4. JoyThe direct translation of Proverbs 31:25-26 is far more revealing of the true meaning than most translations, for it reveals, “she is clothed with strength and dignity, she can rejoice in the future to come.”Often the word, “laugh” is in lieu of, “rejoice” and although they are synonyms, in this context so much more is revealed. Despite circu

Scripture supports this definition, as Bill Delvaux explains in 5 Important Ways Spirituality Differs from Religion, “When the apostle Paul uses the word spiritual in his letters, he is referring to the Holy Spirit. The work of the Holy Spirit is to do all that anyone’s spirituality could ever imagine: to free our hearts, cleanse our sin, guide us

Mental Illness in the ChurchTreating mental illness as purely a spiritual disorder is very hurtful to those who struggle with mental illness because it points them to the wrong solution. Let me explain. For many years I’ve dealt with chronic physical anxiety. I regularly experience a clutching sensation in my chest, shortness of breath, adrenaline

Our Worth“This time I will praise the Lord.” – Leah (Genesis 29:35)Leah was the first wife of Jacob, but she was not his first choice. His desires were for her beautiful sister, Rachel, who became his second wife. However, “When the LORD saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless” (Genesis 29:31). With ea

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the

A Little Background about the Book of James The book of James was written to the twelve tribes of Israel who had been scattered most likely after the persecution that happened in the book of Acts. Up until that time Jerusalem was the center of faith for the new believers, however Jesus’ desire was to get the gospel past Jerusalem and spreading to t

Jesus is not angry with them, but He is urging them to trust Him—to have increasing faith. He is teaching them. When He stated, “Have you still no faith?” it’s the kind of urging that asks, “Don’t you remember all the things I’ve already done for you? Don’t you realize I am God who is showing you who your God really is? Just as I easily calmed this

1. Prayer for a Clear Mind and Peaceful Heart If we begin each day with prayer, we set our hearts and minds in alignment with God’s will and His truth. We will be encouraged by remembering God’s faithfulness, goodness and sovereignty. Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us to put on the full armor of God. By spending time with God first thing in the morning, w

Psychology of a Promise Have you ever had someone promise you something and not follow through? Big or small, when someone breaks a promise, a slew of emotions journey through your heart and mind. This made me consider why we put so much power in a promise. Why do we feel angry or disappointed when someone makes us a promise, and then breaks it?To

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble, therefore we will not fear…Be still, and know that I am God…the Lord Almighty is with us.” (Psalm 46:1-2, 10-11)“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent

What Happens in the Story of Ehud?Ehud straps an eighteen-inch sword to his right side (where a left-handed person would grab a sword) and goes to the king of Moab, Eglon, to deliver a “secret message” and present tribute. After guards likely checked his left side (where right-handed people would grab a sword) for weapons, he strides confidently

4. Trust God“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured in your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).Moving forward takes trust! When we remember, refocus, and begin to move forward, it simultaneously requires us to trust God. Runners, when

What Will Life Look Like if We Obey God Today? How great our longing should be to obey the One who died for us. We can place our faith firmly in the truth of the death and resurrection of Christ and we are also surrounded by great clouds of witnesses who have gone before us who were obedient (Hebrews 12:1).We cannot live a perfect life, but Jesus l

Paul writes in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Peter also addresses the Christian’s relation to government in writing, “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor

The importance of the last idea in Romans 8:17 cannot be understated. Paul clarifies that there will be suffering with Christ in order to be a co-heir, and be glorified with Him. Not everyone will suffer to the same degree as another, and no one will ever suffer the way Jesus did on the cross. However, everyone will be asked to carry a burden in li

Kind love is selfless love. It does not seek to serve oneself. In good marriages, both partners give and submit this kind of love to one another.What Is the Context of 1 Corinthians 13 and Love Is Patient, Love Is Kind?1 Corinthians 13:1-7 “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clangin

Does the Bible Address Atheism?The Bible may not contain many stories about people who have no belief in God, since many people believed in a higher power during the Old and New Testament times, but we do have some verses that discuss atheism.For instance, Psalm 14:1 says, “The fools say in their heart, ‘There is no God.’” That means sometimes duri

3. Envy Is Associated with Evil ThingsIn the Bible, envy is seldom mentioned alone. Instead, it is usually associated with all manner of evil companions. James says that “where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16). Peter urges Christians to “rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hy

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).God Lovingly Reveals the Church’s Spiritual BankruptcyAll of these biting attributes were not meant to hurt or harm them; rather, they are a product of His love.“Those whom I love I rebuke and disci

1. Do Your Actions Show Love to Our Neighbor? John 13:34 says, ”A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”If we are operating by the commands of Jesus first then we must scrutinize the decisions we make through the lens of love. We love not just as we would hope others to love us...but we strive