“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4 NIV). If you want to connect with people, you start with their needs, not your own. Start with their hurts, not your own. Start with what they want, not what you want. There’s an old Chinese saying that says this: “Seek to... Continue Reading →
Accept Others as Christ Accepted You
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Romans 15:7 NIV). God accepts us, despite our messy lives, impure motives, and irritating attitudes. One of the ways we reflect God’s love and bring him glory is to accept one another just as he accepts us. This means we... Continue Reading →
The Power of a Focused Life
Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5 NLT). If you want God to use you in great ways, you need focus. The more focused you are, the more effective you’ll be—and the more God will use you.There’s awesome power in a focused life. Diffused light doesn’t have... Continue Reading →
Train Your Mind to Remember God
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20 NLT). The Bible tells us to “pray all the time” (1 Thessalonians 5:17... Continue Reading →
The Body of Christ Needs You
“All of you together are Christ’s body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27 NLT). One reason you need to be connected to a church family is to fulfill your calling to serve other believers in practical ways. The Bible says, “All of you together are Christ’s body,... Continue Reading →
God’s Goodness Lasts Forever
“I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6 NIV). Of all the benefits of God’s goodness, only one lasts beyond your life on Earth. The final verse of Psalm 23 expresses the ultimate example of God’s goodness: “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6 NIV).That means you don’t... Continue Reading →
Five Ways Jesus Protects and Directs You
“My purpose is to give life in all its fullness. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:10-11 TLB). Sheep are essentially defenseless animals, so a shepherd uses a few tools to care for and protect his sheep. He uses a rod for guarding and protecting and... Continue Reading →
Three Things to Remember About the Valleys
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4 NIV). In Israel, on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho, there’s a canyon called the Valley of the Shadow of Death. In his day, King David probably traveled through it many times. Some of the canyons... Continue Reading →
If You Want to Know God’s Will, Just Open Your Bible
“God’s Word warns us of danger and directs us to hidden treasure. Otherwise how will we find our way? Or know when we play the fool?” (Psalm 19:11-12 The Message). Most of God’s will is already revealed. The principles are there! When you open your Bible, God opens his mouth and starts talking. Are you waiting... Continue Reading →
Don’t Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide
“You may think you are on the right road and still end up dead” (Proverbs 14:12 CEV). Every emotion is temporary, whether it’s good or bad. You can be delighted at Disneyland, but it will not last. You can be elated after winning a game, but it will not last. You can even be exhilarated at... Continue Reading →
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