The image of a sour root growing up among a body of believers was a powerful way to remind God’s people about the dangers of letting unforgiveness and discontent well up within our hearts. And if we’re not careful, it can happen before we realize there is a problem. Fortunately, Scripture offers us the prevention and the cure.

The young nation of Israel learned a lesson about this early on in their journey to the Promised Land. When the people found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and the powerful Egyptian army, they let fear overcome their faith. Moses reminded them to look to the Lord, who could – and would – deliver them.

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body…” (Psalm 139:13-16).

These poetic words written by King David say that God not only knows us, but He brought us to life, and actually designed us intentionally the way we are. But when a disability affects someone, this can be a hard truth to embrace.

Having a physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition can limit a person's ability to fully engage in daily activities. But God knows their spiritual life can be just as rich as anyone else’s – His gentle yet transforming touch can impact every heart. As believers, we get to be a part of that process, and share in the blessings that will come.

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“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor” (Ecclesiastes 4:9).

This verse from Ecclesiastes often gets quoted at weddings, and it is certainly a wonderful explanation of why marriage is special. But the author was also using the word “two” in a broader sense. And if we read the passage with family, friends, or brothers and sisters in Christ in mind, the meaning becomes richer, too.

Most of us have said “I can handle this on my own” at one time or another. In fact, one of my goals as a young adult was to be able to take care of myself so I’d never need help. But this passage makes the point that being independent all the time will actually keep us from our best life.

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At first look, Jesus’ behavior might seem rash or out of character. But this was not a case of simply losing His temper - it was Him taking a firm stand for righteousness.

By spending time studying God’s Word, lifting up prayers, and giving Him worship, we’ll grow in our knowledge and awe of Him. Our faith will increase, which will help us to stand more firmly when challenges come.

The Lord didn’t tell His listeners not to pursue gaining wealth. But He did give them a caution not to make that a higher priority in life than obeying and serving God. In the same chapter, He pointed out a truth about human nature - “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good…” (Titus 3:1).

Praying for our leaders is good – a quiet but powerful ministry that can have an impact both locally and nationally. Whether our culture is flourishing or struggling, leaders at every level need the wisdom, compassion, and strength that only God can provide.

Lifting up requests for others we agree with and who serve as we would like is easy. But God calls us to pray for all leaders, not just for those we think are doing things well. Being obedient to His will means looking beyond our differences and seeking the good of those leading us.

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“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Prayer is a Christian discipline and a tool for connecting with God. But even more, prayer is a gift from our Heavenly Father, one that is designed to calm, cheer and change us for the better.

When I first became a Christian, though, I used to be nervous about this holy habit. For a long time, I felt like I wasn’t ready to go before God because I didn’t know enough about what to say. I assumed there was one right way to pray, and I had to be good at it or else I might offend Him.

But through His Word, and the examples of others, I began to understand that God isn’t looking for perfection, but devotion.

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In this autumn season, many people find themselves focusing more on thankfulness. But a look at Scripture reminds us that to "give thanks to the Lord" must be a foundation of our lives every day. In fact, having an “attitude of gratitude” adds to our spiritual and physical health all year round - and it’s a mindset we can cultivate. We can certainly express our appreciation to family and friends, for employment, pleasant experiences and new things. But the Bible clearly instructs Christians to fix our eyes on the Heavenly Father, the true source of every good thing in our lives. He is the One who graciously gives us “good things” of all kinds, and our natural response should be thank Him specifically.

The phrase The Four Loves came from the title of a 1960 book penned by C.S. Lewis. Based on a set of radio talks he’d done two years earlier, the book presents and then explores the notion that humans are able to feel different kinds of love, depending on the situations and relationships involved.

Simple and direct, this list from God has had the power to equip believers throughout the ages to live well. The Laws are echoed throughout Scripture, and woven into the truths of the Old Testament, and the teachings of the New Testament.

Part of Jesus’ mission on Earth was to be an example for us of how to live. As He went, He modeled what good friendship looks like. His words and actions were based on Old Testament principles. And if we study and apply the advice in books like Proverbs, we will grow more like Him in this area, too.

In Scripture, the title of evangelist is usually applied to the Apostles. And they truly did devote their lives to telling everyone they could about our Lord. But according to Matthew 28:19-20, this is a calling that applies to all believers - men, women, and even teens and children.