"And that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." - Ephesians 4:24 (NKJV)Reproduce the character of Jesus in your life. The whole point of this extended passage in Ephesians 4 is that once you become a Christian, you will express the new life within by changing your conduct. Sometimes people push back and say, "Stop telling us the do's and do...

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind." - Ephesians 4:23 (NKJV)Ephesians 4:23 gives us the central truth of real life change. If you want to change your lifestyle, you first have to change your mind. Repentance is a Greek word that means to change your mind. But it is not just a mental shift. It is a change of mind that leads to a change of behavior. I no longer want to live for sin. I no lon...

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." - Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)It's easy to let fear take over your thinking. Paul's prescription in this verse isn't complicated,...

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV)Somebody has described worry as sitting in a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but you don't get anywhere while you're doing it. In the same way, worry gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere. Actually, it hurts you in the long run. Anxiety has this way of consuming your thoughts, draining yo...

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:5 that "the Lord is at hand." This simple truth—that God is near—has the power to calm our souls in the midst of life’s turbulence.I remember a recent flying experience where I was sleep...