The Tree Church Daily

Galatians 2:19-20 (ESV)

For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Explanation:

The moment you decide to put your entire trust and faith in Jesus Christ, you are saved (Romans 10:9). This is a huge moment for anyone. I can remember the anxiousness and sweaty palms when I made that bold decision. When that moment is over, then the “real life” begins. Many new Christians think once they’re saved, everything will change and be easier because God is on their side now. Right? Well, the reality is that life doesn’t get easier. As a matter of fact, things can get a lot more difficult. Some relationships will fall apart and new ones will form. That is part of the process. Some friends will not understand why you decided to follow Jesus and change some of your old behaviors. New relationships will form with ministry opportunities, and friends will come along who will help you grow in Christ.

This is what the Apostle Paul is talking about in the above passage, how he has “died” to his old self and his selfish desires. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. Paul has been transformed by experiencing Jesus, and he wants to live his life so everyone sees Christ in him.

When we choose Jesus, He changes us from the inside. He sends His Holy Spirit to live in every believer, to be an advocate for us and help when we need Him (John 14:17). There will be times in our lives when we need the Holy Spirit to help us make decisions. Our flesh constantly wants to be selfish and do whatever makes us happy, but this is not what Jesus wants for us. He wants us to be in relationships. He wants us to die to ourselves and live for Him.

What does it look like to live for Christ? Well, it’s having the thought process Jesus had in the Gospels. What did Jesus do when He met people? He took time to talk with them and invest in their lives. He loved the broken and hurt. Jesus helped people who society deemed unworthy. He came not to be served, but to serve. He spent time with God daily in prayer to know His next move. Jesus lived His life sacrificially for others. He ultimately died on the cross for all of us. Jesus still ask His followers to be His hands and feet here on earth. As Christians, we are called to be like Him in our relationships.

Today, live like Christ in all you do.

Application:

1. What does it look like to die to yourself and live for God in your own life? What is possi-bly hindering you in this?

2. Healthy relationships are what we strive for as Christians. What are some qualities you want in a friend who can lead you toward Christ?

3. Marriage is the deepest relationship God has given us with another human. Why do you think it is important to die to ourselves daily in marriage?

4. When Paul was changed by knowing who Jesus was, he was crucified with Christ, mean-ing his sin died with Jesus, which is the good news for us all. Knowing this truth, who do you want to share Jesus with?

Devo Plus:

Google or YouTube the song “No Longer Slaves,” by Jonathan and Melissa Helser.

Prayer:

God….I ask that You be with me and help me to die to myself daily. Show me the areas that I need to change. I want to have healthy relationships with the people in my life, and serve them the way You ask me to. Thank You. Amen.

Romans 6:6-7,11-14 (NLT)

We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.

So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.

Do not let sin control the way you live, do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

Explanation:

In this passage, Paul tackles the reason why Christians shouldn’t continue to sin after establishing a relationship with God. He starts by telling us that when we ask for our sins to be forgiven, we experience a sort of death. We set our old lives aside, and by dying to ourselves, we no longer submit to sin…we are no longer slaves to sin. We are so connected to Christ that His death in us becomes death to the power of sin over us.

Paul goes on to say that we have to make a choice every day. We are free from the power of sin through God’s grace and forgiveness. Sin doesn’t just go away, though. We still have human desires that try to draw us in. The old habits that were sinful in our lives still come naturally to us. We are called to use our entire body as an instrument for God’s glory. We have to make the daily decision to give ourselves over to the ways of God, and not to the ways of sin that lead to death.

Application:

1. When you think about your marriage or dating relationships, how can you apply the “die to self” concept from this passage?

2. What stands out in this passage to you?

3. Why is it important for us to make a daily decision to die to self?

Devo Plus:

Read these verses today to learn more about the importance of dying to self:

Galatians 2:20-21; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 2:1-30

Prayer:

Today during your prayer time, ask God to help you overcome the things that come naturally to you as the result of being human.

James 1:19-25 (ESV)

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

Explanation:

The book of James is full of wisdom, challenging advice, and warnings. In today’s passage, he tells us to be quick to hear, slow to speak, plus slow to anger. Well, isn’t this funny…I do the complete opposite of this verse. And so do a lot of other people. I get angry fast. Usually, I don’t think or hear or listen until it’s already too late. I want to be, and pray God will make me, a great listener who speak words of wisdom to people. What great fruit will we produce if we step back and listen better, talk less, and use our words to bring life?

Being doers of the Word is really hard for most Christians. Doing the works God tells us to do, moving when God tells us to move, stopping when God says stop. Faith without works is dead, meaning you can go to church all you want, listen to podcasts about the Bible, read the Word. But if you are NOT doing what God calls you to do, then you are being fake. I’m sorry, this is tough, it can be hard to hear. God’s way can be hard.

For example, my wife and I started buying other people’s food every time we go out to eat. When we go to a sit-down restaurant, we look for someone or a family that God puts on our hearts. We weren’t always like this; long ago, we went to dinner and never listened to God telling us to pay for people’s meals. I was like, “No God, I don’t want to, and I don’t have the money.” But now, every time we go out, God puts someone on our hearts to pay for their meal.

Doers, be doers of God’s word, not just hearers. It takes two to tango…hearing and doing needs to be your new dance! You will benefit and be blessed so much if you put those two commands together. Your family will reap the benefits of your obedience. Move, move whenever you hear God say MOVE.

Application:

1. What’s stopping you from listening to God?

2. What is God calling you to do?

3. Why are you not moving? Reading and listening to the Word of God is a great starting point. It’s time to get moving.

Devo Plus:

Matthew 7:22-23

Revelation 3:17

John 15:1-5

Matthew 13:13

Prayer:

God, thank You for today. Thank You for our freedom, and being able to worship You freely. Thank You for our family and friends. God, move in our hearts so we start to desire You more. Make us uncomfortable for Your glory. But also give us courage and strength to move when You say move. Make our paths full of light and guidance from You. God, supernaturally bless our obedience, for hearing You and taking the next steps You have for us. We will always continue to pray in Your name. Amen.

Matthew 16:24-27 (NIV)

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.

Explanation:

What does ‘take up your cross’ mean? If you know anything about what a “cross” meant when Jesus lived, it was an instrument of suffering. It was designed for excruciating pain. It meant shame, because it was for the worst criminals, who usually hung naked on a cross for hours.

So, is this what Jesus literally meant for me?

Jesus wants us to be willing (without grumbling or cowardice) to submit to total allegiance to Him. “Take up your cross” means to treasure Jesus more than we treasure our selfish desires. Jesus has become more precious to us than approval, honor, comfort, and life. When we follow Christ, we can actually reap positive benefits, in our current lives and the life to come.

In my marriage, I would love to be with my wife 24/7. I would love to have her by my side…basically, all day long and wherever I went. Sounds a little suffocating, doesn’t it? The only problem is my wife needs more alone time than I do. She needs time to think and be creative, do her personal Bible study, and pray. Just time to be alone and recharge. If I expected only my needs to be met, it would smother her. Yes, I could expect and demand and pout to have my own way. I could complain, and she would give me all the time I expected…but it wouldn’t be best for her. Because I die to my selfish desires daily and serve her, not just with my time, but in helping clean our house and helping her when she needs something done, I get to experience a wonderfully intimate marriage.

God wants the same for us. Not because He demands His own way. God wants us to submit to His will because He loves you and wants the best for you. And what do we receive? “Whoever hates his life (or submits to God) in this world will keep it for eternal life.” Pretty good deal.

Application:

1. Are there any areas in your life where you need to “die to self”?

2. Spend a few minutes asking God to reveal areas that still need to go under submission.

3. What about your relationships? Is there an area where you might need to ask for forgiveness? Develop a plan to begin anew recognizing their needs. Not just your own.

4. Now give thanks to God that He desires your relationships and life to be wonderfully intimate.

Devo Plus:

Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John 12:25 (NIV)

Prayer:

Father, thank You for modeling Your call to “die to self.” Help me not throw away my life, just for a few years of my desires, wealth, and glory. And when I submit to You, thank You for the promise of saving me for eternal life.

James 1:22-25 (ESV)

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

Explanation:

James uses the illustration of a man who looks at his face in the mirror and rushes out the door, forgetting what he saw. The mirror shows him his problems, but he doesn’t do anything to fix them. The Word of God reveals to us the impurities of our hearts. It brings to light all of our shortcomings. If we take a quick glance at the Word every once in a while, and we don’t use it to address any of the issues that it reveals, then it is pointless. I think James isn’t describing a man with a bad memory, but a man with bad priorities. It’s not that he just forgets what he saw in the mirror…he doesn’t think it is that important to take the time to remember. James also wants us to remember we are NOT blessed by hearing, only by doing. God doesn’t bless us based on how much scripture we read; He blesses us based on application.

When I read this verse, I think of my kids when I tell them to clean their bedroom. I come up 20 minutes later to check on them, and the bedroom is still a mess and they are having a dance party. It’s not that they didn’t hear me tell them to clean their room, it is not high on their priority list. Let’s be honest, as Christians we can find ourselves feeling like a child who doesn’t want to clean their room, when it comes to being doers of the Word. Jesus warned us that the path is narrow and difficult, and some days it is easier to be a hearer and not a doer, but God wants something better for us. When we let that truth sit on our hearts, it is much easier to prioritize becoming a doer.

Application:

1. Take a moment and think about your life right now. Do you think that you are currently a doer or a hearer? Be honest with yourself.

2. What can you do to make being a doer of the word a priority in your life?

3. Pray and ask God to place someone on your heart who you trust to keep you accountable in this area. Reach out to them consistently.

Devo Plus:

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season. And its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the way that You love us. Thank You for providing scripture that is alive and active. Help us to be doers of the Word, and not just hearers. Put a yearning in our hearts to place You as our top priority. Put people in our lives to keep us accountable, and to encourage and build us up. Thank You for Your incredible grace and mercy. Amen.

Psalm 119:9-16 (ESV)

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.

I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.

Explanation:

In the Christian walk with God, our ultimate goal is to run the race in this life in a manner so we achieve eternal life in heaven. As we look at this scripture, let’s compare the “life race” with how a runner runs a physical race. Runners don’t just assume they will be the first to the finish line without doing things to prepare. They don’t sit on the couch for a year, and then sign up for the Boston Marathon with the assumption they will be successful. They also don’t put on their best dress shoes and expect to be able to run for any distance. Finally, just before taking off for a run, they don’t eat a feast of Thanksgiving proportions. How then can we expect to run our “life race” without preparing?

Today’s passage gives us some keys to running our race. First, we should focus on embracing the Word and the commandments within it. Read the Bible, and use tools, online and in print, to help us understand what it says. Next, we should treasure the teachings we find within the Bible. We can treasure the Word by making time with God a priority. Put daily time in the Word before anything else—meetings, appointments, or simple things like social media. When we do this, our eyes will more naturally focus on the things of God when we are in “worldly” situations that can cause us to be confused or distracted. When we are putting healthy information into our hearts and minds, we are building treasure in heaven. Finally, hiding the Word in our hearts gives us the preparation we need for the race. The Word is “hidden” in our hearts by memorizing scripture. Knowing God’s Word gives us the ability to have information at the top of our mind when we are faced with decisions or ministering to others.

Application:

1. What does it mean to you to prepare for life’s race?

2. What part of today’s passage stands out to you?

3. Do you currently choose key verses to memorize? If not, take a moment to develop a plan to begin memorizing a different verse each week. (Tree Church Kids is a great place to start!)

Devo Plus:

Watch this week’s Tree Church Kids video. Each week, Pastor Phil uses object lessons and different motions to help teach the kids (and adults) memory verses. Although created for kids, this is impactful teaching for all ages. Personally, I LOVE memorizing scripture this way!

Prayer:

Today in your prayer time, ask God to help you hide His Word in your heart. Ask Him to help you, as you read and memorize scripture to hide it in your heart, so you can run the race of life and receive the eternal prize.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 (ESV)

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Explanation:

Paul is addressing Timothy, and reminding him of the truths he would have been raised on. He knows that Timothy would be facing the chaos of persecution and would need the courage of his upbringing to stand fast against hard times. Timothy would have grown up hearing, reading, studying the scriptures…a faith-built foundation he could trust and rely on. In his time, he would have been one of the few with literacy to make him “acquainted” with scripture. Through his connection in the Word, he would have the wisdom of faith to know the saving grace of Jesus. Knowing, applying, and living the Scriptures is what forms the “man of God” to be complete. A mature Christian is now “equipped” for anything God calls him to.

All Scripture is breathed out by God. Yes, it is humans who have put it on paper, have given their interpretation, perspective and communication style, but the source of information is far from human. Every breath given forming each word of the scriptures was provided by God. They are His words, meant to teach us, to guide us, to correct us. The Bible is literally our training guide to becoming a mature Christian. Without the scriptures, we cannot be fully equipped for what God calls us to do, or know His good works.

Application:

1. Do you feel equipped to face what God calls you to? If yes, write down how you study the Word. If no, what hinders you from knowing and applying the scriptures?

2. When you are faced with hardship, where do you get your guidance? Knowing that the scriptures are breathed out by God and are a guide for your life, does this change anything?

3. What steps do you need to take to help build a faith foundation that will equip you for the good works God calls you to?

4. Set an alarm each day that is a reminder for you to spend time in scripture. Find a scripture to memorize each month. Build a faith foundation.

Devo Plus:

Learn more about Timothy and how he accepted his calling through his faith in the scriptures:

https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/2-timothy/

Prayer:

God, thank You for giving me so many opportunities to be in relationship with You. It is through Your breath that we were first given life, and it is now the source to guide our lives. Help me to build a firm foundation in Your words that can then be used to do Your good works. I want to not only study, but apply scripture to better equip me for any season I’m in, good or bad. I want to be ready, but know I can’t do it without You. Thank You for breathing Your Word as a source to connect with You. Amen.

Isaiah 55:8-11 (ESV)

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Explanation:

This is by far one of my favorite passages throughout all scripture. It is significant to me for a number of different reasons. One, I connect really well with Isaiah’s use of descriptive language. I can see it very vividly as he uses a physical and familiar image to describe the power of God’s Word. More so, though, the truths that Isaiah communicates are ones I have personally experienced.

I was taught early on by some great mentors to engage the scriptures in a healthy way. It was their passion for it that also stirred my passion for it. I adore God’s Word. I love reading it, I love hearing it taught, I love exploring it, and I love how God uses it to mold and shape my life. I am in complete agreeance with both Isaiah in today’s reading and the writer of Hebrews when they say “the word of God is living and active” (Hebrews 4:12). The fact that it is alive means we can interact with it every day of our lives. This is the purpose for which God sent it. Not only does it give us constant ability to know God’s voice, but when we apply it, we get to see it produce fruit in our own lives. When both the Word of God and the Holy Spirit are deposited in us, we reap supernatural power. It may be way different than our ways and our thoughts, but without it, we walk blindly. With it, though, we have a path to true life. What an incredible gift we have in God’s Word.

Application:

1. Why do you think God gave us His Word?

2. God’s ways and thoughts are very different from our own. Why does this matter?

3. Describe a way that God’s Word has been different from your own thoughts and ways.

4. How have you seen God’s Word accomplish its purpose in your life?

5. How do scriptures like today’s reading encourage you to engage God’s Word more?

Devo Plus:

Read Psalm 19:7-11. How does each passage speak to the power of God’s Word?

Prayer:

Jesus, we would be so lost without Your Word. We know that You are the Word made flesh, who showed us not only the true path to life, but also demonstrated for us the true heart of God. Thank You for that. Help me to fall more and more in love with Your Word. It may be different than my thoughts and ways, but I trust that You are God and know better than me. Holy Spirit, I ask that You speak to me through Your Word this day and every day that follows.

Hebrews 4:12-13 (NLT)

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

Explanation:

I love my Bible. 

I have a favorite chair, a favorite Bible, a favorite light, and a favorite room where I enjoy my moments with God’s living Word. 

It is both a spiritual and physical experience.

I love the feel of the soft leather and the rustling sound the pages make as I turn them. I savor and meditate on the underlined passages, circled promises, or highlighted favorites. I am rechallenged by notes in the margins, stories that stir my faith, and those explanation marks by verses that at some point moved me. I smooth the rumpled corners of pages and touch the stars I’ve drawn next to verses that have proved meaningful time and time again. I can even see an occasional smear where a tear splashed on living words of direction, strength, correction, insight, and conviction. 

My Bible isn’t a book of words or ideas. It is living, life-changing dynamite that breaks me open and reveals who I am and who I am not. Because it penetrates the core of my moral and spiritual life, it reveals what I can’t know or see about myself, and lays my heart bare, working to free me from me.

The demands of God’s Word require decisions. It discerns what is in me, both good and evil. Wise is the person who lets the Word of God shape their life.

For the Word of God is:

alive— “living”; “having living power, as the breath from the lips of the living God”

powerful— “energetic; energetically efficacious”

sharper— “more cutting”

two-edged— “sharpened at both edge and back”

cutting— “coming through”

discerner of the thoughts— “capable of judging the purposes”

exposed— “totally revealed”

Application:

1. Nothing is hidden from God. God sees all we do and knows all we think. We can have no secrets from God. What does that convey about His deep love for all of us, if He knows our darkest parts and still pursues us relentlessly?

2. God has all the facts. He is above all and sees all. That is why only His opinion about your character matters. Everyone else in your life is making judgments with limited information. We can fool people. We cannot fool God. Because He has all of the facts, He alone knows what it will take to free you, heal you, and mold your life. 

3. In light of the fact God knows all, what do you need to admit to yourself? Interestingly enough, we lie the most to ourselves. God waits for us to confess to Him what He already knows, because then it proves your thoughts are in alignment with His, and that frees Him up to move on your behalf.


Devo Plus:

I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won't sin myself bankrupt. (Psalm 119:11, MSG)

Prayer:

God, thank You for Your life-giving Word that affords me the privilege of being discerned and directed and guided like a spiritual GPS. What a gift You have given me, to help in every moment of my life. Help me be diligent in letting its power shape my life. Thank You for its purifying effect on my heart and mind. Amen.

Nehemiah 8:1-8 (NLT)

"all the people assembled with a unified purpose at the square just inside the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had given for Israel to obey.

So on October 8 Ezra the priest brought the Book of the Law before the assembly, which included the men and women and all the children old enough to understand. He faced the square just inside the Water Gate from early morning until noon and read aloud to everyone who could understand. All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law.

Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform that had been made for the occasion. To his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah. To his left stood Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. Ezra stood on the platform in full view of all the people. When they saw him open the book, they all rose to their feet.

Then Ezra praised the Lord, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.

The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—then instructed the people in the Law while everyone remained in their places. They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.

Explanation:

The people of God have returned to Jerusalem after being in exile. They have rebuilt the wall around the city, but more importantly, they have rebuilt God’s temple. So, what better response than to gather together to hear the Word of God. This is where we find the people of God in this passage. Everyone is gathered together. Ezra stands on a box to elevate himself so all can hear God’s laws and Word. He reads morning and night so the people can hear, know, and understand what God is longing to say to them. What is absolutely beautiful to me is that before Ezra even speaks a word, the people rose to their feet, they lifted their hands, they worshipped. The Word of God moved them in a way like never before.

There are so many beautiful things happening in this passage. After years of the book being closed, the moment it was open, people celebrated. This book had been a building block for generations before them, and would continue to be what would lead them and draw them close to God. They didn’t look at the Word of God as a bummer or something they had to do. They looked at it in awe, in reverence, as something worth celebrating. They read it day and night so that all could not only hear, but understand God’s way of living. Their response to the living Word of God was worship. It stirred something in their hearts that drew them closer into the presence of God.

The Bible, God’s Word, can do the same for us. A few years ago, I really felt like God was calling me to read more from the Old Testament. I was hesitant, because I would find I often did not understand what I was reading, and would almost feel more confused afterward. But I wanted to take this step of obedience because I know it is always an opportunity to grow in my relationship with God. So, I started with prayer. Asking God to help me understand what I was reading. I bought a journal so I could write down my thoughts and questions as I was reading. Honestly, for the first time in my life, I got excited to read His Word, and if I didn’t read it, I felt like I was missing out. God gave me a renewed excitement for His Word, and now I look forward to my time spent in it.

Friends, I know taking that first step is often the hardest, but I encourage you today to take that step. Open up God’s Word, and then ask Him to do the rest. I pray that you have a renewed love for God’s Word, and it helps you to grow deeper in your relationship with Him.

Application:

1. What excuses have you made that are keeping you from opening the Word of God?

2. What effect do you think reading God’s word can have on your daily life?

3. What is a small step you can do today to increase your love of reading the Word?

Devo Plus:

I know it can be intimidating and challenging sometimes to know where to start. I encourage you this week to do the following:

Set aside a dedicated time every day to engage in God’s Word. (You can almost schedule this like you would any other appointment in your day.)

Find a devotional, or pick a book from the New Testament to read.

Start small and read a paragraph a day, or that devotional you picked out.

Journal thoughts and questions that come to your mind while you read.

If you don’t understand something, ask a friend or pastor you know who has great understanding and knowledge of the Bible. Or check out a commentary to learn more.

Pray. Ask God to give you clarity and help you understand His Word more.

Prayer:

God, we are so thankful for Your Word. It is amazing to know that at all times, we have answers to our problems, guidance for our life, and help for our faith. Today, we are asking that You will continue to reveal Yourself to us through Your Word, that You will give us clarity and understanding when we read, and what we read compels us to continue to live our lives for You. Amen.