Being filled with the Holy Spirit is an ongoing process that requires desire, denouncing sin, and dedicating oneself fully to Christ. It means yielding to the Spirit's control, trusting in the Lord God every moment, and depending on Him daily. The evidence of being spirit-filled includes speaking to one another in psalms and hymns, singing and making melody in the heart to the Lord, giving thanks always, and submitting to one another in the fear of God. [... more]

Marriage is a gift from God, and it's meant to be a source of joy and connection. However, many couples struggle with intimacy and communication, leading to frustration and resentment. Dave and Ashley Willis share their insights and experiences in their book 'Do Marriage Better: Seven Simple Shifts for a Deeper Connection.' They discuss the importance of understanding each other's needs and desires, and how to navigate the different seasons of marriage, including the 'beach season' of honeymoon-like intimacy, the 'busy season' of practicality, the 'baby season' of exhaustion and distraction, and the 'broken season' of vulnerability and healing. By applying the seven simple shifts outlined in their book, couples can experience a deeper connection and a more fulfilling marriage. [... more]

Couples can make a 20% improvement in their marital relationship by implementing seven simple shifts, including having curiosity and compassion when communicating, being mindful of tone, and prioritizing their marriage over other aspects of their lives. [... more]

Jesus emphasizes that it is the spirit of the law, not the letter, that is the priority. He teaches that God is concerned with the heart, not just external actions, and that the law is not just about preventing sin, but also about leading to right attitudes and glorifying God. Jesus sets himself up as the authority on God's law, attacking the emphasis on external works righteousness and the tradition of the rabbis. He teaches that every person is commanded to live up to divine standards, and that the standard is so high that only the righteousness of Jesus Christ can grant us the power to fulfill the law of God. [... more]

God is concerned with the internal character of a person, not just their external behavior. Jesus teaches that true righteousness is an internal attitude, and that external actions are only justified if they reflect an internal righteousness. The Pharisees' focus on external appearances and actions is contrasted with Jesus' emphasis on the heart and motives. [... more]

A man with an attitude, Jonah, struggles with anger, self-pity, and discouragement despite God's grace and sovereignty. Understanding God's sovereignty and having a godly value system can dispel these bad attitudes and lead to a life centered on God. [... more]

Jonah, a prophet of God, struggles with anger, small-mindedness, discouragement, and self-pity, but God's sovereign purposes and control over all things dispel these bad attitudes, teaching us to focus on God's grace and compassion, rather than our own desires and expectations. [... more]

Dale Vermillion shares insights on the current state of the housing market, explaining that it's a buyer's market with improving mortgage rates and increasing inventory. He advises buyers to be encouraged and take advantage of the opportunities, and cautions sellers to be prepared for a potentially slower market. Vermillion also discusses the importance of budgeting and doing a pre-approval for a mortgage, and provides guidance for first-time homebuyers and those looking to move up to a new home. [... more]

Couples can turn financial conflict into connection by having intentional financial conversations, known as money dates, which can be enjoyable and help them build stronger relationships and become better stewards of their resources. [... more]

Choosing productivity over laziness is a fundamental choice that affects not only our current circumstances but also our eternity. God hasn't promised wealth to Christians, but following His principles about work, finances, and productivity generally leads to greater prosperity. The Bible teaches that laziness, or slothfulness, is an attitude of indifference towards time, talents, resources, and opportunities. It's characterized by refusing to begin a job, not completing work, ignoring opportunities, and craving riches without effort. [... more]

Modeling faith and generosity around money is crucial for discipling children and shaping their financial foundation. Parents can use everyday money decisions as opportunities for teaching and discipleship, focusing on heart posture and values rather than just financial skills. [... more]

The importance of attitude in shaping our lives and eternal destiny is discussed, highlighting the need to choose the right attitude and respond to sin with humility and faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that our attitudes affect our relationships, behavior, and ultimately our eternal fate, emphasizing the need to prioritize righteousness and forgiveness. [... more]

Submission, humility, trust, self-control, vigilant defense, hope, worship, faithfulness, and affection are essential attitudes in the spiritual battle against Satan's attacks. By living with these attitudes, Christians can resist the devil and stand firm in their faith, knowing that God's purpose in their lives involves some pain in the present but will ultimately lead to eternal glory. [... more]

God convicts believers in four key areas to become new in Christ: assets, associations, actions, and attitudes. He looks at the heart, not outward appearances, and desires a broken and humble heart. Believers must evaluate their relationships, actions, and words to please God and live in His glory. [... more]

John MacArthur emphasizes the importance of cultivating good habits and being aware of Satan's subtle attacks on believers. He shares biblical examples of how God allows Satan to test and strengthen faith, and how believers can overcome the enemy through their faith in Jesus Christ. [... more]

Satan, the slanderer and destroyer, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking to devour people who name the name of Christ. He works through demons and human beings to undermine confidence, silence confession, and get people to stop serving God. To counter this, Christians must be on the alert, having strong trust in God's mighty hand and being vigilant in defense against Satan's attacks. [... more]

Humbling oneself under God's mighty hand is essential for spiritual maturity, as it allows for the proper time of exaltation. An attitude of submission, humility, and trust are fundamental attitudes that produce spiritual maturity, replacing pride and self-love. [... more]

Spiritual maturity is a fundamental aspect of the Christian experience, requiring a deep understanding of biblical principles and a commitment to submission to spiritual leadership. Through a practical path, believers can cultivate humility, self-discipline, and love for their Heavenly Father, ultimately leading to a more mature and effective faith. [... more]

The Christian life is characterized by thankfulness, which is a fundamental attitude that should be practiced every day. The Bible teaches that gratitude is essential for a spirit-filled life, and it should be a normal part of our speech. Jesus and the Apostle Paul are examples of people who had thankful hearts, even in difficult circumstances. However, there are hindrances to gratitude, such as doubt, selfishness, worldliness, critical spirit, impatience, coldness, and rebellion, which can destroy the church and lead to a life of negativity and unthankfulness. [... more]

Ingratitude is a sin that characterizes the unregenerate, but it's also a sin that Christians often commit, forgetting the source of their blessings and the sacrifice of Christ. The Bible teaches that we should give thanks in everything, recognizing God's sovereignty and provision in our lives. [... more]

The House of David baseball team, a group of long-haired, whiskered men from Benton Harbor, Michigan, made a massive impact on the country outside of their hometown by mastering baseball across the country, laying the foundations of equality for black baseball teams, and challenging social norms through their unique style and talent. [... more]

Anger wears many masks, and understanding its different forms is crucial for emotional well-being. Spewers, stuffers, and leakers are three primary anger masks, each with distinct characteristics and consequences. By recognizing and addressing these patterns, individuals can develop healthier ways to manage their anger and build stronger relationships. [... more]

Anger is a morally neutral emotional response designed to protect someone or something, but it can be a destructive force if left unchecked. It can be a healthy response to injustices or wrongs, but it can also lead to negative consequences and pitfalls. Understanding anger from God's perspective is key to dealing with it in a healthy way and learning to express it in a way that gets the issue on the table without attacking the person. [... more]

A contented person is consumed with meeting others' needs, and by doing so, they are free from dissatisfaction. To achieve contentment, one must trust in God's providence, be satisfied with little, be independent of circumstances, be sustained by divine power, and be preoccupied with the well-being of others. [... more]

Paul's contentment in prison is a testament to his trust in God's providence and his ability to be satisfied with little. He learned to be content in whatever circumstances he was in, and this was not just a matter of accepting his situation, but of being indifferent to it. He found all his satisfaction in the relationship with the Lord, the hope of the future, and being useful to God for kingdom purposes. [... more]

Cultivating genuine biblical compassion is crucial in dealing with difficult people in our lives. We need to be patient, offer spiritual strength, and seek what is good for others, even when they are wayward, worried, weak, wearisome, or wicked. [... more]

The church is a hospital for imperfect people, and dealing with problem individuals requires compassion, kindness, and patience. Biblical compassion involves understanding the struggle of others and coming alongside them to help, rather than condemning or judging them. This approach is essential for growing a healthy flock and building Christ-like disciples. [... more]

The Bible commands Christians to rejoice always, and this profound joy is rooted in a deep-seated understanding of God's sovereignty, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of future glory. By filling their minds with sound doctrine, Christians can control their emotions and respond to life's challenges with true joy, which is not dependent on earthly circumstances but rather connected to their eternal salvation and the divine promises of God. [... more]

True joy comes from having confidence in a sovereign God who works everything, even the toughest trials, for your good. It's a supernatural joy that springs from the deep-down confidence that God is in perfect control of everything, for our good and his glory. [... more]

Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of Christian character, as it reveals our resemblance to our Heavenly Father. The Bible teaches that forgiveness is a necessary component in the life of the church, and it is essential for our joy, peace, and usefulness. God's holiness makes his forgiveness all the more astonishing, and as his children, we are called to forgive others as God forgives us. Unforgiveness can lead to a fracturing of fellowship, a limiting of usefulness, and a robbing of joy and peace. On the other hand, forgiveness brings heaven to earth and heaven's peace into the sinful heart, making us more like God. [... more]

The pursuit of unity in the church is rooted in a shared understanding of biblical truth and sound doctrine, as emphasized by John MacArthur in his study on The Pillars of Christian Character. He stresses that true unity is built on a foundation of holiness and a commitment to the truth, rather than a superficial agreement that disregards doctrine. By prioritizing the teaching of scripture and the pursuit of wisdom, believers can cultivate a deeper understanding of God's Word and live in harmony with one another, ultimately glorifying God through their spiritual unity. [... more]

Many people want their investments to reflect their values and convictions, and they need guidance from financial advisors to align their finances with their faith. Research shows that 48% of investors have already connected their investments with their faith or are interested in doing so, but a gap exists between investor interest and advisor action. Financial advisors can help clients incorporate faith-based investing into their financial plans, and tools are available to screen portfolios and exclude companies that conflict with their values. [... more]

God's love is not an emotional impulse, but rather meeting someone's need to the point of self-sacrifice. Jesus demonstrated this love by washing his disciples' feet, showing that love is not about feelings, but about humility and serving others. This selfless love is a key aspect of Christian character and is demonstrated through acts of kindness, generosity, and humility. [... more]

Biblical love is defined as self-sacrificing, not primarily an emotion or feeling, but an act of self-giving. The world's view of love is often a perversion, redefining it in terms of sexual freedom and promiscuity, which is contrary to the true nature of love as taught in the Bible. [... more]

Managing money as a couple can be a source of stress, but intentionally scheduling conversations about money, known as 'money dates,' can help couples grow closer together and become better stewards of their resources. Dr. Shane Enet shares six creative ways couples can build stronger relationships by having intentional financial conversations, including sharing their money story, giving together, cooking the books, and discussing credit reports and estate planning. [... more]

The importance of humility in spiritual growth is discussed, highlighting its role in recognizing one's spiritual bankruptcy and utter unworthiness, and the need to be broken and weak to be usable by God. The humility of Christ is presented as a model for believers, and the importance of being concerned for others and exposing them to God's truth is emphasized. [... more]

The importance of cultivating humility and recognizing spiritual bankruptcy is essential for salvation. Jesus teaches that the kingdom belongs to the humble, and that humility is demonstrated through submission to God, resisting the devil, and drawing near to God. The church's goal is to produce humility, which is a sense of one's spiritual bankruptcy and utter unworthiness, and to help believers recognize that they are no more worthy now than they ever were in the past. [... more]

Faith and obedience are the foundational attitudes of Christian living, with obedience being the companion to faith. When we come to salvation, we make a covenant of obedience, committing to follow God's word and obey His commands. However, many people are deceived about their spiritual condition, either because they don't apply the word of God in their lives or because they have a superficial understanding of the Bible. True obedience comes from the heart, and it's essential to understand the profound supernatural character of the words of Scripture to be motivated to know God's truth more. [... more]

The Bible emphasizes the importance of heart work and spiritual growth in building Christian character. John MacArthur explains that the church must focus on internal systems, such as spiritual attitudes, motives, and convictions, to produce a strong spiritual heart. He uses the metaphor of a physical body to illustrate the need for internal life and the importance of using the Word of God as a sharp scalpel to pierce the heart and reveal the true state of one's condition. [... more]

Faith is the foundation of Christian character, and it's essential for living a transformed life. Habakkuk's story illustrates how faith is built on a deep understanding of God's character, including His sovereignty, holiness, and faithfulness. By trusting in God's promises and character, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and live by faith, not by sight. [... more]