Intimacy with God Brings Direction The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. Psalm 25:14 (NLT) God not only desires for us to know Him superficially, but to have a close and personal relationship with Him. Intimacy with God opens the door to direction, wisdom, and revelation. When…
Train for Battle He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bow of bronze. Psalm 18:34 (NLT) God not only calls us, He also prepares us. The Christian life includes challenges, spiritual struggles, and moments where we need strength, wisdom, and firmness. This verse reminds us that it is God…
The Process Is Valuable Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1…
Be Strong and Courageous “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NLT) God gave these words to Joshua at a time of great responsibility and uncertainty. He was to lead the people into the Promised Land…
Love and Gratitude in Everything Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. And whatever you do or say, do…
Pride Goes Before a Fall Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. Proverbs 16:18 (NLT) Pride is one of the most dangerous attitudes in spiritual life, because it makes us believe we do not need God. When a person is filled with pride, they begin to trust in their own strength, wisdom, and…
Trials That Produce Patience Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:2-3 (NLT) Trials are an inevitable part of life, but in God’s hands, they have…
Your Thoughts Determine Your Destiny A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. Luke 6:45 (NLT) God teaches us that what is inside of us determines…
We Reproduce What We Are “And what the priests do, the people also do. So now I will punish both priests and people for their wicked deeds. They will eat and still be hungry. They will play the prostitute and gain nothing from it, for they have deserted the Lord to worship other gods.” Hosea…
Don’t Use People, Build People For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28 (NLT) Jesus’ model completely transforms the way we see people. In a world where many seek to use others for their own benefit,…