May 20 - 24

We must think about how, as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. What does the Bible teach us about exhibiting higher standards in a continuously changing world? 

Monday - Read: 1 John 2:15-17 Think: What is the difference between what the Bible teaches about standards and what the world reflects? The difference lies in the question of authority. The Bible tells us that God sets the standard about what is real, true, and lasting. The worldly perspective says that we each get to make up our own. Pray: Are there areas in your life where you have set your own standards? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal these to you today.
 
Tuesday – Read: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Think: Paul stresses the authoritativeness of all of Scripture. The divine origin is the reason for its power because it comes from God himself. “All” of it is profitable, ultimately leading to righteousness. Pray:  That you would receive all Scripture as profitable so that you may be complete and equipped for every good work that God has in store for you.
 
Wednesday – Read: 1 Samuel 24:4-7 Think: David had the perfect opportunity to kill Saul but knew that wasn’t what he was supposed do when his ‘heart struck him’. David chose to be the bigger person even when no one would have blamed him for his revenge against his enemy, Saul. Pray: To continually abide in close fellowship with the Lord so that you will have discernment in what to do, and more importantly, what not to do.
 
Thursday – Read: Philippians 3:13-14 Think: We have all done things that we aren’t proud of, and we live in the tension of what we have been and what we want to be. Because our hope is in Christ, we can let go of past guilt, look upward, and reach forward to what God will help us become. Pray: Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you always and in all ways that glorify him and him alone.
 

Friday – Read: Matthew 22:36-40 Think: Jesus says if we truly love God and our neighbor, we will naturally keep his commandments. This is looking at God’s law through a positive lens. When we choose to live by God’s standards, instead of our own, we are setting an example for others to see us set apart and different. Pray: For the Lord to use you as his light in this world drawing others unto him. Open the email from this week marked Prayer and Praises and pray through the prayer list.