Posts from 2022 (Page 16)

Run Your Own Race Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. First Corinthians 9:24 When we constantly measure ourselves by the success and failures of others, we run the risk of losing our identity. When we feel insecure we try to copy those who look successful and we criticize those who mess up. Our goal is to be -and…

The Secret of Perseverance Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 Waiting is such a drag most of us hate waiting with a passion! When we get in any line (at a red light, at the grocery store checkout, at a ticket window, or anywhere else), we first scan the available lines to see…

Ask: Always Seek Knowledge “Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 Some of us read a verse like this, and we assume that the Christian life should be like a cruise- where we’re waited on hand and foot without a care in the world. When circumstances turn out to be not…

The Issues of Life Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23 Theologians say that, in the Bible, the word heart means “the seat of reflection,” where we analyze every motive, every relationship, and every action in our lives. The heart, then, is like a lens that enables us to look at life either clearly or with distortions. This lens is so important that Solomon encourages us to protect it at…

Treasures From The Dark “I will give you the treasures of darkness [the hoarded treasures] And the hidden riches of secret places, So that you may know that it is I, The Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you (Cyrus the Great) by your name. Isaiah 45:3 The thought of finding a treasure has thrilled people from the beginning of time. Ancient cultures told myths about it, and today, millions watch as lottery numbers are posted each day. Some…

Old And New “that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude…

Aligned To Achieve and we receive from Him whatever we ask because we [carefully and consistently] keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight [habitually seeking to follow His plan for us]. 1 John 3:22 As believers, we know that success in life isn’t quantum physics or rocket science. If we follow Christ’s directions, He promises to make our lives richer and more rewarding than we can imagine. If we obey His commands, our hearts…

Greater Than These [Jesus said,] “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he he will do, because I go to my Father.” John 14:12 “Greater than these works Jesus did? You’ve got to be kidding!” That’s the way most of us respond when we weighed Jesus ‘ world, but we’re missing the point. We’re thinking about healing the sick, giving site to…

Richer Than You Think My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 Paul’s promise that God would meet every need comes in response to the Philippians generosity to give to God‘s work. Times were tough in the first-century mission field, and Paul often had very few supporters. He really appreciated the ones who stood behind him! The Philippians had sent him a wonderful gift. Paul describes it as a “sweet…

An Attitude of Gratitude Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign—and that without us! How I wish that you really had begun to reign so that we also might reign with you! 1 Corinthians 4:8 Comparison kills a thankful heart. Far too often, we look around at what others have, and discouragement creeps into our hearts. Gradually (or not so gradually), discontent takes over, and complaints spill out of our mouths.…