Profitable All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.—2 Timothy 3:16–17 All Scripture is profitable! Knowing this, we cheat ourselves when we do not accessRead More …

Not Quarrelsome The Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient. . . —2 Timothy 2:24 There should be no quarrelsome Christians. The truth of God is within us; we need never be intimidated or frustrated by those who do not accept God’s truth. AtRead More …

Weariness “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves.”—Matthew 11:28–29 If you find that Christianity exhaustsRead More …

Birth Pangs All these events are the beginning of birth pains.—Matthew 24:8 When will Christ return? This question has been pondered much through the generations. The imminence of His coming provides the backdrop for everything the Christian does. Christ has not revealed exactly when He will come, but He hasRead More …

The Gift of Encouragement But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus—my brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need. . . —Philippians 2:25 Some people know just what to say and do to encourage others who are going through difficult times. Their words giveRead More …

God Is with You The Lord of Hosts says this: “In those days, 10 men from nations of every language will grab the robe of a Jewish man tightly, urging: Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”—Zechariah 8:23 God’s desire is to fillRead More …

Taking Responsibility Then the man replied, “The woman You gave to be with me—she gave me [some fruit] from the tree, and I ate.”—Genesis 3:12 Adam and Eve did everything they could to avoid taking responsibility for their sin. Adam blamed his wife: “She gave me of the tree.” HeRead More …

Quenching the Spirit Don’t stifle the Spirit.—1 Thessalonians 5:19 We cannot prevent God from accomplishing His work in the world around us, but we can quench His Spirit in our lives. God has given us the freedom to withstand the Holy Spirit’s activity in our lives. When we ignore, disobey,Read More …

Not in Word but in Power For the kingdom of God is not in talk but in power.—1 Corinthians 4:20 Christianity is not moral platitudes, lofty intentions, and noble thoughts. The fundamental characteristic of God’s kingdom is power. Paul faced constant criticism about his work among the early churches. SomeRead More …

Crouching at the Door If you do right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must master it.”—Genesis 4:7 When temptation enters our hearts and minds, we either deal with it and gainRead More …