by Lysa Terkeurst

“ … Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’” John 21:15a (NIV)

Have you ever felt God stirring you to do something that’s terrifyingly outside of your comfort zone? Something completely opposite of what you think you want to do?

I confess that left to my own choosing, I want to take the safe, certain and comfortable route. And then Scriptures march right up to my limited perspective and challenge me to walk a path I’d never choose on my own.

A question forms in my heart. One that forces me to stop and reconsider the path that terrifies: Do you love Jesus and want Him more than anything else?

It’s this question the resurrected Jesus asked one of His disciples, Peter, at a crucial crossroad in Peter’s life. And goodness gracious, do I ever relate to…

By David Ettinger

Old Testament Misconception
When those not familiar with the Bible refer to “the God of the Old Testament,” they often use terms such as “hard,” “uncaring,” “vindictive,” and “vengeful.” It is true that quite a few verses record God’s righteous judgments upon sinful people and nations (Nahum 1:2-3 comes to mind).

However, the Old Testament contains numerous verses that speak of God’s love (Hosea 14:4); patience (Psalm 86:15); forgiveness (Micah 7:18); and mercy (Psalm 145:9). And here’s one that combines them all: “Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him” (Isaiah 30:18).

Not bad for the “vindictive” and “vengeful” God of the Old Testament, huh?

The Background
The mighty…

The HOLY SPIRIT produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (📖 Galatians 5:22-23 📖)

To be holy in any way, the fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT must be visible in your life. In Galatians 5:22, Paul summarizes the nine characteristics of the fruit. The Greek word translated as fruit literally means “one fruit”. All nine of these qualities have to be manifested in your life: If you are a joyful, loving person, but very impatient, you will not pass the test! Then something in your fruit is still lacking.

You may try in vain to be loving, joyful, peace-loving, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled every day; these things are contrary to your sinful nature. However, it ‘cán’ be done: the secret is found in Galatians 5:16: “Let the HOLY SPIRIT guide your lives. Then you won’t…

by Laura Bailey

“Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:9 (ESV)

I am a natural redhead.

Yes, the stereotypes apply to me. Quick temper? Check! Fiery tongue? Check! Rousing this poked bear is risky — at any given point I might bubble over with excitement or boil with rage.

When voted “most outspoken” my senior year of high school, I wore my brash and brazen verbal reputation as a badge of honor, saying practically anything I wanted — at any time I wanted. I actually considered it my prerogative.

Oh, the follies of youth.

King Solomon knew about immature, foolish conduct and its consequences. At a young age, he asked God to give him a wise and discerning heart (1 Kings 3:9) — a request God granted. Although the Bible refers to him as wise (1…