Devotionals

Scripture tells us that love is the very essence of who God is (1 John 4:7).

Perhaps the most intense love and protective instinct in the experience of mankind is that of parents toward their children.

Far too many relationships in today's world are uncertain. Disunity is found in marriages, churches, and international alliances. Yet there's one relationship that is sure and permanent.

Most of us are quick to declare our love for God, but at times our reluctance to serve Him tells a different story.

If you've ever visited Israel, you have no doubt experienced the contrast between the Jordan River and the Dead Sea.

Though the world is full of disorder, confusion, and uncertainty, believers in Christ have the wonderful assurance that God is in absolute control of every situation.

If we'll let the truths of Scripture fill our minds, guard our emotions, and influence our conduct, God will richly reward us.

The Lord wants to give each of us a "heart of flesh" so that we will be pliable and responsive to Him.

Yesterday we observed the ineffectiveness of Moses' attempt to liberate his people from Egyptian slavery, but today we see him given a second chance to do it God's way.

How can you be sure you’re making the right decision? Sometimes it may seem as if God plays hide and seek when we’re trying to know His will, but that’s not the way He operates.

Have you ever been accused of being a narrow-minded Christian? Those who level such accusations against us certainly mean it as an insult.

Almighty God is righteous and just. Romans 3:23 tells us that all people have sinned and are inadequate to be in His presence.

When you pray, how do you approach God? Numerous Christians visualize a holy, righteous being and approach Him with feelings of fear, unworthiness, and reluctance.

In the New Testament, Lord is the most frequently used title for Jesus Christ.

Suppose I asked what the mission of the church is—how would you answer?

If you’re a believer, you are part of the awesome body of Christ, which is called to bring His light to the world both individually and corporately.

According to Scripture, the believer’s citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20). In other words, we’re not going to be citizens of an eternal kingdom; we already are.

Every day, you get out of bed, put on clothes, and walk to the table to eat breakfast.

Believers have two responsibilities.

Separation, rejection, and alienation are unpleasant experiences that we usually try to avoid at all costs. But we live in a fallen world, so we cannot totally escape them.

One Sunday, a man approached me between services to share his story.

The book of Judges tells of a man named Samson, who was so strong he could kill a lion with his bare hands (14:5-6).

An acorn needs nutrients and time to grow into a tall, sturdy oak tree. Likewise, men and women of conviction develop gradually through committed Bible study and prayer. Ready to get planted firmly in biblical truth?

A person of conviction has become convinced, by either evidence or argument, that his beliefs are true. Today, most men and women would rather live by preference than conviction.

God is a masterful Creator. He has integrated many of His principles into the fabric of nature so that we can see His handiwork and learn of Him.

The apostle Paul had a strong commitment to know and serve Jesus Christ.

Despite man's best efforts, the world's longing for peace remains unfulfilled. Each new generation has high hopes for reconciliation among people and nations but in the end faces disappointment.

Parents train their children to do many tasks—from knowing which clothes match to handling money. Perhaps the most important skill we can teach is how to follow God’s direction.

Our Founding Fathers created a governing framework based upon biblical principles. Slowly, we have changed from “one nation under God” to a group of people who no longer want Him to be involved.

There is a common misconception that believers should be perfect.

I’ve counseled plenty of folks who argue that they are not worthy of God’s love.

Humanity tends to project its own faulty habits onto God.

As we saw yesterday, all the people who gather to worship in churches around the world form one body—the body of Christ.

Hanging on my office wall is a print that I’ve had for nearly 60 years.

Life is like an untraveled trail with complex twists and turns. Appealing activities can be detours that lead to the quicksand of sin.

In the 70s, I experienced a turning point in my walk with Christ. It started with 2 Samuel 7, which inspired me to follow in King David’s footsteps.

Believers are born into a living hope.

Hope is a healthy attitude.

Throughout life, there will be times when our sins and failures lead us to conclude that God is disappointed or angry with us.

When Jesus walked this earth, a vast multitude followed Him.

When I hear a believer announce, “I’m just a sinner,” I feel like saying, “That’s what you used to be.” A lot of folks cling to a view of themselves as a patched-up, slightly-better-than-before version of their old self. The Bible contradicts that opinion: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away, behold, new things have come” (2 Cor. 5:17). In fact, according to Scripture, we’re dramatically different once we are complete in Christ.

John 14:27-31

"My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). Jesus spoke these amazing words just hours before His crucifixion. His peace isn’t dependent upon external circumstances, but rather, it transcends them. Although He gives His peace to every believer as a gift, our experience of it is related to our faith in the following truths:

In the world's thinking, great men are the ones with authority, prominence, and power. Though Jesus Christ had all that, He gave it up to become a servant (Isa. 42:1).

Israel can be a dusty place, and sandaled feet get filthy walking to and fro. In ancient times, a person entering a home removed his sandals and cleaned his feet. Or if the homeowners were wealthy, servants would do the washing. This distasteful but necessary task fell to the worker of lowest position in the household.

The Christmas rush is here. There are plans to make, gifts to buy, and parties to attend. Sometimes these activities leave us exhausted and cranky—instead of peace and joy, we may feel inner churning because there’s too much to do. Or perhaps this time of the year brings nothing but sad memories and loneliness. Unrealistic expectations and conflicts with loved ones often leave us depressed and discouraged.

Have you ever wondered why Jesus had to suffer so much when He came to earth as a man? One might expect that the Son of the living God would live a comfortable life and die a peaceful death. After all, wouldn't His blood have paid for our sins whether it was shed painlessly or torturously?

The first Christmas I remember was when I was three years old.

There are many lessons for us to learn in God's School of Obedience.

God has provided us with many things to enjoy. But too often our lives are filled with turmoil instead of contentment. Four practices that create dissatisfaction are . . .

Starting at age five, our children are enrolled in school and given lessons to learn each year.

According to John 14:21, we express love for Jesus by obeying His commands.

Is there something God has told you to do that seems just too difficult?

The word “inheritance” usually brings to mind the money and real estate handed down from one generation to another. But God has an even greater legacy to share with His children—one that they are given the moment they enter His family.

Jesus calls us to be His “witnesses.”

Recently I spoke to a heartbroken woman. Her father was dying, and he was cold toward his family and God. He desired no contact and refused to discuss any spiritual matter.

After exposing the futility of worldly thinking in 1 Corinthians 1, Paul introduces Christians to the higher realm of godly wisdom.

The first battle between faith and human reason took place in the garden of Eden.

The cross is so common in our culture that most people don’t think twice when they see one on a church.

Years ago the Sunday School teachers in my church would teach preschoolers a little chorus that included the line, “My best friend is Jesus.”

The Bible ascribes many different names to Jesus, all of which provide great insight into His character and person.

When Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” they replied, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”

I don't know how some in today's church got the false idea that the preacher is a servant and the folks in the pews are just members.

God's Spirit works in every believer. He does not limit Himself to pastors and missionaries.

The first chapter of Revelation gives a compact description of the Lord.

Many Christians are experiencing an identity crisis.

Anyone who thinks of himself as a pretty good person ought to take a look at God’s assessment of humanity.

The sinful condition of mankind presents us with a dilemma: How can a holy, righteous God forgive our sins?

After Paul's conversion, he disappeared into the desert for three years, during which time the Holy Spirit instructed him in the ways of God. He emerged, ready to communicate divine truth.

We are given amazing privileges when we trust in Jesus. Recalling these promises is a good way to maintain a thankful heart, even when facing challenges in other areas.

At Thanksgiving, we typically express gratitude for God's blessings.

Before we knew Jesus Christ, our life was full of godlessness and wickedness—we had self-seeking ways and stubborn, unrepentant hearts (Rom. 1:18; 2:5, 8).

The Holy Spirit guides believers to make wise and righteous decisions. But when Christians fail to listen, they can make choices that appeal to the flesh instead.

One day I posed a question to the waitress at my table: “If you could ask God for anything, what would your request be?”

When Christ taught His disciples to pray, He told them to address God as "Our Father."

God is called by a variety of names in the Bible, and each one sheds light on an aspect of His nature.

As believers, we readily attribute our salvation to God’s grace, but what does “this grace in which we stand” mean to us now (Rom. 5:2)? How does it work out in everyday life, especially when we’re going through periods of trial or suffering?

I thought the Christian life was going to be easier than this. Have these words ever entered your mind?

In order to work “as for the Lord rather than for men,” you must begin with employment that honors Him. Just because you have a chance to make money at a job doesn’t mean you should necessarily take it.

There are many ways we can fail to reach the goals that the Lord has for us. Today, I would like to focus on how our perspective can impede fulfilling His best for our lives.

In our daily routine, it is easy to live with a worldly mindset.

Every believer faces temptation. Take a moment to recall a particularly enticing situation involving something that would displease God. Did you realize you were involved in a satanic battle?

Most Christians agree that God loves them.

Believers are always under the canopy of God’s grace and love.

Unfortunately, churches all around the world experience brokenness.

Paul wrote today’s passage in a letter to the divided body of Corinthian believers. The church was allowing a disagreement to hinder their fellowship. Paul knew the steep danger of dissension among believers.

One of the greatest hindrances to the gospel's effectiveness is Christians who act one way at church and another way elsewhere.

According to Scripture, work is to be part of the believer's life.

God knows who we really are—sinners by nature and practice. Before salvation, we were actively rebelling against His authority and pursuing our own way.

The high priest ordered Peter and the apostles to stop teaching about Jesus, but they ignored the order.

Did you know you are an heir to unimaginable wealth that will never fade away?

Most of us are accustomed to working for a reward. We get paid for a completed job, and there’s a bonus when our effort exceeds expectation. It’s understandable, then, why so many people assume salvation depends upon our actions. But thankfully, that is simply not the case.

We often find it easy to trust the Lord when circumstances are pleasant. In difficult times, though, resting in Him can be challenging. Yet that is precisely what God told David to d "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall deliver you" (Ps. 50:15).

As we all know too well, life often confronts us with unexpected or painful circumstances. Sometimes these situations leave us feeling fearful, discouraged, and frustrated. Consequently, we may question whether the Lord truly is reliable. 

I like to use the word believer when talking about God’s children, as it specifically refers to those who have trusted Jesus Christ as Savior.

One day we’ll give an account of ourselves to the Lord (Rom. 14:12).

In Luke 16, Jesus told a story about a rich man who lived for himself and ignored God. After death, he experienced the consequences of his choices—eternal separation from the Lord.

To build a defense against temptation, we must understand how it works.

Yesterday we learned how to deal with lingering anger in our lives. Today we'll discover God's principle for preventing long-term resentment. The key is to deal with this dangerous emotion promptly.

A righteous life has no room for lingering anger, whether in the form of rage or resentment. Fury that hardens in our hearts becomes a stronghold for Satan.

Every believer must choose whether he will live by the principle of obedience or follow his preferences.

The subject of positive relationships is near to my heart because God has provided me with such good friends. These are the people who challenge me to do more for the Lord.

The Lord laid out the plan for your life before the foundation of the world, and every day He guides you along the path marked with your name.

Some individuals have an amazing capacity to remember images or facts. Sadly, however, it's all too common for people to fail to recall the Lord's goodness to them.

How many times have you gotten caught in a "guilt cycle"?

God is not one to speak in generalities.

After September 11, 2001, our country declared war against terrorism. Initially, this effort monopolized headlines and kept many of us glued to the television.

One of the reasons that many people—including believers—don’t read the Bible is because they can’t understand it.

Most of us don’t like being alone for extended periods of time. In fact, we are not designed to live in isolation.

Many Christians don't realize that they are in a battle.

As believers, we all want the fruit of the Spirit, but how can we know if we truly have it? Even unbelievers can display these qualities when conditions are positive.

God’s Word is a treasure for many reasons—one being that it’s so practical.

What is your first reaction when you encounter a difficult circumstance—one that looks impossible? Some people go into “overdrive” searching for an answer or a way out.

Let these words slowly sink into your understanding: “able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (v. 20). What an amazing description of God’s ability to work within us.

During the final days of His earthly ministry, Christ spoke to the disciples about the power of making requests in His name—and the guarantee that God will answer such prayers.

Christians generally associate faith with their salvation experience, and rightly so. By believing in Christ, we enter into a relationship with Him.

Anyone who studies God's ways soon realizes they are quite different from man's.

Peter was devastated when he realized he'd denied Christ not once but three times, as Jesus had foretold (Luke 22:61-62).

Despite Peter's vast fishing experience, he returned from a night's work with nothing to show for his efforts.

Obeying God in small matters can bring blessing to many. Today's passage illustrates this principle.

From his youth, King David was a committed follower of God.

On two separate occasions, the Bible records that Satan petitioned the Lord to test a believer (Job 1:6-12; Luke 22:31-34).

All of us make tracks through the valley of failure.

Fasting has two important components.

Nehemiah's brother arrived from Judah with some bad news: the Israelites living in Jerusalem were in great trouble.

At first glance, today's passage on wisdom doesn't seem related to the subject of trials, but James is actually continuing His thoughts from the previous three verses.

"Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials" (James 1:2)—what a preposterous statement!

Practicing patience is hard work!

We have become so accustomed to this hurried world that we've begun to demand speed in our spiritual life too.

Do you ever wonder if faith in Jesus is really the only way to be saved?

Do you think of yourself as rich?

Some people reject the message of salvation because they are offended by the Bible's description of God's wrath.

One of the biggest struggles many people face is a feeling that the Lord couldn't possibly love them. Yet the Bible clearly tells us He does.

Our Father's concern about us is not confined to spiritual matters.

Jim saved for a long time to take an Alaskan cruise.

Our world is a changing, uncertain place. Many people seek security in wealth, relationships, and power. These things, however, are not guaranteed from one day to the next.

As we saw yesterday, words are but a small part of parental communication. Now let's look at two types of messages we should purposefully model for our kids.

When someone asks, "What do you do?" the reply frequently includes a job title. But anyone who is raising or interacting with children has a role far more important than ordinary career duties.

Standing on the edge of the Promised Land, the Israelites were overcome by fear.

Joshua needed guidance as he faced one of the most crucial moments of his life.

We live in a fast-paced culture and are accustomed to quick results. Waiting appears to be an activity of past generations.

Jericho was the first city that the Israelites needed to conquer in their quest for the land of Canaan. When Joshua sent a pair of spies to check it out, he probably didn't realize that he would receive a glimpse of God's  impressive behind-the-scenes activity.

As we learned yesterday, God tells us to surrender our lives to Him.

The Lord wants to give each of us an abundance of blessings. Let’s explore what is required so that we may enjoy all that He has planned.

As a pastor, I speak with many people about their spiritual journey. From these interactions, I know that most individuals are not satisfied with their prayer life.

In contemporary Christian culture, faith is often considered a possession that affects just its "owner."

"I wish I had great faith." These are words that almost every Christian has said at one time or another. But faith is like a muscle, which must be exercised in order to become strong; just wishing cannot make it happen.

The Holy Spirit is a very practical Helper who assists us in every aspect of our lives.

Have you ever wished you had a 911 number that rang in heaven whenever you had a need? Well, I have good news for believers.

Early in my college days, I studied and worked excessively, as I wanted to offer the Lord my all.

Our culture greatly values outward appearance and athletic prowess. As a result, many of us think negatively about our bodies.

God declared, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," (Isa. 55:8). And in fact, one of the biggest frustrations of the Christian life has to do with a lack of understanding about God's ways.

King Ahab's first thought after encountering the prophet Elijah may well have been, Of all the nerve! Just who does this guy think he is?

A lifestyle of obedience requires commitment and perseverance. Noah needed both as he obeyed the Lord’s instructions to build a large boat with a roof, doors, and three decks.

The Creator gave two commands to Adam and Eve—first, to fill the earth and rule over it, and second, not to eat from a certain tree in the Garden (Gen. 1:28; 2:17). Because they chose to disobey, their relationship with God was broken, and they had to leave Eden.

Paul demonstrated the power of patience when he was brought to trial before Festus. Instead of letting his accusers’ false claims interfere with his calm demeanor, the apostle patiently went through the legal process while remaining faithful to the Lord.

On any given day, we may encounter frustrating people and situations, such as the slow driver, mischievous child, or uncooperative co-worker.

Spiritual combat is going on all the time. It is important for believers to be aware of this conflict in order to battle sin effectively and live in a manner pleasing to the Lord.

Today's passage is from Paul's letter to Timothy. The apostle encourages the young man—and, by extension, every believer—to face difficulty as a good soldier.

Paul did not picture himself as a victim. Despite tremendous physical discomfort and emotional turmoil, he believed he was under God’s sovereign hand.

The apostle Paul understood how to handle tough circumstances. Even while he was confined in a prison cell, he kept his eyes on Christ and trusted firmly in the Savior.

The Lord has a beautiful plan for each believer’s life. But to thwart God’s purposes, Satan sprinkles obstacles in our path.

Do you desire God’s best in life? And do you hope to become the person He created you to be, able to accomplish all He has planned?

Most likely, you have been caught off guard by a wave of jealousy at some point in your life. Was it a spiritual attack? Did the Enemy make you covetous? Was someone or something working to make you resentful?

We've already seen some of the areas where insecurity shows up. Now we need to turn our attention to its effects.

Let me ask you to do what may be an uncomfortable exercise. We are going to examine statements that insecure people often make about themselves. As you read each one, ask yourself, Do I think similarly?

Christians tend to categorize sins, rating some as small and inconsequential, but others as huge and far-reaching in the damage they cause.

After not listening to God, Adam and Eve found themselves in a terrible predicament. Their first reaction was to cover up rather than "fess up."

Listening to God is not a onetime event. We must continually keep His Word before us, or we'll begin to listen to the wrong voices.

This story of the Lord's encounter with a Samaritan woman is a wonderful example of His loving response to hurting individuals.

One area of confusion about war is the apparent discrepancy between Jesus’ words and God’s approval of battle in the Old Testament.

War is a very controversial subject in both the world and the church. Considering the broad spectrum of views and opinions, those who follow Christ would do well to search the Scriptures and ask, What does the Lord think about war?

God gave every person a conscience, which is like a radar system meant to send warnings when a behavior or decision might be harmful.

The theme of God’s redemptive plan runs through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. At its heart is Calvary, the place where Jesus died so we could be forgiven. As we read the Scriptures, we see that the cross symbolizes . . .

In Jesus’ day, the cross was used by the Roman government to execute criminals. God transformed it into a symbol that unites Christians everywhere. It stands at the heart of what we believe and serves as a central focus of the gospel message.

God has given believers personalities, abilities, and spiritual gifts which will equip them to accomplish His specific plans for their lives.

If we believe that God is who He says He is and will do what He has promised, why do so many of us habitually waver in our prayers?

Picture yourself waiting in a checkout line that hasn’t moved for ten minutes. Many of us would feel frustrated. We live in a generation that expects instant results.

Have you ever found yourself standing in front of the refrigerator, trying to find something to satisfy a vague sense of emptiness or discontent?

God created men and women to be in a relationship with Him. The type of communion Adam and Eve first enjoyed with Him was meant for us as well.

A personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ has the potential to be more intimately satisfying than any earthly connection.

Almighty God reserves the right to reveal some things and conceal others. Although we may not know why natural disasters occur, the biblical truths we do know with absolute certainty allow us to trust the Lord even in times of great suffering.

Whenever a great disaster strikes, legitimate questions spring to mind. Why does the Lord let such things happen?

The phone rings, and you answer. A sullen voice informs you of a tragedy. Your heart is so heavy that you feel as though you could die. What do you do?

When you face a crisis, what is your first line of defense? The natural response is to attempt to fix the problem in your own strength. God, however, gives us a different way to handle difficulty.

Tucked into Hebrews 11 is a short phrase that indicates Moses’ approach to life: “for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen” (v. 27).

Discouragement can rob peace, joy, and contentment. But I have great news if you feel disheartened: You’re not stuck!

Do you feel stuck in discouragement? If so, you are not alone.

I recall an interesting conversation I once had with a young first-time mom while she allowed me to hold her infant son.

Understandably, people who lose a child want assurance that their little one is safe in the arms of God.

Every time the news programs report a story about vandalism at a church, believers cringe.

In his first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul tells Christians that freedom in Christ is a serious responsibility.

On this Independence Day, consider the question, How do you use the gift of freedom? God gives all believers true liberty through His Son Jesus Christ.

Reaching our full potential begins with a clean heart—one that loves the Lord and desires to obey Him.

When God looked at the world He’d made, He declared it good. Making man—male and female—in His image was the crowning achievement of His creative work (Gen. 1:27).

Waiting on God is an important spiritual discipline in our walk of faith. King David’s life teaches us about the value of following the Lord’s plan and the danger in moving ahead of Him.

Scripture makes it clear that our heavenly Father hears and answers prayer. Yet we all experience times when, though we pray for God to act right away, He does not. What are some reasons for the delay?

The Holy Spirit indwells believers at salvation, which means His power is available from that moment (Eph. 1:13). God created a simple way for us to access that strength every single day.

Bertha Smith, a missionary to China, once expressed some of the most discouraging words I’d ever heard. “Charles, I want to tell you that you’re as good as you’ll ever be.

Believers build their lives on the Rock of Ages: Jesus Christ. Every motive, every deed, and every word is material for our spiritual house.

Scripture reveals that Jesus Christ will judge every person who has ever lived (Acts 10:42).

To find examples of wise, godly reactions to disappointment, you’re more likely to turn to Psalms than to Matthew. But thevery first chapter in the New Testament tells the story of an upright man’s reaction to painful and disheartening news.

After preaching a sermon on disappointment, several men and women approached me with the same reaction: “I desperately needed to hear those words.”

When it comes to spiritual maturity, we can’t simply take for granted that we’re growing.

David was confident that the Lord was always at his right hand (Ps. 16:8). His psalms reveal that in surveying his life, he saw God’s fingerprints all over it.

Do you have a strong relationship with your children? The way we first think about God has much to do with how we were parented—especially by our father. What image of the Lord are youportraying?

At any time, we are just one generation away from being a pagan nation. Consider what could happen to our country if we stopped sharing the truth about Jesus with our children: the next generation would exist with no biblical foundation.

The apostle Paul had passion and vision to reach the world with the good news about salvation.

We learned yesterday that God is our protector. David’s song in Psalm 121 also portrays the Lord as our keeper.

In Psalm 121, David describes the safety he finds in the Lord. Over the next two days, let’s look closely at several verses to better understand our security.

The Lord wants us to reach our full potential—to become the people He’s designed us to be and achieve the tasks He’s planned for us to do.

Time is a most valuable commodity. Since it’s irreversible and irreplaceable,
we ought to give careful consideration to how we spend our days—and even our minutes.

With each passing year, the instability in the world seems more and more obvious.

As a rule, people like security. We seek what is comfortable. Yet the reality of our world is that much instability exists.

The human mind is an amazing creation of God. Nothing on earth can match its capabilities or creativity.

The best life you could possibly live is the one your Creator has designed for you.

You’ve probably heard the phrase “the call of God,” but maybe you don’t know exactly what it means. Is the Lord still calling people, or was that something He did only in Bible times?

Our concept of God determines how we relate to Him. Those who see Him as distant and impersonal may be surprised to know He “speaks” personally to everyone—even to those who deny His existence.

Did you ever watch an infant take a feeding? Hungry little ones clutch the bottle, smack their lips, and make soft contented noises. They thoroughly enjoy their nourishment. But there comes a time when milk isn’t enough to satiate baby’s appetite anymore. That’s when a whole worldof culinary possibilities opens up.

Yesterday we discussed the importance of depending on the Word of God as our compass throughout life. Following the Lord’s directions will change behavior and challenge our thinking, attitudes, and desires. He leads us to think differently about ourselves, our values, and and even the difficulties facing us.

Spiritually speaking, we have such a compass—God’s Word. But it does no good unless we let it guide us. Yet at times, we may fail to follow its direction because of . . .

People make a lot of decisions on any given day. Most choices present themselves quickly, leaving little time to weigh pros and cons. So we “go with our gut.” However, believers who desire to walk wisely through the perils of this world require something more reliable than flesh-based instinct. We need godly knowledge and principles to guide us, which is why we must meditate on the Word.

Believers are to walk by faith, according to 2 Corinthians 5:7. However, with so many voices clamoring for us to follow worldly paths, we sometimes struggle to hear and apply God’s wisdom. For example, our natural impulse to withhold mercy is hard to ignore, even though the Lord demands that we forgive (Eph. 4:32).

I admit that I often don’t understand why bad things happen. Even so, I believe that God has a purpose for everythingHe does or permits. My faith is rooted in the biblical principle that says the Lord is sovereign (Ps. 22:28). He is in absolute control of this universe, the natural and political climate of this earth, and my life and yours.

When Christians discuss how and when evil entered the world, theymost often point to the serpent’s temptation of Eve.

Hezekiah was a god-fearing king who brought about reformation among the Israelites.

Have you ever felt ignored? Everyone longs for love, acceptance, and attention, but perhaps a friend or close relative has shown little interest in you or what you have to say.

Prayer is the lifeblood of an intimate relationship with the Father. But believers often have questions about its power and effectiveness.

Recognizing that God is sovereign prompts some questions about the nature of prayer. Specifically, many people have asked me, “If the Lord is in control, why does He expect us to pray?”

We talk a lot about rights these days. Yet the attention given to human entitlements hasn’t brought about corporate or personal freedom.

Today’s verses teach that love does not “rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth.”

When a lawyer asked Jesus which commandment was the greatest, He said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all you heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind,” and “the second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matt. 22:37, 39). What an overwhelming assignment!

There is no emotion of greater importance than love.

God entrusts each believer with a share of His resources. And like any wise overseer, He gives His stewards guidelines for making the best use of His wealth...

Today we live under a new covenant established by God through the shed blood of His Son Jesus (Heb. 9:15)

Our heavenly Father has been generous to us in every way. He formed us in our mother’s womb with tender, loving care and gave us physical life (Ps. 139:13).

Which interests you more—who Jesus is or what He can do for you?

I think it’s fairly evident that the society we live in is very self-centered, and this same characteristic can be present in a church.

Some of the most effective witnesses are those who have gone through painful, trying circumstances.

One of the biggest problems in the church today is that many Christians don’t see themselves as servants of the Lord.

Saul of Tarsus underwent a radical transformation—the zealous persecutor of Christians became a passionate follower of Christ.

Children are a blessing from the Lord (Ps. 127:3-5). Motherhood is a great honor and privilege, yet it is also synonymous with servanthood.

Our calling as Christians is to imitate Jesus Christ, but what big footsteps He left! The heavenly Father attested several times in the Scriptures, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased” (Matt. 3:17). How can we possibly live up to that?

Jesus’ assertion that He was the Son of God incited fury in the religious leaders.

“I just don’t understand the Bible.” That’s a comment I hear quite often, even from believers.

As God instructed Joshua about how the Israelites would take possession of the Promised Land, He included a vital instruction: to meditate on His law day and night and to obey everything it said.

God’s simple requests of us are oftentimes steppingstones to His greatest blessings.

As we’ve seen, there is a pattern to seeking God’s guidance.

By forsaking the broad worldly way, believers have chosen a narrow path (Matt. 7:13).

Yesterday we learned about hearing the Word with eagerness and attentiveness. Now, let’s think about approaching the Bible purposefully, expectantly, and prayerfully.

How is it that two people can sit in the same pew, hear the same sermon about the same portion of Scripture, and walk away with two different reactions?

First Peter 1:16 says, “You shall be holy for I am holy.”

Many people hold an unbiblical view of sainthood. Their idea of a saint is one who has led such an exemplary life that he or she is venerated by the church, but God’s Word presents quite a different picture. The Corinthian church struggled with all sorts of ungodly behaviors, yet Paul describes them as “those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling” (1 Cor. 1:2).

Within three days Jesus’ followers went from heartbroken sadness to triumphant jubilation. The cross screamed, “The End,” making them feel hopeless and helpless. But the resurrection trumpeted, “The Beginning,” bringing confidence and courage. The cloud of doubt and despair that had shrouded them melted away and was replaced with unshakeable faith.

Just as Christ once rested in the stern of a boat through a raging storm, He rested in the tomb as storms raged within His disciples.

Jesus is called by a variety of names—Messiah, Lord, Christ, Rabbi, Teacher—but the one that is probably the most unfamiliar to the modern world is the Lamb of God. Since most of us do not have a Jewish background, we have a limited understanding of this title. But the Israelites of that day understood the significance of this name. Lambs were for sacrifice.

The Last Supper, which took place hours before the Lord’s crucifixion—was a Seder(Passover observance).

We’ve all experienced or witnessed betrayal at some point.

Imagine this scene. A woman walks into the annual church rummage sale with a beautiful collection of designer clothes worth thousands of dollars.

For the disciples, Palm Sunday must have felt like a dream. As they followed Jesus into the temple grounds, their voices would have been drowned out by the clamor.

Hindsight is always 20/20. Yet while we are in a particular situation, we tend to make things out to be what theyaren’t and infer wrong meanings.

Although Scripture tells us to seek the Lord, many Christians struggle with this command.

We all have ambitions and desires. And while these are not necessarily wrong, we should analyze our priorities: Where do I invest my time and energy?

Have you ever wondered what Jesus is doing, now that He has ascended to heaven?

When we hear the word resurrection, most of us instantly think about Jesus rising from the dead, but His victory over the grave shows what will happen to us aswell.

On a very cold November afternoon, I sat under a green tent with my mother’s coffin in front of me.

What do you think about when you see a depiction of Christ on the cross

Forming expectations on the basis of preconceived ideas is a rather common practice—even the disciples missed important truth in this way.

When someone applies for a job, a common question is: “What does the benefit package include?”

Are you living thoughtfully and intentionally—or automatically?

Godly wisdom can be defined as the capacity to see things the way the Lord sees them and to respond according to His principles.

Have you ever wondered whether you are truly saved? Many people struggle with this question, but my goal is for you to experience assurance.

At the time when Jesus was born, the Israelites were experiencing great oppression. They looked forward to thepromised Messiah, who would bring freedom and victory.

From some people’s countenance, we judge them to be happy.

I’ve had people tell me, “I wish that I had great faith.”

Today I want you to think about your interactions with others in terms of filling up a bucket and pouring its contents onto those people.

God’s blessings tous are not meant to end withus. His desire is that they filter down to others.

The multitude of Bible verses that speak about money prove that God is very interested in our personal finances.

Personal debt has skyrocketed in our Western culture.

Every citizen has the responsibility to submit to governmental authority.

Let’s continue looking at the Lord’s warning to the church at Ephesus (Rev. 2:4).

Ephesuswas the home of a tremendous ministry.

The number one reason people give me for not meditating upon Scripture is that they don’t have enough time.

As I studied today’s verses from John’s gospel, I felt convicted about falling short of Jesus’ expectations.

The most obvious source of godly wisdom is the Bible. You cannot think of a question or life circumstance about which God’s Word is silent.

We live in the “Information Age,” where news pops up on cell phones and college can be attended online.

Glorifying the Lord is not limited to worshipping in church. In fact, praise ought to permeate the believer’s life.

John’s revelation of heaven’s throne room is a striking picture of true praise.

Christ’s resurrection is not open for theological debate. There are many people who think it’s sufficient to believe that Jesus lived and died.

The men traveling with Jesus on a stormy Galilean night said something that ought to make us sit up and take notice.

In today’s verses, John wants us to know “that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (v. 31).

In our culture, God’s name is oftentimes mentioned with little reverence. In fact, many people actually use it as a curse.

What’s your view of the Lord? Do you see Him as the One who can handle all the challenges you bring before Him?

During one of the most trying seasons of my life, I would sit by the fire with a dear friend and pour out my heart.

Some people question whether the Lord is truly in control.

While under house arrest, Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians.

When life falls apart, how do you cope?

Jesus described Himself as “the Light of the world” (John 9:5). He invited the people to put their trust in Him so that they mightbecome sons of light (John 12:36). The apostle John called Jesus “the true Light,” who gives illumination to all (John 1:9). Our enemy Satan, who masquerades as an angel of light, has blinded the eyes of many so they do not recognize the truth of the gospel message. As a result, they fail to believe (2 Cor. 4:4).

When a teacher gives an assignment, good students take it seriously. They do what's required, give their best effort, and complete the work in a timely manner.

Years ago I made a commitment to obey the Lord regardless of the cost. Like everyone else, I have made mistakes, but my determination to follow Christ has remained unchanged. When difficulties occur, such a pledge helps a person to stand firm.

The story of Daniel illustrates some key elements of obedience. We see the wise young man doing what the Lord com-manded, in the right manner and timing.

God has issued some dramatic calls to service. Moses heard His voice from a burning bush (Ex. 3). Isaiah saw a vision of heaven's throne room (Isa. 6). However, a spectacle is the exception rather than the rule. For most who follow the Lord to the mission field, His call is a persistent tug on the heart. It is a whisper in their spirit asking, "How will they know God unless someone tells them?" (Rom. 10:14). 

I've heard every reason you can imagine for avoiding missionary service: "I haven't been to seminary." "I can't preach." "I'm too old." "My family won't go for it." On and on the list goes. Let me tell you that there are thousands of active missionaries who once thought that God couldn't use them either. I often have the privilege of hearing their stories of how the Lord turned resistance into enthusiasm.

At every missions conference hosted by my church, I give God the same message I've been repeating since my early 20s: "I'm available, Lord. I'll go to foreign fields if you say so." Until He tells me to pack my bags, I'm going to keep on sending others to work among unbelievers in distant and even remote lands.

Paul and Barnabas set the standard for the church's mission work when they obeyed God's call to go forth.

When Paul exhorts us to walk wisely, he gives three instructions to help us make godly choices.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Prov. 9:10). Initially, the connection between these two concepts may be difficult to grasp: How can fearing God make us wise?

Today's passage contains one of the most amazing promises in all of Scripture.

Stressful situations come in a variety of forms and intensities, and in this earthly existence, we will never be totally free of them.

There is an abundance of failure in the community of faith today.

The principle we will explore today is basic but so powerful that it determines whether we experience victory in our lives.

There are many types of touch—such as the encouraging pat on the back, the comforting hug, and a parent's loving squeeze.

The apostle Paul wrote that he once reasoned like a child, but he had now put childish ways behind him (1 Cor. 13:11). He was referring to the spiritual maturity process, whereby a believer's self-centered ideas are replaced by a healthier perspective.

In today's passage, Paul talks about love and its preeminence over speech, knowledge, generosity, and self-sacrifice (vv. 1-3).

Perhaps the most intense love and protective instinct in the experience of mankind is that of parents toward their children.

Far too many relationships in today's world are uncertain

Genesis 1 describes the Lord's plan for creating the world. Each day, He accomplished His purposes and declared that what He had made was good.

Your home offers protection from the elements. So when a storm rolls in, you seek shelter within the safety of those four walls.

Anxiety is the enemy of a peaceful life. People go to great lengths to get rid of stress: travel ads promise that vacations will sweep you away from it; gyms offer to help you "sweat it out"; and popular magazines suggest ways to lessen it by adjusting schedules or habits.

A serious error has made its way into the church. Some Christians think that their beliefs and their wallet belong in separate spheres.

In Luke 14, Jesus' example of building a tower shows the importance of planning and using resources wisely. Otherwise, money may run out before the work is done.

Yesterday we observed the ineffectiveness of Moses' attempt to liberate his people from Egyptian slavery, but today we see him given a second chance to do it God's way.

Whenever challenges come, there are two different ways to respond: God's way or our way.

We live in a noncommittal world, where the ability to persevere through difficulty is a rare character trait.

Mankind has a debt problem. In the physical world, our desire for a higher standard of living and more "stuff" has led to burdensome credit card balances and unwieldy mortgage payments.

How can people who have trusted Jesus as their Savior live in rebellion against God through inappropriate attitudes and behaviors?

Suppose I asked what the mission of the church is—how would you answer?

It is God's nature to bless. However, we need to understand that He has a greater purpose in mind than we may realize.

Everyone experiences periods of difficulty in life. In such painful times, we may feel as though God is not blessing us.

The other day as I was walking through a store, I happened to sneeze, and a gentleman nearby offered the typical response, "Bless you."

I marvel at the metamorphosis of a caterpillar. A crawling, slimy, and spiky bug disappears into a chrysalis spun from its own body, and before long, a delicate and graceful winged butterfly emerges. It is magnificent.

Separation, rejection, and alienation are unpleasant experiences that we usually try to avoid at all costs. But we live in a fallen world, so we cannot totally escape them.

One Sunday, a man approached me between services to share his story.

I am persuaded that many of our goals and dreams fail simply because we place limitations upon ourselves. This is true for the church as well—Christ's command to share the gospel is an example.

As children of the Most High, we are called to walk with Him whether circumstances are delightful or difficult. Both can be challenging.

Once we receive Jesus as Savior, His Spirit indwells us permanently.

Paul served the Lord enthusiastically.

The apostle Paul had a strong commitment to know and serve Jesus Christ.

Despite man's best efforts, the world's longing for peace remains unfulfilled. Each new generation has high hopes for reconciliation among people and nations but in the end faces disappointment.

The rapid changes in our world can give us a sense of unease and uncertainty.

God's shoulders are wide enough to carry your burdens. He is sovereign over the universe, so He is certainly capable of working out problems and meeting needs.

Isn't it interesting that Satan prowling like a roaring lion is mentioned in a passage dealing with anxious thoughts?

God's love is without limit, but that doesn't mean His children have no boundaries.

Humanity tends to project its own faulty habits onto God.

As we saw yesterday, all the people who gather to worship in churches around the world form one body—the body of Christ.

The church is that group of people called to stand apart from the world because of their relationship with Jesus Christ.

When you encounter opportunities to serve God, how do you respond? Let me list some of the wrong reactions:

Oswald Chambers, author of My Utmost For His Highest, died in 1917. His influence, however, lives on. God uses this man's book to speak to my heart and convict me.

Believers are born into a living hope. However, people who are without Christ have no foundation for their expectations and desires.

Hope is a healthy attitude.

Throughout life, there will be times when our sins and failures lead us to conclude that God is disappointed or angry with us.

God clearly calls us to listen to Him, but like the nation of Israel, we sometimes ignore His voice and miss His blessings. Learning to listen to the Lord is far more important than learning to talk to Him. Generally, we find it much easier to rattle off a prayer than to sit quietly with our Bibles open in our laps, waiting to hear what He has to say.

Throughout human history, God has been speaking to mankind in various ways. His prophets were moved by the Spirit to proclaim and write His words, but His ultimate expression came through His Son.

Israel can be a dusty place, and sandaled feet get filthy walking to and fro. In ancient times, a person entering a home removed his sandals and cleaned his feet. Or if the homeowners were wealthy, servants would do the washing. This distasteful but necessary task fell to the worker of lowest position in the household.

In the world's thinking, great men are the ones with authority, prominence, and power. Though Jesus Christ had all that, He gave it up to become a servant (Isa. 42:1).

Amid all the preparations, decorations, and celebrations of the Christmas season, we need to set aside some quiet time to reflect upon the divine gifts that forever changed the course of human destiny. When that tiny baby entered our world in Bethlehem, the first of a never-ending stream of blessings was unleashed from heaven.  

Christmas is one of the happiest holidays because during this season, people are more generous than at any other time of the year. The practice of giving is not a recent innovation—it began on the first Christmas when Jesus was born. Everyone in the story had something to give.

Have you ever wondered why Jesus had to suffer so much when He came to earth as a man?

We do not have a Savior who's isolated in heaven with no idea what it feels like to have human struggles.

There are many lessons for us to learn in God's School of Obedience. With space for just two, I have chosen principles that aren't easy.

As a newly saved boy of 12, I didn't automatically know how to trust and follow God.

Starting at age five, our children are enrolled in school and given lessons to learn each year.

According to John 14:21, we express love for Jesus by obeying His commands. To love Him wholeheartedly, we must develop a lifestyle of obedience. Let's look at four aspects of such a lifestyle.

Yesterday, we learned about the Lord's desire that we walk by faith.

We perceive our world through sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch—and respond according  to the information gained by these five senses.

Have you ever had a negative experience when trying to share the good news of Christ?

What has a grip on your heart? Think about the things that trouble you.

After exposing the futility of worldly thinking in 1 Corinthians 1, Paul introduces Christians to the higher realm of godly wisdom.

The first battle between faith and human reason took place in the garden of Eden.

Our loving heavenly Father wants us to know with certainty that we have eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ. What assurances do we have that we are permanently secure?

While many Christians know they are saved, they wonder about their eternal security.

Wars, economic crisis, and daily responsibilities are just a few common sources of stress that we encounter.

Oftentimes, we use the word "stress" to describe the pressure we are feeling.

I don't know how some in today's church got the false idea that the preacher is a servant and the folks in the pews are just members.

God's Spirit works in every believer. He does not limit Himself to pastors and missionaries.

Satan looks for weak spots in a believer's life where he can set up a stronghold.

Have you ever felt as if your Christian life swings back and forth like a pendulum between faith and doubt?

God displays His children to the world like a city on a hill (Matt. 5:14). The light from a thriving metropolis can be seen for miles.

Faith and works go hand in hand. A Christian is one whom Christ uses to carry out His work on earth.

After Paul's conversion, he disappeared into the desert for three years, during which time the Holy Spirit instructed him in the ways of God.

When pain and adversity enter our lives, it's easy to conclude that God has abandoned us.

At Thanksgiving, we typically express gratitude for God's blessings.

Think about the times when you have felt truly satisfied. What caused you to feel that way?

The Holy Spirit guides believers to make wise and righteous decisions. But when Christians fail to listen, they can make choices that appeal to the flesh instead.

Today's passage offers a picture of what happens when believers don't listen to God.

When Christ taught His disciples to pray, He told them to address God as "Our Father."

God is called by a variety of names in the Bible, and each one sheds light on an aspect of His nature.

Exhaustion is a by-product of overcommitted schedules and never-ending responsibilities.

On life's road, crucial decisions are like intersections that call for a choice of direction.

To make us useful servants for His kingdom. God desires to break our self-will—our independent streak that puts "self" first.

To the human mind, the word "brokenness" can mean something needs to be fixed, is not as good as it was, or is no longer usable.

In our daily routine, it is easy to live with a worldly mindset. When our thoughts turn away from God, we can become dangerously self-dependent.

Every believer faces temptation.

God sent His Son to take your punishment by dying in your place.

Many of the people who call In Touch have questions about their salvation.

At times we may struggle with directions we receive from the Lord. We question whether they are from Him because they . . .

Children seem to have special hearing when it comes to their parents' voices.

One of the greatest hindrances to the gospel's effectiveness is Christians who act one way at church and another way elsewhere.

According to Scripture, work is to be part of the believer's life.

James 1:5 tells us that God offers wisdom to anyone who asks.

On occasion, every one of us will go through troubling times, and when that happens, it's easy to get disheartened.

The idea of applying biblical principles is often misunderstood.

Stan bought his grandchildren a new toy. After glancing at the directions, he set the booklet aside to get busy building.

We often find it easy to trust the Lord when circumstances are pleasant.

As we all know too well, life often confronts us with unexpected or painful circumstances. Sometimes these situations leave us feeling fearful, discouraged, and frustrated. Consequently, we may question whether the Lord truly is reliable.

At the cross, the penalty for transgression was paid in full, and sin's power over us was broken.

Sin always leads us away from God and hinders His work in our lives.

Guilt is an emotional response to wrongdoing. We experience it when we break man's civil law or God's commandments.

Believers in Christ often wrestle with discouragement and shame over things they have done wrong.

Yesterday we learned how to deal with lingering anger in our lives.

A righteous life has no room for lingering anger, whether in the form of rage or resentment. Fury that hardens in our hearts becomes a stronghold for Satan.

God's promises are very precious. Not only do they remind us of His personal interest in our lives, but they also provide hope and encouragement during difficult times.

Our heavenly Father has made many promises in the Bible.

Yesterday we looked at God's promise in John 14:14. Too often people take the verse to imply, "If you ask anything, I will do it." They overlook the most essential phrase: "in My name."

Jesus Christ issued a bold statement when He said, "If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it" (John 14:14).

How many times have you gotten caught in a "guilt cycle"? This involves confessing the same old sin, telling God you're sorry, and promising not to do it again—while suspecting that you probably will.

God is not one to speak in generalities.

Someone once asked me if I had ever heard myself pray. Having never done this, I decided to record my voice as I prayed about a matter of deep concern.

In many modern cultures, self-sufficiency is prized.

One noteworthy trait of the apostle Paul was his determination to advance through adversity.

Believers are caught in a battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness, but the Lord has provided everything we need to stand firm against the forces of evil.

Many Christians don't realize that they are in a battle.

As believers, we all want the fruit of the Spirit, but how can we know if we truly have it?

Although God wants every believer to be filled with the Spirit, many Christians are not sure what this means
or what it looks like.

Imagine a man named Dan who, after serving his full sentence of 20 years, has just received his prison release papers.

The tumultuous times in which we live challenge our sense of security and well-being.

How much do you trust God? Before answering, consider these scenarios.

Christians generally associate faith with their salvation experience, and rightly so.

Anyone who studies God's ways soon realizes they are quite different from man's

If you are not in a difficult time, you likely will encounter one soon. Jesus promised that we will have many hardships in this life (John 16:33). And was He right!

No one gets through life without trials.

If a sermon is worth listening to, make it a habit to write down the important points.

Where there are mountains, there must also be valleys—it's a simple fact of the created world.

On two separate occasions, the Bible records that Satan petitioned the Lord to test a believer (Job 1:6-12; Luke 22:31-34).

All of us make tracks through the valley of failure. The question is, How are you going to respond?

Yesterday's reading affirmed that God is in everything from natural disasters to family disputes.

Is God involved in everything that happens throughout the world? How you answer that question is important.

Too often we let our circumstances determine our attitude. If life is going smoothly, then we feel good about ourselves; when it gets hard, our mood drops.

After his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul had much to learn about salvation and following Christ.

Practicing patience is hard work! This is especially true when we are waiting upon the Lord, who keeps to His own timetable.

We have become so accustomed to this hurried world that we've begun to demand speed in our spiritual life too. However, God "acts on behalf of those who wait for him" (Isa. 64:4 niv). Wise believers endure until the fruits of His labor appear.

Early in life, I learned to listen to the Lord, and this most important lesson is the foundation of my confidence in God.

Learning to listen to God is an essential part of following His will. The Lord regularly speaks to His followers through four resources:

Yesterday I shared with you about the time when God reminded me, "You are not the vine, Charles. I am the vine."

There was a time when I was so disheartened that it made me wonder whether I should remain in the ministry.

Our Father's concern about us is not confined to spiritual matters. He is interested in the details of daily living as well.

Jim saved for a long time to take an Alaskan cruise. At last he was on board with two carefully packed suitcases.

The Christian life is just that—a life, not a lifestyle.

After I'd witnessed an eagle in flight, I understood why God used this bird to describe a relationship with Him.

Life is filled with struggles that reveal human inadequacy.

Standing on the edge of the Promised Land, the Israelites were overcome by fear.

Joshua needed guidance as he faced one of the most crucial moments of his life.

Before overcoming a challenging situation, God often brings us through a time of spiritual preparation.

Jericho was the first city that the Israelites needed to conquer in their quest for the land of Canaan.

As Joshua stepped into Moses' giant-sized sandals, he faced the biggest challenge of his life—bringing the Israelites into the Promised Land.

We are the product of our thinking, so it is important that we choose carefully where to focus our mental energy.

A committed and consistent prayer life is essential for every believer who wants to grow in his relationship with Christ. Yet so many Christians struggle in this area. What is hindering us?

In contemporary Christian culture, faith is often considered a possession that affects just its "owner."

"I wish I had great faith."

The Old Testament presents idolatry as a serious issue, but who in the modern civilized world gives it much thought?

Faith and obedience are travel companions heading to the same "destination"—namely, to please and glorify the Lord.

In Luke 17:5, the apostles asked Christ to increase their faith.

From God's perspective, being in need can be spiritually beneficial.

God declared, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," (Isa. 55:8).

King Ahab's first thought after encountering the prophet Elijah may well have been, Of all the nerve! Just who does this guy think he is?

Pay attention because there will be a test later." Upon completing their schooling, most people are relieved not to have to hear those words anymore.

Many believers know that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, but we should also understand His mission, how He fulfilled it, and what that means to each of us.

Yesterday we saw that our almighty God desires that we reach His goals for our lives. We also have an Enemy who would love to impede our progress.

What causes some people to fail and others to achieve their goals? Perhaps, as some hypothesize, family background, education, and ability are the main ingredients.

Spiritual combat is going on all the time. It is important for believers to be aware of this conflict in order to battle sin effectively and live in a manner pleasing to the Lord.

Spiritual combat is going on all the time. It is important for believers to be aware of this conflict in order to battle sin effectively and live in a manner pleasing to the Lord.

Today's passage is from Paul's letter to Timothy.

Discouragement can hit us from many angles, depleting our energy and productivity.

How can we conquer discouragement? Let me suggest nine specific steps:

Discouragement is a powerful, destructive force. Before we can understand how to rid our lives of this deadly landmine, we must recognize its harmful nature.

Now that we have a clear picture of what jealousy is and the detrimental impact it can have, we need to examine practical ways to remove the problem from our lives. If you've discovered that you are affected by envy, follow these steps today.

Most likely, you have been caught off guard by a wave of jealousy at some point in your life.

We've already seen some of the areas where insecurity shows up. Now we need to turn our attention to its effects.

Let me ask you to do what may be an uncomfortable exercise. We are going to examine statements that insecure people often make about themselves. As you read each one, ask yourself, Do I think similarly?

Christians tend to categorize sins, rating some as small and inconsequential, but others as huge and far-reaching in the damage they cause.

After not listening to God, Adam and Eve found themselves in a terrible predicament. Their first reaction was to cover up rather than "fess up."

Listening to God is not a onetime event. We must continually keep His Word before us, or we'll begin to listen to the wrong voices.

This story of the Lord's encounter with a Samaritan woman is a wonderful example of His loving response to hurting individuals.

Although the Lord showers His goodness on all men, the ability to perceive and enjoy it is limited by a refusal to reverence Him as God.

I've often heard folks proclaim, "God is good!" when all is going well, but then doubt His benevolence when the blessings they envisioned don't materialize.

In Matthew 12, Jesus talked about the unpardonable sin.

Over the years I have heard Christians say, "I think I have committed the unpardonable sin." Their body language showed the tremendous burden of guilt they carried. Perhaps this describes you or another believer close to you.

Ephesians 4:22-24 describes two different "bents" that are found within every believer: the patterns of the corrupted old self—also known as "the flesh"—and the righteousness of a new nature in Christ.

Webster defines gift as "something given to show friendship, affection, support."

When I am praying about a situation, I call upon the Lord, using one of His names that identifies my need.

When I tell abuse victims that full healing requires forgiving their abuser, many will argue.

Abuse is rampant in our world. It seems new stories are constantly emerging of one person inflicting harm upon others.

The conscience looks at thoughts and actions to determine if they are in line with one's principles and standards. It is important to keep our internal alarm system well maintained so it will be trustworthy.

The conscience is God's early warning system for alerting us to potential danger. It monitors our emotions, thought life, and conduct.

Faith is the foundation of our Christian lives. Hebrews 11:1 gives us the biblical definition of this term: "faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (niv).

Each of us faces the same dilemma.

Three of the four gospels contain an account of the young man who asked Jesus a very important question: "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" (v. 18).

Knowing what we believe is a key to strong, life-sustaining faith. Yesterday we saw two of the blessings that are ours through the blood of the Savior. Today we will look at two more.

When John the Baptist saw Jesus approaching, he declared Christ to be the Lamb of God (John 1: 29).

Yesterday we noted that believers must consider the whole counsel of God to understand His promises.

God promised to supply all your needs, and yet sometimes fulfillment is slow in coming.

God is the only One who never disappoints. From the beginning of time, His Word has remained true. Every prophecy is a promise that has been or will be fulfilled.

All of us experience times when circumstances feel unbearable, prayers appear to go unanswered, and God seems distant. When that happens, we may wonder if He is the same as we once believed Him to be.

The principle of sowing and reaping applies not only to individuals but also to nations. A country that ignores or rejects God and His Word will suffer the consequences of that choice.

Because government is instituted by God as His minister for good (Rom. 13:4), it functions best when leaders honor and obey Him.

After observing the godless condition of our nations, we readily recognize the need for change. But God's solution for our predicament is surprising.

How many of us have listened to the global or national news and wondered, What in the world is going on?

David rejoiced in affliction because trials added to his knowledge of God. Lessons in the Lord's constancy, grace, and provision were more valuable to him than a sack of money.

The Bible is relevant for every situation.

In this day of "instant" news, we regularly see images of calamity in our world. And on a personal level, we experience seasons of hardship as well.

Emotional needs can be every bit as acute as bodily requirements. The desire for love, acceptance, and a sense of safety are hardwired into human beings by the Lord.

Sometimes people perceive a desire as a necessity. The heart can become so consumed with a craving that fulfilling it feels critical to well-being. Then, when God does not meet the "need," anger and frustration result.

As believers, we desire to know the One we worship. Human comprehension is limited, yet understanding all we can is very beneficial—it deepens our relationship with the Father and helps us to share our faith with others. With that in mind, let's explore four attributes of almighty God.

When you think of God, what comes to mind? Often, people view Him in the way that best fits their particular need or situation.

We often forget that during His stay on earth, Jesus identified with us—not only in meeting our needs but also in experiencing His own.

Today's passage presents an interesting paradox. Paul promises the Philippians that God will supply all their needs (v. 19) yet admits that he has experienced times of want (v. 12). To reconcile these two statements, let's consider God's divine viewpoint.

The word "inherit" may bring to mind cash and possessions—or even genetic and personality traits. Yet the Bible talks about something else that can be passed down to the next generation, and it is the most precious thing we have: our faith.

Today's passage contains one of God's most generous assurances to us. Not only are we granted permission to come to Him with our requests, but He also promises to answer our prayers. However, you may be thinking, If this is true, why hasn't He given me what I asked?

Our heavenly Father wants us to know how much He loves and cares for us. He has made this clear through . . .

Are you making certain choices today that your conscience would not have allowed in the past?

When facing hard decisions, do you pay attention to your conscience? And is it necessarily wise to trust this inner voice?

God has revealed Himself to mankind and provided all that is necessary for a relationship with Him. Yet many people foolishly refuse His offer.

There is no greater privilege than knowing God—and no greater tragedy than failing to develop a relationship with Him. Yet many people live their whole life apart from Jesus, and, therefore, when they die, they are separated from Him eternally.

Loneliness is one of man's most painful and feared emotions. Many people consider isolation, disconnectedness, and abandonment excruciating—especially during periods of crisis.

Today's passage captures a painful time in the life of Paul the apostle. As he sat in a prison cell, he knew that death was imminent.

Social networking is big business. Things like Facebook, e-mail, and texting reveal our hunger to connect with one another, yet many people still feel lonely.

If you knew that something you desired could destroy your life, would you keep chasing after it? The Bible warns about a certain kind of pursuit that can cause one to:

God loves a cheerful giver because He Himself is one.

The world bombards us with messages that nourish feelings of inferiority.

Early in my life, I experienced some feelings of inferiority. Because we struggled financially, my mom and I didn't live in the "right" places, and I didn't wear the "right" clothes.

The Christian life can be likened to a race with a predetermined course and a finish line in eternity.

Anxiety is reaching epidemic proportions in our culture.

What is the priority of your life—the one thing around which everything else revolves? Jesus tells us that God's kingdom and righteousness are to be our highest priority.

At times, people will say, "I've made Jesus a part of my life." But this statement reveals that they have missed the point.

While there are many religions, there is only one way to heaven.

Jesus warned the disciples that He was going away. However, the Lord also promised to return and take them to a home He had prepared (John 14:3).

God's care for us extends to the details of our lives. He knows when His children hurt and longs to offer comfort (Isa. 49:13).

I  know the pain of loneliness. I was the only child of a single mother who had to work long hours to support us.

God created humanity for companionship with Himself and each other.

The apostle James challenges us to understand the connection between faith and obedience.

Daniel had unshakable faith. His belief in the Lord sustained him when he was uprooted from his home, taken into captivity, and sent to a foreign country. It strengthened him as he served under four different kings and faced many challenges.

Experiences affect how people think about themselves and what they choose to believe.

I recommend that believers underline Isaiah 41 in their Bibles and meditate on it often.

A lot of negative emotions accompany hardship: frustration, despair, fear, and doubt.

Faced with his nation's certain demise, King Jehoshaphat responded with worship.

It's easy to assume that problems in biblical days looked totally different from those facing us today.

The apostle Paul had a certain mindset that Christians are wise to emulate (1 Cor. 11:1). His attitude included:

God has predestined every believer to be conformed to the likeness of His Son Jesus Christ.

In today's passage from Revelation 19, we see Jesus exalted as the King of Kings.

Revelation may be the most ignored book of the New Testament simply because it can be difficult to understand.

Years ago, God temporarily allowed me to have such physical ailments that I could do nothing but lie in bed.

As a young child, Samuel lived in the temple with his mentor, Eli the priest.

Hannah experienced great sorrow prior to the birth of her son Samuel.

In today's passage, the prophet Samuel describes his godly parents and the difficult time they had before he was born.

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."

Two sisters, Mary and Martha, were busy preparing for Jesus' visit.

Genesis 1:27 teaches that God created us—male and female—in His image.

God's grace has no limits. His mercy can reach the darkest part of our hearts.

At Calvary, the Lord displayed His grace for the entire world to see.

Many people consider Moses a biblical "pillar" of Old Testament days—a man without equal in godliness. Most likely, he'd have laughed at such a thought.

What do you consider your most prized possession?

David found King Saul's hefty reward for Goliath's defeat interesting—in fact, he asked to have it repeated twice (vv. 26, 30).

Life's Goliaths come in all shapes, sizes, and intensities: an unhappy relationship, a difficult job, a rebellious child, a pile of debt, an uncontrollable habit, etc. David faced what appeared to be an insurmountable problem.

The Lord has made us a special people in order that we may fulfill a special purpose.

Whenever feelings of low self-worth threaten us with discouragement, we need to rely on the truth of God's Word rather than our emotions.

Because time is such a precious commodity in our fast-paced culture, it is also a tremendously valuable gift we can give someone else.

People can have very different reactions to similar circumstances.

Yesterday's devotion noted that Joseph suffered 13 years before he was pulled from adversity.

If you want a meaningful life, you will at times travel the road of adversity.

I remember the conflict that arose many years ago when I was being considered for the position of senior pastor.

Do you know someone with a hostile attitude toward God?

On our own, we are unable to choose salvation.

Feeling safe is one of our basic human needs. Many people think they are financially secure until a little blip comes along in the economy or in their personal circumstances.

The principle of sowing and reaping is a universal truth ordained by God that applies not only in agriculture, but also in the area of giving.

In order to save mankind and shower grace upon the undeserving, Christ had to make a voluntary choice to leave heaven and become a man.

Grace is God's undeserved goodness and kindness toward us without regard to our merit or worth.

Today's verses reveal that the Lord's top priority for us is to know and understand Him.

It is a great tragedy that many people go through life without ever becoming acquainted with their Creator.

The apostle John heard Jesus promise to prepare a place for His followers (John 14:1-6).

Because mankind is earthbound until death, misconceptions about heaven are common.

Why am I here on earth? No doubt this question crosses everybody's mind at some point.

Sin can shake our faith in eternal security. God promised that anyone who believes Jesus Christ died on the cross for his or her sin will live forever in heaven (John 6:40).

A sad group of women walked to Jesus' tomb on the Sunday morning after His death.

There are five words that every believer should know and be able to explain.

The garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives was one of the Lord's favorite places to pray throughout His earthly ministry (Luke 22:39).

Many churches today have erased all mention of Jesus' blood from their worship.

Jesus journeyed into the deepest pit of despair hours before His crucifixion.

Consider how illogical Jesus' crucifixion looked to first-century observers.

I have heard many reasons why people are uncertain about their eternal future.

Yesterday, we saw how Scripture answers the question, Who is Jesus?

When Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:15-16).

Our Father does not consider prayer an optional part of the Christian life.

The Lord's character is often distorted by the world.

Imagine an elderly couple living in a dilapidated farmhouse.

Whom do you trust?

Throughout Scripture, we are admonished to trust in the Lord.

The apostle Paul knew the value of having good friends.

Faith can be lulled to sleep when we are focused on our own comfort rather than God's plan.

Abraham is one of the people in the Old Testament who have had a great impact on my spiritual walk. In his life, I see the necessity of living by faith.

We expect a loving heavenly Father to care for His children when they are hurt, persecuted, or misunderstood.

Look up "comfort" in dictionary.com or another reference, and you will read a definition like this: "Something that promotes a state of ease or provides freedom from pain and anxiety."

Hope is both a strong belief and the anticipation that something good is going to happen.

Jesus told His disciples that we would have tribulation in this life (John 16:33).

By trusting Christ, a person enters into a lifelong relationship with the heavenly Father. As believers, we have a responsibility to keep that connection healthy.

From the beginning, God intended to have an intimate, loving relationship with us. What evidence do we have that this is His desire?

The ways of God are a mystery to man.

If you are going to take instruction from someone, you want to be certain that person is well qualified, right?

From the opening line of Genesis to the final words of Revelation, all of Scripture is divinely inspired. And every word has purpose and importance.

Most everyone in our culture has easy access to a Bible, yet this remarkable book is too often left on the shelf to gather dust.

Procrastination can be a big problem: important tasks are neglected, and the benefits of finished work are never enjoyed.

The Holy Spirit is one of God's most precious gifts to His beloved children.

All people sin against God. When man was created in the garden of Eden, he had a choice to obey or disobey the Lord.

If anyone had reason to be discouraged, Joseph did.

Abiding in God's will requires a steady, trust-filled focus upon Him. The life of Joseph provides us with a good illustration.

A blockaded opportunity is a useful teaching tool. God's ultimate objective is to mold us into the image of His Son, and toward that end, He at times prevents us from doing or having something we desire.

Facing a "closed door" can be extremely frustrating. The apostle Paul knew exactly how that felt. On his second missionary journey to share the gospel in Asia, he repeatedly found the way blocked by the Holy Spirit.

Even though the Bible clearly states that every believer receives a spiritual gift, some people nevertheless think they were overlooked.

Do you feel ill equipped to serve the Lord?

The Bible portrays the Christian life as a walk.

In the Christian community, we often hear the term faith.

The Lord manifests His love for mankind in many ways, including a beautiful planet filled with creation's wonders, the promise of His care and protection, and an offer of eternal life with Him.

Years ago, after I preached about God's Spirit, a woman came up to complain, "Why do you talk about the Holy Spirit when people need to hear about Jesus and God?

The word "Trinity" cannot be found in the Bible, but the truth of it can.

The story of the prodigal son gives us a wonderful illustration of God's love.

At times, those of us reading Scripture in English are short-changed by the language's limitations.

Have you ever chosen a certain path, only to find yourself regretting that decision later?

Do you ever feel as though you are missing out on God's rich blessings?

God providentially orchestrated each element of His plan for Israel's success.

The story of Gideon offers scriptural guidance for times when the odds are overwhelming and defeat seems imminent.

Yesterday we learned about the three levels of life.

Living accommodations vary widely in the physical world, ranging from mansions to crude shelters. In the same way, the spiritual realm also has different levels.

The Lord wants to give each of us a "heart of flesh" so that we will be pliable and responsive to Him.

God repeatedly calls to His children, but the condition of each heart determines the result. Those with soft

Some people believe that good works are like a "get out of hell free" card.

In our world of electronic banking and charge cards, it's easy to ignore what things cost.

Mankind has a debt problem.