James 1:12-18Thoughts: Today's passage addresses the delicate balance between God's sovereignty and human responsibility. James makes it clear that God does not tempt us to sin, but that temptation comes from our own desires. How does this understanding impact your view of personal responsibility in your spiritual life? Reflect on areas where you might be tempted to blame God or others for your ch...

Acts 7:51-60Acts 7:51-6051 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and ha...

Luke 14:15-2415 And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. 16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. Th...

Romans 8:28-3028 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and wh...

Ephesians 1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:Thoughts: It seems as if Paul is imposing a blessing upon God, but the truth is that humanity can’t add a blessing unto God. This scripture is not saying that we bless or are a blessing to God, but rather it says that we bless God or the name of our God...