DAY FOURTY

Day 40, we’ve finally reached the “end.” We’d like to bring it back to the beginning, back to why this Challenge began. Today’s challenge is simply but very seriously to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, and to love your neighbor. Love God, love people, because all the challenges hang on these two imperatives.

Matthew 22:36-40 –> “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

DAY THIRTY-NINE

Although we may not outwardly display it, many of us struggle with the concept of favoritism in our relationships. Make an intentional effort to treat everyone the same, and to see everyone as God would see them.

James 2:1 –> My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.

DAY THIRTY-EIGHT

God does not just show Himself in our long-term relationships with others, but everything  we do should always be pointing towards God, even in our short exchanges. Try to reflect His love to everyone you encounter today, even to those you may only briefly just pass by. That may be through simply saying a quick “hello” to a stranger or talking with sincere love and care to someone you may never see again. Trust and pray that God can use even these little exchanges to bless others and ourselves.

Romans 8:28–> And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

DAY THIRTY-SEVEN

Try to actively not be judgemental towards a person regardless of  who they are or how they act. Put yourselves in their shoes and try to understand where they’re coming from.

James 4:12 –>  There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

DAY THIRTY-SIX

Today when you read the Bible, find a real application from the Bible passage and apply it to your life. Regardless whether the passage is from the Old or New Testamtent, it is a guide to you interactions and relationships with others.
Luke 11:28–> Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it

DAY THIRTY-FIVE

Read Matthew 22. God invites “many” people to be part of his kingdom, but only a “few” are chosen by him. God doesn’t choose arbitrarily,rather the invitation must be consciously accepted by each person. A sign of acceptance is followed by appropriate conduct. Take a few moments to consider what God desires of your actions as his child and what you can do to be a better servant through your actions. Share what you conclude.

John 14:15–>If you love me, you will obey what I command.

DAY THIRTY-FOUR

Many of us tend to get wrapped up in our own worlds or immediate surroundings. Pray for the world: find out about a current world crisis, then commit to following the news about it so that you may be able to pray for it continually.

John 3:16-17,19 –> For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.

DAY THIRTY-THREE

When we talk with people, a question that often comes up is, “How are you doing?” Normally, our response is something along the lines of “Oh, I’m fine”, “I’m doing well”, etc., even when it is not true, and even if the other person truly wants to know. However, it is often through honest and plain talk that we develop our relationships and connections with those around us, and allows people to help each other through the struggles they face. Today, whenever someone asks you how you are, respond truthfully, whether good or bad.

Ephesians 4:25 –> Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

DAY THIRTY-TWO

Our God is mighty to save even those we deem “unreachable” or way too far from God to even spend time and energy trying to reach for His Kingdom. Stop putting God in a box by thinking of someone you tend to dismiss as a “lost cause”; then show them a little of who our God is by reaching out to them, whether that be sharing the good news or investing in them.

Zephaniah 3:17–> God is with you, he is mighty to save.

DAY THIRTY-ONE

Overcome a fear or worry by actively overcoming a mistrust in God, trusting in His promise that He is a good God. That He has a plan for you and that His plan for you is the best plan possible.

Proverbs 3:5-6–> Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.