If our hearts are right with the Lord, we see that being a helpmate is not the issue; both the man’s and the woman’s perspective has been problematic. Sin has crept into the relationship and into the ways we view God’s perfect design for relationships.

If you are embarking on a Bible Study this year, that is good news. You want to know more about God - his character, his works, and who you are in light of his goodness and glory. King David wrote “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” and “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:11, 105).

You know that Scripture is our weapon against the enemy, it guides us and encourages us. But there are so many studies out there – where do you start? Here are five suggestions to help you navigate through the many products sold in both secular and Christian bookstores, through Christian websites and at churches.

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Have you ever wondered if God is still disappointed in you? Psalm 85 reminds us that His mercy restores what we could never fix on our own. This devotional invites you to rest in His forgiveness and reflect that same grace to others.

Stress can be a good thing if it motivates us to get things done and to face the realities of our life. But stress can also hurt us when it builds up without resolution, when there seems to be no relief from the internal and external pressures of life.

Stress is to peace what darkness is to light, but we can find the greatest peace amid the most intense periods of our lives. In fact, we can only recognize a depth of rest in Christ – his shalom – when we know what stress feels like. God can restore our peace with his steadfast presence and the truth of his Word.

Here are seven verses and prayers to read when you feel stressed.

1. Not In the Earthquake

“And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper” (1 Kings 19:11-12).

Father,

It feels like earthquakes and strong winds are exploding all around me. My world is not safe. When will the stressors let up? I just want to run away. But you, Lord, have called me to stand still and wait and listen. I need your patience and strength, Father; help me to stand still and switch off the racing thoughts in my head so I can hear you whisper to me with your gentle, Fatherly voice.

Let me hear that I am not condemned by you; stress is not some form of punishment. Right now, the other voices – of rejection, criticism, anger, pressure – are so loud. If you are humbling me, please let it be so that I can curl up, small and meek under the cacophony, to hear your low, authoritative voice coming to find me.

Amen.

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Popularly regarded as a fasting period, there are many ways to make the Lenten period meaningful without missing meals. What is Lent and why should one take part? Does every participant follow a strict Lenten plan of rigid self-denial? 

David is known as "a man after God's on heart," but he was still a very sinful human. In Psalm 7, he calls himself righteous, and also mentions the righteousness of God. How can we compare these two forms of righteousness: one from a fallen man trying his best, and one from an all-powerful, always just God?

There's a common belief that we can worship God in whatever way feels best to us. But Jesus does give us specific boundaries for how we should worship Him. One of those is found in the book of John, when He tells us to worship "in spirit and truth." Let's take a look at what this means and how it impacts our worship.

When Ezra chose to lead his people through a bandit-infested dessert without an armed escort from the king, was he showing incredible faith in God, or incredible foolishness? Let's dig into this lesser-known Bible story and see what it teaches us today about making wise, faithful decisions.

There are always consequences for our disobedience and sin. But some Old Testament kings had flourishing reigns because they turned to God in humility. Their rule, and their lives, has much to teach us today about how God responds to those who follow Him in obedience.

Many modern critics say the Bible is misogynistic and controlling of women. But is this really true? Let's take a look at what the Bible says about godly womanhood, and how that related to issues like singleness, submission in marriage, and leadership.

AI is out there and like it or not, students are interacting with it. But should churches and Sunday school teachers avoid artificial intelligence entirely? Or are there beneficial ways to incorporate AI tools into the classroom?

In the book of Numbers, God gives provision for murder. A member of the murdered person's family can act as an "avenger of blood," to seek vengeance for this sinful act. But how does this fit into the hopeful message of the gospel of grace?

In Bible times and now, we often think the strongest leaders are men, particularly in times of crisis. But as Deborah's life shows us, a person's sex doesn't matter to God. If someone is submitted to Him and following His ways, God can use that person to do mighty deeds.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke all include some of the most famous parables of Jesus: the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, the Sheep and the Goats. But these are all strangely absent from John's book. Why is that?