I realize we’ve been in James before, but…really…can a person get too much of James and his wisdom? I see James as a primer for living a triumphant Christian life, so we’re going to revisit him. Raise your hand if you celebrate when hardship comes. (I don’t expect any raised…
MY God (personal!) will supply every NEED (necessary for spiritual growth) according to HIS RICHES (unfathomable!) in glory in CHRIST JESUS (the Savior of the world!). I wrote in my journal next to this verse: “He never leaves me in want of His love, grace, guidance, presence. But I have…
Philippians 4:13 (the last sentence above) is a pretty well-known verse. I hear it used most often as a kind of chant of encouragement when someone is facing a challenge from small to large. Unfortunately, it’s sometimes used as a replacement for personal effort—kind of a “Bail me out, God,”…
A.E. Hoffman penned these words in 1887, and they are as true today as they were then. You could read “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” as a prayer. 1 What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms; what a blessedness, what a peace is mine, leaning…
There’s a whole lot of discontentment around us. Mostly because people try to find their contentment in temporary things or relationships. “Temporary” means it will not last. Even the most quality of purchases eventually breaks, wears out, or can be replaced with a “better” model; humans come and go either…
When you’re down in the dumps or in the midst of a heartache, doesn’t it give your spirit a lift if someone expresses concern for you? A card, a kind word, a hug…these are little things, but they can make a big impact. 1 Corinthians 13 includes this familiar snippet:…
After all these instructions, Paul ends chapter two with a promise: the presence of the God of peace. I cannot fathom a greater presence than Him and the peace that surpasses all understanding. Father, give me the desire and wisdom and strength to grow more and more like Jesus.
Paul felt confident telling the Philippi believers to follow his example because Paul emulated the One who’d saved him, redeemed him, changed him from the inside out. Do you have a Christian mentor—someone whose example points to Him? I hope you do. We all need those Godly examples. And you…
HYMN DAY! I realize this verse is from last week’s devotions, but I couldn’t resist sharing it today along with the incredible hymn written by Horatio Spafford following the tragic loss of his young son in a fire and his wife and daughters in a shipwreck. That he could still…
Nutritionists say we are what we eat; I say we are what we think about. What consumes our mind will affect our attitude and actions. Therefore, thinking of excellence and things worthy of praise will positively impact what we say and do. So where do we find these things of…
