“Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, ‘You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.’” James 2:17–18 Faith is believing and acting[...]
“You who rejoice in Lodebar, and say, ‘Have we not by our own strength taken Karnaim for ourselves?’” Amos 6:13 It’s a red flag to our spiritual condition when we celebrate victories that do not require faith. That’s exactly what happened to Israel in today’s passage. Lodebar and Karnaim[...]
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 Athletes never want to be described as soft. It means they lack the physical toughness or mental tenacity their sport demands, which leads to folding[...]
“Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction” 1 Corinthians 10:11 Why should we read the Old Testament? Well, Israel’s history is like an instruction manual. It reveals who God is, what pleases Him, and how the faithful are to live.[...]
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 Everyone lives by faith in something or someone. And the object of our faith determines the[...]
“Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.” Psalms 119:136 (NIV) Christians have various reactions when other people sin. We hear things every day that shock, anger, and appall us. But when was the last time the sin in our culture caused you sorrow?[...]
“I hate double-minded men, but I love your law. You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” Psalm 119:113-114 (NIV) The psalmist put double-mindedness in direct opposition with loving God and following His Word. It’s where we get the idea of being “two-faced.”[...]
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NIV) Picture the scene as the psalmist walks along a dark path with a single lantern lighting the way. It reveals obstacles that might cause him to stumble and dangers that could cause him[...]
“But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go work today in the vineyard.’ And he answered, ‘I will not’; but afterward he regretted it and went. The man came to the second and said the same thing; and he answered, ‘I will, sir’;[...]