July 26- July 31, 2010
Monday, July 26 - Read: Matthew 7:24-27
What foundation is your life built upon? The one thing a person can be sure of is that there will be storms in life. Those who seem to thrive in life are not those who have avoided storms but have their lives built on the foundation of faith instead of human ability. When a storm approaches in your life do you turn to Jesus or do you seek human answers?
Tuesday, July 27 - Read: II Samuel 12:15-23
In this passage David has a son that dies. During the illness of his son David was full of despair. The servants were afraid of the health of David. When his son died the servants were afraid of what David would do. They were amazed by his behavior. David said “I did all I could while my son was sick, but now he is gone there is nothing I can do.” As Christians we have the promise of eternal life. It is very difficult to lose a child, spouse, close friend, etc. Relationships are very important to us. The separation, however, is only temporary. We will all be together once again. That is God’s promise.
Wednesday, July 28 - Read: I Peter 4:12-16
People like to believe there is something they can do to avoid suffering and pain. If I am a good enough person, there will be an invisible shield to protect me. If I please God, he will spare me from any suffering or tragedy. Nothing is further from the truth. In fact, Christians often suffer more because of their faith. Saul had an easy life filled with respect and authority. Once he became a Christian he would be stoned, thrown into prison, beaten, etc. because of his new faith. Storms and suffering are part of life. As Christians we never have to face it alone. God will be there with us.
Thursday, July 29 - Read: II Corinthians 12:7-10
In this passage Paul asks God why his prayer for healing was not answered. We know that Paul’s health was so poor that he often had to have a physician with him. Paul says there is so much more he could do with good health. God’s response was to remind him, it is not what you can do but what I can do through you. In your weakness I can do much more. We are not only God’s instruments when strong and in good health. Even those confined to a bed or wheel chair can accomplish wonderful things for God.
Friday, July 30 - Read: Romans 12:9-12
What determines the quality of life you have, is not in what happens in your life but how you respond to what occurs in your life! Paul is telling the early Christians who are suffering persecution to hold steady in faith. No matter what happens through your faith you can find the strength not only to survive but to find peace and hope. When a storm occurs in your life what is your response? Do you panic and cry out in fear, or do you grab God’s lifeline and hold on?
Saturday, July 31 - Read: Malachi 3:1-4
Most minerals have very little value when found in the ground. By going through a refining process they become purified, stronger, and more useful. In this passage the writer is telling us the same is true for each of us. We look forward to the coming of the Messiah once again. The writer is telling us to beware. When the Son comes he will be like a refiner. Are you willing to incur the fire of hardship, challenges, etc. so that you may become stronger and more useful to God?