Weakness may be one of the defining features of humanity. Whether it is physical frailty, emotional pitfalls, or spiritual failings, every person has that stumbling block which widens the gap between the individual and God. The answer in the Bible is to call on the Lord for strength, and there are reminders all over His Word to do just that. One of the best sources of biblical encouragement and calls for divine help is the book of Psalms. King David authored many of the Psalms over the course of his life, with the rest being authored within his court or by temple musicians. This book covers the highs and lows of the spiritual journey, and some of the Bible’s most famous verses and prayers, as well as some prophecies about the Messiah. Here, some of the most ardent cries for strength and God’s aid pour off the page, and are available today. Here are six Psalms for strength:

The influence of sin in the world means there is pain, suffering, hatred, and death. It also means there are illnesses which ravage our bodies and disrupt our lives. Some diseases are more wide-reaching than others. During times of difficulty and stress, including during personal illness, many turn to the Bible for answers and strength. But sometimes, this research can lead someone down a confusing path of theories and speculations.

There are those who put medical professional opinions over the Word of God, and some who refuse to see a doctor because they believe that God will heal them through miraculous intervention. Others will panic because a website diagnosed them with cancer, while others more will brazenly ignore sound advice about their health.

So what does the Bible actually say about health, illness, and medicine?

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Christianity can be intimidating. Especially once you get into circles that throw around words like "amillenialsim" "dispensation" or "exegesis." While these words may sound scary, often the real meaning isn't so bad. Exegesis, for example, is just another way of studying and understanding the Bible. And knowing how to do that and apply it to your own personal study can have incredible results. 

The feelings of the heart are both godly and wicked. Some emotions spur people together in brotherly love, compassion, and worship. Others root individuals in stubbornness, disdain, and pride. One such emotion is jealousy, a form of covetousness. It changes the way people perceive others, their own life, and maybe even their perception of God’s goodness and plan.

While it may seem trivial to be worried about an emotion like jealousy, it often leads people to act out in ways that are harmful to themselves or others. Understanding what jealousy is, and recognizing it, can help shape the way believers respond to it, and strengthen someone’s walk with God. 

Jealousy falls under the tenth commandment to not covet. Jealousy is the noun that relates to the state of being jealous: “feeling resentment against someone because of that person's rivalry, success, or advantages; inclined to or troubled by suspicions or fears of rivalry, unfaithfulness.”

It is the state of dislike for another’s items, success, or lifestyle. It begins with a sinful feeling or thought, but can lead to acting out in sinful ways. There is an aspect of jealousy that is not negative necessarily, where one is, “solicitous or vigilant in maintaining or guarding something; intolerant of unfaithfulness or rivalry.” This type of jealousy is where one desires what one is owed, and is often used in the context of God being jealous, or desirous, of the worship and love owed Him. Such use of the word jealousy is different, though man’s sinful nature corrupts it, and it turns into the negative emotion with which most people are familiar.

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In uncertain times like the coronavirus pandemic, it's expected that God's people will turn to His Word for comfort. But some verses, like 2 Chronicles 7:14, can be confusing without looking at the culture and context behind them. What exactly is going on in this verse? Who are God's people, and does this verse mean that God can heal our land of the coronavirus? 

Jesus final words on the cross are both heartbreaking and powerful. The Apostle Luke records that just before dying, Jesus said "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" But what do those words mean, and why did Jesus say this? Do different translations impact the gravity of this verse? And what does it mean for our Easter celebrations? 

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The week of Passover is important to believers of both the Jewish and the Christian faiths. It marks important moments in Biblical history in the Old and New Testaments, and encourages meditation and thoughtfulness from the faithful.

In Judaism, one element of Passover that is sometimes - but rarely - incorporated into the Christian observance of Holy Week is the Seder meal. In the Jewish faith, it is an important time to pass on the tenets of the faith to the next generation by remembering and honoring the meal the Hebrews had their last night in Egypt. 

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Love. The world obsesses about it. If it is lacking in an individual’s childhood, that person may spend their life chasing after it. People will pay to find a spouse. Thousands of songs are about it, and everyone seeks it in one way or another. The Word of God is not silent on the subject of love that seems to be all-consuming in human existence - it is the greatest commandment stated in Scripture. Rather than writing to a life-advice columnist, consulting personality traits, or giving up on understanding the questions and frustrations that arise in human relationships, turn to the Bible.

Whether it is love of family, friends, spouse, or the love between God and man, there is a Biblical answer for the question. Love is one of the most pervasive themes in Scripture, and it is the foundation for understanding the message of the Gospel.

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The word "abide" appears all throughout Scripture. It's also a keyword that is tossed around in worship songs, sermons and throughout Christians circles. But what does this word actually mean? More to the point, how can we abide in Christ in our everyday lives? And what are the dangers associated with failing to abide in Christ?

Jacob, one of the patriarchs of the Hebrew people, had twelve sons, and each one would become the founder of one of the tribes of Israel. Joseph receives the most attention in the Bible, yet the destiny of humanity was tied to a different son. Throughout the story of Joseph, the Bible will take a detour to show a moment in the life of Judah – one of the sons of Jacob by his first wife Leah.

Through Judah would come a powerful line of kings, a nation in its own right, and the salvation of the world. In the first accounts of Judah, there is no sign that any of these wonders would be from his line and life. Judah becomes an example of repentance and redemption, and an image of the ultimate redemption that was to come. Let's take a deeper look into the life and story of Judah in Scriptures. 

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The Lord Jesus had many followers during His earthly ministry, and many more have chosen to do so in the centuries following. As Jesus began to obtain followers, He selected twelve disciples to follow Him in a closer way, who received personal teachings and explanations. He called them personally to Him.

These twelve are known as the apostles. Though Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, eventually betrayed Jesus and lost the position after his suicide, another was voted in by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. These apostles became the catalyst for the spread of the Gospel. 

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"Apologetics" sounds like one of those scary "smart Christian" words - something that pastors and leaders study, but not us common people. But apologetics is simply studying God and the Bible, in order to better defend it to those with questions. There are many different kind of apologetics, and several big names that you can look to if you would like to learn more about this study. 

Each of Jesus' 12 disciples were hand-pick with intentionailty. These were men who studied at Jesus feet and saw him do miraculous things. But all 12 were still human men with human sins. Two, Peter and Judas, seem to be opposite ends of the spectrum - one betrayed Jesus to his death, and one was the rock upon which Jesus built his church. Both ultimately did betray Jesus in different ways, but their actions leading up to this, and their responses after, have a lot to teach Christians today. 

A New Year is almost upon us! As everyone starts to think of resolutions and ways to start a "New Year, New Me" plan, take a moment to turn to Scripture for inspiration. These 12 verses will encourage you, challenge you, and are a guaranteed way to start the year off on the right foot.