For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father ...
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) ...
The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but ...
“Why does this always happen to me?” Bradley had fallen a second time on his bicycle, his 7-year old, 72-pound frame tangled up in steel ...
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, ...
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ...
While they were traveling, [Jesus] entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who ...
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled… (1 Peter 3:14) The ...
To accept the world as it is without losing hope; this is the great journey of adulthood and maturity. To accept people for who they ...
Two years ago today, my wife and I said “I do,” and we’re not doing a thing to celebrate. Why not? First, we both work ...
While everyone was amazed at all the things He was doing, He told His disciples, “Let these words sink in: The Son of Man is ...
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of ...
Peter and those with him were in a deep sleep, and when they became fully aware, they saw His glory and the two men who ...
The Parable of the Sower and the Soils As a large crowd was gathering, and people were flocking to Him from every town, [Jesus] said ...
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to ...
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for …
TOPICS: 1 Peter 1, future, heaven, hope, inheritance, perspective, reward
It was 4am when my son’s little hand rapped loudly on our bedroom door. The “shave-and-a-haircut, two bits” pattern I taught him echoed through the caverns of my subconscious mind, dragging me up from a deep, clear sleep into the groggy fog of a much-too-early morning. “Come in” I moaned, …
TOPICS: courage, faith, fear, Luke 12, presence
As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and …
TOPICS: blessing, James 5, legacy, perspective, purpose
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. (James 4:10) So much in the Kingdom is counterintuitive. To live, we must die. To be free, we must become slaves of Christ. To be exalted, we must humble ourselves. This seems like exactly the opposite of what we should …
TOPICS: empowerment, hope, humility, James 4, pride, promotion
Soon afterward [Jesus] was traveling from one town and village to another, preaching and telling the good news of the Kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary, called Magdalene (seven demons had come out of …
TOPICS: equality, gender, ministry, role, service, women
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. (James 3:17) Many people claim to be wise. They have education and degrees, experience and lots of time invested in the field. They may even have some …
TOPICS: character, experience, James 3, truth, wisdom
A good man produces good out of the good storeroom of his heart. An evil man produces evil out of the evil storeroom, for his mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. (Luke 6:45) “I know he’s done some terrible things, but he’s really just misunderstood.” “Yeah, he cusses …
TOPICS: fruit, honesty, nature, people, proof, relationships, repentance, results, self-deception, sin
Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which He has promised to those who love Him? (James 2:5) When you look at what you lack, it’s easy to lose heart. When you …
TOPICS: blessings, faith, James 2, kingdom, prosperity, provision, wealth
The whole crowd was trying to touch Him because power was coming out from Him and healing them all. Then, looking up at His disciples, He said… (Luke 6:19-20a) Jesus offers His healing power to all the people. He uses miracles to draw them in, but look how He doesn’t …
TOPICS: discipleship, healing, instruction, Luke 6, miracles, outreach, teaching, wisdom
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5) We live in a complicated world. So many decisions, so many problems, so many responsibilities come to fill our minds, and it can sometimes be …
TOPICS: clarity, confusion, faith, James 1, peace, prayer, provision, wisdom