When a Stingy Poor Man Becomes Rich

When a man is poor and stingy, what does he become when he gets rich? This 1-minute devotion explores what Scripture teaches about generosity.

"If a man is stingy when he is poor, he will be stingy when he is rich.” ~ Unknown

Generosity has more to do with our hearts than our pocketbooks. And generosity doesn't simply apply to money. It applies to time, effort, and consideration.

We can be generous or stingy with our time and effort when caring for family members, listening to friends, or showing appreciation to co-workers. We can be generous or stingy with God's grace by forgiving or holding grudges, by seeking restoration or setting up boundaries.

In Luke 21 a poor widow put two copper coins in the temple treasury, and Jesus said, “I tell you the truth…this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them” (21:1-4).

Her gift was not the largest, but it was the most generous. And she gave it willingly and humbly to the Lord.

When we give generously in any area of our lives, God notices. It’s like making a deposit in our eternal bank account (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20).  

Is there an area where you need to give more generously of your time, money, effort, or grace?
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See Is 10% Biblical? 
A great hardcover devotional priced lower than most paperbacks.

I was blessed to see that The Alabama Baptist website recently reviewed Wisdom for Life: Book Review: Wisdom for Life Devotional.
 
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When a man is poor and stingy, what does he become when he gets rich? This 1-minute devotion explores what Scripture teaches about generosity.


Bible Love Notes

Some Insights on Tents and Eternity

Did you know that Scripture says all Christians are living in "tents"? This 1-minute devotion explains.

My grandma was born in 1909 in the tent where her family lived in the small town of Swink, Colorado. 

I can’t imagine how difficult it was for my great-grandparents managing their growing family, cooking on a campfire, being at the mercy of the Colorado weather, and being without running water. 

I’ve camped in a tent but never lived in one.

No, that’s not true. 

In 2 Corinthians 5:1-5, Paul explains that our present bodies are temporary “tents” where we live until our heavenly home is built. 

We can find joy in our earthly tents. But, as Paul explains, we also “grow weary…we groan and sigh” as our tent ages and we deal with winds of adversity and storms of persecution. We have access to streams of living water (John 7:38) and God is our shield (Proverbs 30:5), but tent life still isn't easy.

God has important things for us to do here and now, but let’s never forget this promise we have as believers: one day, we will reside in our heavenly home, seeing our Savior face-to-face (1 Corinthians 13:12). Our “dying bodies will be swallowed up by life” (2 Corinthians 5:4).

Ponder that truth today: if Christ is your Savior, you are headed for life, not death.

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For more inspiration on this subject, see Not Home Yet. I also wrote about the challenges of this tent life on my birthday in 2023: It is the Best of Times; It is the Worst of Times

2 Corinthians 5:1-5: “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”

💚 Be sure to check out Gail's book Wisdom for Life.

Did you know that Scripture says all Christians are living in "tents"? This 1-minute devotion explains.



Bible Love Notes

Why Modesty Is Getting a Bad Rap

This 1-minute devotion talks about the spirit behind negative attitudes toward modesty.

Just as Satan told Eve that God had no right to tell her not to eat the forbidden fruit, Satan is telling modern women that God has no right to tell them to dress modestly. 

On the BLN Facebook page, I posted a devotion from my archive 
called "How the Yoga Pants Debate Revealed Problems in Our Christianity." It encourages us to be kind and gracious when we discuss differing views about modesty.

Sadly, the comment stream included a good number of comments claiming that modesty was a sexist concept meant to blame women for male lust, rape, and sexual abuse.

It was clear that most of those leaving these comments hadn't actually read the devotion (Proverbs 18:13). But it also revealed a growing trend in our culture to misrepresent modesty as making women responsible for male lust.

Not true.

When we tell our daughter to look both ways before crossing the street, we aren't trying to blame her for drunk drivers. We're seeking to protect her.

When we refuse to put a glass of wine in front of our alcoholic friend, we aren't taking responsibility for his alcoholism. We're refusing to tempt him (Luke 17:1-3).

We are sexual beings, designed by God, and our designer knows what's best for us. Modesty protects us, prevents us from tempting others, and also helps us accurately represent our faith.

If you think modesty is sexist, please renew your mind in God's Word and refuse cultural conformity (Romans 12:2). 

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I strongly encourage you to do a Bite Size Bible study on modesty: What Is Biblical Modesty? Even if you understand that modesty is a wise, biblical concept, it will equip you to respond to others who don't.
💙 If you enjoy Bible Love Notes one-minute devotions, I think you'll enjoy my hardcover devotional Wisdom for Life 
 
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This 1-minute devotion talks about the spirit behind negative attitudes toward modesty.

Bible Love Notes

Listening Carefully: Innocent until Proven Guilty

This 1-minute devotion discusses an important aspect of law and biblical judgment.

Y
ears ago, I had jury duty and the judge stressed the importance of keeping an open mind. He said we'd hear evidence from a number of sources, and we needed to hear all the evidence before forming an opinion.

This is a biblical principle, repeated throughout Scripture, applying to everyone and everything we judge.

Deuteronomy 19:15 – “You must not convict anyone of a crime on the testimony of only one witness. The facts of the case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”  

Proverbs 18:17 – “In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.” 

Proverbs 18:13 – “Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.”

1 Timothy 5:19 – “Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses.”

And it's so important that when we judge things, we judge them using the principles in God's Word: 

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).
 

For a list of Scriptures pertaining to judgment, see How, Who, and What to Judge According to Scripture.

If you own Wisdom for Life, I encourage you to read or reread Day 50 which talks about the untrustworthy language sometimes used in judging people. 

If you haven't purchased Wisdom for Life, check out the sales on LifewayAmazon, and CBD.


This 1-minute devotion discusses an important aspect of law and biblical judgment.


Bible Love Notes

Sin Brings Destruction and Breeds Destruction

Once we accept one sin, it always leads to more. If we can't trust one of God's commands, we'll eventually distrust them all.

Satan loves twisting God’s wise and protective commands, making them sound offensive and unkind. 

He told Eve that God’s command regarding the forbidden fruit was simply God’s way of keeping her from being like God. And Eve's single violation of God’s garden command brought destruction (Genesis 3). 

But it didn't end there. Sin brings destruction and breeds destruction (James 1:13-15). 

By that, I mean that once we reject one of God’s commands, it always leads to more unless we sincerely repent. When we doubt God's wisdom in one area, it's natural to doubt Him in other areas as well.

When our culture rejected God’s command about premarital sex, they set the stage for our current situation. 

First, premarital sex was accepted, then living together became the norm. Adultery and pornography became more prevalent. Next, unnatural forms of sex were accepted and then celebrated (Romans 1:26-27). Now, gender reassignment is becoming normal even though it changes normal body functions with drugs and mutilates healthy body parts. But it doesn't stop there. Parents are also giving doctors permission to drug and mutilate their underage children.

I guarantee that the people who ushered in the approval of premarital sex never saw what they were breeding any more than Eve understood what her sin would breed (e.g., the murder of her son – Genesis 4:6-8). But sin brings destruction and breeds destruction.

Let's not let this happen in our lives. Let's deal quickly with our sins because “whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” (Luke 16:10).

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Note: There is a false teaching that premarital sex is not prohibited in Scripture. It's important that we understand this issue biblically, not culturally. See Clear Proof that Premarital Sex Is Forbidden in Scripture

Great, affordable, hardcover! 
💙 If you enjoy Bible Love Notes one-minute devotions, I think you'll enjoy my hardcover devotional Wisdom for Life 
 
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Once we accept one sin, it always leads to more. If we can't trust one of God's commands, we'll eventually distrust them all.

Bible Love Notes

The Evolution of Patience

Technology has changed our ability to "wait." This 1-minute devotion explains our need for biblical patience.

I admit that technology has lowered my level of patience, and if you're honest, I think you'll admit the same is true for you.


One study showed that 25% of internet users will switch off a site if they have to wait five seconds for a video to download. By ten seconds half are gone (source). 

If this impatience only affected our internet use, it wouldn't be so bad. But it bleeds over into every area of our lives.

We read less, we save less money, and we have trouble with long-term goals and delayed rewards.

And here's the irony: The only way we develop patience is through situations that force us to wait, situations that don't have immediate results, situations that force us to practice endurance, tolerance, persistence, stamina, and ultimately patience.

Actually, none of the fruit of the Spirit comes naturally, whether we're talking about biblical love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness [or] self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).  

So next time you're waiting for something to download, why not recite one of the Scriptures below:

Romans 12:12 – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

1 Thessalonians 5:14 (ESV) – “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” 


Please take the time to read We Need It: Patience

If you own Wisdom for Life, I encourage you to read or reread Day 70 for some additional insights about patience in the area of anger.

If you haven't purchased Wisdom for Life, check out the sales on LifewayAmazon, and CBD.


Technology has changed our ability to "wait." This 1-minute devotion explains our need for biblical patience.


Bible Love Notes

Let's Not Neglect These 3 Things God Has Given Us

These 3 things restore, nurture, and protect our souls.

In Isaiah 42, God assures His people that He will guide them out of the darkness that surrounds them. 

Christians today can identify. 

We are surrounded by the darkness of a worldwide culture that mocks God’s design, God’s purposes, and God’s love. We badly need these three things to guide us: 

💙godly fellowship
💙Scripture
💙prayer

We are on an unfamiliar path. We have not previously faced such resistance to our faith or to God’s laws during our lifetime. The obstacles seem insurmountable at times as the ridicule of our beliefs grows stronger.  

We desperately need God’s light, but we will fail to find it if we neglect the things He's given us to restore, nurture, and protect our souls.

Let’s remember the assurances God gave to His people in past times and remember that His Spirit is here to guide us. 

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them (Isaiah 42:16).  

He has never forsaken us. And we must never forsake the things He has set in place to shelter, guide, restore, nurture, and protect our souls.

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💙 Fellowship: “Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25).   

See The Benefits of Christian Community.

💙 Bible study: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).   

See Starved Spiritually.

💙 Prayer: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2).

See How My Granddaughter's Folded Socks Remind Me of God's Word.

Great, affordable, hardcover! 
💙 If you enjoy Bible Love Notes one-minute devotions, I think you'll enjoy my hardcover devotional Wisdom for Life 
 
Check out the sales on LifewayAmazon, and CBD.

 

 

These 3 things restore, nurture, and protect our souls.



Bible Love Notes

The Heresy of Universal Salvation—The Belief that All Men Will Be Saved

A Collection of 1-minute devotions uncovering the false teaching of Universal Salvation.

Universal salvation is an old heresy, but it's becoming increasingly popular with our current culture. These devotions will help Christians respond to questions biblically.

If a person believes that all men will be saved, they must also believe that Scripture is full of lies.
 
This devotion explains why universal salvation requires a low view of God and His Word.
 
Wishing all men will be saved sounds like a godly wish, but it denies some of the most essential aspects of our faith.
 
Sadly, those who promote universal salvation are not helping people but deceiving them.
 
We can't trust the words of Christ and maintain a belief in universal salvation.

Proponents of universal salvation sometimes claim that when Jesus mentioned Hell He was simply referring to a garbage dump. This devotion examines that teaching.
 
These six passages are used misused by those who teach universal salvation. See what these passages actually teach. 

Is it "Hell and Brimstone" or "Love and Universal Salvation"? Don't let people dictate your beliefs based on these extremes.

Be Prepared: Why Would a Loving God Send Men to Hell? 
This devotion offers a concise, biblical answer to this difficult question. 
 
Some of the biggest proponents of universal salvation are those who call themselves ex-vangelicals or progressive Christians. Read about the foundation of their faulty movement. 
 
Great, affordable, hardcover! 
💙 If you enjoy Bible Love Notes one-minute devotions, I think you'll enjoy my hardcover devotional Wisdom for Life 
 
Check out the sales on LifewayAmazon, and CBD.



 

 
A Collection of 1-minute devotions uncovering the false teaching of Universal Salvation.
 

Bible Love Notes

Our Shield, Our Glory, Our Head-Lifter

Psalm 3 provides the most wonderful picture of our relationship with the Lord. This devotion explains 3 elements of His love.

David wrote Psalm 3 when he was greatly distressed, surrounded by enemies. 

“But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.” (Psalm 3:3-4 KJV) 

Our Shield
David was a warrior king and he knew the incredible importance of a shield in battle. That's why he recognized God as his shield. 

We Christians are also in a battle, and we need to understand the importance of God as our shield. In the midst of difficulties, mistreatment, and anti-Christian propaganda, He shields us with His Word, His Spirit, His love, and His comfort. 

Our Glory
David also knew God was his glory, the source of all good things in his life. Whatever glory David brought to God came through God. 

As we depend on God and seek His will, he uses us for His glory. 

The Lifter of Our Head
My favorite aspect of this psalm is when David describes God as the lifter of his head. 

Sometimes the challenges of life leave us with our heads down, feeling broken, abandoned, alone. That’s when the hand of God can lift our heads and help us focus on His glory and the eternal glory that awaits us when our battle on earth is won.

Take time today to remind yourself of these wonderful characteristics of God's love.

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I learned this psalm as a new Christian by singing this song: My Glory and the Lifter of My Head.

A great hardcover devotional cheaper than most soft-cover books.
For more insights into this wonderful psalm, see He Lifts My Head.

For insights into many wonderful psalms and proverbs, please check out my book Wisdom for Life

It's for sale at a discounted price at LifewayAmazon, and CBD.


Psalm 3 provides the most wonderful picture of our relationship with the Lord. This devotion explains 3 elements of His love.



Bible Love Notes

Calvin and Hobbes Illustrate the Spirit versus the Letter of the Law

It's funny when Calvin says it in a comic strip, but sometimes it comes a little close to home. This 1-min. devotion explains.

In 2 Corinthians 3:6, Paul says,
He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

The Pharisees obeyed the letter of the law, not the Spirit. For example, their legalistic observance of the Sabbath led them to condemn Christ for healing the sick on the Lord's day (Mark 3:1-6). 

I'm so glad that Christians are no longer under these external Old Testament laws. Instead, we're under the law of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:19-21)And under Christ, human need is greater than external rule-keeping (Mark 2:23-28). 

Sadly, just like the Pharisees, we can slip into a rule-keeping mindset if we're not careful. We can base our goodness on externals while neglecting or excusing ungodly thoughts and attitudes.

Several years ago, I saw this truth humorously illustrated in a Calvin and Hobbes cartoon strip. 

In the first frame of the cartoon, Calvin's mom tells him to get in the bathtub because he's filthy. In the next frame, we see Calvin fully clothed, sitting in the tub and saying, I obey the letter of the law, if not the spirit.” (See it HERE.)

Unlike Calvin, when we love Christ, instead of sitting fully clothed in the tub, obeying the letter and ignoring the Spirit, we turn on the Living Water and wash away all our filthy excuses (John 14:21).

See The Pharisees Had High Self-Esteem

Great, affordable, hardcover! 
💙 If you enjoy Bible Love Notes one-minute devotions, I think you'll enjoy my hardcover devotional Wisdom for Life 
 
Check out the sales on LifewayAmazon, and CBD.



 

 

It's funny when Calvin says it in a comic strip, but sometimes it comes a little close to home. This 1-min. devotion explains.



Bible Love Notes