July Study: Simple Truths

This is our first monthly study and I am so excited about it! Each month, Salt and Light will post a new devotional list that you can freely use at your own pace! I will share the list before the new month. Each day after you finish your reading you can visit this post below with a small recap! This month’s topic is “Simple Truths” meaning the passages of scriptures picked out are easy to read/ interpret and they simply show us the truths of the gospel. I hope that you choose to read and grow during this month of July! I am always here to chat. Love you all.

July 1~ reading: Psalm 31 | We believe He is "unfailing" in love to help us in distress, forgiving our shame (v.17) protecting (v.8) blessing (v.19) provide refuge (v.3) gladness and joy (v.7). If we know and have asked Him to be the savior of our lives, these things will be what flows from His amazing love!! Highlight verses: v. 23-24 Today: take refuge in all the wonderful things He has blessed us with.

July 2~ reading: Psalm 119: 1-40 | Living our lives grounded in God's word (v. 9-12, 15-16). Obedience is something so powerful in our relationship with God (v. 17-18). We find delight (v.24) we find strength (v.28) and we find faithfulness (v.30) in God's word/ decrees and in Him. Focus: delight in Him and His word today!

July 3~ reading: Psalm 138 | This focuses on praise. Thanking God for His unfailing love (v.2) His faithfulness, His glory (v.5) and for saving us through the cross (v.7). Focus: today stop and pray thanking God for ALL he has done in you life, just as David did in this Psalm!

July 4~ reading: Ephesians 4 | The body of Christ is joined by the Father. We grow in our walk with God from our "infant" faith to a more matured one. We are equipped to share the gospel. Verse 13 is the perfect verse to clearly lay out our christian lives. Examples of not living in Christ are in (v. 17-19). Examples of living in Christ (v.20-32). Characteristics of being in Christ: unangry, kind, renewed, unbittered, righteous. When you are saved and ask Jesus to come into your life, you are changed/ free/ renewed. This is not a behavior modification, but rather God will truly change our hearts and mind!

Focus: today reflect on you faith transformation and if you have not given your life to God yet, I hope that you would take some time today and pray about that!

July 5~ reading: Ephesians 5 | He does not just command us to live a life of loving others, but He set an example of what that should look like. Ultimate love is what Jesus did for us on the cross (v.2) Regardless of what the world says is cool and acceptable, God asks us to watch and not to entertain sexual immorality before marriage. He compares the relationship of the church and body, to the relationship of a married man and woman. Man= called to love his wife. Wife= called to respect/submit to her husband. Focus- Today reflect on your life, in what ways can I love others just as Christ loved me?

July 6~ reading: Ephesians 6 | One of the verses that stuck out to me was (v.7) how honoring your father and mother comes with a promise too! It calls us to put on the whole armor of God so that we can fight the enemy when he lies to us, causes chaos in our lives, etc. It reminds us that our battles are not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. Today: Honor your father and mother. Put on the full armour of God.

July 7~ reading: Galatians 5 | Reread verse 6: "the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." God calls us to be free... but not to walk in the world's ways. We're called to live IN Christ and in the spirit, not the world and the flesh. If we walk in Christ, we gain love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, etc. If we walk in the world we gain, impurity, sexual immorality, idolatry, etc. Focus: Thank God today for giving you freedom from the cross. Pray on how to use your freedom to honor Christ and not the world.

July 8~ reading: Galatians 6 | As Christians, we are to hold each other accountable- however we must watch ourselves too. We should test our own ways (v.4) What we reap, we WILL sow (v.7-8) We are to continue doing good to everyone, staying strong in the Lord (v.9-10) continuing to live for HIM only and being "dead" to ourselves and our desires (v.14). Focus: In what areas of my life can I allow God to move in? What areas need fixing? Thank Him for His willingness to allow us to grow despite our flaws and His grace!!

July 9~ reading: Philippians 2 | We should correct and examine our mindset to align with Christ's mindset example. We should not do things out of vain or glory for us, but out of love for others and God. Your joy in life will only be found in Christ. Jesus came to this world and was obedient and humble (v. 9-11). I am reminded of the Lord's power through these verses! How He says, EVERY knee will bow and EVERY tongue will confess in Heaven and Earth. Verse 16 was one to think about again.. will I be able to boast that? With Jesus in our hearts, we have a reason to be joyful!! Today: be Joyful in the Lord !

July 10~

reading: Philippians 3 | When we ask Jesus to come into our lives and save us, we are made NEW! Our lives are changed, our desires are changed and our lives have a new purpose! Therefore, with this new life comes dying to ourselves and ultimately, having "no confidence in our flesh" (v.3) This means not to live as we once did having pride in ourselves. My favorite verses in this part was verses 7-10! Reread them! It is not a sad thing to die to ourselves, it is a blessing to get to know Him more. Focus: I pray today that I will work on having no confidence in me and my flesh, but only in Jesus and in every way look to Him and His righteousness.

July 11~

reading: Philippians 4 | it says rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS and be gentle. Do not be anxious and pray with thankfulness to the God of peace who will grant it to you. Reread verse 8! Keep our minds holy and pure. "Don't be just hearers of the world, but doers too." The secret of being content despite your circumstance= JESUS! Today: Dear God, help me to do what I learn and practice what I read. Help me to look to you who supplies all peace!

July 12~

reading: Colossians 3 | Just as we talked about being saved, giving our lives to God, and surrendering our own desires on day 10, here it is setting the same principals! Set your mind on things above; our lives are His! We must change from our worldly characteristics (v.8) with God's help, to ones more like Him (v.12). Love is one of the most important values of us as Christians! It’s so important! It tells us to work as if we were serving God, not man. Focus: today ask God to help clothe you in the right things and try to honor Him today!

July 13~

reading : Colossians 4 | I love how it talks about being ready to speak to unbelievers. It’s so crucial for God’s kingdom that we speak words of love and encouragement BOLDLY so that they might know our Heavenly Father. Ask God to help you (and me) to pray more for the gospel to be shared/preached! We have an amazing opportunity to love on others, show them grace and point them to Jesus with our words/actions. Today: pray for God’s kingdom to be shared through our speech with unbelievers & those who are preaching/speaking.

July 14~ reading: Romans 3 | What I love about God is that He continues to be good even when I am not (v. 3). He is faithful and true always! As I read verses 5-8, it got me a little confused but from what I got is He is using a human argument to reveal what we deserve as sinners. This righteousness or “faith” (v.22) comes from Him only! It says for ALL have sinned and deserve death/ separation, however, God blesses us with His gift of faith and relationship with Him through the cross! It says “came by Christ Jesus (v.24)." He died on the cross and sacrificed himself for us (v. 25) Today: have you accepted the free sacrifice of relationship/ eternal life? Why or why not? It’s a free gift to receive.. pray about that today and email me if you have any questions on how to ask Jesus into your heart!

July 15~ reading: Romans 6 | When we are saved, we begin a new life (v.4) Our old self is gone and our new self is set FREE from our past that made us struggle (v.6) My Bible has a note that said we are set free or are “rendered powerless.” Love that!! We are powerless until God saved us. Our sin has no hold on us thanks to the cross of Jesus! Focus: today pray for help in areas of our lives that sin keeps staying and to start reminding ourselves that we are FREE in Christ!! Song of the day: No longer Slaves (Bethel Music).

July 16~ reading: Romans 10 | There’s a passion for others to come to know Christ and be saved. If you confess, repent and believe you will be saved. All you must to is “call upon the name of the Lord.” It tells us today, to believe in God is to never be put to shame! Today: if you have not asked Jesus to save you, I challenge you to think about it! Pray to help us know and believe in Him so that we might know you better!

July 17~ reading: James 1 | Our own worldly and sinful desires drag us away into sin. It makes it very clear that God doesn’t tempt us (v. 13-15) but rather the devil does because we have allowed sin into our lives. During our hard times, trust/ lean on God and His word. Perseverance will be key in finishing the race with trust and faith in God (v.4) Let God’s timing be your guide, don’t rush the process He is guiding us on! Blessing flow from perseverance stood faith. (James 1:19) Walk in (v. 21) powerful, choose God. Today: watch our tongues. Choose perseverance over our own paths. Cling to God in the midst of everything!

July 18~ reading: James 2 | As believers, we’re to never show favoritism because God’s favor is for everyone. It gives us a clear example in (v. 2-4) We are the ones who are poor before Christ. We must love all types of people and all kinds of people because God first showed us love! It’s clear that if we extend mercy to others, He will also extend mercy to us. Faith without actions = dead. By following Abraham’s example of faith we can learn to be very faithful! Today: ask God to give you ways to serve by extending love and mercy to others today! Ask him to point out areas of my life where I have faith without works and ask Him to help me not show favoritism.

July 19~ reading: James 3 | Wow! I did not realize how much I loved James 3! It’s so powerful and straight to the point. Our tongues are a part of our bodies that cannot be controlled/ contained. We bless/ praise God with it and also curse/gossip with it too. It says that it should NOT flow from the same spring (v. 10-11). It also says we’re not to have any “seed of selfishness.” We should serve God in thanks for the wisdom He gives. Today: Thank God for His wisdom. Ask Him to help us use it. Pray for correction in taming our tongues.

July 20~reading: 1 John 2: AHH! Verses 1/2!! WOW!! Christ loves us so much and forgives us when we have asked Him to be the savior of our life! He warns us to try not to sin but if we do he offers forgiveness for true repentance. We can be assured of our faith if we KNOW Him and strive to live as Jesus did (v. 9-11) We must display love to everyone. We cannot love the world & the father, that’s being “adulterous.” It also says to live unashamed and confident, living in Christ (v.28) Today: thank God for his forgiveness (v.12) and advocating for us (v.1/2) help us to live as Jesus did (v.6) and not loving the world (v.15) AMEN!!!!

July 21~ reading: 1 Peter 4 | Just because He forgives us, doesn’t mean we should continue to sin! We should “cease” from sin (v.1) and live for God’s will only (v.2). The gospel is fulfilled so we do not have to live in our old ways (v.3-5) At the end of times, we must give an account for our time spent on earth. Love covers a multitude of sins (v.8) It also reminds us not to grumble and rather serve in love (v.9-10) We will be tested, but take heart, His glory revealed (v. 12-13)

July 22~ reading: Hebrews 11 | I know this chapter might seem a little long but I encourage you to continue on reading the amazing examples of faith it gives! Faith is one of the biggest parts to our lives as Christians and knowing Him (v. 6) explains this very honestly. (V. 13-16)>>refer to living for Christ in faith everyday! Notice how they did not have faith in Him just for a season, but rather for their entire lives up until death (v. 13) We want to be people who are truly living out this calling(v. 25) There are many great example listed (v. 32-38). The reasoning behind why we live as followers of Jesus is because of what’s listed in verses 39 and 40. Today: Ask God to help us have faith like the great examples and Him, the ultimate example.

July 23~ reading: Hebrews 12 | sin is real. It easily can hurt us and throw us off if we aren’t careful. It tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus. He loves us and corrects us! It reminds us to not get weary of well doing, meaning not to grow weary of doing good things and living right, but to continue on that path. Our struggles and our corrections might be painful, but will lead us to great perseverance. We’re to live our lives in peace and holiness from God! And finally, to listen to God's voice that helps us live rightly in glory to Him. Today: live in peace and holiness. Live thankful for His correction with a good heart, while listening to God’s commands.

July 24~ reading: Titus 2 | in this scriptures it gives us a clear example to how we should live. Young men: be self-controlled. Set an example in integrity, being good, speech and seriousness (v. 6-8). Young women: be pure. Love those around you. Be self controlled, be kind, be busy at home (v. 4-5). Old men: be temperate, worthy of respect, self controlled, and sound in faith, love and endurance (v. 2). Old women: be reverent, do not be slanderous, or addicted to wine (anything) (v. 3). Salvation comes from the cross of Jesus down to ALL people to accept (v. 11). By growing in our walks with God, we learn to say no to the worldly things (verse 12). Today: follow what the Bible has called you to do in your season. if you are a young girl follow what it says in Titus 2. If you are a young man, follow what it says! Pray and ask God to give you the obedience to follow in the way He has each called us to live.

July 25~ reading: Titus 3 | we are saved to DO good!! We should be obedient, do whatever is good slander no one, be gentle, considerate and peaceable. Verses 3-7 explains our lives before and after Christ. It shows how he changes us to be more like Him and created in us, a new heart! We are to carefully devote ourselves to doing good (v.8). Today: thank God for saving us and giving us a new life. Ask Him to help us live more and more doing good for His glory.

July 26~ reading: Isaiah 61 |God has sent us to proclaim His love to the world. It’s also not referencing poor as in money, but people who are “poor” in the spirit, who don’t know God yet!! “Instead of your shame, you will receive a double portion.” Verses 10-11 remind us how God had blessed us so so much!! today: thank God for blessing us and offering His son as a sacrifice for our sins. Thank Him for trading our shame and disgrace, for something greater!

July 27~ reading: Proverbs 21 | the LORD weighs the heart!! Verse 4 explains what can cause sin. We cannot go on deciding what is “good” based our own judgment, because He will truly test our hearts! Jesus is true and just. He will punish evil (which he HATES) and reward the good (v.12). We are to help those in need, do no neglect them (v.13). We can’t stray from the path of prudence/ cautiousness (verse 16). Be careful who is influencing your life because bad company corrupts good character. Our victory comes only from the LORD. Trust His plan because He is our victory! He is worthy of being honored. Today: strive to live in the good, but don’t judge others or be proud because He will judge our hearts! Praise Him for being the victory of our lives!!

July 28~reading: 1 Corinthians 4 | One thing I think we have all struggled with is feeling like we’re being judged by others or judging others... verse 3 reminds us to not allow that to bother us! “He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.” WOW!! Verse 5 goes back to what we talked about yesterday! Verses 10-13 are very humbling to who we are. Today: Ask Jesus to help us live without judging others and without caring if we’re being judged.

July 29~ reading: 2 Corinthians 9 | Whatever we reap, we will sow, sparingly/generously. An example is if we play a sport and we practice everyday, we hit balls, we run, we workout, etc. If you do all these things, most likely in the game you will do well! Same thing with our relationship with God, if we spend time with Him everyday doing what we need to do, when hard times come we will know how to handle it. God loves a cheerful giver (v. 7). “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” Today: ask for help in areas of reaping and sowing. Ask God to help you prepare the right ways! Thank Him for His indescribable gifts!

July 30~ reading: 1 Thessalonians 1 | (v.2) A reminder to pray everyday for those around us!! Work produced by faith, labor prompted by love and endurance inspired by hope in Jesus. That is the correct attitude of the heart we should all work towards! The word of God came to us with conviction and power to move us to be saved! We are chosen and loved by Him. He gives us joy even in the midst of severe suffering(v. 6). Verse 9 challenges us with how our lives as Christians should be evident to others!! We shouldn’t have to tell them we are believers with words, but through our actions they’ll know. Today: God help us to walk in the ways listed in (v. 3). Help us show others You by our actions!

July 31~ reading: 1 Thessalonians 4 | We know how to live to honor God, He wants us to continue in that way! God will punish those who follow in sin. He has a will for us to all be sanctified (sanctified means to become more like Christ everyday) and by doing that these sins should be let go of. It’s much easier said than done (just to give you some encouragement) you got this! He is loving to forgive us, He just wants us to try. Verse 8, says those who reject this gift are rejecting God, not man :( He set the best example of love in the Bible for us to live out (v.9) When people have passed away, we as believers shouldn’t mourn the same way unbelievers do because we have HOPE in Jesus! Verse 18!! Today: Ask God to help you live in the ways of the Lord as we know how! Ask for forgiveness for times we fail.

~ My prayer is that you grow closer to God each day as you dig into HIs word! The study for August will be up on July 31! If you want to talk about anything you read, feel free to email me !! khigdon04@gmail.com