Christian Living / Spiritual Growth

  • No Root of Bitterness

    Hebrews 12:15

    Take some time to examine your life, and ask yourself whether there is any bitterness in your heart toward God or toward others. If so, go before the Lord in prayer, and ask Him to heal you of such bitterness ...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

  • Make Straight Paths

    Hebrews 12:12–13

    As you press forward toward Christ, do you find yourself growing weary? Do you find that your knees are growing feeble and that you are swerving back and forth on the path toward the finish line? If so, spend some ...Read More

  • The Fruit of Discipline

    Hebrews 12:11

    One of the reasons that discipline is so difficult to endure sometimes is that we cannot see the future. We cannot see the good that God will produce in us as a result of today’s discipline. Yet we are ...Read More

  • For Our Good

    Hebrews 12:9–10

    The discipline that the Lord sends to His people will not last forever. It lasts only long enough to achieve God’s purposes and will cease entirely upon our glorification. If you are being disciplined, remember that it will not ...Read More

  • Illegitimate Children

    Hebrews 12:8

    A wise man once said that we are not really mature Christians until we look at how the Lord may be disciplining us and thank Him for it. Discipline may be as simple as conviction for sin or may manifest ...Read More

  • The Father’s Discipline

    Hebrews 12:5–6

    Some, but not all, suffering in our lives occurs because God is displeased with us. If you are having to endure a period of suffering, ask yourself whether God might be disciplining you for sin. If so, repent of your ...Read More

  • Consider Jesus

    Hebrews 12:3

    As you run for the prize of heaven have you ever found yourself weary? Perhaps you might even be weary now as you endure many problems and trials. Whether you feel weary now or strong, take some time to meditate ...Read More

  • Run With Endurance

    Hebrews 12:1

    The Christian life is a marathon. It is a race that must be run with endurance. By ourselves we would never make it. But thanks be to God, He holds us up and gives the church to us as a ...Read More

  • Old Covenant Martyrs

    Hebrews 11:36–37a

    Though the degree of suffering may vary from time to time and from place to place, it is clear that the people of God will experience suffering until Christ returns. Look at the suffering you may be experiencing in your ...Read More

  • Faithful Suffering

    Hebrews 11:35

    We should never be surprised when persecution, no matter its intensity, comes to us. John Calvin says that it actually can serve to confirm that we have true faith. Yet at the same time, it can be scary to consider ...Read More

  • Encourage One Another

    Hebrews 10:24–25

    Ask yourself this question: “Do I really believe that I need encouragement to maintain my faith?” The answer should be yes. True believers share their struggles with other believers and pray for each other so that they will persevere. Allow ...Read More

  • Draw Near

    Hebrews 10:21–22

    Are you afraid to draw near to Christ? If you are, do not be afraid to draw near in times of doubt or sin because He has opened up the way into the presence of God. Come boldly before His ...Read More

  • The Oaths of Men

    Hebrews 6:16

    Lawful oaths are a proper part of the Christian life. Marriage vows are one of the best examples we have of lawful and godly oaths. Remember the promises you made before God on your wedding day, and, if you are ...Read More

  • The Carnal Christian

    1 Corinthians 3:1–4

    Being conformed to the image of Christ does not happen quickly. There is no secret formula for victory over the flesh or a second blessing that creates instant maturity. One of the most important means for growing to maturity is ...Read More