How to become wise with words

Proverbs 12:18
 The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 15:1
 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

What Jesus’ tattoo says about you

Isaiah 49:16a
 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…

This is a wonderful clause, part of a longer prophetic word which Isaiah delivered to the people of Israel during the time of the first exile. Although the word is directed to…

Be a man who walks with God

Genesis 5:21–24
 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. 22 After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. 24 Enoch walked…

One of Jesus’ most challenging comments

Matthew 5:38–42
 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and…

How to get a better view of Jesus

Mark 9:2a & 7After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone… 7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

What do you lack?

Jesus…said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor…and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” — Mark 10:21

Saint “insert your name”

1 Corinthians 1:2
 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints…

This is the opening of the great ‘first letter’ to the Corinthians. The remarkable thing here is that the letter is addressed to us too:

When I have a toddler tantrum

1 John 2:2
 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father — Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole…

How to lead with legitimacy

John 10:1–2Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.