GodLife On Demand

Today on A Bold Steps Minute with Pastor Mark Jobe...There may be moments when you feel invisible or forgotten, but you are never unseen by God. He knows your name, knows your story, and has been aware of you long before you were aware of Him, and realizing that you are fully seen and fully loved can awaken your heart to a deeper sense of belonging.

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Read: Luke 4:1-15; John 10:7-10

Riley rummaged through the tackle box until she found the shiny silver lure her dad wanted. “Is this the one?”

Dad took it from her hand. “Yep. That’s it.” He grinned. “As soon as Mr. Fish sees this, he’ll gobble it up.”

Riley beamed. “Then we’ll catch him and gobble him up, won’t we?”

Dad nodded. “We sure will.” After tying the lure to the fishing line, Dad cast it into the lake. “Want to reel this in and see if we can catch a fish?”

“Next time,” Riley said. “You catch one first.”

“Okay.” Dad turned the reel. “Hey! I think I’ve got a bite!”

“All right!” Riley clapped her hands as Dad reeled in a big fish. “Wow! Are we going to eat it tonight?” she asked as Dad reached for the flopping fish.

Dad grinned. “You know it!” He threw the line out again. “Do you know why that shiny thing you gave me is called a lure?”

Riley shook her head. “Not really.”

“To lure something means to attract it, and that thing attracts fish,” Dad explained. “It looks good to them and tricks them into thinking it’s good to eat, but when they grab it, they’re caught.” He handed Riley the fishing rod. “Did you know that Satan often uses lures to trick and trap people?”

Riley began reeling in the line. “He does?”

“Yep, but not the kind we use,” said Dad. “Satan often tricks people by making sin look attractive. He may get you to think it’s harmless—even fun. But don’t fall for it. Just like a fishing lure, in the end, sin only leads to death. That’s why Jesus had to die for us—to take the punishment for our sin so we could have eternal life with Him instead of being separated from God forever. When you’re tempted to sin, remember that Jesus resisted temptation and conquered Satan and death for you. He saved you and makes you able to see Satan’s lures for what they really are—lies—so you can turn to the true life you have in Him instead.”

Riley finished reeling in the line. “No fish this time,” she said. “I guess they resisted the lure.” She cast the line out again. “I’ll trust Jesus to help me do the same thing!”

–Richard S. Maffeo

How about you? Did you know that Satan uses lures to get people to sin? He’ll do his best to trick you into doing something wrong. Don’t fall for his lies. Even though he may make sin look attractive and fun, it only leads to destruction. If you know Jesus as your Savior, He has saved you from sin and given you eternal life. When you’re tempted to sin, trust Him for the strength to say no.

Today’s key verse: Humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 (NLT)

Today’s key thought: Resist the lure of sin

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Grief does not follow a straight line. Some years feel like an eternity, and other moments feel as though no time has passed at all. There are seasons when healing seems to be happening, and then a single memory can bring a person to tears. For those who struggle with complex grief, the loss never fully lifts, and the sense that a piece of you went with the person you loved can stay for a very long time. The anniversary of a loved one’s death often brings all of it back at once: the pain of the final days, and also the love, strength, and joy of the person who is missed.

Isaiah 25:8 speaks directly into that tension with a promise rooted in the character of God: He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces. Death has already been defeated, and one day it will be completely eradicated. Revelation 21:4 describes the new heaven and new earth, where there will be no more crying, pain, mourning, or death, and where the Lord Himself will welcome us with His love. Whether a loved one has been gone for a year or for decades, grief and hope can exist side by side. The anniversary can become a day to remember a life that mattered, to cherish the memories, and to hold tightly to the sure promise of reunion. You will see them again, and until then, the God who collects every tear is near.

Bible Verse

“He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken.”
— Isaiah 25:8, NIV

Ponder Today

1. Grief is not linear, and there is no deadline for it. Feeling better one day and undone the next is part of loving someone deeply. Anniversaries can reopen wounds, and that does not mean you have failed to heal.
2. It is possible to carry both pain and gratitude on the same day. Remembering the hard final days and celebrating the life, love, and influence of the person you lost can happen together. Both are honest, and both honor them.
3. Death has already been defeated. Isaiah 25:8 declares that God will swallow up death forever. The loss you feel is real, but it is not the final word.
4. God sees and will wipe away every tear. He is not distant from your grief. Revelation 21:4 promises a day with no more crying, pain, or mourning, and until then He draws near to the brokenhearted.
5. Reunion is a sure promise for those in Christ. Whether your loved one has been gone a year or decades, you can take heart. You will see them again, and that hope makes room for rejoicing even in the middle of sorrow.

A Prayer for You Today

Dear Jesus, I am approaching the anniversary of the death of my loved one. The pain is overwhelming at times, and even after all this time, I still miss them. Their smile, voice, and laughter fill my heart to the point that tears rise in my eyes. How I long to see them again, Lord. Please bring my soul peace as I navigate this difficult season. I will reflect on our wonderful memories and cherish the time we shared. Encourage my heart to remember that I will see my loved one again. You have defeated death, and one day all will be made right. Thank You for giving us this sure promise, Lord. In Your name, Amen.

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