Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? ROMANS 6:16 NLT It can be painful to give up what you’ve become attached to—and even more excruciating when your desire is not sinful, but God requires you to let go of it for His reasons. But understand, the aim of…

While it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. MARK 1:35 NIV If the Lord Jesus Christ, who was perfect in His relationship with the Father, felt it necessary to seclude Himself for His times of prayer, then shouldn’t we make provisions for…

“This is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” MATTHEW 13:22 We’ve all experienced times when we’ve listened to a sermon or read our Bible, but moments later couldn’t remember what we just heard or read. That’s what…

“God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” JOHN 3:17 NIV Have you ever made a mistake and been harshly judged by other believers? Experiencing someone’s self-righteous condemnation can be absolutely disheartening, if not downright painful. Many people caught in sin have turned…

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” MATTHEW 5:6 Everyone wants the good things in life. But God’s idea of blessings are often much different from our own. Whereas some may pursue material gain or relationships for their happiness and are left disappointed, our heavenly Father understands that…

I will rejoice and be glad in Your lovingkindness, because You have seen my affliction. PSALM 31:7 As you ready yourself to face the day, you have a choice: you can either grumble about your troubles or you can turn your mind to the Father in praise. Before you decide, realize this important truth: there…

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! PHILIPPIANS 4:4 Giving thanks to God is one of the most powerful things you can do as a believer. The Lord works mightily through the praises of His people. This is because when you tell the Father how much you love and appreciate Him, you…

Rejoice always. . . . In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16,18 Sometimes giving thanks may be the last thing you want to do. There are challenges you face that are so negative and painful that they affect every aspect of your life—stealing your joy…

Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever. REVELATION 7:12 There is absolutely nothing so wonderful as simply abiding in the presence of holy, almighty God—learning about Him and getting to know Him better. Of course, if you have no idea who He is, it…

“He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me.” PSALM 50:23 Today, offer the Father a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Even if everything is awry and you’re feeling discouraged, praise Him anyway. How do you do so? Deliberately look for reasons to be grateful even in the most difficult of your circumstances. Review all the ways…