“The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit” (Eccl 7:8). Often hard beginnings lead to good ends; small seeds can grow into fruitful trees. Proud spirits like glory from the start; patient spirits are content with slow, steady progress in God’s will. […]
“We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Rom 4:3-4). You may have heard it said that problems are opportunities in work clothes. Paul points out that your troubles today could strengthen your resolve, refine your character, and feed your hope! […]
“This is a faithful saying: for if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. If we endure, we shall also reign with Him…” (2 Tim 2:11-12). Today we’re training for reigning. “Endure” means “to stay under.” Heirs to the kingdom at present are being trained by the Spirit to be governors—of their […]
“…Aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing” (1 Thess 4:11-12). You can’t build a good testimony from what you are going to do. So, […]
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Pet 4:10). Every blessing is a burden; every resource, a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; and every skill, a stewardship. Life should not be spent, but invested—not for time, but for eternity. […]
“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes” (Prov 25:4-5). You might meet a fool today, so note this: The first is a warning against our style—not answering in a similarly foolish way. […]
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps 46:1). If God is a very present help, He must want to help here and now. He wants to help you do what you can, where you are, with what you have. As He said to Moses, “What is that in your […]
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good…” (Gen 50:20). Instead of asking, “Who is to blame for this?” Joseph saw God’s overruling plan and asked, “What good can the Lord bring out of this?” That’s your winning game plan today. […]
“In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty” (Prov 14:23). When all is said and done, more is said than done. Florence Nightingale wrote: “I think one’s feelings waste themselves in words; they ought to be distilled into actions which bring results.” […]