Summary A bow and arrow illustrate how God accomplishes His will. God supplies the power, and His Word carries out His purpose. Believers participate by exerting faithful effort while relying fully on God’s strength. God works within us, yet we must contend with all we have. Living God’s will is not passive. It is a partnership where divine power and human obedience work together to bear fruit for Christ. A Childhood Picture of Power and Direction My earliest memory of a bo

Summary A retired pastor unknowingly chose a sermon titled “What’s Wrong with the Church,”  guided by the Holy Spirit. Just before the service, a public conflict erupted, making the message uncannily timely. The sermon addressed divisions, hypocrisy, and fruitlessness, calling believers to forgiveness and reconciliation. Afterward, listeners recognized God’s hand in the moment. The experience illustrates how God often directs our words and actions for His purposes, more often

Summary A Bible-teaching ministry in Malawi and Mozambique expanded rapidly, creating an overwhelming need for Bibles. God met every need in unexpected ways, providing generous donors and thousands of Bibles beyond what was imagined. Scripture shows this pattern repeatedly, from Elijah’s provision to Jesus’ miracles. God is faithful to supply needs, but He rarely does so predictably. His provision often comes through surprising people and methods, revealing His power and glor

Summary Saying yes to God has unpredictable, far-reaching results. Just as small beginnings can create a massive impact, God used 120 believers to spark a worldwide movement that continues today. Spiritual growth spreads through faithful witnesses who share what Jesus has done. God invites each person to contribute using their gifts and passions. Perseverance and grace can multiply simple obedience into life-changing ministry. Saying yes to God, again and again, can yield res

Summary Athletes perform better with the wind at their backs, a fitting picture of spiritual life and ministry. All lasting Christian fruit is God-aided, not self-produced. Ministry pressures can lead to discouragement, while success can tempt pride. Both extremes harm leaders and those they serve. Scripture urges perseverance and humility, reminding believers that apart from Christ they can do nothing. Every spiritual success is wind-aided by God’s power, and He alone deserv

Summary Many associate with Christianity without living by Christ’s power. Jesus is God’s wisdom and strength, experienced through the Holy Spirit. When believers yield daily to the Spirit’s control, God produces joy, boldness, and effective witness. Like Philip, Spirit-led Christians build relationships, listen well, and share Christ at the right time. God prepares hearts and brings people into our lives when we rely on His power rather than mere religious activity. Settling

Summary The book of Acts shows that what Jesus began on earth, He continues through believers by the Holy Spirit. Christianity is not rule-keeping but Christ living His life through surrendered people. Most spiritual barrenness comes from self-control rather than Spirit-control. Jesus’ mission to seek and save the lost continues through those who yield leadership of their lives to Him. New life, kingdom impact, and lasting fruit flow only from daily surrender, not self-rule.

Summary A missionary’s powerless car illustrates a common spiritual problem. Power is available, but the connection is missing. Jesus promised unlimited power through the Holy Spirit, not for control or politics, but for transformed living and effective witness. The Spirit empowers believers only as they submit to God’s leadership. True spiritual power shapes character, fuels obedience, and enables bold testimony. Staying connected requires desire, confession, and faith-fille

Summary Container-grown vegetables illustrate the Christian life. Without constant nourishment, growth fails. Believers are planted by God but lack the strength to flourish on their own. The Holy Spirit provides continual life, power, guidance, and transformation. He renews hearts and minds, produces Christlike character, empowers prayer and witness, and equips believers for service. Lasting spiritual fruit comes only through daily dependence on the Spirit, not human effort.

Summary Revelation 1 describes God as the sovereign source of grace, peace, and power. The Father rules history, the Spirit works perfectly, and Jesus Christ reigns as the faithful witness, risen Lord, and King of kings. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, believers become priests and overcomers, freed from fear, assured of victory, and strengthened to live faithfully until His triumphant return. Knowing God and Knowing Ourselves A better understanding of God strengthens

Summary Bold Christian witness comes from the Holy Spirit, not personality or education. Early believers, empowered by the Spirit, proclaimed Jesus fearlessly, as seen in the Book of Acts. Fear is overcome through God’s power, which produces self-control and courage. When believers surrender control and step out in faith, the Holy Spirit fills them afresh and enables effective, Christ-centered witness despite opposition. Spirit-Empowered Boldness in the Early Church The early

Summary Outward rebellion contrasts with the inner rebellion living in every human heart. From a public church crisis to the story of John Piper’s son, resisting God’s authority damages lives and influences others. Scripture identifies this struggle as the flesh-governed mind. The hope is God’s Spirit, whose renewing power ends spiritual drought, transforms small people into spiritual giants, and enables victory through Christ. A Mother’s Helplessness and Public Pain A mother

Summary Drawing on the hymn Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing , this article explains why believers are prone to wander and how to stand firm through suffering. It presents four stabilizing principles: trusting God’s control, casting anxieties on Him, resisting the devil’s accusations, and depending on God’s grace. When believers rely on God rather than self-effort, He makes them strong, firm, and steadfast even in trials. Standing Firm in Faith In 1758, Robert Robinson wrote

Summary Using Jesus’ teaching in the Gospel of Mark 8–9, this article explains that true discipleship requires suffering before glory. Knowing about Jesus is not the same as knowing Him. Following Christ means denying self, aligning values with His, and embracing the cross. Abundant life includes sacrifice, yet leads to transformation and future glory. There is no crown without a cross, but it costs far more not to follow Jesus. Glory Comes Through Sacrifice Olympians trade t

Summary This article traces key moments in the Gospel of Mark 8, showing Jesus’ compassion, provision, and call to faith. He feeds the hungry, warns against spiritual pride, and exposes the danger of corrupt thinking. Remembering God’s past faithfulness brings contentment, while demanding signs undermines faith. Like the blind man at Bethsaida, believers receive spiritual sight gradually as Jesus opens their eyes. Jesus Meets Every Need A multitude surrounded Jesus on the sou

Summary This article draws from the Gospel of Mark 10 to show that life works best when lived by God’s design. Marriage thrives through self-sacrificial commitment, not convenience. Salvation is a gift received with childlike trust, not earned by effort. Following Jesus requires surrender and reordered priorities. Though costly, true discipleship leads to lasting oneness with Christ and others, while refusing to follow Him costs far more. God's Blueprint for Life When all els

Summary Based on the Gospel of Mark 9, this article outlines core discipleship principles. Faith in God, not experience or skill, brings spiritual victory through believing prayer and God’s Word. True greatness comes through serving others, not self-promotion. Discipleship also requires sacrificial obedience, valuing eternal life above earthly comforts. When believers live as daily offerings to God, their love becomes visible through humble service and costly devotion. Discip

Summary Wholehearted devotion shapes excellence, reputation, and legacy. From athletes and musicians to biblical figures like Caleb and Joshua, devotion, not mere talent, defines lasting impact. God desires not just right actions but right-hearted obedience. Serving out of duty alone falls short. Wholehearted devotion to God cannot be hidden. It is visible, defining, and directed toward pleasing Him rather than seeking human applause. What Wholehearted Devotion Reveals About

Summary Everyday discipleship is one of spiritual growth, gospel initiative, and strengthening others. Based on the Book of Acts, maturity requires effort, proven character, and perseverance. Believers are called to take Christ to others through word and deed, build trust by meeting real needs, and remain gracious amid opposition, then help new believers grow. This is God’s design for everyday discipleship Everyday Discipleship Part of God’s plan is to strengthen you spiritua

Summary Jesus transforms relationships with God and others. The Bible identifies three kinds of church people: natural, carnal, and spiritual. Conflict and division arise when believers live self-centered lives, while harmony grows among those yielded to God’s control. Spiritually mature believers forgive, serve, and pursue peace. Examine your spiritual condition and take intentional steps toward healthier, Christlike relationships within the church. Why Relationships Matter