“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” (I Corinthians 16:13, NKJV) Have you ever faced a situation in which you must either take a stand for what is right or compromise your integrity? If you have, you probably discovered that resisting pressure to go along with the…
Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37, NKJV) A dedicated employee feels financial panic when her employer terminated several long-term employees without warning. A marriage rocks on the brink of divorce when one…
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV) In a recent Sunday morning service,…
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” (Proverbs 11:25, ESV) How many of us set out each day intentionally looking for someone we can bless? Possibly not many of us. We are so rushed and stressed as we navigate our own busy lives…
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, NKJV) Do you live life joyfully? Is that even possible in our fast-paced, stressed-out, far-from-perfect world? Will joy survive when life gets tough? While many would answer yes, others might shake their heads no. They feel life has…
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” (John 15:16, NKJV) Just to be clear, I am not an arborist, a horticulturist,…
“Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (I Corinthians 4:2, NKJV). Many of us feel pride in the things we own—our homes, our vehicles, our numerous electronic gadgets, the clothing that fills our closets, our bank accounts. We may not flaunt what we have, but we…
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17, ESV) Have you ever gone on an organizing spree at…
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) Perfection. When I say the word, another quickly comes to mind: impossible. While I may be blind to some of my faults, I recognize enough of my shortcomings to realize that I am a…