Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around your feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us. Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he

What does one really get from hard work? I have thought about this in connection with all the various kinds of work God has given to mankind. Everything is appropriate in its own time. But though God has planted eternity in the hearts of men, even so, many cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. So I conclude that, first, there is nothing better for a man than to be happy and enjoy himself as long as he can; and second, that he should eat and drink and

Read James 3:7-18 - the taming of the tongue. May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalms 19:14 (TLB) Words are powerful. Some words are a balm to our soul, while other words cut like a sharp knife. In an environment where God's Spirit does not abound, hurtful or destructive words often prevail. Followers of Christ are called to reflect our faith in word and deed. Our teacher, Jesus, spoke words of comfort where th

Who will protect me from the wicked? Who will be my shield? I would have died unless the Lord had helped me. I screamed, "I'm slipping, Lord!" and he was kind and saved me. Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer. Psalm 94: 16-19 (TLB) Doreen Alvarez lives in Florida. Many times she has stressed over things beyond her control. She began to ask herself, Why? Do I doubt God? Then my friend suggested that when Dore

Read Acts 12: 6-17 Peter delivered from Prison So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 12: 24 (NRSV) Bill Kirklin lives in Indiana. When his wife was hospitalized after a stroke, a church group gave her a blanket embroidered with her name and Mark 11:24. When Bill looked up the verse, it gave him hope. Along with his friends and his church, Bill was fervently praying for his wife's complete recovery. When

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment, you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me, and place your hand of blessing on my head. This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe! I can never be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from m

Read Ephesians 2: 14-22 For Christ himself is our way of peace. He has made peace between us Jews and you Gentiles by making us all one family, breaking down the wall of contempt that used to separate us. Ephesians 2:14 (TLB) See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called hos children - think of it - and we really are! But since most people don't know god, naturally they don't understand that we are his children. 1 John 3:1 (TLB) Josey McChesney

This boasting is all so foolish, but let me go on. Let me tell about the visions I've had, and revelations from the Lord. Fourteen years ago, I was taken up to heaven for a visit. Don't ask me whether my body was there or just my spirit, for I don't know; only God can answer that. But anyway, there I was in paradise, and heard things so astounding that they are beyond a man's power to describe or put in words (and anyway I am not allowed to tell them to others). That experien

Read John 4: 4-26 - the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water. and Jesus asked for a drink. He was alone at the time as his disciples had gone into the village to buy food. The woman was surprised that a Jew would ask a "despised Samaritan" for anything - usually they wouldn't even speak to them! - and she remarked about this to Jesus. He replied, "If you only knew what a wonderful gift God has for you, and who I am, you would ask

For Jehovah is my refuge! I choose the God above all gods to shelter me. How then can evil overtake me or any plague come near? For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will steady you with their hands to keep you from stumbling against the rocks on the trail. You can safely meet a lion or step on poisonous snakes, yes, even trample them beneath your feet! For the Lord says, "Because he loves me, I will rescue him; I will make him great because he trusts