After Jesus spoke to the disciples about the importance of forgiving those who offended them, they responded, “Lord, increase our faith.” Luke 17:5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.” [1] If we’re honest, these are the words we all need to pray for as believers. I believe this …
Only good things happen when we keep communication open, especially in a conflict or when we someone has hurt us. Proverbs 18: 19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars. [1] This is as true today as when it was written. …
It is not unusual for people to become offended by God because He didn’t meet their expectations. Many expect their lives to be trouble-free when they become believers. But when a car accident or an illness comes, they wonder why God, if He is sovereign, didn’t prevent the tragedy. God often uses things we don’t …
How can God help us deal with emotions when others sin against us? Jesus tells us how to work through such a situation. Luke 17:3 So watch yourselves! “If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. 4 Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time …
When others don’t meet our expectations, many choose to be offended. We may never have even discussed our expectations of them. Yet, we assume they know. When we expect others to meet our expectations, we walk in selfish love. We are easily offended when they don’t respond the way we’d like. We set ourselves up …
“Don’t offend the little ones” is a stern warning from Jesus. Luke 17:1One day Jesus said to his disciples, “There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting! 2 It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than …
Satan loves the chance to set a devious trap. Paul warned us to be aware of his schemes. Ephesians 6: 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. [1] Satan has strategies to lead us away from God because he hates …
The power of prayer provides the energy to equip the Christian soldier with armor and to wield the sword. James 5:16 The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. [1] We cannot win battles using only our own strength, regardless of our talent or power. When Amalek attacked Israel, Moses climbed the mountain …
Paul gives us valuable tools for the battle against satan. Ephesians 6: 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [1] Shield …
The power of the Gospel is so great that it takes people out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of Light. The Gospel, also known as the Good News, is the very foundation of Jesus’ message. As the Lord draws us to faith and deepens our understanding of the Good News, He …