I believe it is just as important to maintain a consistent diet for your spirit as it is to care for your body through proper nutrition and exercise.
When the Apostle Paul wrote his first letter to the church in Corinth, he said in 1 Corinthians 3:2, “I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.” These were strong words, spoken because the church had remained spiritually immature—still governed by the flesh rather than growing in faith.
In many ways, our spiritual health mirrors our physical health. It requires both nourishment and discipline. Hebrews 5:14 explains it well: “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
Spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident. It comes through a steady intake of God’s Word and a willingness to apply it daily—strengthening our ability to discern, grow, and live with purpose.
IIsaiah 55:11 – “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
There’s an old country song that tells the story of four people—a farmer, a teacher, a prostitute, and a preacher—riding together on a late-night bus bound for Mexico. Each had their own reason for traveling: one for vacation, one for education, and two searching for lost souls.
Tragically, the bus was struck at an intersection by an eighteen-wheeler, and three of the four passengers lost their lives. As the preacher lay dying, he placed his blood-stained Bible into the hands of the prostitute before passing into eternity. Reflecting on the lone survivor, the songwriter wrote, “Why there wasn’t four of them, heaven only knows.”
But one line from that song has always stood out to me:
“I guess it’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you—it’s what you leave behind you when you go.”
Most of us understand the truth echoed in Job 1:21: “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither.” We enter this world with nothing, and we leave the same way. That reality has been repeated for generations—but it raises an important question:
When your days on this earth are finished, what will you leave behind? What will your legacy be?
Many people, at one time or another, have asked, “What value does my life really have?” If you’ve ever wrestled with that question—especially as a believer—consider this:
God’s Word never returns empty. According to Isaiah 55:11, it always accomplishes His purpose. When you first heard the Word of truth, it produced faith within you. And when you responded to that truth through Jesus Christ, God brought transformation to your life. As the Apostle Paul writes in II Corinthians 5:17, “old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
That transformation doesn’t stop with you.
If you continue to walk in that truth, your life creates a ripple effect. Your testimony—whether spoken or simply lived—is seen by others. In many cases, it becomes a powerful witness that draws people toward Christ. Even when you’re unaware of it, others are watching, and they can see God at work in you.
The Psalms speak to this very idea:
Psalm 40:3 – “And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.”
Your life matters. Your story matters. Your faith has influence.
The song ends with a preacher holding up that blood-stained Bible and saying, “That’s the story that our preacher told last Sunday.” And then comes the closing tribute:
“God bless the farmer, and the teacher… and the preacher who gave this Bible to my mama, who then read it to me.”
That’s legacy.
The simple truth is this: the life of one committed follower of Jesus can—and will—make an impact. The seeds God plants in your life don’t stop with you. They continue to grow in the lives of others.
So the question isn’t just what you’ll take with you when you leave this world—
it’s what you’re leaving behind.
Nationally, Thanksgiving is a holiday set aside for those living in the United States to pause and give thanks. But for the Christian, every day should be a day of thanksgiving. We have so much to be grateful to God for.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be like the world. The world often sees only the negative in everything and tends to dwell on the negative side of life. But for the child of God—those who have been born again—their very nature has been changed. II Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” We have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness, which is a kingdom of unthankfulness, and translated into the kingdom of His dear Son.
God’s Word teaches us to give thanks to Him in all things. As you search the Scriptures, you will see that even in the most difficult circumstances, the people of God gave thanks. King David is one such example. In Psalm 95:1–2 he wrote, “O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.”
John 8:32 says, “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
True freedom is found in Jesus Christ alone. Do not be misled by the many voices and religions of this world that claim to offer peace and liberty. There is only one true source of freedom, and that is God through His Son, Jesus Christ. No other power can break the bondage of sin in a human life. Jesus makes it clear that when we abide in His Word and walk in obedience, that Word brings genuine freedom.
Romans 6:14 reminds us, “…sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” And John 8:34 declares, “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” Scripture is clear—sin enslaves, and its wages bring bondage and spiritual death.
There is nothing more precious than being set free from the grip of sin. No pleasure or pursuit in this world can compare to the peace that comes from knowing your sins are forgiven and your heart is made right with God.
God has made a way through His Son, Jesus Christ. If you believe on Him, He has the power to deliver you, restore you, and set you completely free.
Do not be deceived—Jesus is the only way to the Father. Turn to Him today and receive the freedom only He can give.
Proverbs 23:23 says, “Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.”
God places great value on wisdom, discipline, and understanding. If we are truly His children and love Him, shouldn’t that be evident in the way we live?
I am deeply troubled as I observe the growing disobedience in this generation and the increasing rebellion among both peers and younger children. In many places, there is a noticeable lack of respect for parents, teachers, law enforcement, government officials, and others in authority. Sadly, much of this behavior is learned—often modeled within the home itself. Some claim to know God, yet their actions deny Him, as their lives do not reflect obedience to His Word. In doing so, they may unknowingly be leading their children down a destructive path.
To the Christian young person reading this: spiritual law is greater than any natural law on earth. One of these unchanging principles is the law of sowing and reaping. God’s Word declares, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). This truth is absolute and unchanging.
Parents also carry a serious responsibility. We must understand that what we do in moderation, our children often imitate in excess. We help set the direction for their future—whether toward success or failure. Ultimately, we will be held accountable for the example we set and the path we lead them on. We must ask ourselves honestly: are we living the example we want our children to follow?
To the young people, my question is this: where are the true leaders of this generation? Where are those who are mature enough, wise enough, and disciplined enough to stand for truth—even when it is unpopular among their peers?
Scripture reminds us that the Old Testament was written for our instruction. In the book of Daniel, we find a powerful example of four young men who stood out in their generation—Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (also known as Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). These young men demonstrated character and conviction in the midst of a culture that opposed their faith.
Daniel 1:4 describes them as “youths in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had ability for serving in the king’s court.”
Similarly, Proverbs 1:1–3 states that the purpose of the proverbs is “for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair.”
Some of the richest and most practical truths in all of Scripture are found in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. My challenge to all of us is to turn wholeheartedly to God and align our lives with His Word.
Parents, before we can teach godly living to our children, we must first live it before them. We must set the standard and become the example they need to see. “He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.”
1 Peter 3:10 says, “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:” Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” James 1:19 instructs, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”
The Word of God speaks extensively about the power of the tongue. The verses above only begin to touch the depth of this subject.
From the very beginning, we see that humanity was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in his own image… male and female created he them.”). As we continue through Scripture, we find that God’s words carry creative and life-giving power. In Genesis, God speaks light into existence: “Let there be light,” and light immediately appears.
Psalm 107:20 declares, “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” Likewise, in the New Testament, Jesus—God manifested in the flesh—demonstrates the authority of His spoken word. In Matthew 8:13, He speaks healing into a situation from a distance: “Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.”
These examples reveal a powerful truth: words are not empty. They are containers that carry either life or death, blessing or cursing, not only for ourselves but also for those who hear and receive them.
Because we are created in God’s image, we are called to reflect His nature. That includes the way we speak. Our words should build up, encourage, and strengthen others rather than tear them down or cause harm.
Ephesians 5:1 says, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;”—another rendering describes this as becoming imitators of God as beloved children.
As His image-bearers, we are called to speak in a way that reflects His character: words that bring life, truth, and grace.
John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Working in manufacturing, I’ve come to appreciate how certain phrases can carry more meaning than what first meets the eye. One phrase I encountered on the shop floor was printed on a green tote used to move parts from receiving to the assembly lines. It read: “RETURN to Truth.” At first glance, it was simply an instruction—return the container to the vendor named “Truth” so it could be reused and avoid unnecessary charges.
But the message lingered with me.
That phrase, “RETURN to Truth,” began to speak to me on a much deeper level. It made me think about how easily any of us can drift away from what we know is right. Sometimes it happens gradually, almost unnoticed. Other times, it is a deliberate choice. Yet whenever we move away from truth, there is always a consequence. Scripture reminds us in James 4:7 that “to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” And the psalmist reflects in Psalm 119:67, “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.”
God’s Word reveals a sobering reality: when we walk in disobedience, we step outside of His protective covering. He does not desire that for us, but He will allow us to follow our own path. And often, it is in that place of affliction that we come to ourselves—much like the prodigal son. It is there that clarity returns, and we realize we are not where we need to be.
Yet the beauty of God’s mercy is this: return is always possible.
The prodigal son found this truth when he came to himself and turned back toward his father. And instead of rejection, he was met with compassion, restoration, and honor. In the same way, our Heavenly Father is not waiting to condemn those who return, but to receive them. He runs toward the repentant heart, welcoming them back with love and grace.
When we return to His truth, we also return to His protection, His wisdom, and the blessings He intends for our lives. Obedience is not a burden—it is the pathway to life, peace, and fulfillment in Him.
So if you find yourself reading this and recognizing that your life has drifted off course, the message is simple and personal: Return to Truth.
It is not too late. No matter how far you feel you’ve gone, the invitation still stands. You are at a moment of decision—continue on a path that leads to frustration and affliction, or humble yourself and return to the One who created you and loves you without measure.
Like the father of the prodigal son who received him with open arms, your Heavenly Father is ready to welcome you back. He will restore, He will forgive, and He will bless far beyond what you can imagine.
Return to Him today.
“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
One of the most memorable parts of my childhood was standing against a wall while my father or grandfather marked my height on the doorway—level with the crown of my head—to show me that I was growing. I didn’t have to wonder if I was changing; I could see it for myself. In just a few months, we would return to the same spot, repeat the process, and I would notice that the mark had been placed a little higher on the wall. I wanted to grow, and I was given a visible way to recognize that growth.
Soon after I became a follower of Christ, I found myself with that same desire—only now it was spiritual growth I was pursuing. As a new creation in Christ, “…old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). I longed for a deeper, more mature walk of faith with the Lord. The challenge was no longer the desire to grow, but the question of how to measure it. So the question becomes: how do we measure spiritual growth? Is it by how eloquent we pray, or by how many hands we shake on a Sunday morning?
Over time, I have discovered that Scripture gives us clear ways to recognize spiritual maturity. One of those is found in Ephesians 4:11–16, which teaches that Christ gave ministry gifts to the Church—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These gifts were given so that we might hear the Word of God, be grounded in truth, and no longer remain spiritual children, but “grow up into Him in all things” (Ephesians 4:15). Looking back over my life, I can now see evidence of that growth. The failures of my past no longer have the same authority over me, because I have chosen to align my life with the Word of God I have heard faithfully preached and studied through personal devotion.
Another clear measure of spiritual growth is found in the way we respond to God’s Word in daily life. As I submit myself to God and act on His Word, I find my faith becoming stronger. Resisting temptation is much like physical exercise—resistance builds strength. Each time I choose to stand against temptation, I grow stronger spiritually. But consistency is essential; neglect leads to weakness, just as it does in the natural body. When I resist, I grow. When I yield to temptation, I weaken. The choice is always before me.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
Let us purpose in our hearts today to serve Him more faithfully and to draw nearer to Him, especially as we see the day of the Lord’s return approaching.
Ephesians 5:1 “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.” Ephesians 5:22–24 “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
As I concluded my devotion this morning, I found myself sitting quietly and reflecting on these passages after reading Ephesians chapters 4 and 5. My heart is burdened as I consider what I see taking place in much of the church today.
There is a growing tendency toward spiritual complacency. It often seems that the call to holiness has been softened or, in some cases, set aside altogether. Many congregations are filled each week, yet there is little evident hunger for the Word of God. In its place, much of what is heard has become a message centered on comfort rather than conviction.
Grace is frequently emphasized—and rightly so—but in many settings it is being misapplied. It is being presented in a way that suggests that ongoing sin is acceptable, as though God is unconcerned with how we live after salvation. Yet Scripture does not support this conclusion. We are warned plainly:
“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.”
Rather than lowering the standard of God’s Word, we are called to live in its truth. The message of Scripture is clear—we are to come out of our former way of life and be transformed. We are commanded to be renewed in the spirit of our minds and to “put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
Grace does not lower the standard; it empowers us to live by it.
This is not a call to harshness toward those who are new or struggling in their walk with Christ. Patience, discipleship, and compassion are essential. But there is also a need for spiritual maturity. The church must be encouraged to grow into the likeness of Christ and to live in a way that brings Him glory. Anything that reflects the old life of sin must be set aside in pursuit of righteousness.
As Colossians 3:5–6 instructs:
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.”
These words are repeated throughout Scripture, underscoring their importance before God.
We must also be honest about the condition of the church. In many places, sin is tolerated and rarely addressed. In the name of grace, correction is often avoided. Yet the New Testament church was not silent about sin—it was instructed, corrected, and called back to truth. Much of 1 Corinthians, for example, is written with this very purpose in mind.
What then is the church doing today to lovingly yet faithfully correct error and call believers to holiness?
Preaching the truth of God’s Word is not always popular, but it is essential. Those who shepherd God’s people carry a responsibility before Him. As Colossians 1:28 declares:
“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”
We each bear responsibility for the spiritual health of the Body of Christ. The question remains: are we faithfully fulfilling God’s call to preach His truth in its fullness today?
Psalm 9:10 “And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.”
Those who truly know the Lord have no reason to live in fear of what is coming upon the earth. A personal relationship with the God of all creation brings a steady confidence that He will care for His own.
When we anchor ourselves in God’s Word, we are reminded that what He has spoken will surely come to pass. His promises are not uncertain or fragile—they are sure. For this reason, we must guard our hearts against the distractions and deceptions of this present world and keep our trust firmly in the One who alone is able to save and sustain us.
The account of Elijah and Elisha in 2 Kings 2 offers a powerful lesson. Elisha, a devoted servant and follower of the prophet Elijah, was aware—through the revelation of God—that Elijah was soon to be taken up. Even when others spoke of it, Elisha refused to be pulled away or discouraged from staying close.
His desire was singular: to remain near the presence and calling of God at work through Elijah. He would not allow distraction or discouragement to break his focus. And when the moment came, Elijah asked what he might do for him before he was taken away. Elisha’s response reveals the depth of his pursuit:
“And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” (2 Kings 2:9)
Elisha’s life reminds us that spiritual hunger and steadfast devotion matter. He pursued God’s presence with intention, refusing to be diverted from what God had for him.
In the same way, believers today are called to remain steadfast, attentive, and devoted to the Lord. The safest place for any child of God is continual fellowship with the Heavenly Father—walking closely with Him, trusting Him fully, and refusing to be drawn away by lesser things.