Psalms 37:4-6

What may begin as a minor comparison between our own lives and the lives of others can quickly escalate into an overwhelming mess. Jealousy is like a snowball that grows larger and larger. Its consequences are often devastating.

Confusion, anxiety, and bitterness can flood an envious heart and skew thoughts, until it’s nearly impossible to keep God’s plan in view. Instead, the focus becomes what we don’t have, taking us down the crippling path of resentment of others who do have the desired object or trait. This can dominate our thinking, leading to irrational behavior and broken relationships.

What’s more, envy dishonors our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Though He has a beautiful plan for each and every one of His children, jealousy says, “I deserve more than You’ve provided, and therefore, I don’t trust that You truly give me Your best.”

If you find any evidence of envy in your life, confess the comparison mindset. Recognize that you’re focusing on what God is doing in another person’s life rather than in your own. Thank Him for how He is blessing the other person, and ask Him to place love in your heart for that individual. Then refocus your attention on what the Father is doing. Finally, memorize and meditate on today’s verses.

If you’re burdened with jealousy, then you’re missing out on God’s best. Don’t wait to deal with this sin, which will fester and grow if left unattended. The One who created you and designed a good plan for your life is able to conquer jealousy in your heart.

Bible in One Year: Ephesians 1-3

1 Samuel 18:5-16

We all have expectations, desires, and hopes for our lives, but our plan isn’t always God’s best. And what we see others experiencing may not be what He has in store for us. When you compare yourself with others, watch out! Jealousy is usually lurking close by.

Consider Saul. Appointed by the Lord to be Israel’s first king, Saul was given power and godly success. But when he heard women praising David for his great victory over Goliath, he became envious and suspicious. Saul began to fear losing the kingdom; eventually, his own jealousy led to loss of relationships, position, and power.

This may seem like an extreme example. And yet, if we honestly examine ourselves, we will likely find that envy is hiding somewhere in our hearts. Try this simple test: Ask yourself, Is there anyone whose material, physical, or relational success causes me to feel displeasure, discomfort, or anxiety?

Most often, insecurity, selfishness, or pride is behind a jealous mindset. In fact, all three are evident in the life of Saul. He was scared that he would be outdone and overtaken, he didn’t want to share the glory with David, and he was insulted that a mere shepherd boy would perform better than a king.

The fallacy of envy is that we can never view the entire picture in someone else’s life. Only God sees beneath the surface of our lives. Our eyes should focus on our own walk with the Lord. He created each of us differently, and His plan for every individual’s life is unique.

Bible in One Year: Ephesians 1-3

Acts 1:8

God’s Spirit works in every believer. He doesn’t limit Himself to pastors and missionaries. If you’ve received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, then residing within you is the same great power that raised Christ from the dead. (See Rom. 8:11.) The Holy Spirit creates godly character in all who follow the Lord.

The fruit of the Spirit is the character and conduct the Holy Spirit produces in believers (Gal. 5:22-23). These are qualities that we can’t generate consistently on our own. Especially in this season, the most powerful message we can give isn’t a testimony or sermon; it’s the life we live when the pressure is on, temptation is tremendous, or we are buried under an avalanche of problems.

The world doesn’t need more festive decorations or empty songs. Instead, it needs to witness godly families loving one another, businesspeople working with integrity and frugality, and young men and women who choose moral purity. The world needs to be exposed to believers who are obedient.

By showing peace instead of anxiety, or practicing patience rather than speaking a sharp word, a Christian bears witness to the beauty of the gospel. We attract unbelievers to Jesus through our words and deeds. They may turn down a doctrine, but they can’t ignore a righteous life.

The strongest gospel message doesn’t always come from a pulpit. The most powerful witness for Jesus Christ where you work, where you live, and where you relax is you. In the next few weeks and into the new year, be mindful of the message you preach through your words and actions.

Bible in One Year: Galatians 1-3

Romans 5:1-9

If you’re brave enough, stand on a sidewalk and ask passersby the question, “What gives you peace?” The answers you receive will most likely have one thing in common: peace defined as dependent upon circumstances—a solid relationship with a spouse, a well-paying job, or good health. What happens, then, if a couple fights, the company lays off employees, or sickness saps the body? Peace rooted in good situations isn’t really peace at all; it’s a brittle kind of harmony between man and the world. It crumbles very easily.

Jesus Christ is the only One who offers true peace—a lasting contentment that is unbreakable, no matter what missiles Satan may hurl. However, a sinful life makes peace impossible because a person cannot experience assurance of God’s care when he or she acts in defiance of His will. When a believer expresses faith in Jesus, the battle for self-rule is won. Submission to the Lord allows His peace to permeate one’s life.

When the Holy Spirit lives within us, we can approach life confidently and serenely. The only way to get this lasting peace is through a relationship with the Savior. Paul explains in Romans 5:1 that to be justified—that is, declared no longer guilty—we must accept the sacrifice Christ made in our place. Justification makes us right with God and opens our hearts to peace.

If you haven’t yet acknowledged to God that you recognize His Son’s loving sacrifice made on your behalf, then you don’t have real peace. Now is the right time to surrender to Him.

Bible in One Year: 2 Corinthians 9-13

2 Peter 1:12-21

Throughout the world, and even within the church, we can find a wide variety of beliefs about the Lord. To avoid confusion and deception, we need to recognize that His Word is without error and that it reveals the truth we need to understand about our amazing triune God.

The inerrancy of the Bible. Unless a person has a firm belief in this doctrine, all of his or her ideas about the Lord will be subjective. Scripture is God’s thoughts written without error by men who were governed by the Holy Spirit. Fulfilled prophecy is proof that this book is never wrong (Isa. 48:3).

An accurate understanding of God. The Lord is one divine being expressed in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are equal in every way, but their jobs differ. Think of the Father as the initiator, the Son as the implementer, and the Spirit as the energizer. All three were involved in creation as well as the plan of salvation.

The Son, who existed in eternity past, came to earth by being born of a virgin. He is the God-man, having added humanity to His deity. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death for our sins, rose bodily from the grave, and ascended to the Father in heaven.

The Holy Spirit is our power source. He indwells every believer in Christ, transforming character, revealing truth, and enabling obedience to God.

Our Creator wants us to know Him. Isn’t that amazing? He invites us to enjoy an intimate relationship with Him. Every day we have the privilege of opening His Word and speaking with our loving God. He’s waiting for you . . .

Bible in One Year: 1 Corinthians 11-13

Psalm 131:1-2

As this season of Advent begins, it is wise to reexamine our hearts with regards to prayer. Do you hurry through your quiet time so you can get to other things? If so, consider the values Jesus modeled for us in His practice of setting apart time to spend with His Father.

Solitude. Though the Lord was constantly surrounded by people as He tended to their needs, He also understood His own need for seclusion. Often, after an intense period of ministry, He would retreat from the crowds—and even His disciples—to pray in private.

Safeguarded time.No matter what else was going on, Jesus made it a point to protect periods of time so He could rest in the Spirit, focus on His relation- ship with the Father, and build up His physical and emotional strength. Even when people were clamoring for Him, Jesus made it a priority to safeguard this time, knowing that His ministry would flow from it.

Stillness. What does it means to be still? Psalm 46:10 calls us to stillness with these words: “Cease striving and know that I am God.” To learn this perpetual inner peace, periodically stop everything you’re doing, and simply let your soul become aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence. In today’s reading, David described it as the state of a “weaned child” who is at perfect rest and happy just to be in his mother’s arms.

If you make these a priority, you will reap tremendous benefits. Doing so may seem challenging. But when you quiet your heart before the Lord, you’ll discover how much you need the peace of His presence. It is a priceless gift.

Bible in One Year: 1 Corinthians 7-10

2 Peter 1:1-4

When we place our trust in God, we can be assured that He provides for all of our needs. Here are a few of our blessings we receive from the Lord:

Forgiveness. When you place your trust in Jesus Christ, your sin is washed away. This refers not only to all previous sin but also to the sin you have not yet committed (Eph. 1:7).

Freedom.Christianity is the only religion in the world that offers freedom from a works-based righteousness. This means that we do not have to earn the Lord’s favor. He loves us perfectly and has made provision for our complete salvation through His Son. All we have to do is accept this loving gift of grace (John 8:36).

Union with God. We don’t worship a distant deity; we praise a loving Father who knows every detail of our lives. Ephesians 1:13 reveals that we are “sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit.” This means we are forever joined to the Father. Read Ephesians 1:1-14 closely and count all the times that the apostle Paul uses the phrase “in Him”—you will see the great emphasis he placed on his relationship with Christ.

Eternal Life. If you have been sealed in God, then you are forever bound with Him. He has you in His grip, and nothing can pull you away (John 10:28-29).

Money is fleeting, yet it is the god to which many people bow. The Lord has riches of greater worth for you. Whether you are wealthy or not, do not let your material possessions keep you from accepting your riches in Christ. There is surely more value in what God has to offer.

Bible in One Year: 1 Corinthians 4-6

Ephesians 1:1-8

What would it take for you to consider yourself rich? Would it require a healthy bank account? A fancy new car in the garage? The freedom to go online, click a few buttons, and have anything you want delivered right to your door?

You may not be so bold as to answer yes to the above questions, but does your life reflect this kind of attitude? Sadly, many believers are completely overtaken by the world’s standard of riches and define wealth by how much they possess.

This happens whether one is wealthy or not. For the well-off, the temptation is to see money as the defining characteristic of their lives; for the poor, money becomes the be-all-end-all goal of comfort and satisfaction. You see, greed is no respecter of persons. It attacks rich and poor alike.

What many believers fail to realize is that in Jesus Christ we are all rich. Sure, you may have a mortgage or rent due each month, a car payment, and credit card bills; however, if you have placed your faith in Jesus, you can boldly acknowledge that almighty God has already poured His richest blessings upon you. Hallelujah!

Ephesians 1:3 says that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. Did you notice the tense of the verb there? The past tense—“has blessed”—is used, meaning it’s already happened. And He does not give just a little bit here and there; rather, He lavishly pours out His blessings on us.

Look beyond your finances today, and prayerfully list all of the blessings in your life. Tomorrow, we will take a closer look at some of God’s choicest gifts.

Bible in One Year: 1 Corinthians 1-3

Philippians 2:5-8

The gospel’s effectiveness is greatly hindered by Christians who act differently at church than they do elsewhere. The way we live for God should permeate all areas of life. The workplace is no exception.

Our behavior reflects our faith. So if we claim to be Christians, then our coworkers will equate our attitudes and actions with Jesus. Do those around you at the office see a positive reflection of God in your work ethic?

Let’s look at a scriptural model for the believer to follow. For one thing, as we read in today’s passage, we should view ourselves as servants and be willing to put the needs of others before our own. Next, our true boss is Christ; therefore, we work diligently and with integrity, knowing that our reward is from Him (Col. 3:23). Then, since all authority on earth is God- given (Rom. 13:1), we should obey our superiors gladly—unless, of course, our human bosses tell us to do something that goes against Scripture. And finally, all those we work with and for have worth from the Creator, so we should treat them with respect (1 John 4:7-8).

Think about the Golden Rule—Do unto others as you’d have others do unto you—and how it applies here. Putting it a different way, imagine yourself as the boss and ask, How would I like my employees to work, whether I was watching or not?

We are to work as though God is our boss. That means doing tasks with joy, a servant attitude, respect for others, diligence, and obedience. Imagine what the workplace could be if all believers approached their jobs this way.

Bible in One Year: Romans 1-3

Romans 8:29-31

How tempting it is to think we need very little improvement. Ask around, and you’ll hear many people concede they could probably use a little bit of “maintenance” on one or two problem areas, but preferably without being caused any discomfort. Yet most will add, “But I’m a good person.” Don’t be fooled—the Father refuses to settle for humanity’s meager vision of “good enough.”

We could say that God is our “interior designer.” God sees each believer as the person he or she will be when fully yielded to Jesus Christ. He then sets about achieving that complete renovation by transforming the individual’s present self into the image of His Son.

An essential step in God’s remodeling work involves removing whatever is unnecessary, damaged, or outmoded. In our case, what must go are the areas of self-will. I can tell you from experience that being a man under construction is uncomfortable! God targets habits, attitudes, and even relationships wherein we act independently of His purposes. He applies pressure to direct our attention to those places so we will surrender them to Him. Then the Lord even takes hold of interests that are dear to us. He does so until we ask a humbling question: “What would You have me submit to You, Father?”

Conforming our will to God’s changes who we are. In the midst of our transformation, pain from His tools may temporarily obscure the beauty of His design. But nothing is more splendid to God than a committed, obey-at- all-costs follower. Submit to Him so that He might remake you into the son or daughter He desires.

Bible in One Year: Acts 27-28

Romans 7:15-20

Victory is God’s will for the life of a believer. But sometimes we can find ourselves repeatedly falling into the same sin. As a result, our prayer life is marked by broken promises to end wrongdoing. We tell the Lord that we yearn to do what is right, but often our desire wanes when virtue is no longer convenient, pleasurable, or profitable. Many believers become angry with God for withholding the victory, but sin is always our choice—not the Lord’s.

If a stinging conscience and misery are the result of our decision to sin, why do we continue to transgress? One reason is incomplete repentance. It is possible for us to experience grief, embarrassment, and shame over sin without being truly repentant. The reason is that penitence isn’t a matter of weeping or feeling guilty; rather, true repentance is a change of mind about sin so that we no longer hold on to our own perspective but instead agree with God’s viewpoint. When we do this, the heart turns in the opposite direction from persistent wrongdoing.

The second reason for failure is an inadequate view of our true identity in the Lord. We, as completed children of God, have Christ living within to empower us. When we grasp this truth, we will recognize that sin does not fit who we are, and we’ll stop rationalizing our offenses. Our genuine repentance is based upon an honest and full understanding of our identity.

When we put these two truths together, we create a powerful tool against Satan and temptation. Our Father wants us to be victorious, and we triumph over failure when we remember that Jesus Christ is the source of our lives.

Bible in One Year: Acts 23-24