"Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need." (Ephesians 4:28)When we steal, it is a sin, and we give the devil access to our lives. We often justify it in our own minds. A few examples are all it takes, and most of us will start squirming a little. We steal when we take what doesn't belong t...

"Therefore, putting away lying, 'Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,' for we are members of one another." (Ephesians 4:25)When Paul says "putting away lying," the Greek carries a definite article. It doesn't say lying. It says THE lie. That changes everything. The lie Paul is pointing to is this: your life is no different from the unsaved person you claim you're no longer like. The ...

Matthew 5:12 - "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."Jesus says, "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad." That may not make sense to us. How in the world are we supposed to rejoice when we're being persecuted? Let me tell you why.First, rejoice because you have the opportunity to show the sincerity of your faith. Do...

"But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers." - 1 Peter 4:7 (NKJV)I love the Summer Olympics, especially track and field, since I used to run track. What's the most exciting moment of any race? The last 20, 40, 50 yards toward the end. The athletes are at full stride, pushing themselves to the limit with everything they have, finishing with complete pur...

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18)I love how honest this verse is. “If it is possible…” Sometimes, even when you do everything right, peace doesn’t come quickly. Even Jesus—perfect love in human flesh—had opponents. So Scripture says, “as much as depends on you.” In other words, be faithful to your part. Do what a peacemaker does. Take the i...