But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17). My husband and I stood in line to confirm our flight schedule at the airport. A native of that country cut ahead of us without a word. Perhaps […]
Week 41 Character | Why Won’t You Bless Me?
Christians correctly believe that God will hear our prayers, answer our prayers, and bless our lives as we follow him. We cannot separate the Word from our prayer life because we learn about these beliefs in the Bible. From the Israelites’ walk through the sea, to Peter’s walk right out of shackles and a jail […]
Week 40 Character | Searching for Self-Control
What poses the biggest challenge to self-control in your life? Is it coming home tired after a long day at work to the sound of your teenagers bickering with each other? Or maybe needing to hold your tongue when a family member or coworker says things to push your buttons? Maybe it’s choosing to walk […]
Week 39 Character | The Spirit in You
“We have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit” (Acts 19:2, New American Standard Bible). This ancient statement, first uttered by some disciples of John the Baptist in Ephesus, could have fallen from the lips of many evangelical believers today. While we believe in the Trinity and baptize people in the name of […]
Week 38 Character | To the Praise of His Glory
“To the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:14). The apostle Paul used this power phrase not once but twice to kick off his powerful letter to the Ephesians. The letter is a beautiful description of our faith and all that is precious to those who live in Christ. Paul began the letter by identifying himself […]