Jesus said, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, is the one who loves me. And those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and manifest myself to them.” John 14:21 Genuine affections in our hearts come to perfection—to completion—as they move us to action. Genuine joy about … Continue reading
Remember the promise to your servant, in which you made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your word has preserved me. … I have remembered your rules of old, O Eternal, and they comfort me. Psalm 119:49–52 No matter what anyone says, or how painful the accusation, or untrue the charge, … Continue reading
Be very careful how you try to deliver yourself from difficulties; for God is at work among you so you will purpose and work according to good will I mentioned earlier. Philippians 2:12–13 Christian life is like a walk along the beach—in water up to our knees. We must concentrate every step we take so … Continue reading
Prove yourselves to be those who do the word … ones who contemplate the perfect, liberating law and persevere in it … If you fulfill the royal law as expressed in this scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing beautifully. James 1:22–2:8 When we responded joyfully to the message that God was reconciling … Continue reading
Obeying the Lord involves not only our actions but our thoughts. 2 Corinthians 10:5 commands us to “bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” We can dwell on many ideas that contradict the knowledge of God set forth in Scripture. “Cast down imaginations and every high concept that exalts itself against the … Continue reading
Everyone who hears these words of mine, and acts upon them, is like a wise man who built his house upon the rock. The rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and burst against that house; but it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock. Matthew 7:24–25 We … 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
Moses said, “Meditate on these instructions day and night, so that you will be careful to do according to all that is written; for then you will make your way prosperous and have success.” Joshua 1:8 Sometimes we pay attention to the last words of great people—especially if they are old—hoping to hear a snippet … Continue reading
He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, … that he might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Eternal … that he might test you, to do good for … Continue reading