Daily Bible Verse

The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. – John 1:9 (NLT)

Do you remember being scared of the dark as a little kid? I’ve got to be honest, I still don’t really love the dark. I know there’s not REALLY a monster hiding in my closet, but sometimes those clothes look so weird in the dark, you kind of wonder…

But this isn’t a devotion about monsters. Instead, it’s about light. See when it’s dark and the lights go on, it’s great! Suddenly you can see what you couldn’t before. Things that once seemed weird and scary now come into focus.

That’s what Jesus came to the world to be in our lives. He came to be light. Jesus brings light to scary situations. He shows us what they really are and illuminates them in ways that make them seem less scary.

It’s no wonder that the Bible describes Jesus as light. He’s there to help us when the world seems dark and scary. He gives us joy, hope and all we need. Jesus really is the light of the world!

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. – Luke 2:10

It’s easy this Christmas season to get caught up in our own lives. We might be thinking about what gifts we want, or start buying gifts for others. We might enjoy watching Christmas movies on TV or listening to tons of Christmas music. In all the business of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget what this Bible verse tells us.

Today’s Bible verse tells us that the news of Jesus is for all people. It’s not just for those who are nice, who have it all together, or who have lots of money. The good news of the gospel is for all. It’s for the loner at your school. It’s for the bully who mistreats the younger students. The message of Jesus is for all people.

If we know that the gospel is for all, then what are we doing about it? Are we looking for opportunities this Christmas to share with others? Are we looking for ways to bless those who have less than we do? Are we making sure that we’re broadcasting the gospel to anyone who is open to hearing?

Today’s Truth: Jesus is for all people. Don’t be afraid to let others know about Him!

This Christmas season, be looking for opportunities to share Jesus with others. Spread the good news that Jesus came to save all people!

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. – Romans 15:7

You’ve probably been labeled. We all have. Perhaps you’ve been labeled an athlete and so you feel you can’t try out for the band. Or maybe your mom told you that you were stupid and so now you don’t try as hard because you’re afraid to fail.

In life, we will pick up labels. People will call us things. However, it’s up to us whether we let those labels stick. We choose whether we let a label hold us back in the future. Labels don’t have to define us, but it’s going to take work to make that a reality in our lives.

We have to choose to believe what Jesus says about us more than what others say. It takes letting who we are in Christ be our label, not what others say about us. Doing that isn’t easy. We have to battle our feelings, fears and our past to see ourselves the way Jesus sees us.

So today, you may have been labeled. You might have let that label hold you back from doing things you know that you could and should do. Don’t live in bondage to your label. Instead, choose to look forward and see your value to Jesus. When you do, you’ll find that your future is unlimited.

For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. – 2 Cor 8:21 (NIV)

Have you ever had to do the right thing, even when it was hard? I remember a time when I paid for something at a store and I noticed that the cashier had given me too much money back. I was tempted to just say that it was good luck and keep the extra money. However, after thinking about it for a while, I decided to return the money.

Doing the right thing can be hard at times. Sometimes it can make you look weird or feel stupid. Other times it can be just plain hard to do what’s right because it costs you something. Doing the right thing isn’t easy but it’s always worth it.

Today’s Truth: Doing the right thing isn’t easy, but it’s always worth it.

In the long run, being a person of character is worth the effort. When you do things well people begin to notice. They realize that you are a person of character and they want to do good for you and promote you. And even if no one notices you doing the right thing, realize that God does. He sees what you do and He will reward you for your faithfulness.

I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – Philippians 1:6 (HCSB)

It’s hard to stay encouraged when you don’t see results. I find this true, especially in my own life. When I’m not doing the things I think I should I get really frustrated. I wish I was farther along and at times feel like a failure when I don’t measure up to my own expectations.

Today’s Bible verse really encourages me. It says that God has started a good work in me. He’s not completed it yet, but He’s started. And the good news is that He hasn’t given up on me. He hasn’t been frustrated with me messing up time and time again to the point where He’s decided I’m not worth the effort. No, instead He’s with me every step of the way.

He’s there helping me learn and grow when I make mistakes. He’s ready to come alongside me and help me out in the areas where I fall short. God hasn’t given up on me yet, so I shouldn’t give up on myself. I may not be perfect, but I’m learning and growing each day. So instead of being upset when I don’t do or say the right thing, instead, I’m choosing to be thankful that God hasn’t given up on me and He’s with me as I learn each and every day.