Before they call, I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24) For many years, George Mueller never asked anyone for money to help fund his orphanage. He simply relied on prayer for the children’s needs, and God had always provided. But on March 9, 1842, things took a turn, and…

Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:23-24) It’s easy to pray to God in a moment of desperation, or…

Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Heb. 10:24) During a youth event, a group of teens gathered in a circle for devotions. But one…

And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17) Remember this rich young ruler who wondered what he should do to gain heaven?  Jesus gives the young man an opportunity to understand…

God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world . . . to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of…

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. (1 Pet. 3:9) We have a tendency to treat others the way they treat us. If they are nice to us, then we are nice to them.  And…

The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age. (Titus 2:11-12). I was just in my 20s when I concluded that I was a failure as a pastor. Every Sunday, I felt like…

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. (John 13:14-15) Many years ago, my wife, Kathy, and I were given a small wooden plaque that…

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27) Love for God produces more love. That is why Jesus says love for God is the greatest commandment. When loving him is our…

I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezek. 36:26) For most of my friend’s adult life, he had tried to reach his harsh-talking and hard-hearted aunt with the…