“He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered” (Proverbs 28:26).  It is too easy to feel that a particular thing is right and rely totally upon one’s feelings. Many place their confidence in the inclinations of the heart rather than the established truth of God’s word. Our hearts may guide us…

“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ”  (Philippians 3:7).  What a resolve! What a tremendous position one is placed in when his pursuit for Christ outweighs all the accolades of his past. He is then privileged to know Christ in a way in which he has never known Him before! Whatever value we…

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1).  The light that God gives illumines the way to our salvation. The darkness of night shrouds the condition of the soul. When people wander in the dark, they cannot see beyond the moment. There is no certainty of purpose or hope for the future. There are…

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry” (1Timothy 1:12).  The challenges of ministry are constant. There are always important things to do and areas of significance in need of being addressed. It is too easy to take the path of least resistance and say what would…

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15-16).  We must be presented as approved unto God. Our lives are to be on display as showing evidence of God’s character. How else would the world know that Jesus is alive and the same…

“Now I’m alert to God’s ways; I don’t take God for granted” (Psalm 18:21 MSG).  Things that we have grown accustomed to are often taken for granted. The sin of familiarity can often breed contempt. God’s ways are not our ways. He does what pleases Himself. Our wishful thinking and reasoning cannot alter what He has decreed. He looks beyond…

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23-24).  Our confession is more than speaking words. It is our agreement with God in accomplishing what He has promised in us and through us. When our spirits have aligned with the Holy Spirit, we are provided a fresh and lively hope.…

“Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby”(1Peter 2:1-2).  Things that have the potential of hindering our spiritual growth are to be laid aside. It is not always clear as to how things that may appear so benign can restrict…

“We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error” (1John 4:6).  The surety of the gospel message is an unflinching confidence that God is with him. God provides the messenger an assurance that all who love…

“And ifI go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3).  The heavenly place must be occupied by the preparer before it can be inhabited by the prepared. The place was the reward of obedience to the will of the Father. All…

“This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope” (Lamentations 3:21).  The immediate challenges of our day oftentimes cloud our view from seeing the faithfulness of God throughout the years. Living in the immediate alone without any reference to the past will make us feel as if we must take matters into our own hands. God has given us…

“When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple” (2 Chronicles 7:1).  The prayer of King Solomon in the dedication of the Temple was heard in heaven. He had listened to God in completing the task to which he was assigned. He…