“First he said, ‘Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them’—though they were offered in accordance with the law. Then he said, ‘Here I am, I have come to do…
“Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: ‘Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me.’” Hebrews 10:5 (NIV) The manger wasn’t just a nice Christmas decoration. It was the launching point of…
“Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, my God.’” Hebrews 10:7 (NIV) Christmas began with a “Yes.” Before angels sang and shepherds came, Jesus said yes to the…
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV) Your…
“…so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” James 1:4b (NIV) God’s goal for your life is completeness, not just temporary comfort. This is where most believers get the Christian life completely wrong today. We think God’s…
“Let perseverance finish its work…” James 1:4a (NIV) You have a choice about how you respond to ongoing trials. James uses a specific Greek word here that reveals something powerful today. The word echeto means to allow, to permit, or…
“because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” James 1:3 (NIV) God is testing your faith right now through your current struggle. That sentence probably makes you uncomfortable because testing sounds like something negative. We think of…
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” James 1:2 (NIV) Trials are guaranteed to come into your life at some point. James doesn’t use the word “if” when he talks about trials…
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’” Luke 12:20 (NIV) Death has a way of exposing what really matters. The…
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:34 (NIV): Your spending tells the truth about your worship. You can say you love God with your mouth. You can claim Jesus is your priority. But your…