Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – Romans 4:25

Posted on November 6, 2023

Romans 4:25 – “Jesus was delivered up because of our offenses and was raised because of our justification.”

An “X-ray” gives you the ability to see things that you cannot see just from outward observance. As you read this verse, it’s as if you can see the “X-ray” of what was happening when Jesus died and rose from the dead. From the outside, it looked like there was only one death and resurrection, when in the realm of the Spirit, from God’s viewpoint or His “X-ray”, we were the only reason it took place. It was because of our offenses and ….because of our justification.

To really understand the reason that Jesus came to this earth, died on a cross, was buried in the heart of the earth for three days and nights, and on the third day rose up from the grave victorious, you have to get the words “Because of our…” in your Gospel vocabulary.

Jesus did not die on the cross because of any sin He had committed. In fact, the Bible clearly tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:21 that Jesus was made to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Jesus was made sin FOR US. He did not commit any sin, He became our sin.

What He did on the cross was BECAUSE OF our offenses, not His. Jesus literally “paid our bill” for us. We were bankrupt. He had the wealth of Heaven. He took our debt of sin and paid it with His Gift of Life.

The next time you see Jesus hanging on a cross, think to yourself; “That was for me”. Jesus on the cross was the eternal payment of my sin. There is now nothing separating me from God. In Fact, 2 Corinthians 5:19 tells us that God was working in Christ restoring the world to Himself, not holding our sins against us, but wiping them out! Then go from the cross to the empty grave and see the resurrection victory of Jesus as yours also. His death for you led to His resurrection victory FOR YOU.

Today’s Truth: The Biggest Thing That Has Ever Been Done Was Done By GOD FOR YOU!

Today’s Devotion was written by Lois Taucher. If you enjoyed reading it, and can’t get enough, you can purchase her book, Called Together on Amazon.

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – Colossians 3:1

Posted on November 2, 2023

Teen Devotion - Look for OpportunityTherefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. – Colossians 3:1 (BSB)

God hasn’t called you to live just for yourself. Rather, God has called you to be a blessing to others. God wants you to use your gifts and talents to point others to Him.

So if you’re good at music, begin to look for ways to use that gift to show others Jesus. If you’re good at baking, make cupcakes, sell them and use the money to give to missions. Don’t let your life be simply about yourself. Instead, look for an opportunity to be a blessing to others.

Today’s Challenge Be Looking For Opportunity

You might not feel like you have anything to give. Perhaps you feel like you’re going through something really hard and can’t help someone else. Don’t let those things be excuses.

Instead, purpose each day to look to opportunities. All around you, there are people who are hurting. You can take two minutes out of your day and pray for someone. God has placed opportunities all around you.

Determine today to refocus and see the opportunities around you. As you begin to look for them, you’ll be surprised how many exist. Pick one and act on it today. See God do something great through you!

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – Proverbs 25:28

Posted on November 1, 2023

A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. – Proverbs 25:28 (NLT)

What do you think of when you think of self-control? For most of us, it’s a pretty boring topic. Who really likes the idea of controlling yourself and saying no to all the fun things in life?

It’s more fun to lose your temper. To get upset and to yell at your mom when you’re really mad. It’s more fun to eat all the chips you want and watch TV until 3AM.

The problem is, when we lack self-control it can tear our lives down. Self control is important to have because without it we can destroy relationships. We can tear down trust. If we don’t learn to control our actions and words, in the long run it can lead us in a bad direction.

That’s why the Bible tells us about self-control. It’s not because God’s trying to stop us from having fun. Rather, it’s because God wants good things for our lives. He doesn’t want our relationships destroyed. He doesn’t want us doing things we will later regret and pay for in life.

So today, ask yourself if there are areas where you need to develop greater self-control. If you’re prone to lose your temper and say unkind things, ask God for helpful ideas on how you can control yourself. Developing self-control is one of the greatest things you can do for you and for your future.

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – November 6

Posted on November 1, 2023

“Yet God freely and graciously declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” – Romans 3:24

Have you ever thought about the fact that there is a penalty to sin? Our sin keeps us from God. God can’t have sin around Him, so if you sin, even in the smallest way, that sin keeps you from God.

Our sin demands that we are separated from God. That’s not what God wanted for us, however. So He sent Jesus to die on the cross to pay the penalty for sin. Jesus’ sacrifice allows us to be with God.

This is great news for anyone who accepts Jesus into their heart. This means they are freed from what they deserved for sin. To God you’re righteous. What Jesus did was payment for our sins. When God looks at you, He doesn’t see your failures and your sin. Instead, He sees us righteous, made holy by the blood of Jesus.

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – John 16:13

Posted on October 31, 2023

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. – John 16:13 (NLT)

There are so many questions in the world today. You might wonder what to do in the future. It could be that fears over your health or your safety grip your heart, and you wonder what to do.

The truth is, in the world we live in today, we need God. We need His wisdom. We need His answers.

God has all the wisdom and all the answers. So instead of consulting Google about your problem, consider asking God. God wants to lead you into all truth. He wants to show you things to come.

Today’s Truth: We Need God’s Answers

Life gets easier when you go to God for answers. When you don’t understand, don’t know what to do next or how to go on, go to God. He wants to lead you and give you answers in things big and small. So don’t be afraid to ask!

Teen devotion on God's answers

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – Ephesians 4:24

Posted on October 26, 2023

In the town I live in, we have a little store where you can take your old pop cans and bottles to be recycled. The amazing thing about this store is that you can bring them your sticky, smelly old cans and bottles and they will give you money in exchange for your old nasty cans.

That reminds me a lot of today’s verse.

and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. – Ephesians 4:24 (NIV)

The cans in the store get redeemed. They get recycled and changed from worthless sticky junk into something worthwhile.

The same is true for us. In Christ, we have put on a new self. The old sticky habits of sin no longer have to define our lives. We’ve been made new in Christ. Instead of living in sin, we are changed into the image of God, in true righteousness and holiness.

That’s good news. You might feel worthless, like you’re just a sticky gross old can, but Jesus sees you in Him. To Jesus, you’re not worthless trash. But you’re not, you’re a treasure. Your challenge is to walk like the new person you are. Instead of feeling bad about yourself, you can walk with your head held high. You can know that God has good things for you and that your life has purpose and value in Him.

Today’s Truth: Your life has purpose and value in Christ.

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – Psalm 112:1

Posted on October 25, 2023

I have a friend that I really enjoy. Each time we hang out, I feel energized. There’s something about the way we connect that makes me enjoy our time together. How about you? Do you have a friend that you really connect with?

We all enjoy friendships like that. However, we really find enjoyment in our relationship with God. Let’s read today’s verse.

Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands. – Psalm 112:1 (NIV)

After reading this verse, you might think that you’ve got to be afraid of God or something. That’s not what the verse is about, instead it’s telling us that as we talk to God, we get blessed. Here’s why: we get blessed because we get insight on how to best live our lives. A relationship with God fulfills us like nothing else can. There’s no true fulfillment in life without relationship with God.

So today, don’t develop a relationship with God because you want God to bless you. Develop a relationship with Him because you love Him. Realize that in loving Him and getting to know Him that you will be truly blessed.

Challenge yourself to spend some time talking to God today. Don’t allow the busyness of life keep you from getting time with Him. Make knowing Him a priority. Find delight in reading the Bible. Delight in searching the scriptures, and learning what they mean and why they were written.

Today’s Truth: You’re blessed because of your relationship with God.

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – Psalm 34:8

Posted on October 24, 2023

Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. – Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

One of the best things about being created in the image of God is that we can know Him. We were created for the purpose of knowing Him. That means that daily, in our struggles, we can talk to God. We can continually taste and see that He is indeed good.

He’s good when we feel good. He’s good when we feel bad. God is good in our best moments, and He’s good when we’re at our worst. Knowing that God is good is foundational to your walk with Him. Yes, there can be moments when you do doubt His goodness. You might wonder, ‘where is God’? Or does He care. It’s in those moments that you have to remind yourself that He does care, and that He is good.

You also have to realize that His goodness is not dependent on your goodness. Even when you mess up, God is good, and He loves you.

Today’s Truth: God is Good.

It’s hard for sure sometimes to realize that God is good. But the truth is, He really is good.

So today, challenge yourself to taste and see that God is good. Try His goodness out. The more you test it, the more you’ll realize that God is good and He really does have your best interests at heart.

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – Matthew 6:33

Posted on October 23, 2023

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

How much of your life are you basing upon what you see in the media? How about what your friends think? Or what you hear out and about. While, sometimes those sources can be helpful, most of the time, they’re not where you as a Christian should be going to find your answers.

What would happen if you went out of your way to live your life intentionally Christ-centered?

Would things look different if you put a little more focus and energy into making your life be more Christ-centered? What if spending all your money on shoes, clothes, phones, and fun things for yourself, you decided to ask God if there was someone in your life that you could give to? Perhaps you could buy a treat for a friend, or give a little to the missionary your church supports. What would your life look like if you were living intentionally Christ-centered?

Would anything change, if living for Christ was your goal?

Here’s the truth: as a follower of Christ you should make living for Him your goal. So in your free time, your money, your habits, and your friends you should be seeking Christ. That isn’t always easy. At times it can even seem really challenging. But it’s also freeing. As you begin to seek Him deeply in all you do, you’ll find that your love for Him grows.

Today, challenge yourself to live in a way that puts Christ at the center in everything you do.

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – Mark 4:40

Posted on October 20, 2023

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion - Fear

He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” – Mark 4:40 (NIV)

This devotion was originally posted in 2019, but had some great information on fear. We thought we’d re-use it with some updated content for you to enjoy.

Have you noticed how easy it is to have faith when things are going good? If everything in your life is easy it’s so easy to be thankful and happy. However, when things are difficult, you really see where you place your confidence.

The disciples were in the middle of a storm. And when things got scary and they weren’t comfortable they began to cry out in fear. Jesus asked them something amazing, He asked why were they still afraid.

Today’s Challenge: Remember Jesus is With You

Jesus thought that they should not be fearful. After all, He was right there with them in the boat. Didn’t they know that when He was with them, they didn’t need to be afraid? Lots of times, we’re guilty just like the disciples of being afraid.

We’ve got Jesus with us and in us all the time. Yet too often we forget all about Him. We go through the storms of life afraid simply because we didn’t realize that Jesus was right there with us.

So today, if you’re going through something tough, be encouraged. Jesus is with you. He’s helping you through the things that you face and you will come out on the other side. Don’t fear, simply trust in Him!

If you enjoyed this week’s challenges on fear, here’s a quick recap video.

5 Devotions to Defeat Fear