Christian Living Resources, Bible Study Tools, Jesus Christ

Rejoice with those who rejoice (Rom. 12:15). A pretty simple command... except when it isn't.

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all... (Rom. 8:32). Whenever I read The Giving Tree, I am overwhelmed by the enormity of the Giver and the immensity of a sacrificial gift to a person consumed with self-interest who has forgotten innocence.

Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching (Prov. 1:8). While children are charged with not forsaking their parents' teachings, it is we who have the higher responsibility.

The Almighty--we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate (Job 37:23). How could a loving God condemn someone so harshly for eating pork or working on the Sabbath?

It is better... that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong (1 Peter 3:17). Peter suggests that you can suffer for doing good, or you can suffer for doing bad. Either way, you suffer.

Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce (Jer. 29:5). This world is not our permanent home and God tells us our days are like a breath, but He has also given each of us the opportunity to unpack our boxes and make an impact while we are here.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth (Mt 5: 5). I used to have a strong dislike for the word meek...

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path (Psalm 119: 105).We sometimes make daily quiet times complicated by pigeonholing ourselves or our current life situation, and so risk hindering the effective wholeness of the Word.

You are not your own, for you were bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Arguments about "identity" should end at this verse. For non-Christians, it’s meaningless noise. For Christians, it’s everything.

This is my prayer... that you may be able to discern what is best (Phil. 1:9-11). How often do we resign ourselves to the "tyranny of the urgent"?

You have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again (Rom. 8:15). God doesn’t call worry "panphobia" or "worry-phobia;" He calls it sin.

We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding (1 John 5:20) What are the false gods in your life?

But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights (Jonah 1:17). Will you follow God's plan or will you turn your back?

Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law? (Matt. 22:36). Sometimes we get a little too focused on smaller things and forget about the bigger picture. We forget about the Forest, so preoccupied have we been on individual Trees.

A friend loves at all times (Prov. 17:17). Christmas is just about three weeks past us, but the remnants remain on a bulletin board in my office...

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! (1 Chron. 16:34). Sometimes I lose sight of who God really is, and what he can do with the smallest of offerings. God will never be threatened or hindered by our world.

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord (James 5:7-8). Patience is a willing temporary dissatisfaction, but it puts your emotions under control and God in control.

Moses and Elijah, who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure... (Luke 9: 30-31). It's good to see that the idea of 'preaching the gospel to yourself everyday' is becoming more popular.

May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance (2 Thess. 3:5). Spiritual workouts are no different from our physical ones: if you want to run a marathon, you first have to run a mile.

...forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead... (Phil. 3:13). I want to be resolved to live for the glory of God, to find my pleasure in Him and the good of mankind.