Devotionals

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 1 Timothy 6:17 (KJV) It can be easy when you have obtained a little wealth in this world to esteem yourself more highly than you ought to think. This temptation is not new Israel faced the same warning from God in Deuteronomy 8:17, cautioned not to think their own hand had gotten them all their wealth. When we strive and strain to obtain enough for our daily needs, we can easily connect our rewards with our own efforts, forgetting the true source of our provision. ...

Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Galatians 3:3 (KJV) Paul’s pointed question to the Galatians strikes at the heart of a persistent struggle in the Christian life: the temptation to replace Spirit-led living with flesh-driven performance. His incredulity is palpable: how could those who began their Christian journey through the supernatural work of the Spirit now think they could reach spiritual maturity through their own efforts? ...

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. 1 Peter 3:15 (KJV) Faith Doesn’t Require Intellectual Surrender One of the most persistent misconceptions about Christianity is that it demands believers to leave their brain at the door: to abandon reason in favor of blind faith. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Scripture itself demonstrates that God values our minds and invites us to engage intellectually with our faith. ...

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. — 1 Timothy 4:8 (KJV) The Comparison That Changes Everything On any given Sunday morning, you’ll find joggers pounding the pavement, cyclists racing through park trails, and fitness enthusiasts heading to their favorite gym. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this picture. After all, the Apostle Paul doesn’t condemn bodily exercise; he simply puts it in its proper perspective. ...