“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV) The Value of God’s Approval by Chuck Bentley The world is constantly trying to conform us to its image. But […]
“The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.” (Romans 14:22) Confirmed by Success by Larry Burkett Material success does not necessarily constitute God’s endorsement of our actions. This applies to businesses and ministries alike. Every action must meet two criteria for […]
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; . . . contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.” (Romans 12:10, 13) Devoted Assistance by Larry Burkett One Sunday after church, Paige, a single mother, was leaving the sanctuary, dragging her two-year-old beside her. Paige was exhausted. She’d been working 11-hour days and had worked all […]
“When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.” (Galatians 2:11) Is It God’s Will? by Larry Burkett Have you ever witnessed to a Christian who was obviously doing something rather dumb but rationalized it by saying, “God told me to do it”? You found that hard to argue with, because […]
“Then Moses said to the Israelites, ‘See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts’” (Exodus 35:30-31 NIV) Maximizing Your Skills by Chuck Bentley Mention stewardship, and money […]
“Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) Failing Gracefully by Larry Burkett There are many Christians who are “graceful failures.” They don’t demand anything of God and, in fact, expect nothing. […]
“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21) The Danger of Affluence by Larry Burkett It is not necessary to live poorly to serve the Lord. The only people who think poverty is spiritual are those who haven’t tried it. But, just as certainly, it is clear from God’s Word that […]
“Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honor.” (Proverbs 18:12) Escaping the Pride Trap by Larry Burkett I think Robert Burton said it best when he wrote, “They are proud in humility, proud in that they are not proud.” Does that sound like anyone you know? How do you break out […]
“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men.” (Proverbs 22:29) Hard Work: Reward Enough? by Larry Burkett Work plays a very important role in our lives as believers. It provides the opportunity to put into practice spiritual principles that otherwise would be mere […]
“Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; assuredly, he will not be unpunished.” (Proverbs 16:5) Recognizing Pride by Larry Burkett Pride is what caused Satan’s eternal ruin and it is also what led Saul astray. When we take things into our own hands, it becomes easier to disobey God. Once we […]
