Paul walked in Holy Spirit confidence, instead of changing based on the opinion of others. He walked with consistent character, consistent values, and a consistent message.  ===================== Scripture2 Corinthians 10:10-1110 For they say, “His letters are...

None of us can benefit God, and there is nothing that he could gain from us--yet he loves us anyway! This is how he wants me to see people--through spirit-eyes, valuing people for their intrinsic worth as human beings, made in the image of God.===================...

After all the rest of the testing was finished, Job was faced with perhaps his most difficult test of all--forgiveness.========================= ScriptureJob 42:7-97 After the LORD had spoken these words to Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns...

The gospel of Jesus is not a get-rich-quick scheme or a self-help method for finding fulfillment and happiness. It is the power of God unto salvation, and the only way by which our eternal future can be made secure in God. ============================== Scripture1...

Paul didn't confront sin to make himself feel important, or to make himself look better in comparison. He confronted the things that would destroy people, so that their hearts would be turned to the only One who can save and who can heal....

When the unity of the Body is at stake, we all have a responsibility to pursue unity and health. ======================= Scripture1 Corinthians 1:10I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions...

When I define my worth and my self-image by my influence over others, then I am not stewarding my influence in the right way--and my influence will very quickly break down into self-serving manipulation. ========================== ScriptureGalatians 6:13-1513 For even...

Because Jesus was standing on truth, he was able to confidently withhold his answer until the right moment in order to make a difference.========================= ScriptureMark 11:31-33"And they discussed it with one another, saying, "If we say 'from heaven', he will...

When I am overwhelmed and on overload, God is not. He's still speaking the words I need to hear, and still doing the things that only He can do. ================================= ScriptureMark 9:5-7"And Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us...

God deserves my worship, and He desires my worship. Not worship that consists of empty words and vaguely pleasant feelings--but true, honest, heart-first worship which is backed up and confirmed by my attitude of true submission to Him. =============================...

When my heart is consumed by His greatness and His goodness, then I can't help but overflow outward to share His truth with others. ================== ScriptureActs 26:28-29"28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 And...

Ezra and his team helped the people to see that the word of God was cause for great joy, not sorrow. Because of their faithfulness, the people were able to begin walking forward in God, with joy in their hearts and standing on God's truth. ======================...

If the Holy Spirit is allowed to guide the process, then God is able to bring unity to the whole even through confrontation.=========================== Scripture Nehemiah 5:6-8"I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words. I took counsel with...

I can't fulfill the mission by sacrificing my primary objective--my family. =================== ScriptureNehemiah 4:14"After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the...

Esther built a foundation of unity, mutual accountability, and clear expectations from which to step boldly forward into the mission that God had given her.================== ScriptureEsther 4:16-17"Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my...

The work of Calvary is finished and complete--but I need God's presence in my life today.================== ScripturePsalm 138:8"The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever--do not abandon the works of your hands." ObservationDavid was a servant...

Jesus had a mission to accomplish, and that was his first and only priority. He lived with purpose, instead of living in reaction mode.==================== ScriptureLuke 13:31-32"At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod...

God is love. Not just in ethereal or theoretical ways--God cares about people who are messed up and hurting...and he wants his people to care for those around them who are hurting. ===================== Scripture Zechariah 7:9-10,13 "This is what the Lord Almighty...