Everyday Truth with Kurt Skelly

One of the most famous *and misused* Scriptures of all time

Christians love to quote Bible verses as if they are some kind of magic abra kadabra. Yanking them out of context, we can make the Bible say almost anything we want it to say. Dangerous! And perhaps the most disheartening part is the fact that we miss the great truth that the verse actually teaches.

Stinking Thinking

Spiritual battles are won or lost in the mind. The monstrous habits that dominate so many lives are incubated in the mind. We need to post guards by the entry points to our minds, and we need to display real courage to expel the imposters that creep their way in. If what we think about determines what we choose, then we need to choose what we think about. Read that last sentence again.

Don't worry about it!

Has anyone ever said that to you? Easy advice to give... Hard to follow. But did you know that the Lord gives that very advice in Philippians 4:6? In fact, He tells us not to worry about anything at all. How is that even possible? Consider today's teaching carefully and you might find God's peace can fill the big hole that worry used to occupy.

The Joy Thief

Nothing will steal your joy more quickly than when you can't get along with others. Even when life seems to be at its best, that one petty person and cynical person in your life can yank that joy right out of your life. It seems that "rejoicing" can be hard work indeed. Learn today's lesson. You'll be glad you did!

Hey you two, get along!

Have you ever been around two good people who seemed to be great church members in every way, except for the fact they couldn't get along with each other? Their bickering diminishes their testimony and causes every one around them to feel awkward. It wasn't good for the church of Philippi, and it's not good for yours either.

It's not where you are; it's who you are.

The Bible clearly labels believers as citizens of Heaven. Citizens. Who we are. But we don't live there yet. We are on foreign soil engaged in ambassador responsibility. The world. Where we are.

Don't allow where you are to define who you are. That's already been determined! 

Follow somebody other than Jesus.

Before you malign me for borderline blasphemy, let me explain. Obviously we should all follow the Lord Jesus Christ, but the means by which He has designed for us to do so is by following people who follow Him. True statement. Every now and then I'll hear some super spiritual person say that "you can't put our eyes on men." But is that what the Bible says? Listen in.

Everything I've got!

We admire those people who pursue their calling with complete and utter abandon. It's how new lands are discovered, battles are won, championships are secured, and mountains are climbed. Let me ask you a question: What's the *one thing* for which you live your life? What are you pressing toward? 

Losing it all and being OK with it

Read that title again. It's exactly how Paul felt. In fact, he was even more than just OK with it--he rejoiced in losing anything that inhibited his knowledge of and pursuit toward Jesus Christ!

Dangerous Self Confidence

We live in a society that values boldness and energetic leadership. We make heroes of self-made men and love to celebrate those who do things without anybody else's help. Perhaps there's something to be said for some of that... But spiritually, self-confidence is toxic and deadly. Learn why today.