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

The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130 (NKJV) A philosophy professor asked his students to name a book they had read that had awakened their minds and helped them progress in life. Each student named a book by a famous author. He heard titles by authors such as Mark Twain, William Faulkner, Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo, and so on. One student mentioned the Torah of Moses and the Epistle of Paul to the Romans. The professor

The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his captive people. Psalm 69:33 (NIV) God shows no partiality; He extends His grace and attention to everyone, without distinction of position or circumstance. Some believe that God only cares about those who believe in Him and neglects those who refuse to accept Christ. This is a mistaken view of God. For He cares just as much about believers as about non-believers, the rich as well as the poor. He ensures that everyone has the m

Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2 (NIV) It is human nature to want to be seen and applauded by others. It is an innate desire that no one can help but feel. Some understand this and try to manage its impact on their lives, while others indulge in it so much that they actively seek it out. By constantly seeking the praise and admiration of others, they become arrogant and lose their moral virtues. If they don

For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 2 Peter 1:9 (NKJV) God has not only guaranteed our salvation in Jesus Christ; He has also given us the means to live a holy life, worthy of His calling. He has given us everything that contributes to life and godliness (v. 3). It is up to you to take advantage of all this in order to benefit from His favor and peace. Some Christians wonder how to live a

It is well with the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice...He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever; his horn is exalted in honor. Psalm 112:5-9 (RSV) Sleeping peacefully without worrying about tomorrow and without dwelling on one's problems is everyone's dream. Some pretend that everything is fine so they can sleep, while others hope for something they can't explain. Often, these people close

Better is a little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked. Psalm 37:16 (RSV) If you were asked to define an evil person, like everyone else, you would say that it's someone who makes others suffer for pure pleasure and acts without thinking. This is a logical definition, given what we observe. But God doesn't always define an evil person as someone who harms others and commits the worst atrocities for their own pleasure; an evil person can also be someone wh

The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. Isaiah 9:2 (NKJV) You are probably wondering if God will ever turn to you and forgive your sins. Well, I tell you, if you are asking yourself this question, it is because you have willingly distanced yourself from God because of your sin. You feel guilty, and you have neither the courage nor the strength to enter His presence, nor even t

Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Jude 21 (NIV) Whoever believes in Jesus Christ and is convinced that salvation is found in no one else but Him is saved and will inherit eternal life, which God promises to those who believe. In this sense, the believer does not need to strive or offer sacrifices to preserve their salvation. They are secure in Jesus Christ. However, there is an important aspect that

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24 (NASB) I often hear elderly people say that life gives nothing for free. It offers only fear and suffering. You may sometimes feel like you are among those to whom it gives nothing and who struggle to survive. Do you know that you can stop fighting against life? God has promised to take care of those He loves, those He has chosen according to His purpose. The more you struggl