Spiritual Growth / Godliness

  • Friends of the World

    James 4:4–5

    If someone were to look at your life and values would he say that you are a friend of God, or would he say that you are a friend of the world? Consider your relationships and ask yourself if the ...Read More

  • Heavenly Wisdom

    James 3:17–18

    Even those with great faith sometimes feel like they are not very wise. However, we have seen that if true faith must manifest itself in good works then so too must godly wisdom be present even if this wisdom is ...Read More

  • Wise Conduct

    James 3:13

    Though we may not often think about it in this way, today’s passage tells us that good works done in a spirit of meekness and humility demonstrate that we are wise. If we become overly proud from our good ...Read More

  • May He Equip You

    Hebrews 13:21

    John Calvin commented that “our works, performed by the odour of Christ’s grace, emit a sweet fragrance in God’s presence, while otherwise they would have a fetid smell.” Our works do not justify us; yet, they do sanctify ...Read More

  • Recalling Our Purpose

    Genesis 1:1–2:3

    When Adam and Eve fell, the image of God was marred in them and in all of their descendants. However, God was gracious and provided redemption for this image in the person of Jesus — the supreme image of God. Take ...Read More

  • Not Like Esau

    Hebrews 12:16

    Sanctification is a process. We do not become holy all at once, but we manifest righteousness slowly and imperfectly. When the Spirit is at work in us, we begin to become more and more sorrowful over our sin and more ...Read More

  • Peace and Holiness

    Hebrews 12:14

    Are you doing things that might disrupt the peace or holiness of the church? Go to the Lord in prayer, and ask whether you might be exhibiting divisiveness or whether you are unconcerned with the church’s purity. Whatever the ...Read More

  • Mind and Heart

    Matthew 22:37

    If you read the theological writings of the saints throughout church history, you will find that their tremendous intellectual content also contains doxology. These men and women loved Christ with their minds and hearts. Ask the Lord to help you ...Read More

  • Dead to Sin

    Romans 6:1-2

    At times, our growth as Christians seems painfully slow. Sin entices us; discouragement stymies us. We may be tempted to give up. But that is not an option. One who is truly born again simply cannot return to a life ...Read More

  • Faith for Sanctification

    2 Peter 1:2-11

    We are to live our lives by faith in God. We are to let our roots grow deep into Him, trusting Him for all we need. We are to do all we can to grow in obedience, relying on Him ...Read More

  • House of the Wise

    Proverbs 14:1; 31:10–31

    If you are a married woman, how committed are you to keeping the house, raising your children (if you have any), and caring for your husband? Discuss with your husband ways in which you can improve your efficiency within the ...Read More

  • Unjust Gain

    Proverbs 10:16; 11:18; 13:11

    Examine your work habits. This can include not only your vocation, but your duties at home and at church. In what ways do you cheat those who are in authority over you? If you are in authority, are you fair ...Read More

  • The Sin of Sloth

    Proverbs 21:25–26; 26:13–16

    Make specific changes in your life to fight laziness. This can include your vocation, physical exercise, and spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, attendance at worship, and service. If you have children, establish guidelines for housework, school work, and spiritual ...Read More

  • The Thief of Time

    Proverbs 10:5; 20:4; 24:30–34

    If you are guilty of procrastination, confess it to the Lord. Before the day begins, consider what you need to accomplish that day and commit to doing those things in an orderly time frame. This also applies to spiritual matters ...Read More

  • Ordering Your Time

    Proverbs 24:27; 27:23–27

    Proverbs 24:27 deals with setting priorities. Take care of important things first, and order your days according to set priorities. Today make a list of your responsibilities and activities. Prioritize all you have to do and want to do ...Read More