Spiritual Growth

  • Living in Christ’s Death

    Romans 5:1–5

    Have you been asleep to your sinfulness lately? In your prayers today, ask God to show you where the continuing cycle of sin and death is operating in your life. Then confess these things to Him, and appropriate His forgiveness ...Read More

  • Longing for God

    Psalm 42

    In what ways can New Testament believers be “separated” from God? In what ways do you enjoy God’s presence? Do you miss those times when you neglect Bible study, the sacraments, or church services? Ask God to deepen your ...Read More

  • Love Versus Death

    1 Corinthians 13

    When someone hurts or offends us, our reaction is usually to assume the worst possible motive in that person. But one application of the law of love is that we should give others the benefit of the doubt. How have ...Read More

  • Our Amen to the Glory of God

    2 Corinthians 1:20

    The Christian faith is simple enough for anyone to grasp and yet so rich that a lifetime of study will not exhaust our need to plumb the depths of our holy religion as it is revealed in sacred Scripture. As ...Read More

  • Persevering Diligence

    Proverbs 10:4, 26; 21:5

    During the day today, consciously fill every moment with productive activity (including eating and necessary rest). Refrain from wasting time. If you find your day filled already, are you doing too much? Are you often rushed? If so, think about ...Read More

  • Prayer for Boldness

    Ephesians 6:19–20

    Again we note that, just as in Colossians, Paul does not request in today’s passage to be released from prison but for more ministry opportunities (Col. 4:3–4). This is a model for us. It is, of course ...Read More

  • Praying in Faith

    James 1:5–8

    Many people today believe that Jesus promises them a high-paying job, a big house, health, and other physical blessings. They presume upon God’s grace, naming and claiming such things as their own. Yet while we may certainly ask for ...Read More

  • Proper Christian Growth

    Colossians 1:9-10

    It is all too easy for us to think that once we know the basics of the gospel we must then move beyond them for true spiritual growth. Yet it is not extrabiblical revelations and methods that mature us, nor ...Read More

  • Putting Sin to Death

    Colossians 3:5-6

    Understanding that we are already holy in Christ should not be confused with the perfectionism that we often see in other theological traditions. We will not be free from the struggle with sin before we are glorified, but knowing that ...Read More

  • Refusing to Learn

    Isaiah 28:1–15

    The prophet mocks the Jews by saying they had to learn like children, precept upon precept and little by little. This was not a compliment. While you are to have the humble heart of a child, you are not always ...Read More

  • Sacrifice from the Heart

    Psalm 50

    Read Matthew 12:1–13. What was the major concern of the Pharisees? What was Jesus’ concern? What does Jesus mean by “I desire mercy and not sacrifice” (see Hosea 6:6)? Examine your life and your practice of worship ...Read More

  • Sheep for the Slaughter

    Psalm 44

    Read 1 Peter 2:20–21; 4:12–16; 5:10. Have you ever suffered for Christ’s sake? What promise has God given His people regarding suffering? If you must suffer, strive to suffer not for wrong doing but ...Read More

  • The Benefits of Trials

    James 1

    Have you ever been through a time of suffering that left you a milder, more sober, more “centered” person than before? What “bad” aspects of your life were refined and what good aspects of your life were strengthened? As hard ...Read More

  • The Blessing of Repetition

    Philippians 3:1

    God is gracious to us in our weaknesses, and, understanding that we are quick to forget, repeats Himself often in Scripture. In many ways, the Bible is a very repetitive book, and that is a good thing. Thus, we should ...Read More

  • The Devil

    Zechariah 3:1–5

    Do you struggle to find peace with God after you have sinned? If you are in Christ by faith, which is evident in your desire to repent of all your sin and turn continually to Him, then you can be ...Read More