The plans of the righteous are just, BUT the advice of the wicked is deceitful. (Prov. 12:4) Every one of us is taking advice from someone or something. Wise counsel leads us toward truth, justice, and life, while deceptive voices often sound convincing but quietly lead us off course. Choose your counselors carefully. Continue reading

“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…’” — Matthew 6:9 Prayer often begins where life hurts. Sometimes we come to God with fear. Sometimes with exhaustion. Sometimes with questions we can’t answer or burdens we no longer know how to carry. And sometimes we come with no words… Continue reading

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, BUT he who hates correction is stupid. (Prov. 12:1) The wisest people aren’t those who never make mistakes—they’re the ones willing to learn from them. A teachable heart welcomes correction, knowing that God’s loving discipline is meant to shape us, not shame us. Continue reading

Read Luke 10:25–37 Have you ever noticed how easy it is to ask the wrong question? An expert in the Law came to Jesus with what sounded like a sincere desire to understand eternal life. Together they arrived at the right answer. Love God with all your heart. Love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus smiled. “You… Continue reading

When was the last time you heard someone talk about fasting? For many Christians, it’s the least familiar of the spiritual disciplines. We understand giving. Most of us have some sort of prayer life. But fasting often feels mysterious, intimidating, or perhaps even unnecessary. Yet Jesus spoke about it as though it were perfectly ordinary.… Continue reading

Students! Today’s lesson takes us out of grammar books and into the poetry section. Your old professor enjoys a well-crafted poem, particularly when the poet knows how to employ our favorite little conjunction. Today’s exhibit comes from Annie Johnson Flint (1866–1932), a prolific Christian poet and hymn writer. If you’ve never heard of her, you’re… Continue reading

But the Angel Called Out Some moments in life feel like standing at the edge of something you never wanted to face. Perhaps it’s a difficult decision, a painful goodbye, an uncertain diagnosis, a broken relationship, or simply the realization that you can no longer control the outcome. You’ve done everything you know to do.… Continue reading