, which is good. But when the story is cast like it is in Psa 148—where we see God as ruler and Lord over chaos—the message moves beyond an intellectual knowledge. If God rules over chaos, and has since the beginning, He can bring order to the chaos in our own lives. For this reason, the psalmist praises Yahweh both for His creation and for His work in his own life.
The end of Psa 148 further reveals Yahweh’s intimate work with the worshiper: The psalmist declares Yahweh praiseworthy because “he has raised high a horn [the symbol of strength] for his people … for the children of Israel, a people close to him” (Psa 148:14). Yahweh’s work in creation proves that He is the most worthy partner in adverse situations. When things get tough, Yahweh will come through.
Sadly, the message of God’s provision for us has become so cliché that it’s easy for us to take for granted. Perhaps that’s why it’s the central message of so many biblical books. For example, when Jude prays for protection for believers, he calls out to Jesus—dedicating his message to Him and His work (Jude 17–25). In doing so, Jude uses the words that would have traditionally conjured up images of God’s work in either creation or war—both of which parallel psalms like Psa 148. Jude declares that Jesus deserves “glory, power, and authority” (Jude 25) because He is the “savior” of people and the universe, both of which Yahweh created (Jude 24). Jesus is the one who came to earth to win the battle against chaos.
Next time things seem to get rough, try replacing the cliché of “God is in control” with “God is Lord over chaos.” The tense here is important. God isn’t trying to be Lord—He is Lord. When God spoke, the chaos was subdued. Likewise, when God speaks truth into our lives, the chaos in our lives is subdued. Through Christ’s work, we have the opportunity for this intimate relationship with God. Through Christ’s efforts in us, we can become people who act with Him to subdue chaos.
What chaos do you need God to subdue today?
July 31 - Tension between Faith and Doubt
#LifeOfChrist
“Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. The men were amazed, and said, ‘What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?’” (Matthew 8:26–27).
If you have been a believer for very long, you realize that knowing about the Lord’s love and powerful concern and trusting in them do not always go hand in hand. Even when we trust, it is not always complete or without trepidation. When the disciples witnessed Jesus calming the storm and waves, they were no doubt relieved but also still very much unnerved. Matthew says they “were amazed,” and Mark says they were “very much afraid” (Mark 4:41). They were now perhaps more afraid of the One who had just stilled the storm than they had been of the storm itself.
Our human frailties are so much a part of us that even after God has rescued us or done something amazing on our behalf, we still have doubts and fears. Like the apostles and the greats of the Old Testament, we can be most perplexed and fearful right after experiencing God’s greatness and mercy.
Our faith needs continual strengthening, as the disciples came to realize when they implored, “Increase our faith!” (Luke 17:5; cf. Mark 9:24). We know the Lord can and will provide according to His perfect will and timing, but we easily can fail to trust in that reality. If we rely on mere “little faith” rather than complete faith, we will be afraid, timid, and doubtful when difficulties arise.
Ask Yourself
What is a proper response to God’s care, even when it arrives in undeniable power and an uncanny arrangement of events? What should gratitude be growing in us each time we see Him working on our behalf and for His kingdom’s cause?
#LifeOfChrist
“Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. The men were amazed, and said, ‘What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?’” (Matthew 8:26–27).
If you have been a believer for very long, you realize that knowing about the Lord’s love and powerful concern and trusting in them do not always go hand in hand. Even when we trust, it is not always complete or without trepidation. When the disciples witnessed Jesus calming the storm and waves, they were no doubt relieved but also still very much unnerved. Matthew says they “were amazed,” and Mark says they were “very much afraid” (Mark 4:41). They were now perhaps more afraid of the One who had just stilled the storm than they had been of the storm itself.
Our human frailties are so much a part of us that even after God has rescued us or done something amazing on our behalf, we still have doubts and fears. Like the apostles and the greats of the Old Testament, we can be most perplexed and fearful right after experiencing God’s greatness and mercy.
Our faith needs continual strengthening, as the disciples came to realize when they implored, “Increase our faith!” (Luke 17:5; cf. Mark 9:24). We know the Lord can and will provide according to His perfect will and timing, but we easily can fail to trust in that reality. If we rely on mere “little faith” rather than complete faith, we will be afraid, timid, and doubtful when difficulties arise.
Ask Yourself
What is a proper response to God’s care, even when it arrives in undeniable power and an uncanny arrangement of events? What should gratitude be growing in us each time we see Him working on our behalf and for His kingdom’s cause?
You are not here by accident. God placed you right where you are.
Jesus said, "You are the light of the world." So shine today.
Walk in truth. Live with integrity. Show Christ in how you speak and act.
Let your life point others to Him.
Jesus said, "You are the light of the world." So shine today.
Walk in truth. Live with integrity. Show Christ in how you speak and act.
Let your life point others to Him.
❤4
If you want stronger faith, you must stop:
- Feeding doubt all week and giving Scripture five rushed minutes on Sunday.
- Skipping church and expecting to grow.
- Consuming endless content while neglecting prayer.
- Loving comfort more than obedience.
- Looking to culture for answers before looking to God's Word.
Faith grows where Christ is pursued, not where He is neglected.
- Feeding doubt all week and giving Scripture five rushed minutes on Sunday.
- Skipping church and expecting to grow.
- Consuming endless content while neglecting prayer.
- Loving comfort more than obedience.
- Looking to culture for answers before looking to God's Word.
Faith grows where Christ is pursued, not where He is neglected.
❤6
The Bible is enough. It is sufficient to reveal who God is, expose our sin, proclaim the gospel, equip believers for every good work, and make us wise for salvation. We do not need new revelation. We need to know, believe, and obey the Word that God has already given. "The law of the LORD is perfect..." (Psalm 19:7).
❤4
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
Galatians 6:7
The world in its insanity refutes the truth, and the moral law of God, but He will have the last word.
Galatians 6:7
The world in its insanity refutes the truth, and the moral law of God, but He will have the last word.
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July 31 (Friday — Month's Close)
Dear Daughter,
July closes the way every faithful month should — not with fireworks, but with a quiet gathering of grace 🌾
Look back before you look forward. What did God grow in your marriage this month that wasn't there in June?
Carry the roots. Leave the rest at the altar.
'His compassions… are new every morning' (Lam 3:22-23).
What one thing from July will you carry with you into August?
#DearDaughter #JulyClose #StrongMarriage
Dear Daughter,
July closes the way every faithful month should — not with fireworks, but with a quiet gathering of grace 🌾
Look back before you look forward. What did God grow in your marriage this month that wasn't there in June?
Carry the roots. Leave the rest at the altar.
'His compassions… are new every morning' (Lam 3:22-23).
What one thing from July will you carry with you into August?
#DearDaughter #JulyClose #StrongMarriage
❤3
If your Christianity demands nothing, costs nothing, changes nothing, and produces nothing, ask yourself whether it came from Christ or your own imagination.
❤5
As July ends, give thanks for God’s faithfulness! 🙏🌸
He is completing the good work He began in your marriage! Phil 1:6 ❤️
What are you most thankful for in July? #StrongMarriage #July
@StudyBibleFam
He is completing the good work He began in your marriage! Phil 1:6 ❤️
What are you most thankful for in July? #StrongMarriage #July
@StudyBibleFam
❤5
God's love is holy love. Strip away holiness and you have invented a different god.
❤5
A man doesn't drift into spiritual maturity. He becomes one through intentional discipleship, God's Word, prayer, and faithful obedience to Christ.
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