1 Peter 4:12-14

We shouldn’t expect the Christian life to be easy and comfortable, because believers aren’t exempt from trials. In fact, becoming a Christian may result in increased trouble and suffering. Peter refers to such hardship as a “fiery ordeal,” and tells us not to be surprised by it (1 Peter 4:12). God uses our suffering for His good purposes, and He walks through it with us. Hope in the midst of affliction is possible when we understand what God is achieving in the situation.

Colossians 1:9-12

We don’t always know exactly how to intercede for others, or even for ourselves. In Colossians, we find Paul’s prayer for the believers in that church. What’s interesting is the absence of many of the requests we normally make while talking with the Lord—for health, financial needs, or deliverance from difficult situations. Paul’s prayer is focused on the believers’ spiritual needs, and it’s a pattern we can all follow as we pray for others and ourselves.

Haggai 1:1-15

What are you pursuing in life? The answer is not found in what you think your goal is but in what you are actually doing. For instance, you may claim that the Lord Jesus has first place in your life, but are you actually pursuing Him above all else, or have you gotten sidetracked with your own desires?

Philippians 2:4-11

Jesus is a name that elicits all kinds of reactions. Some people show indifference, others feel hatred, and many think of it only in a profane sense. But to those of us who know Jesus as Lord and Savior, His name is precious and higher than any other—and one day in heaven we will eagerly bow before Him.

1 Kings 18:41-46

A committed and consistent prayer life is essential for every believer who wants to grow in his or her relationship with Christ. Yet so many Christians struggle in this area. What is hindering us?

No Burden: Being diligent in prayer is easy when we feel passionate about our request. We will storm the gates of heaven when a loved one is sick, but once the urgency is past, so is the prayer. We drift back into apathy.

Romans 12:1-2

The idea of self-sacrifice runs contrary to the values of our culture. Subtle and not-so-subtle messages continually tell us to put ourselves first, demand our rights, and determine our own path. But God calls His people to lay themselves down on an altar as living sacrifices. In other words, we are to be separated from the world and given to the Lord for His purposes.

Romans 6:15-23

If professing believers were really honest, many would say their lives bear little resemblance to the Christian life described in Scripture. They struggle repeatedly with the same sins, feel that God rarely answers prayers, and wonder why He hasn’t given them the desires of their heart. How is this possible?

2 Timothy 4

James 5:16-18

Toward the end of James’s epistle is a statement that should increase our confidence in God: “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (5:16). What a comfort to know that the Lord hears and responds to the petitions of the righteous.