Summary God sets believers apart not to withdraw from others but to display the attractive power of a Christ-centered life. Made holy through faith, Christians are called to live out that holiness through Spirit-empowered character. Colossians 3 describes traits that should visibly mark believers. Rather than pretending through hypocrisy, God calls His people to genuinely put on the Lord Jesus Christ. Set Apart for a Purpose Writer Emily Dickinson remained a hermit in her fam

Summary Christians reveal their true beliefs through actions, not words. When private behavior contradicts public faith, God’s name is dishonored. Paul modeled a life that caused no one to stumble, marked by sacrifice, integrity, and spiritual riches. Believers are called to live transparently, serve faithfully, and channel God’s eternal riches to others, pointing them to Christ and a truly abundant life. Actions Speak Louder Than Words Our actions define us more clearly than

Summary Early influences shape our thinking, but only Jesus provides a perfect model. Worldly values pull our minds toward pride and desire, yet Scripture calls us to renew our thinking through God’s Word and the Spirit. The mind of Christ aligns us with God’s priorities, shaping our attitudes, actions, and values. This lifelong transformation continues until we fully reflect Christ when we see Him face-to-face. How Early Influences Shape Our Thinking Our minds are like the S

Summary God’s Kingdom values what builds others up over personal freedom or recognition. Like an athlete choosing team success over records, believers are called to limit their liberty for the sake of weaker faith and church unity. Romans 14 teaches that goodness, peace, and joy, produced by the Holy Spirit, matter far more than exercising personal rights. Following Jesus means dying to self to love others well. Team Success Over Personal Glory Saquon Barkley, running back fo

Summary People naturally crave praise, but Scripture calls believers to reflect God’s glory, not absorb it. We give God glory through confession, repentance, worship, obedience, generosity, and righteous living. True disciples redirect attention from themselves to God, showing His supreme worth through transformed character and fruitful lives. When believers live honorably and sacrificially, God receives the praise He alone deserves, now and forever. Why We Naturally Bend To

Summary Scripture reveals God’s unmatched power, from creation to Christ’s resurrection and the believer’s daily life. This same power saves, transforms, equips, and sustains God’s people through the Holy Spirit. Jesus displayed divine power in miracles, redemption, and victory over death, and that power now lives in believers. God gives His followers strength to obey, serve, hope confidently, and accomplish more than they could ever imagine through faith in Him. The Incompre

Summary Biblical faithfulness goes far beyond simple dependability. Rooted in God’s unfailing love and empowered by the Holy Spirit, true faithfulness produces obedience, integrity, compassion, perseverance, and wholehearted devotion to God. Faithful followers listen, obey, endure hardship, and live above reproach. Sustained by God’s grace rather than human effort, they reflect His character and are promised eternal reward, the crown of life given to those who remain faithful

Summary Passing the peace of Christ is a biblical expression of love, unity, and the Spirit’s work among believers. Rooted in Scripture, it reflects the true peace Jesus offers, spiritual wholeness with God. Though this peace cannot be given to unbelievers, Christians can display it through their lives, creating a desire for Christ. Sharing His peace is central to worship, witness, and faithful discipleship. Many Christian congregations include a time of mutual greeting durin

Summary True Christmas joy is not found in decorations or traditions but in obediently serving Christ and giving for God’s purposes. Through global ministry partnerships, evangelism, discipleship, and sacrificial living, the author testifies to deep, lasting joy that flows from seeing God use ordinary faithfulness to make an eternal difference. This Christ-centered joy can be experienced every day, regardless of whether Christmas trimmings accompany it. I write these words ov

Summary God’s promise of overflowing blessing belongs to repentant believers who turn from self-centered living and follow the Shepherd. Their transformed lives bear fruit, shine brightly, and reflect new priorities shaped by Christ. God fills them with Jesus, His Word, the Holy Spirit, faith, fellowship, service, and even trials that produce joy. When the LORD is Shepherd, believers lack nothing that truly matters. “The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need…My cup over

Summary Scripture contrasts drunkenness, which ruins lives, with being filled with the Holy Spirit, which brings power, wisdom, joy, and effectiveness. From Jesus to the early church and Old Testament servants, God consistently works through Spirit-filled people. The Spirit empowers believers to overcome sin, forgive enemies, serve faithfully, and fulfill God’s purposes. Every ministry depends on the Holy Spirit’s power and our willing cooperation. “In March 2015, a well-mean

Summary Leaving a spiritual legacy requires intentionally passing the baton of faith to the next generation. By sharing the gospel, renewing our thinking, living for God’s purpose, loving others, following Jesus wholeheartedly, and making disciples, believers ensure Christianity continues to multiply. Empowered by the Holy Spirit and focused on love, faithful followers press on so future generations know, follow, and serve Christ. Korczak Ziotkowski began creating the Crazy H

Summary When wronged, our natural desire is revenge, but Scripture calls believers to a supernatural response. Seeking payback allows evil to control us, while withholding judgment reflects God’s mercy. God delays judgment to lead people to repentance, placing justice fully in His hands. By forgiving, showing patience, and extending grace, believers imitate Christ, display the fruit of the Spirit, and become channels of God’s transforming kindness. I was angry. Someone broke

Summary God’s judgment is not rooted in cruelty but in love, justice, and restoration. Just as disruption requires correction, sin disrupts God’s original design of joyful fellowship. God created humanity to share the Trinity’s unbroken joy, love, and peace. Judgment restores this plan by protecting eternal fellowship, blessing those who desire God’s life, and removing persistent rebellion that destroys harmony and joy. I coach track and field throwers at my local high school

Summary God’s judgment is based on a perfect standard, His own righteous character. Humanity fails the test of earned righteousness, but God offers credited righteousness through faith in Jesus. Christ’s perfect obedience qualifies Him as our substitute, granting forgiveness and new life. Unbelievers are judged for their deeds, while believers are rewarded according to faithfulness. God’s justice is exact, yet His grace makes salvation wonderfully accessible. Judgment Require

Summary Christians judge situations daily, but criticizing people often damages God’s mission. Being judgmental repels those we hope to reach, while grace draws them toward Christ. Scripture teaches that God alone is qualified to judge, blending justice and love perfectly. Believers are not the Holy Spirit. They are called to withhold condemnation, extend grace, and point others to the forgiveness made possible through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. We Judge Constantly in Eve

Summary God gives every believer valuable spiritual gifts designed to serve others, not themselves. While natural abilities often benefit us, God calls His children to use both natural and spiritual gifts for His glory. Like trusted servants, believers are accountable for what they’ve been given. Every Christian is “a ten somewhere,” uniquely equipped to fulfill God’s purpose by blessing others through faithful service. A Gift No One Wanted The gift was memorable if not usabl

Summary Idolatry is our natural drift, loving something more than God. How we use time, money, energy, and attention exposes what rules our hearts. Scripture warns that even good things and religious traditions can replace God. Seven practical tests help reveal misplaced devotion and restore true worship. When gratitude, prayer, and the Holy Spirit guide our lives, God remains central, and idolatry loses its grip. Passions That Reveal Our True Devotion I’m passionate about my

Summary Doing good deeds or serving worthy causes can quietly replace God as the center of life. Scripture teaches that our purpose is not generic goodness but abiding in Christ and doing the works God specifically planned. When good feelings, success, or causes take God’s place, idolatry results. True freedom comes from exclusive devotion to Christ, who alone gives meaning, direction, and lasting fruit. When Good Causes Replace God The last verse of “What I Live For” by Geor

Summary People worship God’s gifts instead of the Giver because of spiritual blindness, self-centered desires, and rebellion against God’s authority. When God’s restraining grace is rejected, idols rooted in glory, benefit, pleasure, power, and comfort take His place. Scripture reveals that idolatry leads to captivity and moral decay. True worship restores God to the center, where He alone deserves devotion, obedience, and glory. Why People Worship God's Gifts Why do people w