Good Words for Today

Sin always promises more than it delivers. Keep that in mind the next time temptation knocks at your door.

When God forgives, he forgets our sins, he clears the record, he erases the tape so that when he pushes the button, nothing shows up on the big screen in heaven. Our sins are forgiven, forgotten, removed, buried, and blotted out. They can never condemn us again. Let that thought grip your soul, and you will never be the same. But how could it be this way? How could God forgive us? Why doesn’t he look at our sins? Here’s the answer: A long time ago God fixed his gaze on the cross of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. When we are honest enough to admit that we are wicked and evil, a stream of mercy flows out from the cross of Christ and our sins are covered by his blood. We discover in one shining moment that with God there is forgiveness.

The moral and spiritual confusion of these days offers an incredible opportunity to the church of Jesus Christ. The very fact that we live in such spiritual darkness means that when the light shines, it really shines. Don’t be discouraged by the difficulty of the task. Let us instead be encouraged by the opportunities of this hour.

Lord, when I am tempted to boast about my plans, please remind me that you can run the universe without any help from me. Amen.

"“God prospers me not to raise my standard of living but to raise my standard of giving.” Randy Alcorn

When it comes to our possessions, we usually only ask one question, “What are my possessions doing for me.” We ought also to ask, “What are my possessions doing to me?”

Seven new things God gives to his children: 1) He gives us a new name (Isaiah 62:2). 2) He gives us a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26). 3) He gives us a new song (Psalm 40:3). 4) He gives us a new life (Romans 6:4). 5) He gives us a new beginning (2 Corinthians 5:17). 6) He gives us a new self (Ephesians 4:24). 7) He gives us a new birth (1 Peter 1:3).

"When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast; When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast!"

Lord Jesus, fill us with your love, and may that love move us out of this place and into the world of hurting people. As your love overcame a world of hate, do the same through us today. Amen.

"If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out" (Luke 19:40). Our God deserves praise. Loud praise! Public praise! Exuberant praise! If we will not do our part, the rocks will cry out in praise to the Lord, because all creation declares the glory of God. If some people don’t like your praise, don’t let them bully you into silence. Open your mouth and sing to the Lord!

This is a great day to serve the Lord.

"Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?" (Luke 15:4). The found sheep must be left before the lost sheep can be found. As long as you stay with the found sheep, the lost sheep will remain lost.

All of our deepest problems are solved at the Cross. For the helpless, he died. The ungodly, he justified. The sinner, he saved. His enemies, he reconciled. See Romans 5:6-11.

Lord Jesus, help me to live today so that in 10,000 years I will have no regrets. Amen

So many of us look at a difficult situation and pray, “Lord, change my situation.” That’s not usually God’s will. We ought to pray, “Lord, change me so that I can face this situation.” That’s a prayer God is pleased to answer.

Almighty God, grant that we might not be discouraged even a little bit by the things that happen around us. Grant us grace to keep on praying as we wait for Jesus to come again. Amen.

It is a good thing to come to the end of a hard time and say, "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word" (Psalm 119:67). Don't waste your trials. Use them to grow in the Lord.

God’s mercy in Christ is more than enough for all of us.

“Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee, And hail Him as thy matchless King through all eternity.”

Lord of all grace, I look to you for the strength I need to keep on going, for without your help I will certainly fall. Amen.

God is moving. Be patient.

Lord, help me to learn from my mistakes so that I won’t have to make them all over again. Amen.

When a loved one dies, we often say we have "lost" them. But a thing is not lost if you know where it is. If they knew the Lord, we know where they are. They may be gone from our sight, but they are not lost. They are with the Lord now and forever.

Generosity starts in the heart, not in the pocketbook. That’s why God loves a cheerful giver. Better to give a little because you want to than a lot because you have to.

“But the Lord sent a strong wind on the sea, and the storm was so violent that the ship was in danger of breaking up” (Jonah‬ ‭1:4‬). Though the voyage into sin may start with a celebration, it always ends with a raging storm. God makes sure of that.

God is not limited by our limitations. Nothing is impossible for him.

How to be used by God: Show up. Hang loose. Trust God. Be alert. (HT Steve Zoller)

If we act the world, talk like the world, and look like the world, why should the world want what we have?

“I send you forth as sheep among wolves” (Matthew 10:16). If Jesus sends us, and he goes with us, we’re safer among the wolves than if we stayed in the pen.