The psalmist's request to be taught and guided by God's Word is a model for spiritual growth, as he acknowledges his need for divine intervention and promises to act on the insight given. This devotional passage in Psalm 119 parallels a similar passage in Proverbs 2, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's guidance and understanding in one's life. [... more]

Living a simple life means surrendering to God, being in authentic community, and being on mission to serve others. It's about letting go of control and fears, and stepping into vulnerability and service. By following the acronym bio - being before God, in community, and on mission - individuals can experience the love of God and find rest for their souls. [... more]

Living a sustained, spiritually simple life means surrendering to God's love and being connected in authentic community. The love train is a supernatural community that brings life and love, and it's the Church of Jesus Christ. To get on the love train, we must surrender, step away from the world, step into community, and step up to be who God made us to be. Once on the love train, we get a new focus, new eyes, and a new hope, and we're compelled to live for Him, not ourselves. We become Christ ambassadors, reconciling people to God and sharing the message of love and redemption. [... more]

A revival is needed in the church, and it begins with humility and a genuine dependence on God. David's story in 2 Samuel 7 shows how he humbled himself before God, even when his prayers were not answered, and how he prayed with a sevenfold prayer that attributed all to God's grace, apprehended the greatness of God, affirmed the goodness of God, and asserted the promises of God. [... more]

God's call to Moses in Leviticus chapter 1 sets the tone for the book, emphasizing personal devotion and the need for blood sacrifices to atone for sin. The Holy Spirit dwells with believers, and the ancient sacrifices point to Christ's ultimate atonement. The Christian walk requires training and understanding of the Old Testament, but ultimately, it's the Holy Spirit who guides and empowers believers to live a life of devotion and dedication to God. [... more]

Developing a private prayer life is essential for building a strong relationship with God. By setting aside time, finding a quiet place, and having a plan, individuals can deepen their faith and become more like Jesus Christ. As they focus on God, they will experience transformation, and their lives will become a hiding place for others, providing comfort, encouragement, and protection in times of trouble. [... more]

Actively remembering God's faithfulness is crucial for Christians to maintain stability, grow in character, and live meaningfully with impact. Establishing habits, prioritizing remembering God, and developing relationships with fellow believers can help individuals stay devoted to their faith and interpret life's circumstances in light of God's known faithfulness. [... more]

A father's role is not just to provide for his children, but to lead them spiritually and model authentic worship. By asking four key questions, dads can evaluate their effectiveness as spiritual leaders and make practical changes to create a more God-honoring home. [... more]

Rob West explores the parable of the rich fool, discussing what it means to be rich toward God with guest Chad Clark. They also delve into the benefits of donor-advised funds and offer advice on managing finances, including the importance of tax-free growth in Roth IRAs and the potential drawbacks of using savings for car loans. [... more]

Developing a deeper relationship with God requires seeking Him with all of your heart, diligently, and continually. It means prioritizing Him above everything else in life, being willing to work at it, and being open to His guidance and direction. By seeking God, you can experience a more intimate and personal connection with Him, leading to spiritual growth and a transformed life. [... more]

Developing a genuine relationship with God involves a deep hunger and thirst for Him, which manifests in a love for the Word of God, a desire to spend time with Him, and a willingness to share His love with others. This relationship is built on a foundation of faith, confession, and repentance, and is characterized by a sense of security, freedom, and joy. By prioritizing this relationship, individuals can experience spiritual growth, guidance, and strength in their lives. [... more]

As Christians, we must make the most of every opportunity to serve Jesus Christ and use the gifts, talents, and abilities He has given us to advance His cause on earth. We must be faithful and dedicated in our service, not just producing results, but also being true to our devotion to God. We don't have all the time in the world, and every day we let go by without dedicating it to Jesus Christ is a day that's not coming back around again until it comes around at the judgment seat of Christ. [... more]

Abraham's failure to stay in God's will led to unintentional sin, a famine of God's Word, and a life of compromise. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of a personal devotional life and submission to God's will. Through repentance and forgiveness, we can return to God and experience His blessing and guidance. [... more]

Developing a strong prayer life is crucial for a meaningful relationship with God. By setting aside time, finding a quiet place, and having a plan, individuals can deepen their faith and become more like Christ. As they pray, they will experience transformation, guidance, and a sense of purpose, ultimately becoming a source of comfort and strength for others in their lives. [... more]

Submission to God requires continual resistance to the devil's lies and temptation, which can be achieved through humility, confidence in God's promise, and cultivating intimacy with Him. [... more]

The doctrine of election in Calvinism raises questions about God's fairness and justice, as seen in the parable of the sower and the reaper in Matthew 25. Dr. Brown discusses the importance of jealousy for personal time with God, reading and listening to materials that stir hunger for God, giving away what one has, and journaling to sustain personal revival. He also addresses practical applications of Abraham's rejection of the king of Sodom's wealth and how to discern God's leading in ministry. [... more]

Developing an intimate relationship with God through personal devotion and prayer is crucial for a fulfilling life. Satan often attacks our prayer life with distractions, sleepiness, and evil thoughts, but with perseverance and thanksgiving, we can overcome these obstacles and deepen our connection with God. [... more]

When reading the Bible, it's essential to come to grips with what we're supposed to be looking for, which is the Lord. We must shift our mentality from focusing on ourselves to understanding God's initiation of relationships. By reading the Bible with a listening heart, we can experience the living and active word of God, but we must also be mindful of quenching the Holy Spirit by grieving Him. To cultivate a deeper understanding of God's word, we should purchase a personal Bible, sign and seal it, and read it in a quiet and undivided space, praying before opening it and reading the entirety of the word of God. [... more]

Growing in the Christian life involves a growing hunger to know God, an increasing desire to know the truth of God's word, and becoming more aware of our sinfulness and weaknesses. Spiritual growth is also marked by relying on the Holy Spirit, responding to sin quickly, and viewing trials and temptations as opportunities for growth. As we grow in the Lord, we become more content to spend time alone with Him, make decisions based on His will, and experience an increasing awareness of His love for us. [... more]

Every believer can enjoy a satisfying habit of Bible intake, and it's not just for those who have studied the ancient languages or are pastors. It's a reality that every one of us as believers can experience a satisfying habit of taking in God's word on a regular basis. To achieve this, we need to deal with obstacles such as sin and distractions, focus our minds, and relate to a person, the Lord. We can also benefit from embracing structure, such as setting a place, time, and plan for Bible study, and using various methods like reading, writing, memorizing, and journaling. [... more]