Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – Hebrews 6:1

Posted on July 10, 2023

I remember a time when my parents asked me to not watch a certain movie. I didn’t listen to them, and instead snuck into the theater with a friend to see it, telling my parents I was seeing a different movie. Afterward, I felt bad. I knew I had lied to my parents and watched a movie that wasn’t good for me to see.

You’ve probably messed up like that too. Maybe you’ve lied, or done the wrong thing. As Christians, we should be moving toward maturity in our walk with God through repentance. But here’s the question: what does that look like?

Most of the time, it looks like wanting to do whatever the Holy Spirit or the Bible shows us. Back to the example of sneaking into the movie. Let’s say that before I snuck into the movie, I didn’t know how wrong my actions were. After sneaking into the movie, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that I shouldn’t be doing that and I should be telling the truth to my parents.

If I repented, that would mean that I changed my thinking and my actions to line up with what God says about an issue. So for me, repentance would look like me stopping lying to my parents and sneaking into movies they told me not to watch. I should change my actions as a result of my repentance.

It’s okay not to know something is wrong. But once you do, you should desire to change and move into maturity as a believer. That’s what a true follower of Jesus looks like. As He shows you things in your life to change, you should love Him and want to change to be more like Him.

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, – Hebrews 6:1 (NIV)

So today, challenge yourself to do what this verse says. Decide to repent and change your actions and thoughts as your knowledge of God’s word grows. God loves you and wants you to grow into maturity in Him!

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – Luke 9:62

Posted on July 7, 2023

Doing Big Things For GodJesus responded, “Why do you keep looking backward to your past and have second thoughts about following me? When you turn back you are useless to God’s kingdom realm.” – Luke 9:62 (TPT)

A few years ago, I was seeking God’s plan for my life and I felt like God was calling me back to my hometown. I grew up in a small town but had gone to Bible school after high school in a large city with lots of fun things to do. The idea of going back to the small town was not exciting for me. I would have to leave lots of great friends, fun things to do, and a great church to go back to a small town with nothing going on.

I was not excited about the move at all. However, I decided to obey God. When I got to my hometown, things weren’t easy. I kept wishing I was back in the big town with all my friends. I really struggled with looking back and wishing for the past. Looking back caused me lots of unhappiness.

It can be easy to look back and wish for things to be how they were in the past. However, constantly looking back will stop your progress. Jesus tells us in this verse to not look back and to not question following Him. When you follow Jesus, ultimately, it will result in good things in your life.

It might not always be easy and your emotions might not always like it, but choose to follow after Jesus. Do what you feel like He is telling you to do. As you do, you’ll begin to see Him work in your life. Don’t be afraid to do what God is calling you to do!

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – Revelation 1:8

Posted on July 6, 2023

I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. – Revelation 1:8 (NIV)

Our lives are busy. As a result, we’ve often began to rely on ourselves. Many times we think that if we just work hard, get good grades, go to a good college, or something like that we will find success in our lives. And it’s true, you can get far with hard work. But here’s the catch: working hard, doing good things, and anything else you try in your own strength will not bring you the fulfillment you seek.

You will be more fulfilled as you spend time with God. Today’s verse says that God is the Alpha and Omega. Those are the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet. What is God saying by that? He’s saying, I’m the first, I’m the last, and I’m everything in between.

What does that mean for your life? Well, it means that God can bring fulfillment to every minute of your life. If you’re seeking for meaning, God can be your purpose. If you seek more wisdom, God can fill that void. Whatever it is that you truly need from God, He is there to help you and fill that need.

God wants to be your first and last. He wants to help you in every area of your life. So go to Him. Seek Him, let Him fill you and help you in every way. Let God be your all in all.

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – Revelation 1:5

Posted on July 5, 2023

and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood – Revelation 1:5 (NIV)

Jesus has done a lot for us. Today’s verse helps us see a little more of who Jesus really is. It’s easy to get caught up in our own lives, so much so that we don’t realize how much we need Jesus.

The summer with it’s ball games, watching TV, talking to friends can often overshadow our relationship with Jesus. But let today’s verse be a reminder to you of how good Jesus is. Let it remind you that He is worthy and worth serving.

Take some time out of your summer to get to know Him more. It might look like setting your phone down in the morning and pulling out your Bible instead. It could be taking a few minutes before bed to pray or to talk to Him. Be sensitive to His leading, and He will give you an idea of how you can get to know Him more.

It doesn’t matter how much you already know, there’s always room to grow in Him. So realize that Jesus loves us and that He freed us from our sins. Then take some time this summer to get to know the one who did that. Get to know His heart and His love for you. He has good things in store for you!

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – Revelation 1:3

Posted on July 3, 2023

Have you ever wondered why Revelation was in the Bible? I know I have. I mean, I understand that it tells us what will happen in the end times, but I’ve always struggled reading it. Maybe you’re the same. Perhaps Revelation has been a challenge for you. Maybe the idea of reading and understanding it makes you afraid. If so, you’re not alone. Let’s take a look at today’s Bible verse.

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. – Revelation 1:3 (NIV)

I like this verse. Why? Because even though the book of Revelation can seem strange at times and overwhelming but let’s look at what this verse says. It says that if you read Revelation out loud, or if you hear it, you’re blessed. Isn’t that good news? Reading this book is to be a blessing to you.

So when you go to open up your Bible and you get to this book, instead of being overwhelmed, realize that it is there to bless you. And when you read it, you can expect to learn something by the Holy Spirit and be blessed. So even if you’ve avoided the book in the past, realize that it is there to bless you. So take time to think about it, and read it and you’ll be blessed.

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – Revelation 1:1

Posted on June 30, 2023

Have you ever been freaked out by the book of Revelation? I know I sure have. I’ve not known what to do with it at times. I’ve wondered what in the world it had to do with me and my life. For the next couple of days, we’re going to look at some scriptures from Revelation. Hopefully, you’ll be like me, and as you read them realize that the book of Revelation is a great book to read!

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, – Revelation 1:1 (NKJV)

You might think the book of Revelation only talks about the end times. Yes, there are lots of things in there about the end times. But here’s the great thing. This book in the first verse tells us that it’s a revelation of Jesus. So as followers of Jesus, we should read it with that in mind.

This book shows us a new picture of who Jesus is. We see the human side of Jesus in the gospels. We see Him walking the streets, healing the sick, and doing good works. After seeing that, what happened to Jesus and what will happen with Jesus in the future?

That’s where Revelation helps fill in some gaps. We see a different picture of who Jesus is in this book. And as a follower of Jesus, it’s really important to know about Him. The more you know about Him, the more you realize you love Him. So let’s keep that in mind, and take a look at a few verses of the first chapter over the next few days.

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – Acts 10:38

Posted on June 28, 2023

how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. – Acts 10:38 (NIV)

There are a lot of bad things that can happen to you in life. Sometimes, those bad things cause you to question God. You might begin to question and wonder, ‘why me?’. Why do you have to go through what you’re going through? It might even make you question God.

There’s nothing wrong with questions. It’s ok to wonder why you’re going through the things that you’re going through. However, the Bible shows us in verses like today’s Bible verse that hardship isn’t from God. The Bible tells us that Jesus went around doing good.

He healed people, He delivered them and did all kinds of good things for them. Jesus wasn’t responsible for the bad things in their lives, rather He delivered them from them. So today if you’re going through something difficult, don’t blame God.

God didn’t bring the difficulty, but He will help you through it. He’s a God of freedom and hope. So no matter how dark your situation might seem, God has a way for you to get through it. So lean on Him in difficulty knowing that He will see you through.

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – 1 Corinthians 6:19

Posted on June 27, 2023

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself – 1 Cor 6:19

Have you ever been tempted to do something with your body that wasn’t right? Maybe you were tempted to do drugs, or smoke. Perhaps your boyfriend or girlfriend is pressuring you sexually. What do you do when you’re tempted to do something that isn’t right with your body?

Today’s Bible verse offers us some good suggestions. It tells us to not view our bodies as our own. Rather we should look at our bodies as something special. In this verse it shows us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We aren’t just living for ourselves, but we should be living with the knowledge that the Holy Spirit lives in us.

So when we’re tempted to do things that aren’t right, we need to step back and remember this verse. Our bodies aren’t our own. We should be using them in ways that bring glory to God. So the next time you’re tempted, remember today’s Bible verse and challenge yourself to say no to temptation.

Read: 7 Strategies To Help You Stay Sexually Pure

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – Ephesians 3:18-19

Posted on June 26, 2023

I remember never quite fitting in at school. No matter how hard I tried, no one ever seemed to want to be my friend. After awhile, I gave up, stopped talking and became a very quiet person. The whole time at school, I wanted nothing more than to be included.

The good news is that even if people don’t accept you, God always does. Take a look at today’s verse.

Then you will be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences—the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it is! – Ephesians 3:18-19 (TPT)

I love how this verse describes God’s love. That it is so big and far reaching. I also like how it describes it as being inclusive. God’s love includes you. So even if people haven’t treated you right or included you, God does. To Him, you’re so valuable. He’s after your heart, if you’ll let Him.

So today, don’t let your worth be based on human love. That love is fickle and can change. God’s love never changes, and it’s based on Him, not you. So you don’t have to perform, or earn it. Instead, He freely gives it because of His love for you.

Today’s Challenge: Take some time today to thank God for His love!

Daily Bible Verse and Devotion – Psalm 23:6

Posted on June 23, 2023

Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever. – Psalm 23:6 (NIV)

I remember when I was in kindergarten, there was a boy who followed me around the playground. Everywhere I went, there he was. It was like he was my own little shadow. Sometimes, I’d try to run around to lose him, but no matter where I went, he was there too, right behind me.

That’s the picture I get when I read today’s verse. I see God’s goodness and love following you where ever you go. You can try to out run it, but it’s right there. Every time you turn around, there is God’s love ready to help you and give you what you need for each day.

What an awesome picture. There’s no where you can go to get rid of God’s goodness and love. It’s always following you, ready to bless you everywhere you go.

That should make you love God even more. He loves you so much that He wants nothing but the best for you. So determine to thank Him today for his love that follow you all the days of your life. There’s nothing better than being followed with the good things of God!