Peace really seems to be in short supply these days. Every day, someone with a cell phone records confrontations, whether between two people or two groups of people. Responding to anger with anger stokes the fire of conflict. The New Living Translation puts Proverbs 15:1 in very straightforward words: “A…
HYMN DAY! “Our God Has Made Us One,” by Niles Borop, is built around Ephesians 4:3, “Keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (NIV).” These words are convicting. Verse 1 Our God has made us one In Him our hearts unite When we His children share…
There are two characteristics that can completely derail the instruction in this verse: envy and apathy. When something good happens for a Christian brother or sister, envy seals our lips against offering a sincere congratulations. When a Christian brother or sister suffers a loss, apathy closes us to offering sincere…
Wow. That’s quite the instruction, isn’t it? When someone treats us unfairly, whether in a physical attack or with hurtful words, the last thing that feels natural is blessing them. But think of Jesus on the cross. If anyone had a right to curse those who mocked Him and savagely…
I see the order of this verse as very well orchestrated. Three short instructions, starting with “rejoice in hope.” Hope is something Christians have that the world does not. We know what awaits us when we leave this world behind. We can’t see it now, but we know it’s there,…
It’s easy to become weary, isn’t it? Galatians 6:9 advises not to become weary in doing good, but it’s one of those things that’s a lot easier to say than do. Especially when we feel under-appreciated, ignored, or taken advantage of. But there’s a way for us to get past…
HYMN DAY! Oh, I loved singing this when I was a girl! The words are wonderful—such strong commitment stated. “Serve the Lord With Gladness” by B.B. McKinney is a call to sincere and diligent service. I especially like the challenge in the final lines of verse 3. 1. Serve the…
I heard about a pair of deacons from the same church who lived next door to each other. A five-foot high privacy fence divided their backyards. Deacon 1 had a huge maple tree near the fence, and when the leaves fell, many of them fell into Deacon 2’s yard. Every…
It’s easy to detest things that are obviously evil, isn’t it? Who among us wouldn’t detest the abuse of children, the slaughter of Christians in foreign lands, thieves breaking into our home and taking the things for which we’ve worked…? But some evil isn’t so easy to see. It lurks…
YOU are important. Let me say that again: YOU are important. YOU are part of the body of believers, and without YOU, a function would go unfulfilled. Without YOU, the body would be incomplete. Being part of the body is such a privilege. Think of it—joining with other believers in…
