How many different places in the Bible are we given instruction about following through? Lip service is easy, but it isn’t enough. If I claim to be Christians, then my actions should be Christ-like. If I know what God expects from me, then I need to do it. Knowing is…
We seem to be surrounded by ugliness. Ugly ideals, ugly words, ugly attitudes. Wickedness—ignoring the laws of man and God and doing whatever the selfish man desires—is rampant. All the more reason we must stand firm against temptation and set the better example. His Word instructs, strengthens, edifies, and guides.…
I’ve heard it said we were given two ears and one mouth to help us remember to listen more than we speak. That principle is largely ignored these days. People seem to be much more focused on their right to be heard than their responsibility to hear their fellow men.…
HYMN DAY! “Bringing in the Sheaves” by Knowles Shaw tells us how we can be His firstfruits—sowing wisely and sowing with rejoicing! 1 Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness, Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve; Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping, We shall…
The firstfruits—the best portions—of the crops or newborn lambs were set aside and dedicated to God, the Giver of all gifts. How humbling that He chose US to be His firstfruits—set aside for His purpose, dedicated to Him and His Kingdom. Let my heart always strive to give Him my…
Sin sometimes happens in a moment of weakness. For instance, we’re tired, impatience gets the best of us, and we say or do something that doesn’t honor God. But sometimes sin is plotted. Temptation strikes. We know it’s wrong, but the pull is strong, and we choose to give in…
Trials serve a purpose in my life. Trials strengthen my spiritual muscles. They make me look up and become more dependent on Him. They offer an opportunity to set an example of faithfulness that points to the different He makes in my life. And—best of all—when I grow in my…
If I find myself in a mess, it’s no one’s fault but my own. *I* am accountable for the choices I make. I always have two options: do the God-honoring thing, or not. Therefore, if I succumb to temptation and speak unkindly or behave inappropriately or wallow in a selfish/ugly…
HYMN DAY! John Henry Yates wrote the words to one of my favorite hymns: “Faith is the Victory.” Our sword is the Word of God! 1 Encamped along the hills of light, Ye Christian soldiers, rise And press the battle ere the night Shall veil the glowing skies. Against the…
God isn’t stingy. What I need, He gives. Wisdom benefits me, so of course as a loving Father, He bestows it as needed. But He only gives what I am able, at my point of spiritual maturity, to handle. There are times, no matter how much I beg for clarity,…
