Meek Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 (NKJV) Meekness is a virtue that is often misunderstood. In a culture that exalts aggressiveness and domination, being meek can seem like a synonym for weakness. However, the Bible presents meekness as a deeply spiritual inner strength. It is not a lack…
Led by the Spirit Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Matthew 4:1 (NKJV) As we read this passage, one phrase stands out with great force: “the Spirit led Jesus.” Jesus did not arrive in the wilderness by mistake, punishment, or poor decision; He arrived…
Instructions for Enjoying Life You shall therefore keep His statutes and His commandments which I command you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which the Lord your God is giving you for all time. Deuteronomy 4:40 (NKJV)…
When the Time Came And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment. Acts 27:1 (NKJV) This verse reminds us that even the most decisive events in life do not happen by chance, but at an…
Keeping a Record of Progress Now Moses wrote down the starting points of their journeys at the command of the Lord. And these are their journeys according to their starting points. Numbers 33:2 (NKJV) This verse teaches us that God is not only interested in the final destination, but also in the process. The Lord…
How Do I Respond When I Am in Pain? Once they had been released from prison, Paul and Silas went back to the home of Lydia. There they met with the believers and encouraged them once more. Then they left the city. Acts 16:40 (NKJV) This passage shows us the reaction of two men who…
Saying “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith.” John 16:1 (NLT) What we say carries either good or harmful power. Today we must live aware of what we speak repeatedly. What we say constantly has creative power: it influences our mood, shapes our thoughts and emotions, determines our actions,…
When There Is Love, There Is Sacrifice Since Jacob was in love with Rachel, he told her father, “I’ll work for you for seven years if you’ll give me Rachel, your younger daughter, as my wife.” Genesis 29:18 (NLT) When there is true love for someone or for something, working hard or paying a price…
To Whom Did God Make This Promise? I will cause your descendants to become as numerous as the stars of the sky, and I will give them all these lands. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed. Genesis 26:4 (NLT) When reading this incredible promise in Genesis 26, the…
My Life Is the Grain That Bears Much Fruit I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who…