As he was starting out on a trip, a man came running to him and knelt down and asked, "Good Teacher, what must I do to get to heaven?" "Why do you call me good?" Jesus asked. "Only God is truly good! But as for your question -- you know the commandments; don't kill, don't commit adultery, don't steal, don't lie, don't cheat, respect your father and mother." "Teacher," the man replied, "I've never once broken a single one of those laws." Jesus felt genuine love for this man as

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day,

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage. I bless the Lord, who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I keep the Lord always before me, because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit. You show me the p

Follow God's example in everything you do just as a much loved child imitates his father. Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sin. And God was pleased, for Christ's love for you was like sweet perfume to him. Let there be no sex sin, impurity or greed among you. Let no one be able to accuse you of any such things. Dirty stories, foul talk and coarse jokes - these are not for you. In

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 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 my God

Read 1 Corinthians 3:5-11 Paul and Apollos I am sending him to you for just this purpose, to let you know how we are and be encouraged by his report. Ephesians 6:22 (TLB) Laurie Hess Manzer lives in New York. She is a music leader for a Christian camp that serves adults with developmental disabilities. They plan worship services that incorporate musical arrangements of scripture with motions so that their nonverbal participants can better relate to God's word. At first Laurie

As for God, his way is perfect; The word of the Lord is true. He shields all who hide behind him. Our Lord alone is God; We have no other fortress; He has made us safe. He causes the good to walk a steady tread like mountain goats upon the rocks. He gives me skill in war and strength to bend a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of your salvation; Your gentleness has made me great. You have made wide steps for my feet, to keep them from slipping. 2 Samuel 22: 31-37 (T

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. and remember, I am with you always, to the end

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body. Proverbs 3: 5-8 (NRSV) For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. Proverbs 55:8 (NRSV) Stefan Woolsey-Lyons is from Arkansas. In the spring of 2020, St

Read 1 Peter 2: 4-10 See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his 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 2:1 (TLB) Jim Good lives in Ohio. One snowy, wet morning, Jim and his sister searched the kitchen for discarded bread bags. After the recent deaths of their parents, they couldn't afford quality footwear. Instead, they used bread