“Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other.” (Colossians 3:16a NLT)

Mission — Every day you teach people about God. You may teach Truth or you may teach mythology; either way you teach. You teach others that God is faithful or that he can’t be trusted, and you do that by reflecting faith in God, or by behaving as if he can’t be trusted.

As if.

Some of us carry a myth in our minds that the only people who can teach are the gifted or the professional, yet the Apostle Paul says, “I know that you have all the knowledge you need and that you are able to teach each other.” (Romans 15:14b NCV)

Certainly teaching includes unpacking Bible stories and giving theological insight, but we also teach as we model biblical behavior when it comes to the stuff of life, such as how to love/respect your spouse, how to make godly decisions, how to keep our thought-life pure, or how to get out of debt.

That means we become teachers when we tell, show, reflect how God is working in our lives, and we become teachers when we respond, act, walk as if Jesus himself were living through us (and he is – Romans 8:9-11). By watching you, others will see what “Christ in you” looks like in another human being. (Colossians 1:27 NIV)

So what?

· Being a living teacher makes you wise – Paul says, “Let the words of Christ live in your heart.” You need to know God’s Word before you can teach it through study or by living it. By hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on the words of Christ, they’ll take root in your heart, and this will make you wise. (Romans 15:14b NCV)

· God’s wisdom over conventional wisdom – Too often we look to the world’s conventional wisdom when we’re seeking answers, yet the Truth is found only in God’s wisdom.

Question: What wisdom has the Lord blessed you with that you can share with others?

Are you searching for a source of peace?  Take this study.

“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…” (Isaiah 61:1).

While at one of the most conservative schools in the nation, Texas A&M University, I served in the jail ministry. Every Sunday I would roll up my naive sleeves and drive downtown to lead a Women’s Bible Study.  Dressed in bright orange jumpsuits, slipper shoes, and Bible in tow these women would grace me with their presence.

One by one they would come and sit in plastic chairs that made a semi-circle in a concrete laid room with brick walls. The word that came to mind when looking at the decor was hopeless.   “Ladies, I would like to ask you to open your Bible to Isaiah 61:1. Would someone like to read it for us?”  Timidly, one woman who was fairly new to the class read the verse. Stumbling over a few of the words she finished reading.

“What does that mean to you?” I asked. Blank stares and hardened hearts seemed to fill the room, until one brave soul spoke up.  “Freedom means to me that I no longer have to live the street life–hooked on drugs, sex, and men. I can wake up with a sound mind and body knowing that I may be behind bars, but free in Jesus.”

Another woman said, “I am free from guilt of murdering someone.”   And with that transparency, I noticed a softness come over the women—one by one they began sharing with me how that Jesus is the change and freedom. Free from alcohol, lesbian relationships, pornography, and theft to name a few.   No one gasped–no one flickered a glare…not one. We knew that we were in the midst of breakthrough–where the power of God’s word intersected the lives of others to make them free.

Lady Liberty in New York could not even trump the freedom waved over this group of women this one Sunday morning.   Whether the jailhouse or the church house–Jesus wants to set you free. What areas of life do you desire freedom?

We try to convince ourselves that our areas of struggle are somehow better than the ones my ladies were experiencing. Are they really? Or just packaged more neatly? In God’s economy all of us are in need.   I glanced at the analog clock that reminded me of my childhood school days—it was time for our bible study to end. I left them with these words that are for us all–”You may be bound, but you are free.”

Questions: What areas of life do you desire freedom? How can you become free?

Are you feeling lonely and unloved? This study talks about unfailing love.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EST.

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12: 29-30).

By now, at least half the box of chocolates is gone and the roses are beginning to nod. The Valentine’s card is somewhere in the pile on the desk amongst the other important papers and the drawing your child made for you proudly posted on the fridge moves to the side for the next important date reminder. Valentine’s Day may be over, but love continues on. Or so it should, if it is great.

The scribes asked Jesus which was the greatest commandment. Jesus responded two fold – love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself.  (Mark 12:28-30)  This is not only the greatest commandment, but the greatest form of love.

When we love God first, our love for ourselves and others fall in line. We begin to see ourselves and others as God sees us. This is not the human “love is blind” mode. We look through a more focused lens, not rose-colored ones. We still see the warts, the bad side, the mistakes, the hurts. But, with God’s help, we view that with compassion and mercy because that is how He views us.

If you and I can try to love the Lord with all our heart, mind and soul, then our attitude is metamorphosed into being in sync with the Almighty who created all there is then proclaimed it as good.  We recognize we are not perfect, neither are those we love. We are all tainted by the sin of Adam and, like him and Eve, have each fallen short of the glory of God as Paul told the Romans. That is why we are all in need of a Savior.

If we truly believe God so loved the world to send us a Savior, our loving response can only be, “teach me to love that greatly.”  Then, every day will be Valentine’s Day, no matter what’s posted on the fridge or how much the roses have faded.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP: How to LOVE by faith

Questions: How can you today show the ones you love that you love them with a Godly love? What will their response be if you do?

About the Author Julie Cosgrove

Take this study to learn how to deal with pain so that bitterness doesn’t take root.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31,32).

Cathy had been deeply hurt by her father’s rejection. When the opportunity came for her to move away, she took it. I can now forget about my father’s rejection, she thought, and get on with my life.

But Cathy discovered that bitterness is like a sliver. If  left alone, it will fester and get worse and worse. It will poison us and all our relationships  including our relationship with God. We must release the hurt to Jesus. We must let Him pull out the sliver. How? By confessing the sin of bitterness to God and to the person who hurt us. Only then can God heal us of the hurt.

At first, Cathy found this most unfair. “He’s the one who hurt me,” she said. “He ought to be the first one to ask for forgiveness.” But he didn’t. Cathy began to realize that if she wanted to grow in her relationship with God, she’d have to make the first move. She’d have to ask her father to forgive her. She grabbed a pen and began to write, ”Dear Dad, I want to ask you to forgive me. I’ve had resentment in my heart towards you, and I know I’ve hurt you. I love you, Cathy.”

“Something happened to me that day while I was writing the letter,” she said. “Something unclean and ugly left me, like I had pulled the plug on sink full of dirty water. I didn’t feel angry toward my dad anymore. And for the first time, I could actually feel God’s love for me.”

A month later, her father responded with a letter asking her to forgive him. The healing of a relationship had begun. Even if her father had not responded favorably, Cathy would still have benefited. Being free of resentment, she could now grow in love and confidence towards God, herself, and other  people.

Do you have resentment and bitterness in your heart? The Bible says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger.” How?  By turning it over to Jesus. Not once or twice, but as many times as it comes to mind. Eventually, you will be free of the hurt and compassion will take it’s place.

Lord Jesus, I give you this hurt and bitterness. I do not want to carry it anymore. I want to forgive the person who’s hurt me just as You have forgiven me. I want to be a channel of your love. Amen.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP: What do you do when church hurts?

PS. This story is told in He Raised Me Up To Stand on Mountains You can order it here.

Questions: Is there someone in your life that you carry resentment towards?  What will be your first step in order to get rid of the bitterness?

About the Author Helen Grace Lescheid

Searching for meaning to existence? In this study we will explore meaning and value of self-control.

“Then [Jesus] said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me’” (Luke 9:23).

What are the things you do daily? Maybe you make your bed, hopefully you brush your teeth, probably you check your email, certainly you eat and sleep every day. Whether you are a disciplined person who thrives on order and routine or an easy going, “go with the flow” kind of person, there are some things that you do every single day of your life.

Jesus said that in order to be His disciple, you must do these things every day:

•    Deny yourself,
•    Take up your cross,
•    Follow Jesus.

Daily we are called to say no to the cravings of our selfish nature, to choose what God wants rather than what we want, to exalt Him rather than ourselves. Daily we are instructed to bear the burdens of this sinful world through the power of Jesus name. Daily we are asked to walk the way Jesus walked, to think about things that are right and pure, to act in a way that is loving and kind; in every decision, to surrender ourselves to God’s will and God’s way.

It is not an easy road.

Indeed, when Jesus said hard things many turned away. “From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him” (John 6:66). Yet, I pray that you will respond to Jesus – like Peter did – when He asked the twelve if they also wanted to leave: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68, 69).

Holy God, I want to follow You. By the power of Your Holy Spirit may I daily deny myself, take up my cross and follow You. Amen.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP: Living a self-controlled life (life lesson)

Questions: What does taking up your cross mean to you? How do you respond to hard teachings from Jesus?

About the Author Suzanne Benner

Are you searching for a source of peace? Take this study.

Habakkuk spoke these words when he was humbled by God’s righteousness and holiness. The power of his utterance works its way into my heart. When was the last time I stood in awe of God’s deeds? When have I begged Him to renew them in our time, so that all people would know the truth? I forget sometimes that Christmas is an opportunity to stand in awe of God’s deeds.

Even though our nation has moved far from God, Christmas is an annual reminder, a renewing, of God’s great mercy to us. Almighty God took on human flesh to save humanity. Jesus was born for this purpose: to reveal God to mankind and to die. Because He lived a sinless life, His death was the atoning sacrifice necessary to reconcile us to God. Because of His resurrection we have the power to live a new life.

Allow God to renew His deeds in our day by taking these intentional steps:

•    Read the Christmas story from Matthew and Luke, meditating on the marvel of God becoming man.
•    Sing all the verses of Christmas carols. So many tell the story of God’s amazing deeds.
•    Go to church and hear the Good News of our salvation all over again.
•    Pray that God would renew His deeds in our time.
•    Proclaim to a lost world that the Savior has come.

Heavenly Father, You alone are righteous and holy. I am humbled by Your marvelous works. Thank you for sending Jesus. I ask that You would renew Your deeds in our time. Help me to proclaim Your Good News by explaining to those around me what Christmas is all about.  Amen.

Questions: What helps you to stand in awe of God’s deeds? Why is it important to pray before we proclaim?

About the Author Suzanne Benner

Searching for meaning to existence? This study will help you discover God.

“You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your sins” (Amos 3:2).

Almost everyone who has children understands the importance of discipline. As parents we punish our children to teach them right from wrong. Whether it is running into a busy street, hitting a playmate or talking back to an adult, through punishment we show them that these behaviors are physically dangerous, harmful to relationship or inappropriate.  Why is it then that we balk at the idea of God punishing us through physical circumstances?

Throughout scripture there is ample evidence of this concept:

“My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent His rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in” (Proverbs 3:11, 12).

“Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness” (Hebrews 12:10).

“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent” (Revelation 3:19).

The common thread in these verses is that God disciplines those He loves, those He has chosen as His children, and He does it for their good.  Rather than assuming that God’s goodness and love are incompatible with punishment, we need to realize that discipline is evidence of God’s love for us.

When we lie to a friend and then experience the pain of a broken relationship, God is teaching us that lying is harmful to relationship. Whenever we experience the painful consequences of selfishness, impatience, pride or envy, God is disciplining us for our good.

Heavenly Father, help me not to resent Your discipline, but to realize my sin and repent. Thank you that You discipline me in love and for my good. Amen.

Questions: Where have you seen God’s discipline in your life? How is God’s discipline evidence of His love?

About the Author Suzanne Benner

We know that the college years can be a time when young people walk away from their faith, but what about the teen years?

In a recent article for CNN, Kenda Creasy Dean, a professor at Princeton Theological Seminary, author of the book Almost Christian,  and one of the researchers on the study found that, “American teenagers are embracing what she calls ‘moralistic therapeutic deism.’ Translation: It’s a watered-down faith that portrays God as a “divine therapist” whose chief goal is to boost people’s self-esteem.”

Teens unable to articulate faith

According to the article:

The study, which included in-depth interviews with at least 3,300 American teenagers between 13 and 17, found that most American teens who called themselves Christian were indifferent and inarticulate about their faith.

The study included Christians of all stripes — from Catholics to Protestants of both conservative and liberal denominations. Though three out of four American teenagers claim to be Christian, fewer than half practice their faith, only half deem it important, and most can’t talk coherently about their beliefs, the study found.

Many teenagers thought that God simply wanted them to feel good and do good — what the study’s researchers called “moralistic therapeutic deism.

Dean goes on to say that, “If this is the God they’re seeing in church, they are right to leave us in the dust,” Dean says. “Churches don’t give them enough to be passionate about.”

What about the teens in your life? Are we sending our kids off to college with what Blue Like Jazz author Donald Miller describes as a “vending machine God”?

It can be tempting to assume that if you go to a good church and have a great youth pastor your teens are being taught well.  But as the study also found some churches praise youth pastors for being fun and creative a lot more than they praise them for solid teaching.  Yes, we want church to be a place where teens have fun safely, but that’s not its only function.  So what is a parent to do?

Talk to your teens.  Ask them good questions. Could your teen clearly and accurately share their faith? Do they have a solid understanding of forgiveness? How do they view heaven and hell? Do they believe that all of the Bible is true? How does your teen’s faith compare to your own?

Youth Church

Recently, the Youth Church movement has sought to make church more than just movie and game nights.  Youth Church features an actual church service- with music and a message catered to a teen and young adult audience.  They do still have fun – there are water slides and camping mixed in – but the schedule is focused on solid teaching, accountability in small groups and service to others.  You can go to YouthChurch.com to see if there’s a group in your area.

How do you incorporate discussions about faith in your family? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments.

Please open your Bible and read Judges 6:36-40

When Gideon doubted God’s promises, he put out a wool fleece at night. In the morning, the fleece was sopping wet and the ground around it was dry. It was a miracle! The next day, he tested God again, and the opposite occurred. The ground was wet, but the fleece was dry. It was God again!

Gideon, like many of the important leaders in Israel’s history, had many reasons to doubt that God would choose him to rescue Israel. When God first called him, he was hiding at the bottom of a wine press, threshing grain because of fear, for good reason. Interestingly, God’s call to him was “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!” (Judges 6:14, NLT)

Gideon’s response, much like Moses‚ before him was, “But Lord, how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” (v15)

Then Gideon asks God to prove that He is serious. God does, over and over again. Gideon apologizes for not trusting Him but then asks Him to do the fleece thing again. God does.

Then God goes through the process of building the army that Gideon was to lead. Instead of increasing numbers however, God went through the process of taking the army from 22,000 to just 300. The reason was simple. The Israelites could not say they won the battles themselves.

God picks the people to lead who can’t see why they were picked at the start. David, Moses, Gideon and every New Testament disciple were the opposite of who the world would have chosen to be their leaders. However, God did call them. He called them because they would have to depend on Him.

There are many in ministry that don’t feel they were born to be leaders. I am one of them. The fact I am leading at all is only because God called me from the hidden cubicles of the IT department and has pulled me along for over a decade.

Today I want you to think about taking a step into leadership, no matter what your role is, and own your role. The best part is, the qualification for whether you are a leader in God’s mission is that you are unable to do it on your own.

So ask yourself, “Is this a role I can do on my own?” If the answer is no, congratulations, you’re hired!

Father, Remind me that it was never about me anyway, it was always about You.  Thank you for your promise that if I show up, willing to do the thing you’ve asked me to do You’ll take care of the rest. Amen.

Questions: Can you identify with leaders such as Moses and Gideon? How do their stories encourage you to take the next step as a leader?

About the Author Sheldon Kotyk

1. Chapter 1:1-12
2. Chapter 1:13-25
3. Chapter 2:1-8
4. Chapter 2:9-25
5. Chapter 3:1-7
6. Chapter 3:8-22
7. Chapter 4:1-11
8. Chapter 4-5:7
9. Chapter 5:7-14