Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably…
If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? (1 John 4:20, The Message) What a reminder! How we…
“One day some worthless foreigners among the Israelites became greedy for food, and even the Israelites themselves began moaning, “We don’t have any meat! In Egypt we could eat all the fish we wanted, and there were cucumbers, melons, onions, and garlic. But we’re starving out here, and the only food we…
Friends, don’t complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner. (James 5:9, The Message) I love The Message version of this scripture. I know from experience that we can be so hard on people, especially…
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10, NIV) We all want to hear the voice of God. Whether He speaks to us very boldly and clearly, or in a still small voice, we long…
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (Proverbs 28:13, NIV) Forgiving others becomes second nature to most of us. We know that people make mistakes and sometimes it’s easier to forgive and move on. Forgiving ourselves can be a different…
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV) Everyone is worried about something. No matter who you are or what phase you are in your life, there is going to be something that…
My choice is you, God, first and only. And now I find I’m your choice! You set me up with a house and yard. And then you made me your heir! (Psalm 16:5-6 MSG) We wake up every day and make a conscious decision to choose a God-centered life. God knew…
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3, NIV) One of the first arguments I will often hear from friends who claim to be atheist is that too many bad things happen. I think we have all…