Month: April 2025

Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30; Luke 9:51-10:12; Psalm 74:1-23; Proverbs 12:11

How do you handle the tough challenges of life? As believers, we are not exempt from distasteful things. “The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.” (Psalm 34:17)

The Bible is clear that Jesus came to give His life on the cross for us. But that was not his ultimate goal! The moment that he was conceived in Mary’s womb began a journey for Him to get back to His Father’s presence. So, even though as an all-knowing God, he understood all the twists, turns and torture that Jesus would endure, He never took His eyes off of the larger goal.

This is how you and I should face the difficulties of life. Far too often we focus on the challenge itself without realizing that there will be joy on the other side. What was Jesus’ joy? “As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). Notice He set out for Jerusalem because it was a way-station on the path back home! He knew what needed to happen at Calvary, but Jesus’ heart was set on what happened afterwards. The cross was bearable because Jesus knew on the other side was resurrection from the dead, returning to Heaven and reconnecting all of us to the Father.

Don’t be intimidated when bad situations arise. Focus on the other side when you know you stand in victory and stand as a stronger person. This is what Jesus did and we should too.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19; Luke 10:13-37; Psalm 75:1-10; Proverbs 12:12-14

Deuteronomy 18:1-20:20; Luke 9:28-50; Psalm 73:1-28; Proverbs 12:10

A question commonly asked, is “Why do the wicked prosper?” As you read through the psalms, this is a recurring question that is asked. The challenge with this type of question is that it focuses on the wrong thing. When we take the time to assess other people’s possessions, achievements, or prosperity, it leads us down the wrong road.

The psalm we read today said that he almost lost his footing because he started looking at what others had. Why did he lose his footing? Because when he looked at others, he allowed envy to enter into his life. Once envy entered, then he began to look at every aspect of their lives and compare it to his own. The writer of the psalm also began to question if living for God was the best way to go. Was living a righteous life all for naught? Of course not!

God’s way is never to compare ourselves to others. The psalmist starts off with the words, “Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure.”

When we look at what others have, we lose sight of what is most important: the goodness of God that He has shown to us. You may not have all that you want but you have experienced the goodness of God. There may still be unanswered prayers but God has still been good to you. Put the focus back on God and not on others. Let this be your prayer: “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)

Tomorrow’s Reading: Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30; Luke 9:51-10:12; Psalm 74:1-23; Proverbs 12:11