As Jesus began His teaching, He spoke of the attitude of the heart. He emphasized the importance of righteous character and how it brings blessings of the Kingdom to the believer. To be righteous means doing what God requires of us. The Pharisees focused on outward appearances, observing the Law, tithing, fasting, and praying with …
We often think we will get away with things, but ultimately, we reap what we sow. What if people took to heart the words Paul wrote? Galatians 6:7Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.[1] Our enemy, satan, loves to deceive and mislead us. He is like …
Whose kingdom are you building? In the story of Esther, we see Haman desiring to gain greater honors and glory. Haman is on a prideful ego trip. He convinced King Xerxes to write a decree ordering that all bow the knee to him. When Mordecai, a Jew, refused to bow, Haman was enraged. Haman bragged …
Following God takes obedience, which is simple but profound. Adam and Eve failed to obey the Lord and fell into sin that continues to have repercussions. When asked to build the Ark, Noah did not question the Lord but began to build a boat on dry land when it had never rained. Abraham obeyed when …
Where do we find true joy in this lifetime? The world’s values tell us that true joy is found in the latest computer, home, beverage, or automobile. If that is true, what happens when those items become old, obsolete, or used up? Mary, the mother of Jesus, knew true joy. Luke 1: 47 How my spirit …
The attitude of obedience chooses to obey the Lord even when it is difficult and may not be popular. As believers in Jesus, God calls us to obey in life’s big and little things. Living a godly life and being obedient to the Lord is not the easy road, but the less traveled narrow road. …
Paul demonstrated joy amid suffering in the letter to the Philippians. When Paul wrote this letter, he was in prison. Paul began his letter with a prayer of thanksgiving for the Philippians. Then, he mentions a reason for his thankfulness. Philippians 1: 7b You share with me the special favor of God, both in my …
The attitude of self-sacrifice is often the key ingredient in fulfilling the Lord’s plans for my life. When I am selfish, life is all about me and my plan, but never the Lord’s. It takes effort to build a relationship with someone as the arms and feet of Jesus. Relationships take time and are often …
The attitude of unity is key to building the body of Christ in your home, the Christian church locally and worldwide. Unity is one of the most significant building blocks to bring the good news of Jesus to others. Disunity can be a considerable roadblock preventing individuals and churches from fulfilling God’s plans. Jesus is …
Paul reminded the Philippians of the attitude of humility that Jesus had. Philippians 2:6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in …