Daily Bible Reading
To prevent the frustration of falling behind, which most of us tend to do when following a Bible reading plan, each month of this plan gives you only twenty-five readings. Today we start a few “free days” . We encourage you to catch up on any readings you may have missed this month.
If you have finished the month’s readings, you can use these final days of the month to study the passages that challenged or intrigued you.
Daily Devotion
What Are You Willing to Do?
“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,” Philippians 3:7-8 KJV
I like the way the Living Bible expresses this verse.
“But all these things that I once thought very worthwhile—now I’ve thrown them all away so that I can put my trust and hope in Christ alone. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have put aside all else, counting it worth less than nothing, in order that I can have Christ,” Philippians 3:7-8 Living Bible
Is there anything I am not willing to give up for God? At first this may seem like an easy question. But when we really think about it; it may not be so easy. Are we willing to give up time we spend doing things we enjoy? Maybe we could spend more time studying, teaching Bible Studies, or witnessing to others. Are we willing to give up the food for a period of time to fast? Are we willing to give up our job to have more time for God? What about status? Money to support the work of God? I am not saying God asks us to give up these particular things or everything. But are we willing to give it all up for Him? Is there anything you would not be willing to give up if God asked you to do it?
We say I would do anything to please God. But is it true? Do we try to get by with the bare minimum that is required to get to Heaven? Do we look for excuses not to do the things God has told us in His Word would please Him? Do we do any of the things God has said displeases Him? If it is in the Bible, it is truth. It does not matter which writer God is speaking through. Do we simply ignore His voice when He urges us to speak to someone, pray with someone, be the first to worship, or whatever He asks us to do?
I am sure we all desire to know God, please Him, and grow closer to Him each day. I think if we really consider these questions we will see where we can grow closer to Him.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT
“But as for me, how good it is to be near God!
I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter,
and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.” Psalm 73:28 NLT
~Kathy Johnson