“Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. Such hope never… Continue reading Joyful & Confident Hope

“Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath or spirit of life, and man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7 AMPC) Read full chapter Footnotes REFLECTION  As we move forward, let’s stay mindful that we are created beings. We did not make ourselves. Our caring Creator… Continue reading Breath by Breath

“Then the people brought their little children to Jesus so he could put [lay] his hands on them [an act of blessing] and pray for them. [But] His followers [disciples] told them to stop [scolded/rebuked them], but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop [hinder] them, because the kingdom of heaven… Continue reading Little Teachers

“What do you know about tomorrow? How can you be so sure about your life? It is nothing more than mist that appears for only a little while before it disappears. You should say, “If the Lord lets us live, we will do these things.” (James 4:14-15 CEV) Read full chapter REFLECTION  The air we… Continue reading Glorious Gifts of Grace

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29 NLT) Read full chapter REFLECTION  Careless words come with consequences. Words carry power and can be either harmful or helpful, for both the speaker and the… Continue reading Wield Words Wisely

“Your word is a lamp to my feetand a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 ESV) Read full chapter REFLECTION  In this world there is a battle for truth. There are all sorts of notions about how one should live in order to thrive. And while it’s important to stay prayerfully open to new ideas… Continue reading An Eternal Perspective

“For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is fulfilled in one precept, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, you shall have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit].” (Galatians 5:14 AMP) Read full chapter REFLECTION  When I’m with certain people in my spheres of influence, I find myself… Continue reading An Enlightening Love Loop

“Since you have been chosen by God who has given you this new kind of life, and because of his deep love and concern for you, you should practice tenderhearted mercy and kindness to others. Don’t worry about making a good impression on them, but be ready to suffer quietly and patiently. Be gentle and ready… Continue reading Practice Tenderhearted Mercy

“Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;    may they not rule over me.Then I will be upright    and innocent from great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart    be acceptable in Your sight,    O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:13-14 MEV) Read full chapter REFLECTION  Let’s prayerfully ponder the following… Continue reading The Reality of Redemption

“It is impossible for a good tree to produce bad fruit—as impossible as it is for a bad tree to produce good fruit. Do not men know what a tree is by its fruit? You cannot pick figs from briars, or gather a bunch of grapes from a blackberry bush! A good man produces good… Continue reading Good Fruit