“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…

“True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.” JOHN 4:23 During worship services and in your own quiet times with the Father, do you connect with Him? Do you sense His nearness? Perhaps you see people exalting God, but what they appear to feel escapes you. You wonder if you can truly have…

Exalt the L ORD our God and worship at His footstool. PSALM 99:5 If worship is the utmost expression of who we are as believers, why does it seem so difficult to fall at God’s feet and genuinely adore Him? Why is it easier to complain about life’s problems rather than voice our praises? One…