One Verse Devotional

Isaiah reminds us to trust in the Lord forever. Why? Because He is the Rock eternal. In the storms of life, I want to be anchored to that Rock!

As Christians, we are called to build up and lift up others with our speech. Use your words to show love today.

As Jesus followers, we are called to a different standard. A higher standard. In Ephesians 4, Paul lays out some “Instructions for Christian living.” Right in the middle of this passage, he writes, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29) Sadly, this is not what I see today in the church. Just before I sat down to record this podcast episode, I saw a post in a Facebook group where someone took the time to write out a lengthy poem to directly call out someone else and their writings. Now, I agree that this person’s writings are, well, abstract and in contrast to how many view the Bible. (That’s putting it mildly) However, did this really call for a direct reference with a link and photo of the person they were talking about? Could the writer of the Facebook post not simple speak the truth about the topic and warn others? It takes some serious energy to craft a poem, all with the simple intent of degrading this person. That’s how we should use our gifts? How long does a Facebook post last? Can we please use our passions and gifts for creating real art in the world that will last?

I see something better for the Church. Can we please lift up others in love? Do we have to disagree about everything? Do we have to die on every hill? Is it possible to disagree in love? Is it possible to show respect for a fellow Christian brother or sister? Is it ironic that many who seem so adamant at putting people “in their place” seem to forget verses like Ephesians 4:29. How many times do we think that we need to “speak the truth!” But we forget the same verse ends, “in Love.” Love should lead us. Love should guide us. Let us lift up others with our words.

One Verse is a short, free podcast devotional designed to help you grow closer to God through less than 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

Consistency trumps intensity. When it comes to working out, eating healthy, or managing our finances, consistency always trumps intensity. We reach our major life goals through small, purposeful steps taken daily. The same is true in our spiritual lives. I truly believe you will grow closer to God by spending just 5 minutes a day with Him versus cramming in an hour once a month. The One Verse Devotional is here to help take away the barriers of spending time with God. Now, during your workout, drive to work, or even shopping for groceries, you can invest in your spiritual life.

http://phosphorusproject.com/

Christians can be so cruel to other Christians. What message does this send to the world? The Bible is clear: Accept each other.

In Christian circles, the word “acceptance” carries a lot of baggage and drama. One side of Christianity wants to be all inclusive and accepting no matter what. The other side wants to stand firm, believing that acceptance leads to a watered down faith. This raises a lot of questions. Are we talking about acceptance of the Church with the “world” or acceptance within the church? For the first issue, we will have to tackle that another day. It’s not an easy conversation. But for the second, acceptance within the church, it’s pretty straight forward. Let me be more clear: The Bible is pretty straight forward on the topic. For one, there are no “sides” of Christianity. Not in God’s eyes. In Romans 15, Paul says we are all of one mind and one voice. He continues with our One Verse for today in Romans 15:7. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” We don’t have to agree with each other. We won’t. But why can’t we disagree on topics, but still be accepting of each other as followers of Jesus? Why is this so hard? Are we so ignorant as to think that every single Christian is going to vote Republican? Or Democrat? Do we truly think every Christian should read and understand the Bible the exact same way? Our country couldn’t even come to a consensus on a blue or yellow dress last year! Maybe we can expand our faith. Maybe we can stick to our beliefs and yet stand next to those who view life and the Bible differently. I don’t know all of the answers. But I know that God-through Paul-is clear. We are one mind, one voice, and we need to accept each other. It couldn’t be more clear.

One Verse is a short, free podcast devotional designed to help you grow closer to God through less than 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

Consistency trumps intensity. When it comes to working out, eating healthy, or managing our finances, consistency always trumps intensity. We reach our major life goals through small, purposeful steps taken daily. The same is true in our spiritual lives. I truly believe you will grow closer to God by spending just 5 minutes a day with Him versus cramming in an hour once a month. The One Verse Devotional is here to help take away the barriers of spending time with God. Now, during your workout, drive to work, or even shopping for groceries, you can invest in your spiritual life.

http://phosphorusproject.com/

Let’s be quick to open our ears and slow to open our mouths.

I’ll be honest, I wish every Christian would read this verse, memorize this verse, and live this verse! Our One Verse comes from the Book of James, and he teaches us that we need to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to have anger. Well, if this election year isn’t the perfect time for this verse, I don’t know what it. Have you looked at your Facebook newsfeed, lately? Oh, my! The internet has given us a voice, and we have forgotten that it has also given us a great way to listen, as well. You can be firm in your beliefs. This verse isn’t about compromise. Look at Jesus. He spoke to tax collectors and prostitutes and all sorts of people. And He always listened. The only group of people that He was hard on and would put them “in their place” were the Pharisees, the religious leaders! Let’s follow Jesus’s example and listen before we speak or get angry.

One Verse is a short, free podcast devotional designed to help you grow closer to God through less than 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

Consistency trumps intensity. When it comes to working out, eating healthy, or managing our finances, consistency always trumps intensity. We reach our major life goals through small, purposeful steps taken daily. The same is true in our spiritual lives. I truly believe you will grow closer to God by spending just 5 minutes a day with Him versus cramming in an hour once a month. The One Verse Devotional is here to help take away the barriers of spending time with God. Now, during your workout, drive to work, or even shopping for groceries, you can invest in your spiritual life.

http://phosphorusproject.com/

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." -Proverbs 3:3