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For many Christians, the word disciple  sounds intimidating—like something only pastors, missionaries, or seasoned believers are qualified to do. But here’s the truth: If you follow Jesus, you are called to help others follow Him too. That’s what discipleship is.  Jesus didn’t tell His followers to simply “attend church” or “stay out of trouble.” He commanded them to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19). That mission wasn’t just for the apostles—it’s for every believer, including you.  And one of the most powerful steps you can take? Start by praying:  “Lord, please send someone into my life that I can disciple.”   Why Discipleship Matters So Much  Discipleship is how God’s love flows from one heart to another. It’s the process of helping someone grow in their faith—not with perfection, but with presence.   Paul described this when he wrote, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). He wasn’t claiming to be flawless. He was simply saying, Come with me as I walk with Jesus.   In a world where so many feel spiritually lost, discouraged, or stagnant, your presence and faithfulness can make an eternal difference.  “But I’m Not Ready…”   That’s a common reaction. Maybe you feel unqualified, unsure, or afraid of saying the wrong thing. Here’s the good news: God isn’t looking for professionals. He’s looking for people who are willing.  You don’t have to be a Bible scholar. You just need to:  Love Jesus.  Spend time in His Word.  Care enough to walk with someone else.  Discipleship isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, pointing to Jesus, and letting God do the heavy lifting.  Pray with Expectation  When you pray for God to send someone to disciple, you're aligning yourself with His heart. You're saying, “Lord, make me a conduit of your love. Use me to help someone else grow.”   This kind of prayer is powerful—and God often answers it faster than we expect.  It might be a neighbor, a co-worker, a teenager at church, or someone in your small group. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes. The opportunity may already be right in front of you.  Practical Ways to Get Started  Here are a few simple ways to step into discipleship—even if you’re nervous:  1. Start with a Spiritual Conversation  Ask someone, “How can I pray for you?” or “What’s God been teaching you lately?” Conversations like these can open the door to deeper connection.  2. Read the Bible Together  Choose a short book (like Philippians or James), meet once a week, and talk about what you’re learning. Keep it simple and honest. Let God’s Word guide the discussion.  3. Share Your Struggles and Growth   Discipleship isn’t about presenting a polished version of yourself. It’s about being real. Share how God is helping you grow. Your authenticity will invite theirs.  4. Use a Trusted Resource  At Back to the Bible , we offer Bible reading plans, devotionals, and a mobile app that can help you grow alongside someone else. Sometimes having a simple structure makes it easier to get started.  5. Pray Together  Even a five-minute prayer with someone can strengthen their faith. It also models for them what it looks like to walk closely with God.    You Were Made for This  God didn’t save you just to fill a pew or keep your faith to yourself. He saved you to shine His light into the lives of others (Matt. 5:16).  Discipleship is part and parcel of the Christian life. It’s not just a program—it’s a lifestyle. It’s how the gospel spreads. And it starts with a prayer:  “Lord, who do You want me to disciple?”   You may be surprised by the person He brings. But one thing’s for sure: as you pour into someone else, God will deepen your own faith, too.  Final Encouragement  You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be available. God will take care of the rest. So don’t wait until you “feel ready.” Start now. Open your heart. Pray boldly. And trust that the God who called you will equip you.  Because when it comes to discipleship, faithfulness is far more important than expertise.

When does quiet reluctance to follow Jesus become lukewarm faith? It often starts small—and we may not notice until it’s too late. It was last week at our annual barn fundraiser for BTTB’s Talk’N Truth  podcaster Dan Whitney (aka-Larry the Cable Guy) and his Git-R-Done Foundation—I was chatting with this guy who seriously needed Jesus. And there I was, making excuses again. Avoiding talking to him about Jesus. Telling myself, “I’ll catch him next year…for sure.” Then it hit me—I say that every  year. It seemed like such a small thing—just avoiding a conversation I knew God wanted me to have. But as I sat there, justifying my silence, a terrifying thought hit me: What if I've been doing this so long that at some point, I don't even feel the conviction anymore? Dallas Willard once said, "The idea that you can trust Christ and not intend to obey Him is an illusion."  I used to think he was being overly dramatic. Now I'm wondering if he wasn't dramatic enough. Here's what keeps me up at night: When does our reluctance to follow Jesus cross the line into becoming lukewarm?  And more importantly—how do we know when we've already crossed it? The Question That Haunts Me I've been wrestling with this for my upcoming book, and I need your help. Through our research at the Center for Spiritual Fitness, we've identified five areas where Christ followers consistently struggle with reluctance: Reluctant to fully trust God  (desperately clinging to control instead) Reluctant to share our faith  (staying silent out of fear) Reluctant to forgive  (withholding forgiveness and love) Reluctant to sacrifice  (choosing comfort over obedience) Reluctant to stop known sin  (because we think we deserve better) Month after month, our spiritual fitness participants report the same thing: "I'm not growing spiritually." It's become our number one struggle. But here's the part that scares me most—I see these patterns in my own life. My Honest Confession As I get older, I find myself fighting reluctance on multiple fronts simultaneously. Some days I win. Some days...well, let's just say Jesus is patient with me. There are moments when I look in the mirror and wonder: Am I still reluctant, or have I become something worse? Have I crossed over into being lukewarm without even realizing it? That's when Revelation 3:16 hits me like a cold slap: "So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." The image is devastating. It's super personal. And it drives me to pray desperately for Jesus' help to win the day spiritually. Here's What I Need From You I'm convinced this struggle isn't just mine. Somewhere in your story, there's a moment—maybe you can pinpoint it, maybe it was gradual—when reluctance started turning into something more dangerous. When did it happen for you? Was it after months of skipping prayer? Years of avoiding difficult conversations? The first time you stopped feeling guilty about a particular sin? Or was it more subtle—a slow cooling that you didn't notice until someone else pointed it out? I'm asking because I believe your story could help someone else recognize the warning signs in their own life. Your honesty could be the wake-up call another believer desperately needs. Email and tell me: When do you think reluctance turns into being lukewarm? Your answer might just make it into my next book—and more importantly, it might help both of us stay on the hot side of God's heart. Praying we choose fire over ice, -Arnie P.S. If this email made you uncomfortable, that might be the Holy Spirit. Don't ignore that feeling.

When Jesus began his public ministry, he could have chosen any number of strategies to spread his message. He could have focused on large crowds, established schools, or partnered with existing religious institutions. Instead, he made a decision that would shape Christianity forever: he invested primarily in twelve ordinary men.  This choice reveals something profound about how transformation actually happens. Real change doesn't come through mass programs or impressive presentations but through intentional, relational investment in specific individuals. Jesus' approach to discipling the twelve provides the blueprint for all effective spiritual mentorship.  The Foundation: Personal Invitation  Jesus' discipleship began with a personal invitation. He didn't post announcements or hold auditions. Instead, he approached individuals personally. "Come, follow me," he said to Peter and Andrew, "and I will send you out to fish for people" (Mt 4:19).  This wasn't casual recruitment but purposeful selection. Luke tells us that Jesus spent an entire night in prayer before choosing the twelve (Lk 6:12-13). He understood that discipleship requires the right foundation of relationship and calling.  Modern discipleship often tries to shortcut this relational beginning. We create programs and systems hoping to manufacture what can only be built through personal investment. Jesus' example reminds us that effective discipleship starts with intentional invitation into a relationship, not enrollment in a curriculum.  The Context: Shared Life  Perhaps most significantly, Jesus discipled through shared life rather than scheduled sessions. The disciples didn't just attend Jesus' teaching meetings—they traveled with him, ate with him, witnessed his private prayers, and observed his responses to pressure.  This life-on-life approach allowed the disciples to see Jesus in unguarded moments. They watched him interact with children, respond to criticism, handle success, and face exhaustion. They learned as much from his character in daily situations as from his formal teaching.  Mark captures this reality: "He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach" (Mk 3:14). The sequence matters—first "be with him," then "send them out." Presence preceded mission.  Too often, we try to reverse this order, sending people into ministry before they've spent adequate time observing mature faith in action. Jesus understood that authentic ministry flows from authentic relationship with both God and spiritual mentors.  The Method: Teaching Through Experience  Jesus' teaching methodology combined instruction with experience. He didn't just explain concepts—he created situations where the disciples could learn through participation and even failure.  When he sent the twelve out to minister (Mt 10:1-15), they returned with reports of both success and challenges. This gave Jesus concrete experiences to discuss rather than abstract principles to explain. Their victories became occasions for celebration and proper perspective. Their struggles became opportunities for deeper instruction.  Consider how Jesus handled Peter's water-walking experience (Mt 14:22-33). Rather than lecturing about faith in advance, Jesus allowed Peter to step out, experience brief success, struggle with doubt, and require rescue. The lesson learned through experience proved far more memorable than any classroom instruction could have provided.  The Patience: Gradual Development  Jesus displayed remarkable patience with his disciples' slow development. They consistently misunderstood his mission, competed for position, and struggled with fear. Yet Jesus continued investing in them rather than replacing them with more promising candidates.  When James and John wanted to call down fire on a Samaritan village, Jesus simply rebuked them and moved on (Lk 9:51-56). When the disciples argued about greatness, he used it as a teachable moment about servant leadership (Mk 9:33-37). When Peter denied him, Jesus later restored him with gentle questions about love (Jn 21:15-19).  This patience reflected Jesus' understanding that transformation takes time. He was building character, not just conveying information. Modern discipleship often lacks this long-term perspective, expecting rapid change rather than allowing for the gradual process of spiritual formation.  The Challenge: Progressive Responsibility  While patient with their development, Jesus consistently challenged the disciples with increasing responsibility. He began by having them observe, then participate in ministry, then take leadership roles themselves.  This progressive challenge prevented them from becoming perpetual students. Jesus' goal wasn't to create dependent followers but capable leaders who would eventually reproduce his ministry in others.  When he told them they would do "greater works" than his (Jn 14:12), Jesus revealed his expectation that discipleship would lead to multiplication, not just personal growth. Each disciple was being prepared to disciple others.  The Transparency: Authentic Humanity  Jesus discipled with remarkable transparency about his own humanity. He let the disciples see his grief at Lazarus' tomb (Jn 11:35), his frustration with their slow understanding (Mk 8:17), and his agony in Gethsemane (Mt 26:36-46).  This authenticity prevented the disciples from creating unrealistic expectations about spiritual maturity. They learned that following God didn't eliminate human emotions or struggles but transformed how we handle them.  Modern discipleship often presents a polished image that conceals the discipler's own ongoing growth. Jesus' example suggests that appropriate vulnerability about our struggles and dependence on God provides more powerful discipleship than pretending we've "arrived."  The Commission: Reproduction Expectation  Jesus concluded his discipleship with a clear expectation of reproduction. The Great Commission wasn't just about making converts but about "making disciples" who would continue the process (Mt 28:19-20).  This multiplication focus had been woven throughout their training. The disciples understood that their investment from Jesus carried the expectation of similar investment in others. They were links in a chain, not final destinations.  Implications for Modern Discipleship  Jesus' approach to discipling the twelve challenges much of contemporary spiritual mentorship. His method prioritized relationship over curriculum, life sharing over lesson sharing, and patience over quick results. He understood that authentic transformation occurs through sustained, authentic relationships rather than programmatic instruction.  Most importantly, Jesus discipled with multiplication in mind. Every investment he made in the twelve carried the expectation that they would reproduce the same in others. His method remains the model because it recognizes how transformation actually occurs—through intentional, relational, patient investment in people who will continue the chain of discipleship for generations to come.

Imagine how different life would be if, as we age, we could continue to become more physically fit. Of course, physical strength naturally declines over time, no matter how disciplined we are. But spiritual fitness follows a different trajectory—it can keep increasing throughout our lives! That’s the beautiful reality behind the Christian doctrine of sanctification. A Lifelong Process of Growth “Sanctification” is the term Bible scholars use to describe the process by which God transforms us into the image of Christ. When we place our faith in Jesus, God's work in us begins, not ends. From that moment on, He sets about conforming us to the likeness of His Son. But this process isn’t automatic. Just as physical training takes commitment and effort, sanctification requires our cooperation. God’s will is for us to be sanctified (1 Thessalonians 4:3), and that means becoming holier, more Christlike, and more spiritually mature over time. Hebrews 12:14 calls us to “make every effort to be holy.” Spiritual fitness doesn’t happen overnight. Like physical strength, it grows gradually, sometimes unevenly, through daily effort and God’s ongoing grace. Even when we face setbacks, we can trust that God is renewing us day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16) and transforming us from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). Spiritual Fitness Is Holistic Whereas physical fitness often targets individual muscle groups or specific health goals, spiritual fitness is holistic. It touches every aspect of our lives—our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Romans 12:1 tells us to offer our whole selves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. That means sanctification affects everything: our family life, friendships, work habits, hobbies—even how we think and speak. As Abraham Kuyper said, there’s no square inch of our lives over which Christ does not declare, “Mine!” True spiritual fitness shows up not just in our quiet times or church attendance but in how we live every day. Just as athletes break bad habits and adopt disciplined routines, so too must we shed sinful patterns and cultivate Christlike practices. Over time, these habits reshape every domain of life—spiritual, emotional, creative, vocational. Sanctification transforms us from the inside out. The Holy Spirit: Our Spiritual Trainer No one gets physically fi t without help, and the same is true spiritually. We cannot become holy in our own strength. The Holy Spirit is our guide, our encourager, and our power source. He enables us to do what our sinful nature never could (Romans 8:3-4). At conversion, the Spirit baptizes us into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13), dwells within us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and empowers us with spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3–8). He’s like a personal trainer— pointing us to truth, helping us resist sin, and growing us in love, wisdom, and courage. The Holy Spirit doesn’t merely teach us about God; He draws us closer to God, enabling our transformation. And through His presence, we are sealed for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30). A Fitness Plan That Pays Eternal Dividends As we’ve seen, spiritual fitness can thrive even while our bodies weaken. The apostle Peter encourages us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). And while that growth is often hard-fought, requiring daily surrender, prayer, Scripture, and community, it’s also deeply rewarding. Unlike physical fitness, which often brings short term results, spiritual fitness yields eternal rewards. It deepens our relationship with God, equips us to serve others, and prepares us for life in eternity. So let’s not miss this calling. Let’s cooperate with God in His transforming work. There will be slow days and setbacks, but every step of growth reflects His grace and power at work in us. Let us cast aside apathy and distraction. Let us grow strong in Christ, not just for our own sake but for the sake of those we’re called to love and serve. The goal is not perfection in this life, but progression—becoming more spiritually fit each day, until the day we see Jesus face to face. Find help in sanctification and growing spiritually fit at backtothebible.org or get the GOtandem app in your favorite app store.

I have a dream about spiritual disciplines – the topic of the last several weeks’ posts. In the first post in the series , I wrote about the importance of the disciplines, beginning with, “They slow us down and put us in a position to listen to God.” Our spiritual disciplines simply matter if we want to walk closely with God.   Here’s my dream, though. My dream is that we will reach a day when the disciplines are no longer disciplines. Let me explain.   Donald Whitney, who has written much and taught for years about spiritual disciplines, reminds us of Paul’s words to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:7: “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” (NASB). Those words teach us that the goal of discipline is godliness—so, the disciplines matter for that reason. In fact, Whitney says that spiritual disciplines are “the scriptural ways Christians discipline themselves in obedience to this verse.” i   Discipline . The word itself speaks of intentionality, of hard work, of consistency, and of order. It assumes that we believers must diligently strive to do the disciplines, fighting hard against any distraction—including demonic diversion—that might keep us from spending time with God. Doing the disciplines demands discipline—and all of that is accurate.   You see, my concern is not so much that we must be disciplined to do the disciplines. My concern is the way we consider them in terms of our walk with God. It is that we see them as the negative side of discipline: something we must do rather than something we love to do. My dream, as I said earlier, is for a day when we so deeply want to be with God that doing the “disciplines” requires no discipline at all; instead, doing them is just natural. They will have become part of our DNA.   I dream of the day:   When we want to read the word because we just want to hear from God.   When we want to pray because we can’t imagine going through the day without talking to Him—because love makes you want to talk with the one you love.   When we want to fast because we long for God more than anything, including food or any other good thing that could turn our attention elsewhere.    When we want to journal because we want others beyond us to know what God has done in our lives; we want next generations to hear about our adventure with God.   When we want silence and solitude because we want to hear God clearly to make certain we are walking in His footsteps.   When we want to do evangelism because we desperately want others to know about Jesus. After all, He’s meant the world to us.    When we want to invest in others because someone else invested in us to show us how to walk with Jesus. We want the next generation to disciple the generation following them because we want them to love Jesus.    I trust you get my point. I long for the day when believers so love God that spending regular time with Him makes sense. I look forward to the time when these disciplines become DNA, when finding time to be with God is as natural as my spending time with my wife.    I realize that Don Whitney and others likely agree with me, and their use of the word “disciplines” does not imply any sense of drudgery in doing spiritual disciplines. They simply know the significance of being with their Creator and Redeemer—and they take delight in daily listening to God through His Word or speaking to Him through prayer. That would be my dream — but still, we must discipline ourselves to do these things. Why is that the case?  We hear the word, “discipline” in a negative way.  Even my usage of the term in the first part of this post leans in that direction in some ways. I suspect that others hear “discipline” as “drudgery”—and that perception keeps them from engaging God through the disciplines with delight. We need to re-think “discipline.”  No one has taught us how to do the spiritual disciplines.  Pastors and small group leaders have told us about the significance of the disciplines, but they often haven’t given us much training in those same disciplines. Consequently, we “ride the roller coaster” of disciplines; that is, sometimes we’re heading “up,” but at other times, we’re headed down. Sometimes, we can be both in the same week. We need discipline.   We don’t have role models.  I’m privileged to have two brothers who model the disciplines for me, but I realize my story is an anomaly. Many believers have no one who has modeled for them what it means to be with God. Having no role model often leads to having no ongoing practice of the disciplines.  We haven’t always seen our relationship with Jesus as genuinely a relationship.  A real relationship assumes a love for being together, for talking often, for listening attentively, for prioritizing friendship time, and for growing personally through the relationship. Sometimes, though, believers have a relationship with God that is not deep nor intentional—and spiritual disciplines are just an “add on” to their Christian walk.    We’ve tried doing the disciplines before, but failed to remain disciplined.  That was certainly my story for years, as I described in last week’s post. When you try to do spiritual disciplines but fail often enough, you just give up trying. If those cases, we truly do need discipline to start again.  If you’re still trying to discipline yourself to do your spiritual disciplines, which of the reasons above—if any—describes why you need the discipline? Whatever your reason might be, I pray that this series of posts has been helpful to you as you seek to develop disciplines that become DNA for you.

Dear Friend, As I reflect on spiritual fitness and sanctification, I'm reminded that growth requires both divine grace and human effort working in tandem. Just as physical training demands investment in proper equipment and guidance, our spiritual development benefits from the right tools and resources. That's why I'm excited to share with you our newest initiative: BTTB Studios. This digital media platform will expand our ability to deliver transformative biblical content through podcasts (without the costly advertisements of traditional radio), premium GoTandem app features with exclusive content, and enhanced multimedia resources designed to strengthen your spiritual fitness journey. But here's the reality—just as no gym can open its doors without equipment, BTTB Studios requires initial investment to launch. We need recording equipment, software platforms, content development teams with creative and technical to ensure this resource truly serves you and countless others seeking deeper spiritual growth. Your gift today directly enables this new chapter in our ministry. Right now, we have an extraordinary opportunity for your generosity to go twice as far! Several committed families have stepped forward with a $107,283 challenge grant that will double the impact of every gift received by June 30. That means your gift this month will bring twice the impact to this vital ministry. In this season when many ministries experience a summer giving decline, your support is particularly meaningful. Thanks to several committed families, we have a $107,283 challenge grant in place that will match all donations received by June 30th, doubling the impact of your gift! Click here to donate today ! Together, we can create resources that help people grow closer to Jesus every day, strengthening their spiritual fitness regardless of age or circumstance. Just as our spiritual fitness can continue growing throughout our lifetime, your impact through Back to the Bible can keep expanding too. Thank you for partnering with us in this kingdom work. In His service, Arnie Cole, CEO Back to the Bible

The most quoted passage at weddings might be the least understood text in Christian practice. Paul's eloquent words about love in 1 Corinthians 13 weren't written for romantic ceremonies but for a fractured community that had forgotten what truly matters. His message remains as countercultural today as it was two millennia ago.  When Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, he addressed a congregation torn by division, spiritual pride, and misplaced priorities. They showcased their spiritual gifts like trophies, yet missed the foundation that gives these gifts meaning. Into this context, Paul introduced what he called "a more excellent way" (1 Cor 12:31).  Beyond Impressive Externals  Paul begins his treatise on love with a startling claim: spiritual gifts without love are ultimately worthless. "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal" (1 Cor 13:1).  The Corinthians prized eloquent speech and supernatural knowledge. Paul acknowledged the value of such gifts but exposed their hollowness when divorced from love. A person might preach stirring sermons, prophesy with remarkable accuracy, or display faith that moves mountains, yet without love, they amount to nothing.  This principle cuts through our modern fascination with talent, charisma, and visible success. We admire the Christian with impressive biblical knowledge, the worship leader with exceptional talent, or the pastor building a large congregation. Yet Paul suggests a sobering reality: these externals, however impressive, mean nothing without the internal reality of love.  Love's True Character  Rather than offering abstract philosophy, Paul provides a remarkably practical description of love in action. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud" (1 Cor 13:4).  Each characteristic contrasts sharply with Corinthian behavior. Where they were impatient with each other's failings, true love waits and bears with weakness. Where they boasted of spiritual superiority, true love remains humble. Where jealousy fueled their divisions, true love celebrates others' gifts without resentment.  The text continues with what love actively rejects: dishonor of others, self-seeking, easy provocation, record-keeping of wrongs, and delight in evil. These negative characteristics reveal love's protective nature. Like a gardener pulling weeds that would choke the harvest, love actively resists attitudes that destroy community.  Paul then returns to love's positive qualities: "It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres" (1 Cor 13:7). The repetition of "always" emphasizes love's constancy. Unlike the Corinthians' fickle affections, authentic love remains steadfast through disagreement, disappointment, and difficulty.  Love's Permanence  After establishing love's character, Paul highlights its permanence. "Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away" (1 Cor 13:8).  The Corinthians treasured the temporary while neglecting the eternal. Their spiritual gifts, however valuable in the present, were merely provisional. Love alone transcends our current limitations and carries into eternity.  This perspective transforms how we evaluate spiritual maturity. The Corinthians measured growth by supernatural manifestations and eloquent wisdom. Paul suggests a different metric: growth in love. Our capacity to love reflects our spiritual advancement far more accurately than any spiritual gift or theological knowledge.  Growing in Love  Paul concludes with a profound developmental analogy: "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me" (1 Cor 13:11).  Spiritual immaturity displays itself through self-absorption, much as children naturally focus on their own needs and perspectives. Spiritual maturity, conversely, manifests in the ability to love beyond self-interest. The Corinthians' fascination with spiritual power and status revealed their spiritual infancy. True growth would move them toward selfless love.  Seeing Clearly  Paul's final image is both hopeful and humbling: "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face" (1 Cor 13:12). Ancient Corinthian mirrors, made of polished metal, provided dim and distorted reflections. Paul acknowledges our current limitations in understanding and practicing love perfectly.  This partial vision doesn't excuse halfhearted attempts at love but reminds us that perfect love awaits completion. We grow by practicing the love we understand now, trusting that clearer vision is coming. The humility of recognizing our incomplete understanding prevents the very arrogance that plagued the Corinthian church.  The Greatest Virtue   "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love" (1 Cor 13:13). This famous conclusion establishes love's primacy even among Christian virtues. Faith connects us to God, and hope sustains us through trials, but love reflects God's very nature (1 Jn 4:8).  The Corinthians needed this recalibration of priorities. So do we. In our Christian communities, we often rank members by theological precision, ministry involvement, or moral behavior. Paul suggests a simpler, more challenging standard: love as described in this chapter.  True Christian love isn't a warm sentiment or mere tolerance. It's the revolutionary force that transforms selfish individuals into a community reflecting God's character. It remains Christianity's most compelling apologetic and its most challenging command. Everything else—without this—amounts to nothing.

Several months ago, Arnie asked his email family to share how God’s Word brought them through times of struggle. The responses were powerful testimonies of God’s presence, strength, and faithfulness. While we are currently compiling these testimonies for an upcoming book, please enjoy this preview to encourage your heart today! A Two-Year-Old with Brain Cancer and a Mother’s Surrender READ: Proverbs 3:5 (ESV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. REFLECT Sometimes, God allows hard things to come into our lives that we cannot fix alone. During these times, we have no option but to say, “I trust You, God.” Do you trust Him no matter what? VICKY’S STORY On January 4, 1979, our son Kevin was born. One week later, I was sitting in a hospital room as our two year-old daughter Kalyn struggled to survive. What started as a diagnosis of amblyopia or lazy eye at her 18-month checkup had turned into a malignant brain tumor requiring immediate surgery. Her prognosis was not good, but she was still with us two months later, although very sick. Now, I sat beside her bed rocking Kevin while my mom sat on the other side of the bed comforting Kalyn. She no longer walked or talked, and I remember thinking, "How can our little girl endure any more pain and suffering?" How do you pray in a situation like that? I asked the Lord to be with us no matter what. God was with us, orchestrating things we hadn’t even asked for, like the fact that we were all together. Babies weren’t allowed in patient rooms back then. When doctors heard of my struggle to go back and forth to nurse Kevin, they put Kalyn in a private room. It was such a blessing! On this particular night, Kalyn had finally settled down. She’d been restless all day, and we thought she’d fallen asleep, a blessing in itself. Suddenly, she lifted her little head off the pillow, looked over at Grandma, and in her tiny two-year-old voice started singing, "Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King!" She sang the entire song right there in her hospital room. She had not uttered a word in almost two months, but remembered that song from the Christmas before she became sick. As tears streamed down my cheeks, I remember praying, "Dear Lord, You have given us the special gift of our daughter to care for and love for almost three years, but she is Yours. Please help us to grow and share Your love with others through this painful experience." At that moment, I put Kalyn's life in God's hands, fully trusting Him. Kalyn came home several months later. Over the years, she overcame many more struggles, including the loss of vision in one eye, many more hospitalizations and surgeries, mental deficits, seizures, and finally, a massive stroke. Despite everything she endured, she was happy. Her smile lit up a room. She went to school, worked, and had many friends. On January 11, 2003, at the age of 26, exactly 24 years after her brain tumor was discovered, Kalyn went to be with her heavenly Father. She brought so much joy into this world, and we thank God for every moment we had with her. What is God asking you to surrender to Him today? RESPOND Heavenly Father, I put my trust in You through the joys and the trials. When life seems to be falling apart, and there seems to be no light at the end of the long, dark tunnel, help me to remember that You are always with me, and You love me and those I love, no matter the outcome. REVEAL Do you know someone who is walking through a difficult season? Share Proverbs 3:5 with them. Let them know that God is trustworthy. Find help in sanctification and growing spiritually fit at backtothebible.org  or get the GOtandem app in your favorite app store.

Here are some things I’ve learned about Bible reading, followed by my general reading plan: 1. We in North America have incredible access to the scriptures in our language. I’ve been all over the world where believers have none of the Bible in their language—and they sacrifice greatly to hear the Word taught anytime they have opportunity. Many of us, though, have more Bibles than human beings in our homes. I have MANY more copies of the Bible than people in my house. 2. I need a reading plan. I wish I were disciplined enough to get up each morning, determine what I want to read, and let nothing get in the way of my reading. I can get sidetracked easily, though, so I need a plan. I choose a plan each year by doing a simple “Bible reading plan” Internet search. 3. I need to know the night before what I’m going to read the next day. This point, of course, ties to the previous one. Any time I spend in determining my reading each new day is an opportunity for something else to draw me away—so, I want my Bible open to my reading for the day when I wake up in the morning. Again, I need a plan. 4. I enjoy some reading plans better than others. I prefer, for example, reading both Old Testament and New Testament materials each day rather than reading straight through the Bible. For me, the latter approach makes it seem like Thanksgiving before I get to the New Testament—though I do still follow that pattern at least every three years. 5. It’s not imperative that I read through the entire Bible in one year. I do always get through the Word, but I don’t feel obligated to do so. I do think we ought to read through the Scriptures at least every two years (reading a little less than two chapters a day—which all of us should be able to do), but it’s most important to me that we spend some time with God each day. 6. A good study Bible can be helpful. I look for a study Bible that is not so heavy with study notes that I get distracted from reading the Word, but that does have enough notes to help me remember the history, identify people, understand terms, etc. One of my favorite study Bibles is the Christian Standard Study Bible. 7. Quantity of reading is not always best. I fear we’ve been taught that more reading is always better than less reading—that is, more chapters are always better than fewer chapters, even if we don’t understand or remember what we read. This formula now reflects my thinking, however: Consistency (reading regularly) + quality (reading with some depth; not just skimming the text) + accountability (letting someone else know what I’m learning) > quantity of material. I’ve found that quantity usually increases when I make sure I live out this formula. 8. Accountability matters. For years, I’ve written a daily devotion based on my own Bible reading. I began writing those devotions when I wanted to encourage some young men I’m mentoring to do the same. I needed them to know what I was reading, and I wanted to encourage them to read with me. All of us can send a quick email to others to let them know what the Lord’s teaching us through His Word. 9. The Word is convictingly sweet. It really does penetrate deeply into the soul (Heb 4:12). It hurts and soothes at the same time—and I cannot imagine not reading it every day. That’s what we’ve talked about in previous posts: developing a habit of spiritual disciplines that eventually becomes part of our spiritual DNA. 10. I want to give the next generation worn-out, well-marked, intentionally highlighted Bibles that reflect my love for God and His Word. Even if young people don’t appreciate the gift until later in their lives, it seems to me that a used Bible is a good gift to give. The final section of this post will tell you how I’m trying to produce that kind of Bible today. Here's the plan I’ve followed for years now. First, I choose a reading plan, as I noted above. Second, I buy a new study Bible each year. That way, I can take new notes each year. Third, I prayerfully choose several topics (typically, 3-5) I want to watch for as I read the Word that year. For example, I’ve studied topics like spiritual warfare, prayer, holiness, marriage, leadership, fasting, evangelism/ missions, love, etc., in the past. Fourth, I buy new highlighters each year, color-code the topics on the inside cover of my Bible, and highlight as I read. If I read a text related to prayer, for example, I might highlight it in blue—which is what I did the year I studied that topic. I also always include a yellow highlighter for anything else I find in the Bible that challenges me, even though it may not have been one of my topics for the year. Fifth, I thank God for showing me what I needed to see each time I get the opportunity to highlight something. That response might also include praise, confession, thanksgiving, or intercession for others. Finally, I send a brief email to a group of friends and mentees to tell them what I read and what the Lord is teaching me. That simple task holds me accountable for my reading and allows me to do daily journaling at the same time. I hope that one of these thoughts and ideas will help you as read the Word this week! Find help in sanctification and growing spiritually fit at backtothebible.org  or get the GOtandem app in your favorite app store.

He was a man after God’s own heart—and also the man who shattered a marriage, covered up a crime, and caused unimaginable pain. David’s rise to the throne was marked by courage, worship, and integrity. But his fall was devastating. One reckless decision led to adultery, deception, and ultimately, the death of an innocent man. Yet even after such failure, God did not discard him. He disciplined David, yes. But He also restored him. David’s story reminds us that walking by faith doesn’t mean walking perfectly. It means turning back to God when we fall—and trusting that His mercy is greater than our worst mistakes. A Moment That Changed Everything “It happened, late one afternoon…” (2 Sam. 11:2) That’s how Scripture begins the account of David and Bathsheba. He was at the height of his power, but in a moment of vulnerability, he stayed back from battle and gave in to temptation. He saw, desired, and took. When Bathsheba became pregnant, David tried to cover it up. When that failed, he arranged for her husband, Uriah, to be killed on the battlefield. The man who once ran from Saul to preserve his integrity now took a man’s life to preserve his reputation. David’s failure wasn’t just moral. It was spiritual. He forgot who he was—and who God had called him to be. Confronted by Truth “You are the man.” (2 Sam. 12:7) God sent the prophet Nathan to confront David. He told a story about injustice—then turned the spotlight onto David himself. It was a moment of divine clarity. David could have doubled down. He could have denied or justified his actions. But instead, he said: “I have sinned against the Lord.” (v. 13) Those five words opened the door to restoration. True repentance is more than regret. It’s a return. A turning from sin and a turning back to the heart of God. A Psalm of Repentance David didn’t hide his repentance. He wrote it down in Psalm 51: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love… Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Ps. 51:1,10) This wasn’t a man trying to earn forgiveness. It was a man throwing himself on God’s mercy. He didn’t ask for position or power—he asked for a clean heart. David knew he had broken more than a rule. He had broken his relationship with God. And yet he also knew that God’s love was steadfast. His mercy was still available. Not Without Consequence David’s repentance was real. God forgave him. But the consequences of his sin still unfolded. The child born to Bathsheba died. David’s family experienced turmoil for years to come. Sin always carries a cost—even forgiven sin. But through it all, David remained in relationship with God. He continued to worship, to write psalms, and to lead. He learned that mercy doesn’t erase all pain, but it restores the soul. What David’s Journey Means for Ours You may carry regret from your past. Maybe it’s a decision you made, a moment of weakness, or a season of rebellion. Maybe you wonder if God could still use someone like you. David’s story says yes. Yes, God takes sin seriously. But yes, He also takes repentance seriously. When we come to Him in humility and truth, He does not cast us out. He restores. You’re never too far gone. You’re never beyond the reach of grace. Final Encouragement David’s life teaches us that failure doesn’t have to be the end of the story. When we confess, God forgives. When we return, He receives. And He still has work for us to do. So don’t let shame keep you stuck. Don’t believe the lie that your past disqualifies you. Like David, you can walk by faith again—not because you’ve earned it, but because mercy has made a way.