“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God”(James 1:19).  Sometimes an instructor or boss will say, “Listen up, now,” or, “Pay attention to what I’m going to say next.” That’s what James is […]

Sometimes we complain about limited abilities or opportunities in life. “Why can’t I do such and such?” or, “Why doesn’t that particular opportunity come my way?” The truth is, God has given you some ability with which to serve him, some opportunity to bring glory to him. Many people limit their service by focusing only on their

What do you consider when facing a decision? Some, purposely or subconsciously, ask, “What would make me happy? What do I really want? What would my friends think?” These may seem good, logical questions, but consider whether biblical wisdom guides in a different approach. Read Galatians 5:16-17: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and

Most of us want to feel safe. At times we enjoy the thrill of risk; that’s why amusement parks prosper. But when we pull up to the stop sign in an unfamiliar neighborhood, we check our door locks. Fear of the future or the unknown may overwhelm. Before we head toward whatever is before us,

Some people enjoy being photographed. They like what they see in the picture or don’t care. Others prefer to ignore what they look like and don’t welcome pictorial reminders. There’s something much more important than the size of our nose or the smudge on it, however.  One summer as church groups traveled home after a week

Sometimes life moves along quite smoothly, everything going as planned and everyone around us behaving as expected. But sometimes it doesn’t or they don’t. We face physical troubles or academic struggles or relationship trials or unexpected bills. We feel alone in our discouragement, but God is paying attention. The faith we need for these times

Saying we deserve something implies we’ve earned it. Maybe we think we’re pretty good: generous, easy to get along with, hardworking, faithful–all good things to be and do. However, Isaiah 64:6 reads, “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.” Even our best goodness

Anyone who attended Sunday school as a child remembers learning about young Daniel and his friends. Their resolve to do right impacted many generations. Today, consider another angle: the impact they had on one another. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were captured by the Babylonians and chosen for special training and preparation for their new

Friendliness is an important, God-honoring quality. Romans 12:10 encourages us to love our Christian brothers: “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Love is a trademark of Christians: “’By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another’”(John 13:35). As with many

Do you have joy? Would you like to be more joyful? The goal of John 15:11 appeals to most Christians: “. . . that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” In the verses leading up to this goal, John 15:1-10, Jesus encourages believers to “abide” in him. Verse