Psalms 23 for fearPsalms 51 for repentanceProverbs 22:15 for disciplining a childMatthew 5:27-30 for understanding the depth and breadth of adultery/sexual lustEphesians 5:22-33 for marriage roles and relationshipsPhilippians 4:6 for anxiety (as mentioned earlier) along with Ephesians, James, and Proverbs passages on angerOther passages seem to fit

God motivates us to give generously by promising we’ll reap bountifully:The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully (2 Cor. 9:6).God encourages us to bless the poor by promising to pay us back:Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord,and he will repay him for h

He shatters, but his hands healThe same thing is meant as above, expressed by different words. The whole suggests that every afflicted man, and particularly Job, should he behave well, and as he ought, under the afflicting hand of God, would be healed, and become sound and whole again, in body, mind, family, and estate. For, though God for the pres

1. James reminds us that one can offer extended moral exhortations without being a “moralist.” In an effort to avoid the charge of “moralism,” many modern preachers hesitate to offer extended moral/ethical exhortations to their congregations. Indeed, sermons often focus on how the congregation cannot keep the law and that only Christ can keep the l

Defining "Generational Sin" What is generational sin? It is disobeying God’s commandments by sinning against His laws. It is also worshipping anything other than God.Generational sins are weaknesses or tendencies that are handed down to us through the generations from parents or members of our family. These sins can involve behavioral patterns and

Though we don’t know what Jonah’s answer was to this statement, we can attest we know what he was probably thinking: touché, God, touché. We have all been in that position, being blinded by pride to think our ways are right and that everyone else is wrong; hence not knowing our left from our right.In God’s kindness and grace to us, He humbles us to

Proverbs 27:12A wise man foresees evil and hides himself; the simple pass on and are punished.When making decisions, it is very important to honestly assess the risk that is involved. Sometimes we can become so mesmerized by a “golden carrot” that we overlook the risks that are associated. For this one, I would suggest that you have an outside voic

So when the body is about to be led into a sinful action by some fear or craving, we are to take the sword of the Spirit and kill that fear and that craving. In my experience that means mainly severing the root of sin’s promise by the power of a superior promise.So, for example, when I begin to crave some illicit sexual pleasure, the sword-swing th

1. Love the Unlovely It’s easy to love someone who loves you in return. It’s also easy to love the beautiful, kind, and lovely people. But it’s a whole different story to love someone who doesn’t deserve your love, look the part, or treat you well. Yet that’s what Jesus did, and He instructed His followers to do the same. “Jesus said ‘My command is

1. Martin Luther Martin Luther was a monk who wanted to please God, so he would confess his every action. The more Luther practiced religion the more miserable he was in his sin. Luther knew his inadequate efforts weren’t enough to appease God but didn’t know what to do until he read, “…The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17).God revealed how f

“Our sins and the iniquities of our fathers have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us. Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name.

I can take a cue from Philippians 4:8 and replace lies with thoughts that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and virtuous. I can pray and ask God to put a hedge of protection around my mind and thoughts. If I’m honest with myself, I admit that a high percentage of my thoughts are entirely self-focused. But God’s Word gives me a new, much higher

So, when you seek to discover God’s will for your life, pay attention to how He has gifted you. His plan for you will always be directly related to the gifts that He has bestowed upon you. The great news is that you will automatically be good at whatever it is that He has called you to do!6. Listen to God’s Spirit.I experienced a major turning poin

God’s compassions do not really fail, not even when in anger he seems to have shut up his tender mercies. These rivers of mercy run fully and constantly, but never run dry. No, they are new every morning. Every morning we have fresh instances of God’s compassion towards us; he visits us with them every morning (Job. 7:18); every morning does he bri

1. To care for others, you have to care for yourself. Jesus taught his followers to “love their neighbor as themselves.” Most of us consider loving others to be an important ambition. Yet, Jesus teaches that loving ourselves is a key component to loving others. It’s not a selfish love, however. It’s one where we keep others in mind, motivated by th

“You parents — if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:9-11)5 Comforting Verses to Reaf

1. What does 'Maundy Thursday' mean? Scholars believe that the word "maundy" comes from the Latin word "mandatum," which means "command." It is on this Thursday before his crucifixion that Jesus gives his disciples a new mandate or command to love one another. The sum of the Gospel was given on this Maundy Thursday. Jesus and his disciples had just

1. God has a special plan for your life.Esther was placed in a royal position, not by chance, but for a purpose.Reminds me of one of my favorite verses. Proverbs 16:9, “In his heart a man plan’s his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”God didn’t make a mistake where He has you today. I think we spend too long in our life trying to figure out

I thought perhaps I should call her back, to ask if she were all right. I thought perhaps I should question her tone of puzzlement, which suggested she did not feel in charge of her time that afternoon. But I did not call her back. I had errands to do.Here’s what I learned later. After I hung up, an hour or two passed at the church. My wife was alo

Thou shalt commit beyond feelings. The Bible talks a great deal about the renewal of our mind (Romans 12:2, for example). The mind is more reliable than emotions. You may not always feel as in love as you did the day you married. There will be tough seasons in any marriage. Strong marriages last because they have a commitment beyond their emotional