Rod Stallings 
1 Lord, I appeal to you.[a]2 My God, I trust in you.Do not let me be disgraced;do not let my enemies gloat over me.3 No one who waits for youwill be disgraced;those who act treacherously without causewill be disgraced. (Psalm 25:1-3 CSB) I have been going through a new exercise of praying the Psalms. Due to the … Read more
27 Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:27 CSB0 If you have ever undergone a difficult physical training program, a rigorous diet or simply wanted to better manage your physical state, there is a need for strict … Read more
8 …Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. (1 Corinthians 8:1c CSB) We know that knowledge is a good thing. But love is better. While knowledge can have positive effects when utilized properly, love pretty much always has a positive impact. We have to ask ourselves if when we expand our knowledge it provides the opportunity to expand … Read more
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. (Matthew 16:24 CSB) What does it mean to deny ourselves? It seems a simple and straightforward enough word; to deny. But I am hesitant to say that we truly know what the … Read more
17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting isn’t obvious to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:17-18 CSB) Fasting is a practice with many benefits both physical and spiritual. Notice that pride … Read more