Christian Living / Spiritual Growth

  • 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

  • Sustaining Providence

    Isaiah 46

    Do you find it difficult submitting to God’s authority? Does it help you to obey Him when you remember that He created you and sustains you by His power? This weekend think about all the ways you are totally ...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

  • Hope in God

    Psalm 43

    What do you do when you are plagued with despair or troubling thoughts? What should you do? Look up some verses that help you meditate on the grace, promises, and love of God (i.e. Rom. 8). Keep this list ...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

  • Keeping Watch

    Psalm 39

    Do you keep watch over your life daily? List areas where you are most prone to temptation. Beside this list write out situations that are most likely to introduce such temptations. Ask God to help you watch for and guard ...Read More

  • Sin and Judgment

    Psalm 38

    Spend some time today and through the weekend confessing your sins before God. Be specific. Recognize that you deserve God’s disciplines in your life and praise Him for the mercy He has extended to you. Thank Him for Christ ...Read More

  • True Faith

    Romans 10:10-13

    The confession “Jesus is Lord” was perilous in Paul’s day. A person could easily lose his or her life. In today’s free world this is no longer the case, thankfully. Ask God for courage in the relatively minor ...Read More

  • Suffering in the Spirit

    Romans 8:18–30

    How long has it been since you experienced any of the groaning Paul refers to in Romans 7 and 8? Is it possible that you have allowed your conscience to become hardened to your own waywardness? Ask the Lord to ...Read More

  • The Doctrine of Justification

    Romans 3:21–26

    Which doctrinal perspective gives a firmer basis for assurance of salvation? Which more magnifies Christ’s work? Which more accounts for human depravity? Do you truly appreciate the biblical and Protestant doctrine as much as you should? Thank God for ...Read More

  • The Calling of God

    Romans 1:1–7

    Though it is not directly mentioned here, each believer has a call to service. Many have been gifted to labor in the world. Others have been gifted to work with men and women, perhaps in the church. God’s call ...Read More

  • The Kingdom Paradox

    2 Corinthians 4:7–15

    Jesus asked that the cup of suffering pass Him by. We are never to seek suffering. It is God who brings suffering upon us. When it comes, however, could it be that God is allowing us to take someone else ...Read More

  • Transformation into Glory

    2 Corinthians 3:7–18

    The glory that surrounds God is seen as beautiful colors, a wash of amazing sounds, a perfume of wonderful smells. That God adorns Himself with beauty is a sign to us. Do not settle for paltry architecture, advertising-jingle music, or ...Read More

  • Letters to Corinth

    1 Corinthians 3:1-10

    Those who seek to have Christ as Savior only are the “wood, hay, and straw.” They will be burned up, because they have torn up the church by their carnal behavior. Read this chapter. If it applies, correct your ways ...Read More