Oct 04 2024

Today's Bible Verse

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

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Today's verse is taken from the Sermon on the Mount, a famous set of Jesus' teachings found in the gospel of Matthew. It comes in a section where Jesus is talking about worry, and it asks a rhetorical question: What effect do our thoughts have on things that are impossible to change? Let's take a look at what Jesus meant by this question and the ramifications His teaching has on our lives today.

Have you ever spent time thinking about your own thoughts? What do you think about? Pause for a moment and consider the thoughts that have crossed your mind in the past hour. How many were about things you can't do anything about? It's easy to get caught up in thoughts of the past or our physical appearance or what may or may not happen tomorrow. Even though we can't do much about these things, we still spend time worrying about them.

Jesus' question in this verse in Matthew reminds us that such thinking is futile. Mulling over unchangeable facts does nothing good for us.

At its root, worrying about unchangeable things—or really, about anything—is an example of unbelief. It puts a burden on us that we do not have to bear. We don't have to worry about anything because God is always faithful and can always be trusted. Even if our worst nightmare comes true, we can rest in the character of God because He never changes. He is good and loving—and nothing will ever change those realities. Because of His unchanging faithfulness, we can exchange worry for faithful belief in Him.

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for being so good and so loving. You are infinitely better than anything this world has to offer. Thank you for being a faithful God. Remind us of your faithfulness when we start to worry, and steer our hearts back to you. In Jesus' name, amen.

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Oct 03 2024

Yesterday's Bible Verse

Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. :

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Yesterday's Bible study

In this verse from Proverbs, we are told that when we commit our actions to the Lord, our thoughts (also translated as plans will be established). This means when we focus on the Lord first and foremost, we will receive the direction that we need in our lives.

Do you ever have questions or anxiety about the future? I have, and many people I know have as well. Most of the time, however, even if we don't know what's down the road next month or five years from now, there are still actions we can take today… things we can do in this moment. This might be something as simple as fixing a meal, doing a daily Bible study, or taking regular walks.

Nothing is too simple to be committed to the Lord. Focus on what you have right in front of you and commit those things to the Lord.

What does it mean to commit your work to the Lord? It simply means that you do your work as if you are doing it for Him. For example, take care of your home as if it were the Lord's residence. Do what your boss asks you to do as if the Lord were asking you to do it. Make God the direct beneficiary of everything you do because it is He who makes it possible for you to do these things.

When we get into the habit of working unto the Lord, we will develop intimacy with Him. Because we are communing with Him over everyday tasks we will be speaking to Him continuously. We begin to see our work—even something as simple as doing the dishes—as holy. We develop trust in the Lord because our eyes are opened to how He has met our needs.

Also, the Lord will establish our plans. In other words, while we should plan and think about the future, we do not have to worry about veering off course of His plan or missing out on His will. If we bring our questions to the Lord, He will provide direction that protects us from missing out on anything He wants for us. When we focus on what is in front of us today, He will guide us for the rest of our days… and we can simply revel in knowing Him.

Yesterday's Prayer

Dear Lord, please help us commit our work to you. Sometimes we may forget that you care about everything, including things we find mundane or tedious, and we lose sight of the fact that everything is holy. Help us to honor you in everything we do. In Jesus name, amen.


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