“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn 1:9). The dull, numbing ache of unconfessed sin on the soul could be instantaneously changed to the clean, invigorating freshness of forgiveness and restoration. What say you? […]
“[Those] who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises,…out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens” (Heb 11:33-34). Challenges in life can move us in one of two directions: we can see them as a cause for complaint at the hardness of our lives, […]
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:10). Ability is important, and we need to stir up our gift; availability is more important, and God often does more with less just because we’re willing. Now it’s time to accept […]
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Col 3:23-24). Wherever you go, be all there; whatever you do, do with all your might; whenever you serve, remember it’s […]
“If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God…” (Jn 7:17). I’ve found we often ask for advice when we already know the answer. If we’re at all listening to God, we know the next thing He wants us to do. Lord, give us courage to […]
“Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath” (Eph 4:26). Some blow up; others clam up, but anger is often an expensive luxury most of us can’t afford. Obviously sinless anger is possible (Jesus did it) but what grace we need to follow Him in this! […]
“He who had received one [talent] went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money” (Mt 25:18). Farming, fishing, fighting, finance—all the illustrations Jesus used of our tasks for Him are risky ventures, but, according to our Lord, the greatest risk is in doing nothing at all. […]
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph 4:32). The word “kind” comes from its cognate, kinned, one of the same kin or race, reminding us we are all of one blood (Acts 17:26), and all need the tender help of one another today. […]
“And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward” (Mt 10:42). Don’t, while waiting for some great thing to do for God, miss the many little things that you can do […]