Spiritual Growth / Godliness

  • 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

  • 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

  • Death Comes to All

    Psalm 49

    Read 1 Timothy 6:17–19. What does Paul say is great gain? What does he say about people who want to get rich? Does this mean being rich is wrong? What does Paul say we should pursue? In what ...Read More

  • Obedience Not Sacrifice

    Psalm 40

    Read again the final two verses of Psalm 40. Do you seek the Lord with gladness? Are you compelled to declare before men “The Lord be glorified”? Whether poor or rich, remember today that He who thinks of you is ...Read More

  • Transformation into Glory

    1 Corinthians 13

    Each aspect of the fruit of the Spirit—that is, each aspect of you as you are transformed—is nurtured through personal relationships. Because Christian character does not develop in a void, take the initiative to become involved regularly in ...Read More

  • Patience and Kindness

    1 Corinthians 13

    Consider today’s lesson as a test. As you review it, evaluate yourself in terms of patience and kindness. Are you patient with those who are inferior to you, like your children? Are you as kind and sensitive to other ...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

  • Deadly Poison

    James 3:1–12

    On Pentecost, God gave His own tongues of fire to set the world aflame as a holy sacrifice to Him. When James criticizes our tongues as evil fires, he implies that we have made ourselves gods. Take a careful look ...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