“Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’” Luke 1:34   Mary’s question was motivated by reason and rationale, not doubt. Who wouldn’t ask about the practical workings of a virgin giving birth? When you think about it, many people approach salvation in a similar way. You[...]

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?” Romans 6:1-2   God’s saving grace came at a significant cost—the life of His Son. So, it stands to reason that[...]

“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” Psalm 145:8-9   We’ve all met people who seem to say and do the right thing at the right time and in the[...]

“in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18   Most of us would admit that we struggle with giving thanks in everything. That’s why thankfulness in the midst of adversity is a sign of spiritual maturity. It’s not about being thankful for[...]

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” 2 Peter 3:18   Have you ever watched a mature Christian remain steady in the face of an overwhelming challenge? You may have even thought, “I could never handle that the way she did.” Well, that believer is[...]

“Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” Genesis 45:5   Today’s verse gives amazing insight about how to forgive yourself. Joseph was telling his brothers to stop being angry with themselves for betraying him.[...]

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32   When we forgive, we release that person from any requirement of repayment. That doesn’t mean we excuse or justify the wrong that was done but that we respond like[...]

“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” John 15:11   Joy is standard equipment to the Christian life. Jesus said His followers should be full of joy; which means there are levels of joy[...]

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!”  Philippians 4:4   We often read this verse and hear, “be happy about everything.” But that’s not what it says. So how do we follow this command to rejoice always? Well, it’s important to understand the difference between happiness and[...]