Daily Bible Reading - Thursday July 23rd

Paul could speak about troubles and pain from his own experience. People had opposed him and punished him. Those people hated Paul because he spoke God’s message. Paul had suffered physical difficulties like cold and hunger as he travelled on land and sea. He also seems to speak about a physical problem that was a painful nuisance to him. But he was sure that he would suffer for only a short time. Glory would last always. Present pain is very slight when we compare it with the splendid life of heaven.  Even the pain we endure when we lose weight, the suffering we think we go through getting rid of the excess baggage is nothing compared to what Paul seemed to have to go through.  In the end, Heaven will be worth all the pain and suffering we have had to endure.  Reading about Paul sure makes me stop and think about my own life and what I thought I was having to go through, there’s really no comparison.

Today’s Reading

2 Chronicles 8:11-10:19
Romans 8:9-25
Psalm 18:16-36
Proverbs 19:26

Daily Devotional

Hebrews 4:16
"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most"

Notice in today’s verse that God doesn’t say, “Come to Me with a weak, defeated, pitiful attitude." He doesn’t say, “Come to Me thinking about all your failures and how unworthy you are." No, God says, come to Me with boldness. Come to Me with your head held high, knowing that I’m a good God, and I want to help you! He says, “Come to Me knowing that you are the apple of My eye, and I want to be good to you."

And really, the only way you’re going to approach God boldly is to know that you’re righteous—that you are in right standing with Him. You have to know in your heart that God is pleased with you. You have to know that your sins are forgiven.

Today, instead of dwelling on what you’ve done wrong, dwell on what you’ve done right! You may not be all that you’re supposed to be yet, but you can thank God that you’re not what you used to be! You are forgiven. You are chosen. You are accepted. Receive His forgiveness today so you can go boldly to His throne of grace.

Today's Prayer: "Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy and grace. Thank You for inviting me into Your presence. I receive Your forgiveness today and come boldly before You. Teach me Your ways that I may walk in Your truth all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."