“I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. I gave an account of my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees.” Psalm 119:25-26 (NIV)   Nothing is quite as humbling as sincere self-evaluation. As believers, we are to constantly measure our lives by[...]

“He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Revelation 3:21   An old hymn says, “The way of the cross leads home.” Now, think about those words in context[...]

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:15–16   Today’s passage contains one of the most sobering truths of[...]

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:” Revelation 3:14   Where do you turn to find out how you’re doing spiritually? From a human standpoint we tend not to see ourselves as[...]

“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[...]

“Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand.” Proverbs 19:21   A new year is like a clean slate. It brings renewed hope, along with the excitement of new plans and goals. Too many times, though, we strive to accomplish the wrong things.[...]

“In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18   Thanksgiving is over. At least, that’s what most Americans think as they rush into Christmas preparations. For believers, however, thanksgiving is more than a brief season. We’re told to give thanks in everything; in[...]

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” John 15:4   The purpose of a vine is to bear fruit through its branches. The quality and quantity of[...]

“…every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:2   Scripture sets the clear expectation that we are to grow in our relationship with Christ. Maturing spiritually is a life-long process, not a one-time growth spurt. Consequently, we should see a steady progression as we[...]