In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:9–10, […]
For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened (Romans 1:21, esv). “Thank You, God.” How often do those words cross our lips? How often does genuine gratitude fill our hearts? This isn’t a […]
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 […]
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 Paul’s words in these verses are so practical we may gloss over their radical nature. Serving Christ isn’t just about obvious […]
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save […]
But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. —John 4:23 John 4 includes some of the most influential verses regarding the discipline of worship – how better to understand whether or not […]
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night (Psalm 1:1–2, esv). Let’s take an informal survey. Question: […]
We all stumble in many ways (James 3:2a, esv). Maybe you’ve noticed one or two flaws in a few of the Christians around you. (Just maybe.) But that’s not really so surprising, right? After all, we’ve got a few flaws ourselves. If the church is supposed to be a place where hope abounds—even with sin […]
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6, esv). When Paul coaches us, “Do not be anxious about anything,” it’s easy to react with indignation. “Really, Paul?! Have you looked at my life lately? Don’t be anxious about […]
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves (Philippians 2:3, nasb). Are you having a tough day today? Been a little down in the dumps lately? There’s a way to fix that—but not by “working on it.” The way to increase your joy […]