Jul 10 2024

Today's Bible Verse
Proverbs 17:22 (KJV)

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

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Today's Bible study

In this verse from Proverbs, we learn about the importance of having a joyful attitude. Joy is like good medicine, while a broken spirit is the opposite… drying up the bones. When we intentionally put on a good attitude about our life and how the Lord is working through it, we will bring honor to the Lord.

Have you ever felt physically stronger or lighter when you were happy? What about when you were discouraged; did you feel achy or sluggish? Our emotional states have a tangible impact on our bodies and our spirits. Indeed, this verse can be taken literally (regarding our physical bodies) as well as metaphorically (regarding our spirits).

This does not mean that we'll never experience sadness or frustration at different points in our lives. Even Jesus wept; we never need to be ashamed of weeping. However, a merry heart indicates a state of being that is deeper than our temporary emotions or feelings. It is a steady feeling of joy. It cannot be taken away by our life circumstances because its source, the Lord's love for us, will never leave us.

This steady feeling of joy is rooted in truths about the Lord, and it is a firm foundation that is deeper and stronger than the occasional tides of negative emotions. What truths about the Lord bring you joy? For me, it is the assurance that He knows me even better than I know myself, that He loves me so deeply, and that He is always working things together for the good. Even when we cannot see or understand how God is working, we are able to trust Him because we know who He is. This gives us a firm foundation for joy in every circumstance—the ability to have a merry heart always.

Today, if you are in need of spiritual or physical healing, set your eyes on glorious truths about the Lord. Remind yourself of His demonstrated goodness, and ask Him to help you believe His promises.

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for being so good to me. You are my eternal reason to rejoice, and I love you. Please help me to have a merry heart, rejoicing in you in all circumstances, and praising your name. In Jesus' name, amen.

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If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.

-C.S. Lewis

God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas but for scars.

-Elbert Hubbard

The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.

-C.S. Lewis

"If you want to know what God thinks of money, just look at the people he gave it to.

-Dorothy Parker

Yesterday's Devotional

Jul 09 2024

Yesterday's Bible Verse
Acts 2:21 (KJV)

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. :

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Yesterday's Bible study

This verse from Acts records the words of the apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon Christians in Jerusalem. He quotes the Old Testament prophet Joel, reminding them of the ancient promise that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. After this, Peter encourages them to put their faith in Jesus Christ. Today, we will talk about the salvation that we have through Jesus.

This verse promises us that when we call on the name of the Lord, we will be saved. It gives us final confirmation that once we have given our lives to Jesus, we never again have to worry about being separated from Him. We know without any doubt that He will be with us always.

In this verse, calling on the name of the Lord, means a lot more than merely asking the Lord to help us. While salvation begins with asking the Lord to help us, the natural progression following our salvation is to live a life that honors Him, growing stronger in our faith day after day. When we call on the Lord, we are making a lifetime commitment to serve Him and honor His commandments—even when it is difficult or inconvenient. Once we are saved, then we become more and more like our Savior.

We can trust the Lord to help us become more like Him when we call out to Him. Jesus' death and resurrection defeated sin and shame once and for all. We can take comfort that He will forgive our sins and draw near to us when we come before Him.

Today, whatever struggles you may be facing, remember that the Lord is with you. He is your salvation not when you make yourself good enough for Him—He's your salvation today. When we call upon the Lord's name, we have the assurance that He will welcome us with loving arms and He promises us eternal life.

Yesterday's Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for my salvation. Thank you for not looking at me as I'm a sinner but instead seeing me as your child. Thank you for the redeeming work of the cross, and for the wonderful grace I have found in Jesus. In Jesus' name, amen.
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