Read Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passion, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Reflect Do yo

Read Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Reflect How does gentleness maintain unity among the body of Christ? God’s Word says that “a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1, NIV). This has pro

Read Hebrews 10:23, 35-39 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful…Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but the righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” Bu

Read Romans 12:9,21 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Reflect How do we know what is good versus what is evil? Have you ever watched a movie or read a book that made you unintentionally root for the bad guy? It’s happened to me before. Writers can make the main character seem so likable and cast the antagonists in such a terrible light that I suddenly find myself sympathizing with the ma

Read Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Reflect What do you think it means to be kind to one another? Posters, mugs, T-shirts, and slogans urge us to “Just Be Kind.” Initiatives encourage people to practice random acts of kindness and “pay it forward.” You see, even the secular world understands t

Read 1 Timothy 1:15-16 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. Reflect Prayerfully consider your sins. How has God been patient toward you? Would you consider yourself quick to become frustrated

Read John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Reflect When people are seeking peace, what does our culture tend to suggest? Where do you look for peace? This world is loud, chaotic, tragic, and violent. We wish for peace on earth and yet, deep down we all know that if world peace depends on people, we are doomed. It’s never going to happen. The reason this w

Read 1 Peter 1:8-9 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Reflect This life is not easy, even for Christians. So how can Christians be full of joy despite their circumstances? In Sunday school, I remember singing “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.” Do you know that one? The ch

Read John 13:34-35 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Reflect “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Love. It’s a word we use all the time and yet we struggle to