AS ONE APPROVED

Read 2 Timothy 2:14–18 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Each of us as God’s workman will be either approved or ashamed. The word approved...

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CARVED IN STONE

Read Job 19:21–29 I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. Job 19:25 It is significant that Job would go from the depths of despair to the heights of faith and then back into the depths again. This is often the...

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SUPERIOR SYMPATHY

Read Hebrews 5:7–8 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Hebrews 5:7 Every Old Testament high priest had to minister...

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NONCONFORMITY

Read Galatians 1:11–12 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. Galatians 1:11 “Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist,” wrote Emerson. Many others agree with him. The English art critic John Ruskin said, “I fear uniformity. You...

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IN SEARCH OF GOOD SAMARITANS

Read Philippians 2:19–21 I have no one else like [Timothy], who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:20–21 A reporter in San Bernardino, California, arranged for a man to lie in the gutter on a...

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A SEPARATE PEACE

Read 2 Corinthians 7 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 Because of God’s gracious promises, we have some spiritual responsibilities. We must cleanse ourselves once and for all...

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BODY BUILDING

Read 1 Corinthians 12 If one part [of the body] suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 1 Corinthians 12:26 Diversity in the church body is an evidence of the wisdom of God. Each member needs the other members, and no...

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PREPARED TO PRAY

Read 1 Timothy 2:8–15 I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. 1 Timothy 2:8 The late Peter Deyneka Sr., my good friend and founder of the Slavic Gospel Association, often reminded me, “Much prayer, much power! No prayer, no power!” Prayer was...

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FALSE DOCTRINE

Read 1 Timothy 1:3–11 Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. 1 Timothy 1:6 It is tragic when professed Christians get off course because they refuse “sound doctrine” (1 Tim. 1:10). Paul also called it “the doctrine …according to godliness” (1 Tim. 6:3 KJV), “sound words”...

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LIFESTYLE ENVY

Read Job 21:7–34 Their prosperity is not in their own hands, so I stand aloof from the counsel of the wicked. Job 21:16 The saddest thing about the wicked is the way they leave God out of their lives and still prosper (Job 21:13–15). The wicked take credit for their...

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