February 29, 2020 · Bob Gass

Be devoted to Christ

“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.” 1 Timothy 4:15 NIV

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One day, a friend of Chuck Swindoll’s stopped by his study to “speak the truth in love” to him (see Ephesians 4:15). The man said, “I don’t think you’ll fall morally or ethically. What does worry me is that you could be tempted to let your time with God and your time in the study of the Scriptures become less and less important to you. I want to urge you, do not let that happen.” Swindoll took his words to heart and wrote down these five promises to himself. If you’re serious about being devoted to Christ, you need to make these same promises to yourself also: “(1) I promise to keep doing original and hard work in my study. Those to whom I am called deserve my best efforts. (2) I promise to maintain a heart for God. That means I will pray frequently and fervently and stay devoted to Him and to my calling. (3) I promise to remain accountable. Living the life of a religious lone ranger is not only unbiblical, it’s dangerous. (4) I promise to stay faithful to my family. My wife deserves my time, affection, and undivided attention. Our now-grown children deserve the same. (5) I promise to be who I am, just me. To keep laughing and saying things a little ‘off-the-wall.’ To be a friend and make a few mistakes each month.” On that second promise: being devoted to Christ doesn’t make you weird, judgmental, antisocial, or isolated from the world. No, it makes you the best version of yourself you can be—and the one God wants you to be.

Bible in a year - Num 1 and Mark 2:13-28

Previous Daily Encouragement

February 28, 2020 · Bob Gass

Challenge your own thinking

“Let the wise listen and add to their learning.” Proverbs 1:5 NIV

As you examine your mistakes, you realize it was your thinking at the time that caused them, and that’s why you need to keep challenging your own thinking. “Let the wise listen and add to their learning.” How do you do that? By learning to Read More + Listen to Audio Clip

February 27, 2020 · Bob Gass

Go back and submit

“Go back…and submit.” Genesis 16:9 NIV

The Bible says, “Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her. The angel of the Lord found Hagar…in the desert…And he said, ‘Hagar…where have you come from, and where are you going?’ ‘I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,’ she answered. Then the angel…told her Read More + Listen to Audio Clip

February 26, 2020 · Bob Gass

Stand on God’s Word (6)

“To depart and be with Christ…is better by far.” Philippians 1:23 NIV

When death takes someone you love. Satan will try to torment you with remorseful thoughts of what you did and didn’t do for your loved one while they were still here. Don’t listen to him! The Bible calls him “the accuser” (see Revelation 12:10). Instead Read More + Listen to Audio Clip

February 25, 2020 · Bob Gass

Stand on God’s Word (5)

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” Psalm 34:18 NLT

When someone has broken your heart. When somebody you love breaks your heart and betrays your trust, you’re in a vulnerable place. And the enemy will use the experience to get you to do four things that will hurt you even more, derail you spiritually Read More + Listen to Audio Clip

February 24, 2020 · Bob Gass

Stand on God’s Word (4)

“When you are tempted, he will show you a way out.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

When you violate your marriage vows. You violate God’s Word, break your spouse’s heart, embarrass the cause of Christ, live with the fear of exposure, and trade short-term pleasure for long-term pain. So before you get involved, seek God’s help and stand on His Word Read More + Listen to Audio Clip

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