Read: Romans 7:14–25 I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Romans 7:18 In his book Jumping Through Fires, David Nasser tells the story of his spiritual journey. Before he began a relationship with Jesus, he was befriended by a group of Christian...

Read: Ephesians 3:14–21 To him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20 What are the five best toys of all time? Jonathan H. Liu suggested the following: A stick, a box, string,...

Read: 2 Timothy 3:10–15 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 Joop Zoetemelk is known as the Netherlands’ most successful cyclist. But that’s because he never gave up. He started and finished the Tour de France 16 times—placing...

Read: Deuteronomy 34:1–12 The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27 Are the best days of your life behind or in front of you? Our outlook on life—and our answer to that question—can change with time. When we’re younger, we look ahead, wanting to...

Read: Romans 3:21–26 All are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:24 Every year some two million people from all over the world visit St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. It is well worth the admission fee to experience the magnificent structure designed...

Read: Hebrews 10:32–11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6 It’s tempting to think of faith as a kind of magic formula. If you muster up enough of it, you’ll get rich, stay healthy, and live a contented life with automatic answers to all your prayers. But...

Read: Romans 13:8–11 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14 An anthropologist was winding up several months of research in a small village, the story is told. While waiting for a ride to the airport for his return flight...

Read: James 2:18–26 “Abraham believed God . . . ,” and he was called God’s friend. James 2:23 One of the pieces of wisdom I have come to appreciate is my dad’s often-repeated statement, “Joe, good friends are one of life’s greatest treasures.” How true! With good friends, you are...

Read: Ephesians 4:2–6 Be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 As I ventured out several weeks after shoulder surgery, I was fearful. I had become comfortable using my arm sling, but both my surgeon and physical therapist now told me to stop wearing it. That’s when I...

Read: Proverbs 27:5–17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 My friend’s words stung. Trying to sleep, I battled to stop mulling over her pointed comments about my strong opinions. As I lay there, I asked for God’s wisdom and peace. Several weeks later, still concerned...

Read: Psalm 35:17–28 How long, Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their ravages, my precious life from these lions. Psalm 35:17 A test match in the game of cricket can be grueling. Competitors play from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with lunch and tea breaks, but the games...

Read: Psalm 34:11–18 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil. Psalm 34:12–13 Napoleon’s defeat in Russia 200 years ago was attributed to the harsh Russian winter. One specific problem was that his horses were wearing summer horseshoes. When winter came,...