Day by Day from Lifeword: Recent Episodes
Clif Johnson, Donny Parrish, Holly Meriweather, Jon Dodson, Rick Russell, Luis Ortega, John David Smith
God does for us, to us, and in us what we cannot do for ourselves. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Churches should seek to provide creative outlets for the use of those God has gifted with creativity. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
Jesus is a leader who is not only wise, but also loving and compassionate. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
We often focus too much on appearance rather than spiritual health. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Leaders must surround themselves with followers who will speak the truth. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
A recap of the chapters of 2 Samuel Clif has discussed so far. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Clif and Johnny discuss pieces of music that inspired Johnny. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
Having Jesus as the center and focus of our destination makes the journey worth it. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Jesus invites the poor and needy to come to Him, so there is room for everyone. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
When we are saved, we become the light of the world. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
The birth of Jesus provided hope that things could change. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Christians can use music to recognize God’s beauty and share it with others. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
Absalom let his anger fester for two years while he plotted revenge on Amnon. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Sometimes there are long periods of silence between sin and consequence. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
When it seems God is silent, that is when He is shouting the loudest. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
When God remains silent in the face of sin, we should take notice. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Clif and Johnny discuss Johnny’s music and inspiration. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
God holds out an offer for forgiveness and reconciliation even to the most wicked. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
We should respond with indignation and action to sin, not by sweeping it under the rug. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
When we give in to sin, we deafen our ears to God’s calls for repentance. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
The church has the responsibility to protect its women and treat them with respect. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
When artists create a work, they are attempting to evoke a response or feeling. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
If we do not stop ourselves from sinning, it will grow out of control. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org. ~~~
If we do not catch our wicked desires early, they will lead to sin. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org. ~~~
We easily mislabel sin because we do not want to admit that what we are doing is wrong. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org. ~~~
Sin bears the promise of some gift to benefit us, but it can never deliver. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org. ~~~
Music is a universal language that can often convey what words cannot. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org.
Sin comes to us in degrees, never revealing its full scope until it is too late. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
God is faithful to forgive us, but He is also faithful to judge sin accordingly. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Recognizing the consequences of sin should lead us to put it to death in our own lives. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
The Bible provides us a look at both the grim reality of life and the hope provided in Jesus. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Creativity is an opportunity to express the identity that God has impressed upon us.Creativity is an opportunity to express the identity that God has impressed upon us. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
When God disciplines us, He continues His sanctifying work upon us. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
We can be free of the weight of guilt and recognize that our future is bright thanks to Jesus. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Although we will reap the consequences of our sin, we can know God is still righteous. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
As beautiful as creativity can be, it should be filled with love and personality. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
When we do not receive the answer we want to our prayers, we should still recognize that God is good. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
As we repent, we should be worshipful that God would choose to forgive us. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
God calculates the consequence of sin based on His purity, righteousness, and justice. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
We should be aware that we have the same propensity for sin as anyone else. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
As we use our talents for God, we should give other believers the tools to do the same and promote discipleship. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
Being tearful over sin or fearful of retaliation does not automatically equate to repentance. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Genuine, godly grief over sin leads to repentance. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Our hope for defeating sin lies with Jesus, who committed no sin. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
The further we spiral into sin, the more calloused we become to its effects. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
What God requires of us is to return the talent He has given us to be used in His service. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
Sex is to be enjoyed between husband and wife and not committed outside that relationship. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
When we leave our pride unchecked, we will inevitably fall into sin. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
It is not sin to be tempted, but to indulge in that temptation and act upon it is sin. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Belief in Christ is the only tool which can put to death the temptations of the flesh. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Believers should seek God’s approval rather than comparing our accomplishments to those of others. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
Every person’s heart is bent toward misusing whatever authority is granted to them. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
One of the great dangers of abusing spiritual leadership is maligning the name of God. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Those who abuse their authority tend to dehumanize those beneath them. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Power is easy to hide behind and use to place ourselves above the law. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Our relationship with God should make its way into our professions regardless of whether we are in ministry or not. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
If we are not careful, power can go to our heads and we can abuse our authority. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Those in authority must be careful not to abuse that authority and not to let it go to their heads. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
We should all be careful to avoid the belief that we are above any kind of sin. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Although we all have flaws, those who believe in Christ have those mistakes erased. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
If we are not willing to fight our spiritual battle, we put ourselves and our families at risk. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
We must fight our spiritual battle courageously, because our enemy seeks to shame us. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
We can fight with courage because we know the Lord will do what is good in His sight. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
A life under covenant is one where we are welcome at the King’s table. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
It is important to have Christians creating music even outside the realm of worship. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
Jesus came to seek and save the lost and heal the sick and broken-hearted. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
The covenant God made with David led to the eternal blessings we receive in Jesus. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Our bonds to the people in our lives and the covenants we have made should be unbreakable. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Artistry and beauty can be ways to express worship and honor to God. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
A covenant means faithfulness to the highest degree, even to death, for better or worse. #daybydaylw
We proclaim a kingdom with a ruler who has come and conquered sin and death. #daybydaylw
We proclaim a kingdom with a ruler who has come and conquered sin and death. #daybydaylw
Everything that happened to Jesus, including His death on the cross, was part of His planned victory. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
The life of Jesus was characterized by the presence of God and victory. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Though we wish to live under prosperity and peace, this will come from Jesus and not any human ruler. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
When God sends blessings our way, we should use them for His glory. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
The impact and influence of the church should be felt in all directions. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
When God defeats our enemies, He takes away their ability to harm us. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
God is faithful to His word and always makes good on His promises. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Success in life does not come from earthly accomplishments. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
We should put depth and heart into what we do in representing God through our work. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
Blessings can come from adversity and we must trust God’s sovereignty to work those things out. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
When we are struggling, we should be honest with God about what is in our hearts. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
In hard seasons, we should look up and recognize that God always fulfills His promises. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
The Gospel story of Jesus is built up throughout the whole Bible. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Anything we can do in service of God’s kingdom should be done with diligence to the best of our ability. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
We cannot have hope in God’s promises if we do not know His Word. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
When trials beset us, we should continue to gather with God’s people to praise. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
We can make a conscious decision to wrap our confusion in an atmosphere of praise. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Even in the most difficult circumstances, it is possible to have hope because of the work of Jesus. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Excellence in worship extends even to the behind the scenes work such as lighting. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
We should pray for God to accomplish His promises toward us. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
We should extol God’s greatness by recognizing who we are in light of who He is. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
If God is not working in the way we want Him to, it’s because He has a plan. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
We should be amazed at the ways God cares for us and works in our lives. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Worship should take place not only in our individual lives but among our families. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
The goal of our faith should be set on the presence of God. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
All kingdoms other than Christ’s will be marked by sin, death, and corruption. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
The story of the Bible is built upon the promises God makes to His people and their fulfillment. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Something of seeming insignificance can be extremely important in God’s hands. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
We should daily pray for and look for opportunities to connect with a person to reach with the Gospel. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
When we recognize God’s goodness, we should grow more joyful and more humble. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
The more of God’s glory we see, the more humble we become. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Sometimes our worshipful response to God’s glory is spontaneous. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Our lives are ever in the eyes of God and should be lived for the glory of God. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
We should meditate and anticipate on the coming sermon each week. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
To truly have right worship, we must rely on God’s Son and His Spirit.#daybydaylwInterested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
True worship is not according to our preferences but to God’s Word.#daybydaylwInterested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
To have proper worship, we must fully recognize God’s holiness.#daybydaylwInterested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
There are specific details to follow in how we worship God.#daybydaylwInterested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Personal study can incorporate the passages and lessons taught in Sunday sermons.#daybydaylwInterested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
Weight and importance should be given to proper worship. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Restoring biblical worship is an act of great magnitude. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
If God is not at the center of our lives, we should reorder things so He is.#daybydaylwInterested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
God must be the center of our lives and His glory our chief consideration.#daybydaylwInterested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Restoring rightful worship of God means there must be a reordering of our lives. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
The eternal kingdom of God which He establishes is greater than any earthly kingdom. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
No matter how many days pass, we can rest knowing that God’s promises bloom in time. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
We can count on God’s promises to be true regardless of opposition or pressure. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
How we accomplish our goals is as important as the accomplishments themselves.#daybydaylwInterested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
No corrupt world leader or false teacher can disrupt the plans of God.#daybydaylwInterested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
God is transforming everything, even acts of wickedness, into elements of His ultimate plan.#daybydaylwInterested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Our sins do not only affect ourselves, but the people around us.#daybydaylwInterested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Worship music and hymns can be memorized for greater depth of spiritual pondering.#daybydaylwInterested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
Pride does not rest or take a break, so it must be killed.#daybydaylwInterested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Regardless of scandal or corruption, the church will march on.#daybydaylwInterested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
God works through the pride of men to work His will contrary to their goals.#daybydaylwInterested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Everyone in God’s kingdom has been gifted with skills to serve Him.#daybydaylwInterested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Pride seeks to uproot and destroy God and plant itself in God’s place.#daybydaylwInterested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Unchecked pride will lead us to seek status and power over others. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
We should be on alert for displays of pride in our lives.#daybydaylwInterested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Pride seeps into everything if we do not keep a close watch on it.#daybydaylwInterested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Private devotional time can remind us to connect with God even in mundane activities. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
The legitimacy of a ministry will not remove its opposition. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
God’s kingdom is moved by extending grace. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Small starts in following God should not discourage us, and can lead to great things. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Following God means full obedience, right away, done with a happy heart. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Bible study and prayer is important even for those in the depths of grief. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
Earthly realities should lead the church to rally behind God’s power and authority. #daybydaylw
Studying the Bible can provide reminders that help us rein in difficult emotions. #daybydaylw
It is important to recognize what events are worth grieving over. #daybyday Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
We should not look down on someone for having a deep, emotional reaction to grief. #daybyday Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Godly grief provides boundaries so that we do not put personal gain ahead of righteousness. #daybyday Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Grief is a necessary and godly response to tragedy. #daybyday Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
We can worship God and grow closer to him in the mundane moments of daily life. #daybyday Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
God’s strength is not only for our bad times, but to help us live for Him every day. #daybyday Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Good can come of bad situations if they bring us back to the Lord. #daybyday Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
To be able to find strength in God, our relationship with Him must be personal. #daybyday Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
We can find strength not in ourselves but in the God who made a binding covenant with His people. #daybyday Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
We must approach the Bible as a whole, not ignoring even more difficult passages. Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
When the Lord strengthens His children, He does so by pointing to Himself rather than them. Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Grief alone will not provide strength, unless it leads to undivided alone time with God. Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Even in the depths of our despair, we can strengthen ourselves in God. Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
Jesus, our perfect King, walked into the heart of death and darkness to release us from sin’s entrapment. Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~
An in-depth Bible study does not have to be reserved for scholars. Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
The Christian life is full of highs and lows, victories and defeats, but God is with us through it all. ~~~
There are moments in our lives that we can look at and see the hand of God at work. ~~~
We should be careful not to seek the benefits and blessings of God without trusting Him. ~~~
As we look for leadership and authority, we should remember Christians have no King but Christ. ~~~
The Bible sometimes lists things out of chronological order to emphasize importance. ~~~
Rest will come for all believers one day, but until then we find our strength in Jesus. ~~~
When we are most tired of our struggle, we must be aware of the temptation to quit. ~~~
We must be aware of our own tiredness so that we encourage ourselves rather than running. ~~~
Circumstance should not determine our values, and our convictions should not be subject to change. ~~~
God gives gifts greater than we can understand or that we would choose for ourselves. ~~~
We should recognize the providence of God in our lives as He makes us more like Christ. ~~~
We should be sure to hate our own sin as much as God does, rather than justifying it. ~~~
Jesus took God’s vengeance on our behalf so those who believe in Him can escape it. ~~~
Once we understand what a Bible text is saying and how we should respond, we can look at application.
We should consider what we can learn from the Bible texts we read, not just immediately jump to application.
We should be faithful to pray specifically for individual missionaries serving across the world.
We should be willing to step out of our comfort zone and be present for the people in our lives. ~~~
Being a missionary begins with mindset that comes from a Scriptural understanding of God’s mission.
If we are not walking with God, we may take drastic and immoral steps to protect our own ambitions. ~~~
We should be willing to do the Lord’s work even when it means we’re not in the spotlight. ~~~
When we read and reread the Bible and reflect upon it, it can provide deeper understanding.
The greatest goal of a believer’s life is to build a life of great abiding and joyful keeping of God’s Word. ~~~
Apart from Christ we can find no rest and there will be no satisfaction for our sin. ~~~
Approaching the Bible with a different perspective on our questions can reveal new answers.
Devotion and humility were key traits of Jesus, which we should exhibit through His power. ~~~
The distinction between Christianity and the world should grow clearer as wickedness grows. ~~~
There are various study plans to help new readers learn how to properly read the Bible.
God’s ultimate demonstration of love for us, in delivering us miraculously, is seen in Jesus. ~~~
Those who are religious but indifferent have experienced no change from Christ in their lives. ~~~
God’s Kingship challenges all others, and we must submit to Him and relinquish control of our lives. ~~~
Salvation, redemption, restoration is not from man, it is not from within, it is from God. ~~~
Although the circumstances of our life may not change, our perspective and worship can. ~~~
Reading the Bible provides instruction and wisdom about our own lives in a way fiction does not.
God’s gift is personal to all those who recognize their sinfulness and turn to Him in faith. ~~~
To have greater worship, we must renew our minds and remind ourselves of who God is. ~~~
Teenagers can have quiet time as well as adults can, and parents should model it for them.
The primary task of Jesus coming to the earth was to deliver his people from their sin. ~~~
Advent is a celebration of the coming of Christ and looking forward to His second coming.
It is good for us to have accountability with someone to keep us on track with our quiet time.
Jesus’ kind of leadership takes the burden of legalism and self-righteousness from us. ~~~
Our goal is not to be less self-exalting, self-righteous, or self-preserving, but to follow more closely to Jesus. ~~~
Self preservation will lead us to accuse and harm others to ensure we get what we want. ~~~
When we look to someone other than God, we should not be surprised when they fail us. ~~~
Are we moving, living in bold, Biblical faith, or are we standing still in binding fear? ~~~
Regardless of opposition, God always comes out on top and shows He is always in control. ~~~
God’s pattern is to have all odds against Him so victory can only be credited to Him. ~~~
When God has called us, we must focus on that, and not on circumstances that may waylay us. ~~~
Christ promises to protect, empower, and motivate those who are obedient in the faith. ~~~
We do not need odds to be in our favor to succeed when we are working for the Lord. ~~~
As you seek to follow the Lord day by day, remember that it is done through trusting obedience to his revealed word. ~~~
Jesus, in the moment that the enemy surrounds him, time and time again, looks the enemy in the face and shows that he is unflinchingly committed to God’s word. ~~~
We do not have to be afraid of the LORD’s harsh discipline if we are trustingly serving him. ~~~
The basis of God’s faithfulness to His people is the covenant He made with His people. ~~~
In the face of constant attacks against the church, we must be uncompromising and rely on the Holy Spirit. ~~~
If the desire to be like the world goes unchecked, you will have rejected God’s kingship over you. ~~~
A desire to be like the world around you blinds you to the reality that awaits you in that world. ~~~
It is a battle to remain distinct as God’s people, and not become a cheap duplicate. ~~~
We can look back over our history and see the work of God in and around our lives. And yet, when things seem to be getting sour, we can glance at what we see in the world and say, “I want some of what they have,” without remembering that that life is nothing but shame, regret, and defeat. ~~~
The Bible tells us that He who knew no sin became sin so that we might become the righteousness of God. ~~~
The right restorer, makes all the difference in the world, and the greatest restorer of human lives is Jesus Christ. ~~~
Do you have any stones of remembrance that mark the journey of your walk with the LORD that you can share with your children? ~~~
Repentance positions you, it creates the condition, the atmosphere upon which the LORD will deliver, no matter who surrounds you. ~~~
When you put away the gods, when you burn the idols down, and establish your heart, your whole being, you settle the fact that you are turning mind, body, will, emotions over to the LORD, there will be testing.
The primary draw of church should always be hearing from God, not about any other attraction. ~~~
Idols are not just statues of false gods, but can include work, family, and other things. ~~~
Repentance is difficult because it calls us away from the comfort of our self-made gods and idols. ~~~
The Lord will work in the lives of the truly repentant, not those only interested in token religion. ~~~
We often want just enough Jesus to be free from sin, but not to change us for the better. ~~~
When it seems God’s people are defeated, He will remind the world who is really in charge.
One who understands what God has done for them will overflow with kindness and generosity.
We know the resurrection will happen because it must happen for believers to enter God’s kingdom.
If Jesus had not been raised from the dead, everything believers did would be pointless.
The resurrection of Christ is important because it holds us together and is historically reliable.
Those who say they are spiritual but do not prioritize God’s Word are to be unrecognized by the church.
Without love, we will ultimately be ineffective and have nothing to show for our ministry.
God uses each of us in some role in the church to fulfill the ultimate purpose of reaching the lost.
The followers of Jesus must embrace our responsibility and privilege to continue the mission of Jesus.
The remedy to envy is to realize that God placed us within the church for a specific purpose.
We should not be envious of the purpose of others in the church when we have our own to fulfill.
To operate as a unified church, we must shift from a me-focused mindset to a we-focused mindset.
Church division exists when we attempt to satisfy ourselves with ourselves, rather than with the Holy Spirit.
The unity of believers should stretch beyond any other identifying factor such as race, gender, or class.
The church is unified by the fact that we as believers have all been baptized by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus identifies Himself with the church, making the church the most important and valuable work we can be part of.
Each church member has an individual role, but we must be part of the body to be effective.
For our churches to be effective, their members must be operating on the same page and in the same direction.
If we want Christ to be exalted in the church, we must use our spiritual gifts to uplift one another.
Every member of the church is to use their spiritual gifts in a responsible way to build it up.
Prophecy and discernment are two gifts of the Holy Spirit that often go unnoticed in the church.
Though sometimes dramatic healing takes place, the gift of healing does not mean all sicknesses will be removed.
The church is strengthened and built up when we recognize that spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit and use them to build up one another.
The gift of faith is the ability to believe God in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Knowledge precedes wisdom, and to apply the Gospel in a wise way, one must know Christ and His work.
The gift of wisdom has to do with sharing how to live a practical and winsome life from a Christ-centered foundation.
Older believers should be looking for opportunities to interact with the younger people in the church.
Rather than hopping churches to find believers using their gifts, we should actively use ours in the church we’re in.
Although using our spiritual gift benefits us, we should be using it for the common good of the church.
The goal of our faith should not be set on the gifts, on the graces, but on the Spirit Himself.
No gift manifests the Holy Spirit more or less than another, but sometimes we do not notice.
The Holy Spirit manifests Himself through the use of spiritual gifts in every believer’s life.
Just because someone does not know what their spiritual gift is does not mean they don’t have one.
It is important to understand the times we live in and the worldview our culture espouses.
Not everyone has the same amount or dosage of spiritual gifts, but God gives as He sees fit.
God wants us to be aware of the happenings in the world so we understand the times we live in.
There is a wide variety of spiritual gifts, given with a purpose discovered as we walk with Jesus.
Spiritual gifts are not about individual talents, but about a bestowed blessing of grace from God.
All spiritual gifts are given and powered by God, and all should be celebrated and used.
It is important not to put undue focus on something other than what the biblical author intended.
We must have a strong worldview so that we understand the times and know what to do in light of them.
The best goal for any church is to embrace and use the wide array of gifts God has given them.
Every institution and organization is looking to influence people to behave a certain way.
Man has been charged with the population and discipleship of the world, but woman has been charged to help him.
The changes in our world today remind us that we must stand on the truth of God’s Word.
God created males and females differently, with distinction, to fulfill a purpose in His world.
Christ is the perfect example of what a man should be and He gives us the ability to be like Him.
Men have a responsibility in our culture to rise up and reclaim God’s purpose for their lives.
The husband is the authority of the family, but that does not mean he is superior or a heartless rule giver.
Statements of obedience and faith mean nothing when we are not living a life of surrendered obedience.
When we read God’s Word, we should approach it with our hearts open to let the Lord change us.
Before we try to set straight the virtues of our nation, those virtues must be present in the church.
To live a Christian life, salvation must not just be a past event, but a continued work of the Holy Spirit.
Without true faith and surrender, a religious experience amounts to nothing in God’s eyes.
We can never do enough acts of religious observance to equate to spiritual faithfulness.
Religious observance alone does not equal spiritual faithfulness if it is not from the heart.
We can never really know the impact our lives will have when we exercise proper self control.
Christians should be active in politics, but should not make politics an idol or parties a church.
The race a Christian runs is to live an effective, influential life to witness to the lost.
Sacrificing liberties for the sake of others brings greater joy than savoring them for yourself.
There is greater joy in laying down our liberties than in what we think that liberty will bring.
When we surrender our Christian liberties, it means we must bear the burdens that go along with it.
Love for God and others should lead us to lay down some liberties so other believers may grow.
As we decide the message of something, we must determine whether it is good for a particular audience.
The ultimate goal of showing biblical love to others is that they would have a greater love for Christ.
Parents have a responsibility to teach their children to discern the truthfulness of messages.
Achieving the attainment of more knowledge is never the true end goal of biblical knowledge.
Our matters of everyday life are not mundane matters with no real meaning or consequences.
As we consume entertainment, we must be careful to discern how it is trying to shape us.
Singleness can be a gift that allows believers to focus all their attention on serving Christ.
Singles and married people alike can be used effectively in service to Christ’s Kingdom.
The most important thing in life is making sure we are prepared for the one that comes next.
Whether married or unmarried, we must live a life in which Christ is the central point of our being.
Remaining single is not about elevating spiritual credibility, but about finding the best way to serve God.
We can know if a source is credible by whether they speak with authority given by the Holy Spirit.
Mistakes made in past relationships do not have to hinder a believer from following God.
A believer who is married to an unbeliever has a chance to win their spouse over through the dramatic changes in their lifestyle.
God’s intention for marriage is that it lasts for life, not to be ended casually after falling out of love.
Believing couples should remain married and seek the Holy Spirit to improve their marriage.
Those who are single are not lesser than those that are married, and can still live a devoted Christian life.
Ultimately, whether married or unmarried, we should live our lives devoted and undistracted for Christ.
Married couples should only abstain for sex for holiness purposes temporarily, and come back together soon.
Marriage is important for the fulfillment of desire, so that sinful temptations do not creep in.
Our values should be shaped by the reality of our redemption in Christ and in the life to come.
If there is a consistent pattern of sin and selfishness in one’s life, they should examine their salvation.
A believer’s spiritual position with Christ should have a real-time effect in their life.
Christians are in a better position of discernment because of our relationship with Christ.
Believers are meant to be accountable to one another, and when one defies that, they must be removed.
Continuing to walk in sin after salvation makes a mockery of the new life we are given.
Sinners must be put out from the church if they are unrepentant because sin spreads too easily.
When a church member lives in unrepentant sin, the church must remove them with the hope of restoration.
If we tolerate sin in our lives or in the church, it will inevitably bring ruin and destruction.
A spiritual mentor is someone who shows faithfulness and fruitfulness in their spiritual life.
Everyone should have a spiritual mentor they can learn from and build a relationship with.
When it comes to matters within the church, we must entrust ourselves to the teachings of God’s Word.
We should never take pride or become conceited in how much knowledge of Christ we have.
Believers should be careful not to sit in judgment over areas that are not ours to judge.
God will judge all pastors based not just on performance, but on the deep purposes of their heart.
A large part of a pastor’s responsibility is to know God’s Word and reveal it to the church.
Men should rediscover and carry with responsibility the code that has been given by our Creator.
A pastor’s responsibility is not to fulfill the whims of the church, but to be a steward of the Gospel.
Pastors are not running for an office, they are fulfilling a calling of God as the servant of Christ.
We must decide whether we will live on as a church following God’s institution or let it die to worldly wisdom.
God created sex as something to be enjoyed between husband and wife, not something to be feared or endured.
If we build our churches on anything other than godly wisdom, we are deceiving ourselves.
Sometimes human ingenuity does more harm than good, and especially when we try to “fix” the church.
The greatest need of the church is to recapture the vision of becoming a community powerfully indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
God jealously guards His church to protect her holiness from being defiled or blemished.
If we believe the truth that God dwells in the church, we must make changes to maintain biblical truth.
Truth is being abandoned for compelling storytelling and personal feelings and experiences.
Abandoning biblical truth for cultural relevancy dismantles the effectiveness of God’s church.
Because we do not know when our day of refinement is coming, we should be careful to build our foundation on Christ.
We must learn how to be better builders day by day, because we do not want our efforts to be wasted.
A culture is not just shaped by its beliefs, but by its practices, which show what is important to us.
The quality of work that we put into building our spiritual foundation will be revealed in fire.
To walk in spiritual wisdom, we must spend times deeply studying and learning the Bible.
We should pay attention and make sure the work we are building is on the foundation of godly wisdom.
In order to build upon the foundation of Christ’s work, we need a wisdom-driven work ethic.
Everyone has beliefs and core convictions which shape their worldview and how they interact with society.
We should not try to take credit for the kind of work that can only be accomplished by God.
The works of believers will be tested, and only fireproof work built on the foundation of Jesus will stand.
As Christians, we must be wise about which institutions we allow into our home and how we interact with them.
The church’s foundational message is not to be better, but that God sacrificed His Son for sinful man.
The foundation of the church is essential, because it will determine what is built upon it.
The church should not be built on traditions, ethics, or personalities, but on Jesus Christ alone.
God Himself is the founder and builder of the church, the body of Christ made up of believers.
We cannot stop or control the advancement of invention, but we should be wise in how we use it.
Salvation is not just a ticket to heaven, but the first in a long line of gifts to be enjoyed and employed.
Regardless of what ministry God has called us to, there is no higher calling than to obey Him.
Every believer has an important part to play in the oneness of the church and its ministry.
Religious pluralism tells us that all roads lead to God, and all religions are equally valid and true.
Even the most well known believers and preachers are still humble servants in the kingdom of God.
We should not put leaders on pedestals, because even they are just servants of Christ like us.
Who led us to Christ and what leader we follow do not make us better than other believers.
Modern culture tells us that there is no sin, and regarding ourselves as sinners is negative thinking.
If we want to enjoy the Lord’s discernment, then we must walk in dependence and submission to Him.
We should have a deep longing for God and dependent on Him in a way that nothing else can satisfy.
Our culture promotes the idea that we can be whatever we want if we believe, and salvation comes from within.
We cannot count on our human leaders to have the kind of wisdom that only comes from God.
Even though He knew mankind would hate and betray Him, God still provided a means for our sins to be forgiven.
Looking back at the cross can remind us of God’s anger at man’s sin and the atoning sacrifice He offered.
Saying we are spiritual are not enough, because true devotion to God shows through in our religion.
Although God hates sin, He still offered a way for us to be forgiven in His love and wisdom.
For believers to grow, they must recognize God’s Word as essential for making them more mature.
Our lives, lived in obedience and surrender to Christ, should cause a reaction from the world.
We can demonstrate the Holy Spirit in our lives by submitting to His power and dying to pride and control.
Anyone who disagrees with the world’s policies will be shut down and labeled intolerant.
When we see God at work, we should take it seriously and handle it with care and discernment.
We should not concern ourselves with trying to look impressive or powerful, but rest in God’s power.
Our confidence in our message succeeding must not be in our delivery, but in the power of God.
When we preach the Gospel, we must do it with a complete focus on Jesus, not on anything to make it more interesting.
Any change toward communism inevitably leads to the silencing of anyone who does not follow the trend.
We must remove the world’s wisdom from all situations and instead rely on the wisdom God gives.
If all commands to pray were removed from the Bible, would it change anything about our prayer lives?
God ordained salvation to be the way it is so that no man could stand before the throne of God and boast.
It is important to not only be against the ways of the world, but in line with the wisdom of God.
We are not saved because we are wise enough or good enough, but because we are loved and chosen by God.
If we abandon the wisdom of the world for the Gospel, we can be free from death and saved into new life.
God’s goal for our lives is not to learn great life lessons, but to transform to be more like Him.
When it comes to living a life of holiness and godliness, it will always be counter-cultural.
Believers have been saved from sin’s penalty, are being saved from sin’s power, and will be saved from sin’s presence.
Unbelievers want nothing to do with the Gospel, but believers should not try to dress it up to make it more appealing.
The wisdom given by God will always be greater than any flawed human wisdom can achieve.
Knowing God cannot come through wisdom, but only through the grace He gives that we may have faith.
Some say that absolute truth cannot be known, but there is truth that can be known about God.
The demand for wisdom and power from our own human perspective are still the basic idolatries of this world.
Truth is not relative – it is absolute, meaning it applies to all people, everywhere, throughout all time.
We must be sure not to add our own fluff to the Gospel message so we do not water it down.
Trying to prop up the Gospel indicates it is not enough on its own, and God will not work in that kind of ministry.
Churches have a habit of treating Jesus like just a part of the team, rather than the one calling the shots.
We do not get a say in whether or not what we believe matches up with biblical orthodoxy.
If we do not have the order of importance of our beliefs right, our churches will suffer for it.
We must have a robust, well-established knowledge of Christian doctrine to combat the world’s arguments.
Replacing essential doctrines with human preferences will lead to division within the church.
When Jesus is not the center of a church’s life and doctrine, their devotion to Him and others is compromised.
All people have a desperate need for a relational nearness to God and for His presence in our lives.
The world will hate us for following Christ, but God will carry us safely into eternity.
Sometimes, Christians can become so focused on what we’re doing that we forget about other important things.
We will never be lacking in what is necessary to serve God because He gives it to us through His grace.
God shows common grace to all people, but the church receives the greater grace He gives through Jesus.
People around the world are struggling with questions about the existence of God and who He is.
Our churches are full of corruption and worldliness that must be put aside to live for God.
Regardless of our church’s physical location, we can be confident in our ability because we have been placed in Christ.
We are not called to serve God by our own ability, but His grace has equipped us for the task.
Even the simplest parts of Scripture may hold important truths that we can easily overlook.
Christians must be careful not to adopt beliefs contradictory to the Bible to accommodate the lost.
If we want life rather than merely existence, we must follow Jesus and walk with Him day by day.
We should avoid comparing ourselves to others and focus on following what God has planned for our own lives.
There is hope when we stray from God, because He meets us with love, forgiveness, and faithfulness.
Our salvation is not about us feeling good about ourselves, but about having a right perspective of and magnifying the King.
When Jesus convicts us, we should not run from it but walk toward it and embrace His forgiveness.
Jesus must bring us to deal with our sin so we can have our eyes drawn to the grace of God.
A day is coming when we will either be invited to dinner with Jesus or cast from His presence.
Jesus provides both famine and plenty, and He also provides us the strength to keep what He has promised and produced.
In times of hardship and desperation, it may be that God is using our circumstances to test us.
There may be times when God causes a drought in our lives so the rain seems so much sweeter.
Jesus has not abandoned us and is ever present with His people to produce ministry through us and provide fellowship with Him.
Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we can risk everything knowing nothing can take away our eternal life.
The future God has planned for all believers can only be accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus brings us a kind of peace that the world cannot provide and settles our hearts knowing our sin is forgiven.
Jesus’ death and resurrection means He can relate to us as brothers and sisters and we can relate to God as Father.
The resurrection of Jesus not only changed the face of worship, but sparked a fire of revolution.
There are too many eyewitnesses to Jesus’ resurrection for it to be a hoax or hallucination.
Jesus does not just live on in our hearts, but is really alive and physically rose from the dead.
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, shedding His blood for us, was enough for the forgiveness of sin.
Although intended as humiliation, the sign marked “King of the Jews” reminds us of Jesus’ true identity.
Jesus was not forced to become a victim, but willingly chose to surrender His life for us.
Human power and authority is limited and has nothing on God’s limitless, all-controlling power.
We must be willing to look past our self-righteousness and ambition to see the truth Jesus offers.
Living for the glory of man and in fear of man will keep you from embracing the King of Man.
Christians are victorious over the world and our circumstances because of God’s providence.
No matter what we endure, we should never play the victim, because we have power knowing God is in control.
We should not feel bad for Jesus, because He not only allowed His death to happen but orchestrated it.
Even when the world seems out of control, everything is moving in unison with God’s plan.
What looks like an impossible and out of control situation is part of God’s sovereign plan for good.
No matter who rises against Him, Jesus is the I Am and is more powerful than any adversary.
Jesus was aware that He would be betrayed and submitted willingly to that fate for His mission.
Even as He was being arrested and crucified, there is no doubt that Jesus was in complete control.
Jesus has prepared all His disciples, past, present, and future, for the days we live in.
Because knowing God is the source of Christian love, we must know Him more to love others more.
One day, we will see Jesus in the full glory that God the Father bestowed on Him from the beginning.
Our assurance as believers is that we receive eternal life because of the sacrifice Jesus made for us.
When Christians are unified, it makes for a compelling witness to the world that can draw them to Christ.
Unity must not come at the cost of sacrificing the truth of the Gospel to appease those who don’t believe.
Believers can be unified because we share the same Holy Spirit of God in us, regardless of our outward differences.
Gimmicks to draw people in will never be enough for a church to grow in true, discipled followers of Christ.
We can be confident that the prayer of Jesus is perfect, and that He does not hope for the best or try and fail.
The sanctification of a believers comes through drawing away from the world and drawing close to God.
True unity can only come from those who are saved, because it is God who keeps us and unites us.
A true believer who is walking in the Spirit will keep God’s Word, love it, and live it.
Believers should not just know God’s Word, but should live it out and follow it as their guiding light.
God gave Jesus the responsibility to manifest Himself to His followers, and they believed in Him.
Jesus is not aloof or unaware, but knows exactly what we need before we even realize it.
Jesus is infinitely better and more glorious than anything else in creation and He wants us to trust Him.
Our actions are judged by the standards of God’s law, but Jesus’ sacrifice means we don’t have to work for salvation.
All throughout His ministry, Jesus had a singular focus on His mission of redeeming the lost by way of the cross.
Even though the story of the world is still unfolding, God has already written the ending.
For those who are saved in Christ, God the Father welcomes them into His presence with open arms.
As long as our eyes are on the cross, our prayers and our focus will be accomplishing the mission of Christ.
Because we know of the crucifixion and resurrection, we can see clearly God’s plan for salvation.
As believers, we have the privilege to enter into the presence of God and enjoy fellowship with Him through prayer.
When we become believers, we have instant access to God through representation in Jesus.
Although we do not have Jesus with us in person today, He is still with us through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The cross is a symbol of sorrow because our sin caused the death of Christ, but a symbol of rejoicing because He bought our forgiveness.
The Holy Spirit convicts us of impending judgment, and He does it through the preaching of the Gospel by His disciples.
The Holy Spirit reveals the false self-righteousness of man and our need for God’s divine righteousness imparted on us.
The Holy Spirit reveals our sins and convicts us of them, which is a gift from God so we may come to repentance.
Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit so that as we served Him and preached the Gospel, we could accomplish those tasks through His power.
As we follow Christ, our focus should turn more toward Him and less toward our own interests and well being.
Although we face persecution and hatred from the world, we have been tasked with going out and preaching the Gospel.
The only thing that can keep us from surrendering to hard times is a firm foundation in the Word of God.
Often, the reason people abandon church may have nothing to do with the church, but with the individual’s spiritual state.
To truly be a follower of God, we must acknowledge and obey Jesus, and that is what the world hates.
We will be hated because of the different mindset, perspective, and worldview we hold from the world.
Even when we exhibit love, compassion, and kindness, the world will hate us for identifying with Jesus.
Because the world hated Jesus, we can be sure it will hate us, but He has given us help.
Just as we carry certain items with us every day, we must equip ourselves daily with tools for our spiritual walk.
The way we abide in Christ and His love is by completely depending on our connection to the vine.
Rather than serving in search of a reward, obedience to Christ should be selfless and out of love.
Jesus takes great pleasure when He sees His children following Him and wants us to persevere in obedience.
Because we have not been abandoned by God, and because we can grow and obey Jesus, we can experience the kingdom of heaven.
Growth in our relationship with Christ cannot happen apart from trusting and obeying Him.
Although Christ physically left the world, He left behind the Holy Spirit so He would always be present with us.
Obedience does not justify us, but it flows naturally from a heart that is in love with God.
The kingdom of God is present in the hearts of all believers through the presence of Jesus Christ.
Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we have new life, spiritually free from sin, both eternally and presently.
All people have a spiritual desperation that can only be filled by Jesus, who brings new vitality.
Jesus does not want us to live in anxiety, so He reminds us of His presence in our lives.
Everyone faces anxiety, but if we believe in God and trust that He cares for us, we can rest in Him.
Those who trust in Christ will do the works of Christ, but as we do, He is the one working through us.
When we pray in Jesus’ name, we should be ultimately seeking for the glory of God and ministry of Jesus.
In prayer, we must approach God humbly, putting aside our own rights and surrendering to Christ.
We should not just use prayer as a tool to get what we want, but as a means to glorify God.
Believers are to be productive, but not in a way that requires us to sacrifice the spiritual part of our lives.
Believers going through hard times are not abandoned, because Jesus is with us to bring us His light.
Saying that Jesus is the only way to God is offensive to many people, but it is the truth that must be accepted to be free.
Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection prepared a place for us in heaven by atoning for our sins so we could be right with God.
There is enough room for everyone who follows Jesus to join Him eternally in His Father’s dwelling place.
The future of all believers is to dwell in the eternal heaven that Christ has prepared for us with God.
Faith is the centerpoint of our Christianity, because we must believe in Jesus if we want to be at peace.
Although Jesus left His disciples to return to heaven, He offered comfort that would carry us through.
The Holy Spirit gives us the spiritual power to effectively serve God and endure persecution, which we could not do in our own strength.
Our faith for salvation can be in Jesus alone, and He will accept no assistance in saving us.
Joyful obedience only happens when we seek to live in obedience through the power of Christ living in us and through us.
Because Jesus glorified the Father, God the Father in turn glorified Jesus through the resurrection.
Jesus glorified God in His life, words, and actions because of the depth of His love for His Father.
The Gospel story is not made up of the cross alone, because the full power and authority of Jesus is seen in His resurrection.
When Jesus left His disciples, He gave them and us a reminder of why He was leaving and what He wants us to do in His absence.
The mission Jesus gave to His disciples never changed, and evangelism is still our mission today.
Although Jesus did not force Judas to betray Him or prevent him from repenting, He knew all along that the betrayal would happen.
Jesus is not fooled by the surface level behavior of those who pretend to be believers, because He knows the hearts of His true disciples.
There will be some who will be drawn to the church but will eventually fall away, but Jesus knows who His true followers are.
Jesus does not only speak on behalf of God, but He speaks God’s Word directly to our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
All those who have turned from their sin and been born again are loved and received by Jesus.
Jesus took on our sin, died, and rose again to dispel the power of Satan and draw mankind to Him.
Because of His perfection, Jesus was uniquely qualified to sacrifice Himself for the sins of man, but He was troubled to take on our sin.
When we follow Jesus, we will inevitably be servants obeying Him, rather than living our lives as we want.
The glory of Jesus was made known through His death because it provided for the salvation of all who believe.
God is sovereign over all things, controlling exactly the time and place that anything happens.
The Messiah was expected to come as a triumphant warrior, but He came humbly to bring peace.
We can make mistakes and misunderstandings that are costly and may result from pride and selfish desires.
When we follow Jesus, we should be careful not to listen to those who try to temper our zeal.
Our testimony and witness for Christ should be powerful enough to make us a danger to the Enemy.
When we worship Jesus, we should not be concerned with how others might look at us, because our focus should be on our Lord.
We are to worship Jesus with a heart of humility and service, recognizing His Lordship over us.
Our worship doesn’t happen by accident, and although it can be spontaneous, we should be prepared for open praise.
Part of giving our all to Jesus means we must have a servant’s heart and diligently work to serve others.
Jesus is worth everything we can give him and more: our praise, our service, and even our lives.
The work Jesus did on the cross accomplished full redemption to those who would believe in Him.
Although God’s purpose and man’s purpose have wildly different intents, God uses man’s purpose to fulfill His will.
Greed and selfishness led the Pharisees to plot the execution of Jesus, but their actions were moved by God.
The religious leaders wanted to crucify Jesus to prevent Roman domination over the Jews.
God’s invisible hand is always at work in history, maneuvering everything to fulfill His purposes.
Ultimate truth, pure love, and death-defying power of God all reside in Jesus, so we can see God through Him.
Jesus knows and understands the pain we experience, and has deeply felt the same things so He can comfort us.
The resurrection is not some abstract future event, but a fundamental part of who Jesus is.
Many times, Jesus disrupts our plans and allows us to experience despair so He can move in and show us His glory.
As long as we walk in the light of Christ, we will be protected by Him even in times of danger.
With a deep faith, we can rest in the truth that sometimes, Jesus’ love for us means He won’t immediately step in.
Sometimes, God doesn’t give us what we want because He loves us and His plan is much better.
We do not dictate when and where we hear and receive the offer of grace in Jesus Christ that God presents.
Many of the things that happen to us are not about us, but about God revealing His glory in our lives.
Jesus can and will disrupt our plans so He can enter our pain and overcome it permanently.
We should not give up hope in the possibility of God changing the hearts of those who hate Him.
All the power of securing salvation comes from Christ, and no one can do anything to break us from it.
The evidence of true conversion and regeneration is that we will follow Jesus in how we live our lives.
There will always be those who simply refuse to hear Jesus because they do not want to leave their sin.
Christians will display certain characteristics that we inherit from Christ when we believe in Him.
Jesus willingly laid down His life for us, not because He was forced to but out of His love for us.
We are not saved for a trouble-free life, but for a joyful and abundant life when Christ is at the center.
Jesus does not drive us from behind, but shows us the way by leading us from the front.
Jesus knows us personally better than anyone else on Earth, and He wants to call us close to Him.
As the Good Shepherd, Jesus treats all His children with love, care, gentleness, and compassion.
If we realize our sinful nature, then we can be saved, but as long as we are ignorant to it, we remain lost.
Proclaiming Jesus as God’s Son comes at a cultural cost, because the world will deny us.
God sent Jesus as a blessing to give us eternal life, but many will reject Him despite all that He offers.
There should be a resolve in the way we go about our lives, because we have the Holy Spirit with us.
Sickness, trial, and tragedy are not always a punishment delivered by God, but are a result of the fall of man.
Although we may face grief on Earth, we have hope in eternity for those who have faith in Jesus.
Anyone who believes in Jesus will only have to experience physical death, after which we will have eternal life.
When we encounter those who hate us or defame us, we must rely on God to judge those who come against us.
Because of salvation in Jesus, we do not to have to fear death because of our assurance of eternity.
We cannot point to the righteousness of our own acts as something that makes us worthy of God’s love.
We can’t use our religion as proof that we are right with God, if we are rejecting the love and Gospel of Jesus.
Our heritage and our roots do not determine whether we are saved or not, but whether we have faith in Christ.
Until we are saved by Jesus, we are under the bondage and condemnation of our sin nature.
Abiding in the words of Jesus does not transform us into disciples, but rather proves our discipleship to others.
A true disciple of Christ perseveres in following Him and obeying His Words, identifying themselves with Him.
Jesus was very clear when talking about who He was and how someone could come to Him and be saved.
Many will seek salvation anywhere except Jesus, and they will inevitably die in their sin and suffer eternal punishment.
Jesus did not just reflect God’s light and His characteristics, but was exactly like Him in every way.
Although preaching the Gospel to all people is impossible in our own flesh, God gives us what we need to do it.
Darkness dominates anywhere Jesus’ Lordship is denied, but where He is present, the Light always prevails.
Jesus is the Light of the World, shining not only to the Jews, but to every nation in the world.
God is a holy and pure Light that is too majestic for us to behold, yet because of Jesus we can draw close to Him.
Jesus is not someone to be treated flippantly or casually, but a holy Savior to be revered and honored.
Christ promise freedom from our sins, but as long as we do not come to Him for forgiveness, we are slaves.
We should be so faithful and so in love with Christ that we are willing to completely give our lives to Him.
When we are saved, the living water that Jesus provides gives us eternal satisfaction for our souls.
Jesus invites everyone who realizes their need for life to come to Him and receive that eternal life.
By calling Himself a spring of living water, Jesus symbolized that the life He offered was eternal.
If someone claims religious knowledge and authority, but does not know God, all the power they wield is impotent.
Following and obeying Christ is a bold declaration that we are identifying with Him rather than the world.
A pragmatic approach to spreading the Gospel is more about appealing to the crowd than actually changing hearts.
Jesus did not seek His own glory, but humbly served and followed His Father’s commands so God would get the glory.
If we have a will to follow and serve God, we will be able to discern that the things Jesus says are true.
We can’t judge doctrine based on our own measurements, but by whether it stands on the authority of God.
Jesus has made it clear in no uncertain terms that He is the Messiah, the Son of God, and we must believe in Him.
It is dangerous to make judgment calls about someone without getting to know them, and we can even do it with Jesus.
We live out the significance of Jesus’ words when we live intentionally, knowing what we do plays into God’s plan.
Just because God tells us no because something is not in His timing, does not mean it never will be.
The world cannot understand God’s ways, because He has not revealed His truths and wisdom to them.
We shouldn’t operate our ministry based on what the world says makes sense or wants to see most.
Although the world’s ways say that flashier is better, ministry of the Gospel does not work that way.
Because we have the Holy Spirit indwelling us, our hearts and minds will always have someone pointing us to Christ.
A Christian does not have to be at the forefront for their ministry to flourish, and can effectively train disciples in private.
Some followers of Christ will turn away from Him, and some outsiders will attack His cause, but they will have no effect.
Persevering in our faith does not mean never stumbling, but it does mean that when it happens we repent and return to Jesus.
Persevering in our following of Christ should not be burdensome, but a source of great joy for believers.
Saving belief and trust in Christ produces grace-based repentance and perseverance in the faith.
It is important to understand that someone who puts true saving faith in Jesus, it leads them to follow Him.
Living only for the temporary things in life doesn’t bring us satisfaction, but despair and disappointment.
The believer is so embedded in Christ that our life, death, and identity are defined by His righteousness.
When God draws us, it’s not just a behavioral change, but a turning of our belief toward Jesus and away from sin.
Believers must take part in the body of Christ by believing Him and then living it out through our faith.
For someone to be saved, they must be divinely enlightened, drawn to Jesus by the Father, not only logic.
Coming to Jesus means turning to Him and away from our sin and whatever else has occupied our attention.
Everyone who comes to Jesus will be welcomed into His family with open arms, and never cast out.
We may try to exert control over our own lives, but ultimately, Jesus is still in control of everything.
True joy and satisfaction can only come from Christ, not from anything that we can gain on Earth.
More important than the material blessings of God, we should love and follow the Lord for the spiritual satisfaction He provides.
Jesus doesn’t care about man’s agenda or what we want Him to be, but about what God planned for Him to be.
Even if Jesus never answered another of our prayers or met another of our needs, He would still be good.
Sometimes, Jesus will send us into difficult situations that we can’t handle alone to test our obedience.
Jesus does not do things according to man’s timetable, but according to the perfect plan of His Father.
Jesus is open about who He is as Messiah, so that no one can mistake Him for anyone else.
Even though as sinners, we were the enemy of God, He is still compassionate to us and cares for our spiritual well being.
To live a full Christian life, we must learn the Word of God, love it, and then live it out in our daily lives.
Many people will reject Christ simply because they do not want to follow Him and sacrifice their self love.
Nothing we do can make us worthy of salvation, and we can receive eternal life only through the work of Jesus.
Jesus does not fit the typical mold of Messiah and King, but He is, whether we recognize Him as such or not.
Evidence of unbelief in a person is present when someone hears the Word of God, yet it has no transformative effect.
The Old Testament was a witness pointing to the purpose and nature of Jesus to prepare them for the Messiah.
When we live in submission and delight in the law of the Lord, we will experience righteousness, peace, love, joy, and other fruits.
We have a reason to hope because we know that one day, Jesus will set up a divine and peaceful kingdom that will last forever.
The promised righteous king came in the form of Jesus Christ, and He will come again to reign someday.
Jesus came from a place of small beginnings to become the King of Kings, showing God’s tendency to go against the norm.
Christmas reminds us of the hope that we received when God fulfilled His promise of a Savior by sending His Son.
Our confidence and affirmation should come only from God the Father, His Word, and His will.
From the moment we put our faith in Jesus, our future in eternity is sealed by His blood.
As the Son of Man and Lamb of God, Jesus has authority over all things and is in control over every circumstance.
It is our faith in Jesus, which springs forth good works, rather than our own righteousness, that makes us good in God’s eyes.
Everyone will be judged by Jesus one day, and only those who have been covered by His blood will be judged righteous.
Jesus established His power and authority as the Son of God, and we must believe in Him and trust Him to save us.
The words of Jesus are still as powerful today as they were when He was on Earth, and we hear them through the Bible.
The mere words of Jesus are so powerful that they bear the full weight of eternity and eternal life.
Eternal life comes from placing our trust and allegiance in Jesus, which leads to loving, joyful obedience.
God wants us to see the all-surpassing worth of Jesus Christ and honor Him as the Son of God.
Jesus does not have any plan or agenda outside of what God the Father willed to be done.
Everything that Jesus said and taught was authenticated by His actions and His miracles.
Jesus is the only man who has ever had authority to proclaim a teaching simply because He said it was so.
We must make sure that Jesus is more to us than just an add-on to all the other things in our life.
If we faithfully follow Christ, we are guaranteed to endure ongoing persecution from the world.
Living the Christian life is not weary and burdensome, because God has already done all the work.
Man tries to establish rules to follow in order to gain righteousness, but God offers us grace freely.
The miracles of Jesus point to Him as the One who can bring healing to our sinful spirits.
Jesus came to show Himself as Son of the Living God, and we either acknowledge Him or ourselves as lord over our lives.
A sign seeker is someone who lives for their faith to make them feel better, rather than to live under the authority of Christ.
We should not look at God like someone who is waiting in the background until we call on Him because we have a need.
Because of our sin, we must understand that we are not entitled to a relationship with God and only His grace can provide that.
If we welcome Jesus into our lives only because of the things He can do for us, it will have no lasting effect.
We should see the people around us as opportunities to spread the Gospel to those Jesus loves.
At some point, we all have to wrestle with the question of why we believe what we believe.
God knows every sin in our life, and they separate us from Him until we are able to acknowledge them and receive Him.
While we are often preoccupied with our physical well being, Christ is more concerned about our spiritual state.
Jesus did not allow cultural norms to stop Him from spreading the Gospel to all people.
Even the outcast, the marginalized, and the lonely are loved by God, and He has made a way for them to know Him.
Despite being fully God, Jesus also had a fully human body, and had to deal with exhaustion, pain, and temptation.
Jesus was willing to go out of His way to go to unloved people because He was compelled by love.
God’s grace covers only those who believe on Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and those who don’t must suffer His wrath.
Jesus is supreme above all because He is from heaven, rather than earth, and because He was endowed with authority by God.
Whatever situation we face, Jesus is ruling over it, waiting for us to recognize His sovereignty.
In a believer’s life, Jesus’ presence must be constantly increasing, and our own will decreasing.
As followers of Christ, we have the important role of connecting those in our lives with the love of Christ.
We do not have to be the most popular to be effective for the cause of Christ, because all we have is a gift from God.
Even though man cannot obtain our own salvation, we still have the responsibility to put our faith in Jesus.
There is more to the Gospel than God just loving us, because we must also understand our unworthiness and sinfulness.
God is the only instigator of salvation, and He moves on different hearts at different times.
Being born again means to be spiritually cleansed of our unrighteousness and renewed by the Spirit.
It is important to keep our focus on true worship of God and not be distracted by lesser things.
A zealousness for God’s glory and a relationship with Him cannot be substituted with going through the motions of religion.
There should not be any place within a worship service for anything that removes focus from God.
Jesus experienced the pain of God’s judgment so we could enjoy the joy that God provides.
Jesus did not need to show off or get glory for His miracles. He did them to reveal something about Himself.
The more time we spend with Jesus, the more deeply and greatly we will grow to understand Him.
Despite the enormity and majesty of who Jesus is, He still allows us to know Him personally and follow Him.
A follower of Jesus doesn’t just check in with Jesus on occasion, but walks with Him daily.
Because people are dying and entering eternity daily, we must be consistently giving them Jesus.
We need to be clear and honest when preaching the Gospel, explaining our need for Jesus as our sin-bearer.
When we preach the Gospel, we must be bold and courageous in proclaiming the need for repentance from sin.
No matter the backlash we face, we should be consistent in preaching the message of the Gospel.
The Gospel message is confrontational, but we should be faithful in witnessing to those who need to hear it.
When we try to push against God’s will with our own purposes, it’s like a leaf blower fighting the wind.
Jesus displayed God’s glory by veiling it to take the form of human flesh, revealing it in His death and the fullness of His grace.
The glory of Jesus is not in just giving us the little bit of extra good we need to be righteous, but in becoming like us so He could give us His righteousness.
Believing in Jesus is our avenue to being drawn into the family of God, and ultimately glorifying Him.
Jesus came as the payment for sin for all people of all nations and races, not just the Jews.
We do not have to be special to be used by God, because He will use anyone who responds to His call.
Without Jesus as our light of life, we cannot see this world or the reality of God and His love for us.
As the orchestrator of all creation, there is nothing that exists that Jesus does not have control over.
Jesus left His place in heaven with the Father to come to Earth because it was God’s will and because He loves us.
Jesus existed from before the beginning of time as both the creating entity and as a personal manifestation of God.
If we take joy in the Lord and put work into our marriage, then our families will be full of peace and joy.
Men will find joy, blessing, and satisfaction when they are diligent in work and pursue the Lord.
Our inheritance in Christ is kept safe from the wicked no matter what happens on this Earth.
God surrounds His children on all sides, protecting us from any enemy that would come against us.
Our security in the Lord is not established by our own strength, but of the immovability of God.
The believer is anchored and settled by God, which can bring great comfort in hard times.
Because Christ fulfilled the covenant for a blood sacrifice, we can trust Him for anything.
When the enemy comes against us, we would be swept away if the Lord was not on our side, but He answers all those who cry out to Him.
When we realize and understand that the Lord God is on our side, we should respond in worship.
Worship is to take place corporately, where believers can share in one another’s joy and pain.
During times of intense desperation and defeat, we can turn our eyes to God and cry for mercy.
Corporate worship should have an effect on us after we leave and in our everyday lives.
When we worship, we develop new feelings for God, rather than worshipping Him because of feelings that already exist.
Regardless of background, race, gender, or status, when we gather to worship, we are united as believers.
The truths of God’s Word build us up and give us a foundation, but we must choose to build our lives on them.
As believers, we should be overjoyed to go to the house of the Lord so that we can worship God.
It is important for Christians to sing praises and worship God, because we have been designed by God to sing.
The church has an enemy, but one that preys on weaknesses that are present because of our own failings.
Sometimes, we must go through a period of discipline from God for us to grow from our apathy or sin.
There is no third option in how to live life. We will either follow God and delight in His law, or we will walk the path of the wicked.
When we get to heaven, the way of the wicked will be forgotten, and righteousness will be celebrated.
A happy man is one who has been transplanted to a place where it can be continually fed by God’s Word.
The world has an agenda and a message, and if we do not filter that message through God’s Word, we will eventually compromise.
Someone who is blessed by God is guided by the Gospel, rather than the advice of the wicked.
Though the Christian life takes us through perils at times, God is always at work in the darkness.
We are all in need of redemption, and God brought that promised redemption through Jesus.
When we live self-sacrificially, it shines a light on the Holy Spirit and the actions of Christ, not our own abilities.
We should joyfully put our responsibility to others ahead of our own desires and ambitions.
When we use God’s Word as a means for our own advancement, we show that we are really in it for ourselves, not for Him.
We should be careful not to only honor the Word of the Lord when it is convenient for us.
The mistakes of our past do not undo the power, plan, and providence of God or His ability to use us.
Our first response to any situation should be to ask how we can honor God, rather than how we can benefit.
It is a parent’s responsibility to ensure a child’s adulthood well being, so having a hand in approving spouses is important.
God orchestrates His will in our lives, moving us toward His end goal and our redemption.
When we leave the fields of God’s provision, we will end up in a dangerous and unforgiving place.
The providence of God is present and working even in the most everyday aspects of our lives.
The steadfast love of God can transform the perspective of even the most bitter people toward hope.
Because of the abundance of God’s grace in our lives, we should show that grace to others around us.
A single day can make all the difference in the life of a person who chooses to trust Christ for salvation.
Believers don’t have to do anything special to be accepted by God, because we have been made acceptable in Christ.
We are invited to come and be in Christ, and God will give us rest and see us as a part of His family.
God does not just accept us as we are in our sin. Rather, He changes us to be like Him.
God gives us a change of identity when we are saved, bestowing on us His love, compassion, and attention.
When we are saved, we transfer from being slaves to sin to members within the family of Christ.
Regardless of how lowly or humble we are, Jesus loves us and wants us to draw close to Him.
Human nature is to want to be accepted, but we should not live our lives to please others, because we are eternally accepted by God.
God is involved in the everyday decisions of our lives, and weaves them together to fulfill His promises.
Jesus is an abundant provider of mercy and grace, meeting every spiritual need we have.
Will my kids abandon the faith? Authors Sean McDowell and J. Warner Wallace realize this is a question on the heart of parents. While there are a lot of factors that lead to a child's thriving faith, hear what studies have shown to be the number one factor to a thriving faith, on FamilyLifeToday.
Ruth exhibited humility by admitting her dependence on the kindness of someone else for her provision.
God wants us to be a picture of His redemptive grace to those around us, sharing His love through our actions.
Boaz is a picture of the salvation that would one day be brought by one of his lineage, Jesus.
Looking to the things we see, which are temporal, will never satisfy us, but looking to God, who is unseen, will.
Even when He seems late according to our timeline, God is always on time according to His own plan.
God is continually involved in all parts of creation, turning things toward the fulfillment of His will.
The most miserable Christians are those who try to live in both camps, paying homage to God but trying to get the best out of a worldly life.
The ways of our life are not to be dependent on the wisdom of the world, but on an intentional pursuit of God.
The best way to be fully devoted to God is to get rid of any safety net that could connect us to our old life.
During hard times or when we are far from God, we tend to withdraw into ourselves, rather than returning to Him to be restored.
We can see the grace of God in the lives of others who are going through similar circumstances that we are.
Bitterness can make us blind to the fact that God is always good and that we must find our hope in Him.
Living in bitter hopelessness can stop us from receiving the blessings of God or seeing His goodness.
The enemy is always on the lookout for a man who merely exists through life with no awareness of God’s will.
It is the responsibility of a father and husband to lead his family toward God, not away from Him.
When we see God’s judgment on our lives, we should repent of our sins and turn back to Him.
The way fathers lead their households must be guided by God’s picture of family in His Word.
No human ruler or hero could ever save us completely, but our true hope comes from Jesus.
We often get outraged of sins at others, while ignoring the fact that God equally hates the sin in our own lives.
People are to be loved as bearers of the image of God, regardless of age, race, gender, or status, not seen as objects.
Building a system of worship around our preferences and ideas makes a religious system only as strong as we are.
The danger of pragmatism is that we may abandon the Word of God when it seems to stop bringing people into church.
Because of His death and resurrection, God can be the Father of anyone who puts their trust in Him.
Seeing the resurrected Christ prompted a dramatic shift in the disciples, making them bold and passionate.
The resurrection of Jesus happening on the first day of the week is why our day of worship is now Sunday.
Those who believe the resurrection without even seeing Jesus alive are blessed for their faith.
The resurrection is a historic reality that brings eternal relevance to our lives today.
It is important to come to Jesus because He is so good, and the alternative is so horrible.
One day, we will stand before a holy God as He judges us, but knowing Him through Christ wipes away our sins.
Jesus was completely focused on glorifying God and buying forgiveness for mankind on the cross.
Christians have wrestled the means of evangelism away from Christ to do whatever is necessary to get people to church.
If we only worship when and how it is convenient for us, it will not be honoring to God.
There is a danger to thinking that we can have everything according to our own taste, even our relationship with God.
If we forget that our strength comes from God, then we will go our own way and try to succeed in our own strength.
It is impossible to manage our own sin, and trying to do so will always lead to severe consequences.
We have a tendency to believe we are in control of our sin and are stronger than its consequences, but we are not.
Rather than answers to all our questions, God may reveal to us His power and might, which is enough.
The only thing we bring to salvation is our total helplessness and need for God's grace.
When we judge right and wrong based on our own set of standards, we will always fall short of God's standards.
We should not just be a sub-culture of the world we live in, but a counter-culture speaking truth into darkness.
Turning away from God starts when we care more about what's good for ourselves than anything else.
When we try to use God as a means to our end, He can see through it and discern our intentions.
God will allow us to be oppressed to teach us a lesson if we have turned away from Him completely.
We can't look to men as heroes, because without God's power in their lives, they couldn't do anything.
Anything that tries to destroy God's people will be destroyed in turn by Him, because He has promised to protect His church.
God will repay evil with its due, but if we have been saved and forgiven, we will not suffer His punishment.
Sometimes, God will let us have our way to show us that we are hopeless apart from Him.
We must look to God to produce a change of heart and attitude within us, rather than trying to change ourselves.
There are personal, logistical, and relational obstacles that every Christian must avoid in our walk with Christ.
We can rise up confidently against sin because we know Jesus is on our side, overturning evil with Biblical truth, love, and compassion.
The mightiest enemy can be brought to nothing by God, their strength turned to weakness by His power.
God is able to use the poorest and weakest of people to achieve a great victory for His cause, using His power.
When we take a stand for God, we will be treated with resentment and hostility from those around us.
God displays His strength through our weakness, so we will have to make illogical choices to follow His will.
Even when we see God working, we may doubt His calling on our lives, but He will always reassure us of His call.
The presence and power of the Lord among us and our submission to Him are the game-changers that will bring us victory.
The calling of God never leaves us where He finds us. He changes us into what He wants us to be.
We cannot witness the full power of God or have a proper relationship with Him until He is in the proper place of Lordship.
If we do not see how awe-inspiring God's holiness is, we cannot realize how truly amazing His grace is.
God's mercy is so great that He is already working to bring us back to Him before we repent.
The key to true transformation is not to merely regret our sin for its consequences, but to repent of the heart behind the sin.
When we find we cannot rest, it may be because we are relying on ourselves rather than God.
God wants us to see things from His perspective, rather than from the narrow point of view we can have as humans.
We can live in confident victory knowing that God has given us eternal victory through the death and resurrection of His Son.
With His death on the cross and resurrection, Jesus crushed the head of His enemy, Satan. Likewise, we must fight like Him to put to death our sin.
No matter how unimpressive they may seem, God will take someone with a willing heart and use them.
God never abandons His people, and when He does show up, it is in big and unexpected ways.
The enemy brings chaos and disruption from the way life is supposed to be, but God can set us free from Satan's domination.
The way we know we can trust God to honor His word is because He has a perfect track record for being faithful.
It is important for spiritual leaders to understand that they can only lead because God is higher than them.
We are fed spiritually by hearing God's Word through teaching, but we should also learn to feed ourselves through Bible study.
Without Christ, we are dead in sin, but with Him, we have the strength and ability to defeat our sin.
When God calls us to battle against the enemy, He goes before us and gives us comfort and strength.
We should not become preoccupied with the things of this world that can keep us from God's presence and people.
Life will send us storms, but when they come, we should stand on God's power to deliver us.
When men are hesitant and fearful, they fail to live up to what God has planned for them.
The devil is constantly looking for situations that he can use to trip us up, tempt us, or discourage us.
The discipline of the Lord may be severe, but He does it to get our attention, because He loves us.
More than just knowing about Jesus, it is important that we actually know Him in a relationship.
All the rituals and traditions to honor God mean nothing if we do not have a genuine love for Him.
Anything we do that takes us away from a right relationship with God, He classifies as evil.
It is important to hand the zeal of our faith over to our children and grandchildren to teach them to be faithful to God.
The conflicts and trials we face are opportunities for us to experience the power of God, if we will trust Him.
If we are following God, we should be on guard for temptation, and if we are serving ourselves, we should turn to Him.
It is easy to fall into the patterns of the culture around us rather than distinguishing ourselves by following God.
It is important for us to be truly devoted to Christ, not to merely make a show of obedience with no heart.
When chaos creeps into our lives, the root cause is often that we have turned away from God.
Sometimes, the sin we tolerate can be subtle, but it will creep in more and more if we let it.
Many times, God's sufficiency is supplied through His people, so we should be in close fellowship with other Christians.
God makes fresh starts possible because He stands ready to forgive us as soon as we repent of our sins.
When we make a mistake, the first step to a fresh start is repenting of what we have done wrong.
The only way to fix a damaged heart is to give it to Jesus and let Him give us a new heart in its place.
God's good news is for everyone, because He knows we could never earn salvation on our own.
Jesus spent His time on Earth announcing God's good news, an announcement corresponding to the importance of the One giving it.
By experiencing suffering and the life of an average human, Jesus can provide hope and comfort for us.
The coming of Christ promises deliverance from the worst kind of pain and suffering through His redemption.
Despite our unfaithfulness toward God, He still chose to send Jesus to die for us because He loves us.
Sincere adoration is worship that stays stirred up and bubbling within us, eager to recognize Christ as worthy of worship.
While some may outright reject Christ as Savior, others will reject Him by their apathy toward Him.
God protected Jesus from anything Satan or man could do while He was an infant for His glory and for our salvation.
The virgin birth of Jesus was necessary because being born of the Holy Spirit proved that salvation came from God.
God went to whatever lengths necessary to protect His Son during Mary's pregnancy and His birth.
A covenant is an agreement that God has made with mankind, with conditions and provisions by His mercy.
The Lord's Supper is a commemoration and restatement of our love and devotion to Christ and His for us.
Baptism symbolizes for the believer their allegiance with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
The depravity of humanity means that we have been corrupted by sin and cannot reach God on our own.
Every part of the Bible we have, though written by men, was divinely inspired by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Because of our uncleanness and sin, we have been separated from God, but Jesus can make us clean.
God's will for our lives is that we give thanks in all circumstances, because His grace is in everything.
An overflow of thanksgiving is produced when the church is abundant in its generosity in giving.
Those who cannot or will not see the majesty and beauty of God serve only to stir up His wrath.
We do not need to worry about anything, because God's care extends even to the wild animals.
God's power, so great that He created every mountain and valley, is more than enough to handle our problems.
Everything about God's being and everything He does is completely encompassed by His majesty.
The doctrine of the trinity can be difficult to understand, but it is simply a statement that God is three equal beings in one person.
Jesus came to Earth in flesh and blood human nature so He would be a suitable sacrifice for our sins.
The body of each believer will be glorified when we get to heaven, made perfect and without flaw or sickness.
Sanctification is the process by which we are continually and progressively conformed to the image of Christ.
Christ's death justifies us from sin, making His righteousness our own as though we had never sinned.
Genuine salvation comes from realizing our need of forgiveness of sins, repenting, and trusting in Christ.
The death of Jesus on the cross satisfied God's wrath on our sin, substituting His life for ours.
Our sin is the barrier between us and God, which means there must be atonement to bring us back to Him.
God's providence means He is constantly interacting with creation, working out His will.
Because of our guilt before God, He has the right to take justice, but He loves us enough to grant us mercy.
The holiness of God means He is so far above all things that it is unimaginably intense.
Everyone builds their life around their personal theology, whether they realize it or not.
When we pray passionately with our focus on the name of the Lord, our prayers will be effective.
Whether in times of suffering or in times of joy, we must pray to God, for help or for praise.
Christians should be so known for our honesty and integrity that we don't even have to promise.
It shows our faith when we don't grumble or complain to God in spite of our circumstances.
God blesses us not only for doing great things for Him, but also for enduring patiently through trials.
Because of the coming judgment, we should store our treasures in heaven by honoring God with our lives.
In the middle of oppression, we can be patient knowing that the Lord will return for us one day.
The righteous trust God to take care of them when the wealthy hoard their money sinfully.
Rather than worshipping our wealth, we should use our wealth justly to honor and worship God.
We should not hoard our wealth so that it corrodes, nor be envious of those who have wealth we don't.
Wealth in and of itself is not evil, but God condemns those who gain their wealth through wicked means.
We should train ourselves to recognize Jesus as the author of life, trust Him, and live for Him.
When we are disciplined enough to follow God, we will soon take delight in following Him and growing nearer to Him.
God yearns with jealousy that believers would be single-minded in our loving service of Christ.
Even friendship with the world is like betraying God and having an affair with sinful life.
Prayer should be a first response to crisis situations, but we should be careful not to be selfish in our prayers.
Rather than making our own pleasure a priority, we should focus on the needs of others.
Because it is focused on the glory of God, heavenly wisdom does not promote self-gain and instead brings peace and mercy.
Living according to earthly wisdom, which promotes jealousy and selfishness, will lead to chaos and disorder in the church.
Earthly wisdom leads to jealousy and selfish ambition, a desire to promote oneself over anyone else.
Wisdom goes beyond human or even spiritual knowledge; it extends to spiritual discernment of that knowledge.
Our tongue has the ability to speak both kindness and evil, so we must choose to use it for encouragement.
When our tongue is tamed and used for kindness, it is only through the power of Jesus Christ that it is possible.
The power of our tongue is difficult to control, but unrestrained it can knock our entire life off course.
Harsh words can be difficult for us to control and they can be spiritually damaging to those they are aimed at.
There is a soberness that comes with teaching the very Word of God, and we should not take it lightly.
Our acts of service justify, or prove, our faith in God by putting that faith into action.
Simply believing that Yahweh is the only God or that Jesus was real and really died and was resurrected, and responding emotionally, is not in itself saving faith.
The works that James refer to in his book are works that are the fruit of our faith, not works committed to gain salvation.
Someone who claims to have faith in God but shows no evidence of change caused by salvation, his faith is not saving faith.
If we commit the sin of partiality, then it is like we are transgressing the entire law of God.
It is essential for Christians to welcome everyone in to church with equal enthusiasm, not showing partiality based on wealth or status.
We shouldn't treat the wealthy better based on what they can do for us, because our faith should be in Christ, not in man.
Christians must not show partiality based on the exterior appearance of those we come into contact with.
True religion involves taking care of and serving those who are in need, such as widows and orphans.
Someone who is religious without actually being a believer, who works for his own salvation, is only deceiving himself.
Receiving the Gospel is not a one-time even with no lasting effect, but a truly transformative event that changes our heart.
We have to replace the wickedness in our life with the only thing powerful enough to supplant it, the work of the Holy Spirit.
If we discipline ourselves to listen first and be slow to speak, our angry attitudes will be rarer, and less likely to be unrighteous anger.
Christians need to be ready and willing to listen and understand rather than rushing to speak our opinion.
God's brilliant and perfect light is shining on His children all the time, and it never wavers.
Sin finds its origin in our nature and desires, and if we let it grow to the point of action, it will bring destruction.
God cannot be tempted by sin, but because Jesus was human as well as God, He has faced and defeated temptation and can help us defeat our own.
The inner temptations we face during trials are never from God, but the response of our own flesh to our situation.
Those who love God prove their love for Him by steadfastly holding to Him through the good and the bad.
To be able to endure the stress and trials we will face as believers, we must practice steadfastness.
A wealthy Christian should have a worldview that recognizes heavenly riches are greater than their earthly riches.
Regardless of our circumstances, we can take pride that we have an eternal perspective and godly view of our trials.
When we ask God for wisdom, we must do it in faith, believing that He will give whatever we ask.
When we're in the middle of a trial and have no idea how to act, the first thing we must do is pray for wisdom.
Being steadfast through trials brings maturity and soundness to every part of a believer's life.
Hand in hand with God's preservation, we must endure and persevere through trials to strengthen our faith.
Our confidence that God is working through our trials should come through intimate knowledge of His Word and His ways.
When we encounter trials, we can remember that God is using them to strengthen our faith.
We should take comfort in the fact that whatever else can be taken from us, if we abide in Christ, our joy cannot.
Our most important identity should be that of a servant bound to Christ, one who has given our life over to Him.
Like Paul, we should always be fighting boldly to press people toward belief in the Gospel.
We should have a fellowship with other believers that brings us peace and comfort, and we should give them the same.
We will face all kinds of storms as we follow the Lord through life, but His presence will be with us through all of it.
None of the main events of Christianity are done in a corner, but are plain for the world to see.
Because believers have gone before the throne of grace, we can approach anyone on this earth boldly to speak the gospel.
Living a Christian lifestyle may not make sense to the world, but we as believers should support one another.
Being a Christian is about more than just professing Christ. If He is truly our Savior, we must live our faith before the world.
The church is the bride of Christ, and anyone who messes with her also messes with Him.
The way God works in our lives can be mysterious to us, but He works toward His plan in everything He does.
The devil is an accuser who brings our sins before God, but we can be confident that God's forgiveness and mercy are greater than our sins.
The enemy is never going to let up on us, so we should be ready to face new challenges head-on.
When the Holy Spirit convicts us, we should respond to it, or our consciences may be seared against Him.
We should have the boldness to pray for and speak boldly to whoever we meet, regardless of their position.
No scheme of man can overcome the power of the plan God has set in motion to spread His Word.
The Word of God is a fighter, standing the tests of time and attempts by men to wipe it out.
We know the Bible is true because we have seen its transformative effects in the lives of those who believe it.
Historians and archaeologists have affirmed that their findings are consistent with the Bible's account of history.
We can trust that the Bible is true because its truths and worldview are things that we understand naturally.
Despite its diversity of writers and material, the Bible contains a harmonious story that interconnects perfectly.
We can see proof that the Bible is the Word of God in the prophecies within it that have been fulfilled exactly.
As the incarnate Word of God, the Bible separates Christianity from other religions by being authoritative proof of God.
Our responsibility is to faithfully tell the story of Christ, and leave the results up to God.
There should be a difference in how we spend our lives from before we're saved to after we're saved, and we should be able to tell people why.
When God places a call on our hearts, it is our responsibility to respond to it, or He may shut the door.
We should be careful to not misconstrue what someone is saying by filling in the gaps with our own ignorance.
All the persecution and hardship we face in service to Christ will be worth it when He uses our faithfulness for good.
The best thing we can do is be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading in our lives, regardless of what those around us say.
At the end of the day, our value doesn't come from the amount of money we have but the amount of faithful service to Christ.
We can avoid wasting our life by finding where we are most useful to God and giving our all in fulfilling that purpose.
We should be desperate to hear more preaching from God's Word, because it has a major effect on our lives.
It's important for us to cultivate relationships with other believers for the purpose of our own encouragement and for teamwork in spreading the Gospel.
The Gospel makes it clear that God is the only One worthy of worship, and that no idol made by man can be a god.
When we are saved, the target on our back gets even bigger as our world-view collides with the world-view of sinners.
Witnessing the power of Jesus at work in the lives of those who treat Him lightly will lead to public repentance and reverence of Him.
Because Paul preached the Gospel in Ephesus, those who were saved spread the Gospel throughout all of Asia.
Being saved doesn't only give us access to heaven, but it gives us the Holy Spirit and the potential for abundant life now.
Growing spiritually is not a glamorous change, but hard work that we will have to keep up throughout our lives.
At times of fear and discouragement, we can take heart because the presence of the Lord is with us.
We should give generously toward ministries to show our support and partnership and to be an encouragement.
It is encouraging to see someone who we have poured into taking a stand for Christ or growing closer to Him.
God may call us to something that we cannot achieve on our own, but if we trust Him, we can get up and succeed.
As long as our focus is on the power of God, the influence of man will appear insignificant to us.
The Gospel is too life-changing for us to keep quiet because of fear of man, so we should preach with holy boldness.
We tend toward people-pleasing because we're afraid of people, but we should realize God is bigger than people.
Where God sends us to do His work may be unexpected, but we have to trust His Spirit to guide us.
God will not only overcome the obstacles we face in preaching the Gospel, He will use them to further the Gospel.
God is patient with us through our sanctification, and we should likewise be patient with our fellow believers.
Not everyone will become a foreign missionary, but everyone can be fully invested in reaching the lost locally.
We should care more about our allegiance to Christianity than to any national or any other affiliation.
Serving others and doing good works will never earn us our way to heaven, but we should still do them to honor God.
We should have bold, unwavering faith that God is able to handle whatever problems we face.
Jesus completed every prophecy and promise from God referring to the Messiah throughout the Old Testament.
The worst pain Jesus experienced during His crucifixion was the spiritual pain of God turning away from Him.
Because of Jesus' love and holiness, the criminal on the cross saw the truth and places his faith in Him.
A selfish outlook on life comes from a faulty view of God, when we try to manipulate Him to do our will.
Despite the pain of the cross and the torture He endured, Jesus still prayed for the forgiveness of others.
Everything we face in life, whether good forbad, comes through God's grace and is working for our good and His glory.
The hard times we face in our lives can either discourage us or be a door for others to reach Christ.
Every believer should have a faithful partner in life to encourage us and help us grow through hard times.
When we primarily focus on preaching the Gospel, we will see people believe in God for salvation.
We need a Savior in Christ because we are completely corrupt by nature and cannot redeem ourselves.
Everything that has happened for the protection, preservation, and salvation of God's people has been by His grace alone.
The most attractive element of a church is supposed to be the Gospel itself, not our programs and events.
There will always be people who oppose the Gospel, but our responsibility is to faithfully preach Jesus.
To know God's calling for our lives, we should fast and pray, be involved in a church, and submit ourselves to church leadership.
Reaching the goal of the spread of the Gospel requires the church to have faith to release our people into the world.
An active, committed church that is not sleepwalking through life will intentionally seek guidance from the Lord and reach the lost.
The church has grown and will continue to grow best at tines when it faces intense suffering and persecution.
Our prayers should be insistent and relentless, because they are the means God uses to fulfill His plans.
When persecution is on the rise and everything seems hopeless, we should keep our focus on the glory of God.
When we see the grace of God at work in the lives of others, we should celebrate what He is doing.
The grace of God through the Gospel will visibly change the lives of those who believe in Jesus.
All people are welcome to a relationship with God due to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
The small acts of service we do can be just as meaningful as any great accomplishment if they're done for Christ.
We should be faithful in big and small ministries alike, because we never know what impact they will make.
All believers need an encourager who helps us along as we preach the Gospel and supports us when we get weary.
It is important for believers to be part of a community of fellow believers so we can give and receive encouragement.
When God calls us to go and tell the Gospel to someone, we should go, because He is capable of doing a great work in their lives.
When we resist the prodding of the Holy Spirit to change our lives, we only do harm to ourselves.
No matter how sinful we are before we are saved, God is still willing and able to forgive us.
Jesus made a way for anyone to come to Him, no matter their condition prior to their faith.
To achieve the goal of reaching the lost with the Gospel, believers must know the Bible to be able to share it.
Everything in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation points back to Jesus, the centerpiece of Scripture.
Sometimes, God will lead us to do things that don't seem to make sense for the purpose of winning a lost soul.
We can't let outside influences use Christianity to manipulate the Gospel in their favor.
God's command for us to preach the Gospel does not end when we face opposition, and it extends to diverse groups.
The persecution that believers face can be used by God for the advancement of His church.
Those who persecute Christians do not do it because they hate us, but because they hate Jesus.
The default human response to God is one of rejection, but He will still reach out to us.
There are many parallels in the lives of Stephen and Jesus, because Stephen was living a life full of Christ.
In His love for us, God pursued us and sought to provide us the grace and forgiveness needed to redeem us from our sin.
The qualifications of a person serving in the church must be based on spiritual ability, rather than on availability alone.
For the pastor, devoting time to studying the Scriptures and prayer is essential, and that is where he must put his focus.
When the church grows, we can experience growing pains, but they must be handled right so they do not paralyze us.
God always works in the best way to advance the church, whether it is through miraculous deliverance of through a martyr's testimony.
Radical obedience to Christ is proclaiming the gospel even in the face of persecution and resistance.
When a body of believers is filled with the Spirit of Christ, it will lead to our cities being filled with the teachings of Christ.
In order to have God's power flowing through our churches, we must live pure lives, looking to Christ for everything.
It is important for churches to have discipline to deal with sin, because a church without discipline is unhealthy.
The Holy Spirit is not an abstract force, but a present, active person and part of the Trinity who works in the church.
We should be on our guard against Satan, so he cannot target us as a means to get into the church.
Satan will seek to use us as a subtle entrance into the church so that he can divide and destroy us.
Experiencing and living in God's grace will change our perspective on life, including our possessions.
One who is surrendered to and empowered by the Holy Spirit will have an intense boldness in preaching the Gospel.
The Gospel is the only thing that gives our lives any power, and those who fight against it will only hurt themselves.
Those who seek to have power over their own lives are resisting the moving of the Holy Spirit.
Although there will always be enemies and threats to the church, Jesus is building it, and it cannot be torn down.
There is hope for those who reject Jesus if they turn away from their sin and accept Him.
Jesus' power causes us to deny ourselves and instead direct our attention to serving and praising Him.
The call to follow Christ means engaging people in everyday matters and serving among them.
When Jesus is front and center in our lives, we will be devoted to following Him and having fellowship with our church.
The connection shared by believers is a unique one of love and fellowship that cannot be compared.
Believers should be completely devoted to one another in the church and to studying the Bible, praying, and living our faith.
One of the essential parts of being a disciple is intentionally listening to the words of the Lord.
Jesus destroyed the power of death by dying Himself and then overcoming it when He was raised.
The measure of success of Peter's first sermon was not only the response of the people, but the power of the Holy Spirit.
When we are committed to serving Christ, we will be mocked by those who do not understand.
Receiving Jesus as our Savior means putting our confidence in Him rather than in ourselves.
When the Holy Spirit has a purpose, it must be fulfilled, because He is supreme and invincible.
God sends us the Holy Spirit so that we have the power to be faithful to God's mission.
Having great power in the kingdom of God comes only from humbling ourselves to submit to Him.
The acts that the apostles accomplished were done through the power of the Holy Spirit.
We should put our past behind us, because it should have no bearing on what will come in the future.
People will do their best to dethrone Jesus, but He will always be in control, so we should bow to His rule, instead.
When God saves us, He will never let us go and never leave us, and nothing we do can change that.
Jesus is the ultimate gift, one we could never earn but was given anyway, and one we could never lose.
God sent Jesus in the lowest manner possible, and the only people who He told were lowly shepherds.
Donny Parrish tells the story of how the song "Angels We Have Heard on High" was written and what it means.
Donny Parrish tells the story of how the song "Silent Night" was written and what it means.
Donny Parrish tells the story of how the song "O Holy Night" was written and what it means.
Donny Parrish tells the story of how the song "Joy to the World" was written and what it means.
Donny Parrish tells the story of how the song "O Little Town of Bethlehem" was written and what it means.
The only thing worth pursuing in life is a relationship with God, because He will fulfill us.
The glory of God is frightening to us because we have fallen short of His glory due to our sin, and we are aware of the distance between us.
We will never be able to find significance in life in anything other than the salvation and lordship of Jesus.
Our worship of God is sometimes halfhearted because we don't take the time to fully know how good He is.
Jesus did not come to save us from the evil of others, but from the evil within ourselves: our sin.
God can use our heartbreak and tragedy for His plan and bring hope and joy into our lives.
As the Israelites anticipated the coming of Jesus, we should be making preparations for His return.
Jesus was brought into the world in an unexpected way so God could get the glory, but one day He will return as a conquering King.
The charge of all believers is to take the gospel and the name of Jesus to all the world so that the lost can be saved.
Because of the resurrection of Jesus, we too can live forever, be assured of our salvation, and know that Jesus will return.
The cross is beautiful because it is a symbol of the most precious gift we can receive: grace.
We can choose to allow sin to separate us from God, or we can choose to accept Jesus' death as payment for our sins.
Jesus takes the stain of our guilt and washes it away, so we can take it to Him and be free of it.
Lifeword functions thanks to the partnerships of BMA churches and members around the world.
The final picture of Jesus is not a man on a cross but seated in a place of power as the rightful Son of God.
Using the name of Jesus is polarizing and causes conflict with those who hate Him, but one day He will return and rule.
There is no mistake we can make that is so bad that Jesus can't turn our mess into something good.
God's care for us is personal. He knows us intimately and He has a specific place for us.
God provides care for the whole world, and when we submit to His care and trust Him, He will satisfy us.
The God who created the world and holds it in His hands is also able to hold our lives and make them stable in the middle of chaos.
God's power and majesty are entirely good, and His goodness radiates throughout all of creation and life.
We can become so familiar with the blessings of God that we begin to think less of them and become too familiar with Him.
Jesus' life wasn't taken away; He gave it. He could have changed things at any time, but He chose to sacrifice Himself for our redemption.
Jesus was concerned about His disciples even in His darkest hour, so we know that He will always care for us.
We shouldn't be surprised when things get tough, because Jesus said the world would turn its back on believers. However, we can trust Him to fight our battles for us.
Anything that happens in our lives happens because God has allowed it, and He has a purpose for it.
In Jesus' eyes, one who serves is more suited to leadership than one who does not serve.
The betrayal of Jesus was a part of God's plan and His story. He was in complete control then, and He is now.
Halloween does not belong to the devil any more than any other day does, because the whole earth and every day belong to God.
God shows us His will in the Bible, and we should be open to that, but not open-minded to worldly ideas.
God is revealed in the beauty and majesty of nature, but even more than that, He is revealed in His Word.
The mission and challenge of the church is to follow Jesus' mission and reach the lost with the Gospel.
Donny Parrish introduces the new Day by Day broadcast and explains that God loves new things.