To each one of us Christ graciously gave a gift … for the equipping of the saints for the work of service: the building up of the body of Christ; until we all reach the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God. Ephesians 4:7–13 We all began as babies; but today … Continue reading
To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the benefit of all. 1 Corinthians 12:7 First, creation; then, recreation. When God first assigned human beings the task of exercising authority over creation as his representatives, he intended for us to continue subduing chaos so that he, and we, could label the end … Continue reading
Evil individuals are rebellious to the core. They do not fear God, for they are too proud. The words of their mouths are treacherous and troubling; they never consider doing good … How happy is the person who fears Yahweh, who takes great delight in obeying his commands. Psalm 36:1–3; 112:1 Fearing God will transform … Continue reading
Fix your hopes totally on the grace which will be yours when Jesus Christ reappears. As obedient children, do not conform yourselves to what you desired when you were ignorant, but, like the Holy One who called you, you be holy in all your behavior. 1 Peter 1:14–15 Almighty God, who was revealed through the … Continue reading
Do not conform yourselves to our current culture. Rather, transform yourself by renewing your mind so you can experientially confirm what the will of God is—that which is good, soul-satisfying and well-designed. Romans 12:2 Picture an ox-drawn wagon traveling down a wet dirt road; then another cart and another and another … Imagine how deep … Continue reading
With unveiled faces, we who are beholding the glory of the Lord in the gospel of the glory of Christ—who is the image of God—are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory. 2 Corinthians 3:18 It seems to be a natural law that we become like those we admire. After all, imitation … Continue reading
When Jesus calls us to follow him, he’s not just inviting us to go where he’s going; he’s challenging us to imitate him while we walk through life with him. When we respond to him, we agree to begin a process of transformation called discipleship. But as we look at the first disciples, we see … Continue reading
God saw all that he had made, and behold, it was very good. … God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it he rested from all his work which he had created. Genesis 1:31; 2:3 O God our Creator, in your successful rest we do our work. Because you were satisfied with … Continue reading
David said, “When a lion or a bear took a lamb from my flock, I attacked it and rescued the lamb. So, this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them. Yahweh, who delivered me from the lion and the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:34–37 David was … Continue reading
If the axe is dull and the user does not sharpen its edge, then he must use more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success. Ecclesiastes 10:10 Success involves completing all the steps of a process that lead to the outcome we desire, so that when we finally achieve our goal, we are able … Continue reading