Some people think showing humility is a sign of weakness. But actually, it reflects maturity - having a strong sense of self-acceptance and a love for others. Humbleness comes from acknowledging that God is sovereign in our lives, and letting Him transform our hearts to align with His.

Scripture is very clear on this point: the words we use and the way we say them impacts the world around us. God gives us the choice of whether our impact will be positive or negative. When we follow the Lord’s leading, He will actually add strength and weight to our words. 

When we are going through difficult circumstances, it can certainly be challenging to set our minds and hearts to give praise. But passages like this remind us that God is our Rescuer and Comforter, who is always active in doing something new and good in our lives.

In 2020, for example, The American Bible Society released a “State of the Bible” report, focusing on the effects the Covid-19 pandemic had on Christians’ Bible reading habits. The findings indicated that the lack of regular church services and meetings contributed to a decline in people staying engaged with Scripture. But whatever circumstances surround us, our Heavenly Father calls us to stay focused on knowing and obeying Him through studying His Word. 

“...for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2

Certain truths about God that we see in the Bible can seem out of character or illogical to our human minds. For some, this intriguing verse from the Apostle Paul falls into that category, because it implies that God is withholding important information from us.

1 Thessalonians 5 gives us a glimpse of what’s called “the mystery of God,” things about Him that we aren’t able to fully understand. Not knowing when to expect the day of The Lord’s return could leave us anxious. But the meaning behind this verse can actually help us find more peace and purpose in our daily lives.

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It’s important to remember that God looks first for a heart that is truly seeking to follow Him. This verse from 1 Samuel states just how important our attitudes and motivations are to God.

When we see God as the King of Kings, we are agreeing that He has absolute dominion. The title ought to stir up a sense of respect, worship, and even wonder within us.

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…” (Titus 2:11-12).

Sometimes it seems that the world at large suffers from a lack of clear moral standards. In the midst of all the noise, it can be hard to find the right compass to guide our decisions and actions. But God has given His people grace to live with virtue in every age, including our own.

Though many associate virtue with specific traits like purity or kindness, it is actually meant to be more. Being virtuous is really an overall approach to life that brings a level of excellence to all we do and say. God calls us to pursue it, because He knows how impactful we can be in our relationships and ministry as a result.

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“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…” (Psalm 139:13-14).

King David’s words celebrate the truth that God created us. We can feel his awe about being not just thrown together, but intentionally designed by his Lord. As amazing as that reality is, though, it can lead to a question - “What did He design us for?”

As humans, we have a deep need to discover our purpose and to find meaning in life. So, answering the question of why the Lord created us is important. Learning what God put us here for helps us define who we are and what we are meant to do. And when we know His plans for us, we’ll have the right compass to guide us through life.

The Bible shows us that God “fearfully and wonderfully made” us for a very special purpose. And within its pages, we’ll also find insights on how to fulfill that mission.

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In God’s view, gaining self-control is part of our progression toward Christ-likeness. In fact, the Apostle Paul included it in a list of basic qualities that believers should cultivate. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

God certainly doesn’t need us to pray in order to accomplish His plans. He already has all the strength and might He needs. And yet He calls us to do it, as Paul wrote, “at all times.” That’s because God knows what prayer does in us and for us.

We are all born with a need to be loved, a longing to find someone who accepts us completely and who is worthy of our trust. Family, friendships and romantic relationships are important but can fill only some of that need. What we are truly looking for comes from just one source - our Heavenly Father.

In 1 Corinthians 13:8, Paul makes a simple but profound statement about God’s love:

“Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8a).

Paul reminds us here about the strength and power of God’s love, while offering us a challenge. For in chapter 13, he makes the case that while we can never love as fully as the Lord, we can learn to love more like Him.

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Called “the father of Judaism” or “the second Moses” by some, Ezra was passionate about God’s Law. It was the foundation of his own life, and he used the Torah (which later became the first five books of the Old Testament) to remind others how to live righteously.