Grandchildren are the crown of the old, And the glory of sons is their fathers. Proverbs 17:6 (NASB) I remember a seven-year-old boy who was so proud of his father that he wanted to be just like him when he grew up. Even as a child, he imitated him and repeated everything he said. This is a common phenomenon among children: they want to be like their mother or father. Moreover, even if we don't resemble our parents in every way, we tend to remember their actions and words in

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature be thus minded; and if in anything you are otherwise minded, God will reveal that also to you. Philippians 3:14-15 (RSV) Every Christian should have one goal: to be like Jesus Christ in every way, without failing in anything. This isn't always easy, because as long as we live in this corruptible body, we will always be exposed to all kinds of temptations and evil

Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. Mark 11:24 (NKJV) Sometimes we pray for hours, days, even months, and yet God does absolutely nothing. Not only does He not act, but He says nothing. It is then that many Christians begin to doubt and question their faith. To justify God's silence, they offer all sorts of interpretations for their faith or their attitude. And when they run out of arguments, th

The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with Him. Proverbs 11:1 (NIV) What is an unjust scale in God's eyes? Some might see it as the measuring instrument used by humans to weigh things. That's true. But what God hates is not the instrument itself, but the intention of the heart of the one who uses it to deceive others. In reality, any evil intention aimed at manipulating, causing downfall, or leading astray is abominable in the eyes of the Lord. He

For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 1 Peter 2:20 (NKJV) Whether we do good or evil, there are always consequences. They can be disastrous if we have done harm, or beneficial if we have done good. No one likes to suffer the consequences of their mistakes; we would prefer that life spare us. However, consequences are sometimes a divine pun

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 (NIV) We always feel fear when we walk in the dark. It's not the darkness itself that frightens us, but rather what might happen to us. Knowing the world we live in today, we think about the possibility that someone might be hiding somewhere, waiting for a passerby to attack them. It's normal to be afraid because it's a feeling God has given to each of us. Bu

Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight! Isaiah 5:21 (NKJV) Wisdom is a gift from God. No one can become wise without God. Some might object that this is a mistake, because they know wonderful, naturally wise people. It is these wonderful, naturally wise people that the Bible speaks of when it refers to the wisdom of the world. Here is a common definition of wisdom: “ Wisdom is a quality of mind characterized by discernment, prudence, and m

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 (NIV) You may claim to know God, but unless you know Him through His Word, according to what He has revealed about Himself, you cannot truly know Him as He is. You serve a faithful God, who never breaks His word, but you cannot fully submit to Him if you do not know His works and His ways. This is why it is important for a Christian to study the Bible, for it is the only w

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out... Acts 3:19 (NKJV) When God makes a promise, He always keeps it. He is unchanging and will never deceive us by making us believe in things that will never come to pass. The only condition He sets for His promises to be fulfilled in our lives is our participation in the implementation of His plan. God does not ask you to act to earn what He has promised, but He does ask you to understand your position as a s

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 (NIV) Do you often find yourself wondering about your future and having doubts? If so, that's normal. Even without realizing it, you hope for something, but you don't know if that hope will be fulfilled. One thing is certain: if you have placed your faith in Jesus, you have the assurance that, even if you have doubts, they will not prevent you from receiving the blessings that God