Posts with the tag “heart”

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.  (Matthew 7:18-20)Let’s look at four more signs of our faith. As you read these, keep an open mind and a humble heart, and allow the Lord to point out any areas you might need to tackle. 1. Do you love...  Read More

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  (Hebrews 4:12)As you pursue Jesus and grow in your relationship with Him, the enemy will use whatever he can to deceive you and steer you down the wrong path. This is why it is so important tha...  Read More

But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. (Romans 2:5)Scripture tells us that in the end times, many people’s hearts will be hardened toward the Lord. What does it mean to have a hardened heart? We will look at that today and identify the signs for those who might be on the path of a harde...  Read More

And they praised God because of me.  (Galatians 1:24)Paul’s reputation definitely preceded him. His story of coming to faith in Christ circulated throughout the east long before he had made one of his “missionary journeys.” Before Christ, Paul was a stone-cold legalist. He even took it upon himself to organize the extermination of early believers. His efforts led to the stoning death of Stephen, o...  Read More

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”  (Matthew 16:24)Who do you follow in your life? I am not talking about who you follow on Instagram or who you keep up with on Facebook. I’m asking, who do you follow, who do you serve, and who do you model yourself after?To determine the answer to these important questions, her...  Read More

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)I have a good friend who went on a weight loss program. He was jogging every day and watching what he ate. He had a curious habit of taking a big Snick...  Read More

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!  (Psalm 96:3) God's plan is that people will come to faith in Christ. I know you are very concerned about your family members and friends who don't know Christ. Because you are burdened for them, you are asking yourself questions like: “How will they hear the Gospel? Will they watch religious broadcasting on television...  Read More

Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.  (Proverbs 11:17)What does it take to be kind? A smile, a helping hand, a thoughtful gesture, or a servant’s attitude can be used. Often, we are influenced by the harshness of those around us who are extremely self-absorbed and bent on getting their own way. It is very easy to allow their behavior to influence ours. If ...  Read More

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13) Has there ever been a time in your life when you have turned from your sin and placed your faith in Jesus Christ? You might say, “I joined the church, was confirmed and was baptized at 12.” I didn't ask that.   Has there been a moment in your life when you have acknowledged your sin and realized that you deserved to go to h...  Read More

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)We must cling to many promises in the Word of God. One of those promises is that the Lord will guard you from the evil one and protect you. When the winds of adversity and temptation come into your life, God will be faithful. He has given you everything you need to endure and deal with what...  Read More

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)C.S. Lewis once said, “Pain is the megaphone of God, where He whispers to us in our pleasures, He shouts to us in our pain.” There is much truth in this statement. Have you noticed that it only takes the smallest amount of pain for God to get our attention? All you have to do is have a problem with one o...  Read More

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:19-20) When life gets busy and you have a million things to do, who do you look to for help? Who do you seek for encouragement, peace, and guidance? Do you call your best friend? Do you talk to your spouse? Do you go to your parents? Typ...  Read More

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)My definition of a safe person is an individual who can see and listen to your pain without passing judgment. They don’t offer trite recipes for “the fix you need,” and they trust the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. That’s a friend…a real friend. Does that mean they will...  Read More

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)My definition of a safe person is an individual who can see and listen to your pain without passing judgment. They don’t offer trite recipes for “the fix you need,” and they trust the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. That’s a friend…a real friend. Does that mean they will...  Read More

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)In God’s perfect timing, He will use every detail of your life for His Glory. Anything you have gone through, God can use. You can say, “I'm so broken. I'm so ruined. I'm so damaged.” That doesn’t mean God can’t redeem you.Do you feel like damaged goods? Is there something you have exp...  Read More