“We love because he first loved us.” (I John 4:19, ESV) In many countries around the world, today is a day to celebrate love. Valentine customs may vary, but love is the key ingredient. We may think of roses, chocolate, and romantic dinners, but love can also be shown by…
“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” (I Corinthians 12:27, NKJV) I frequently arrive a little early for Sunday morning service. The sanctuary usually has a few other early birds, and the musicians are sometimes still practicing. I make my way to my “usual spot” (you have…
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15, ESV) In a recent conversation with a friend, she confided that things seem to be shifting in her feelings about her…
“Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.” (Psalm 33:8) Twice in my life I have seen royalty in person rather than as a picture in a magazine. Once I joined a large crowd on the sidewalk to watch…
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). Christmas will be here in just a few days. Are you scrambling to find that perfect gift for the ones you love? If you are like most, the funds are more limited than the imagination. We can think…
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6, NKJV) The holiday season is upon us, and many of you may already be planning your menu. Perhaps you are a traditionalist and serve the same family classics each year. Or maybe you are…
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (I Thessalonians 5:18). When I opened my mailbox one afternoon, a mysterious envelope lay inside. There was no stamp, no return address, in fact no address of any sort. Across the face of the…
And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:2-3, ESV) Have you ever noticed how easily children make friends? Take one…
“Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3). “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Unfortunately, this childish chant is not true. Our words have power: power to hurt, power to heal. To understand this power,…