“…the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:14 It's human nature to follow the crowd. From peer pressure in school to societal expectations in adulthood, the desire to blend in and be part of the majority is strong. But Jesus[...]
“and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 There’s an old preachers’ illustration of a church awarding a “most humble” badge to one of its members, then taking it away because he put[...]
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 Selfishness doesn’t have to be taught. We all have an innate desire to put our wants and needs before anything or anyone else. So it’s completely against human nature to[...]
“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another…” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Over and over, the Bible emphasizes the importance of spending time with other Christians as a source of encouragement. But encouraging one another isn’t about lifting each other’s spirits. Paul is talking about something much deeper than our emotions.[...]
“May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts.” Psalm 119:78 (NIV) A lot of our difficulty in life is caused by other people. So, today’s stanza of Psalm 119 shows us the importance of focusing on God when we’ve been[...]
“I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.” Psalm 119:63 (NIV) Psalm 119 continually pictures life as being on a path or a journey. As we discussed previously, walking with the Lord puts us on the narrow path where few others travel[...]
“If you are slack in the day of distress, Your strength is limited.” Proverbs 24:10 We live in distressful days. The Bible, however, still contains all we need for the days in which we live. God’s Word informs, instructs, and strengthens us. But allowing adversity and anxiety to overwhelm[...]
“Then on the second day the heads of fathers’ households of all the people, the priests and the Levites were gathered to Ezra the scribe that they might gain insight into the words of the law.” Nehemiah 8:13 One of the ripple effects of COVID-19 is a feeling of disconnect from[...]