HomeWord, with Jim Burns

Fear is a natural and necessary part of human existence, but when it becomes unhealthy and paralyzes us, it can prevent us from living the life we were meant to live. By learning to replace old fears with new ones and cultivating a deeper relationship with God, we can overcome fear and discover a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

Most Christians struggle with guilt and comparison, feeling inadequate when they don't measure up to others' spiritual standards. By recognizing the destructive nature of comparison and embracing their unique wiring, individuals can break free from false guilt and cultivate a more authentic, intimate relationship with God.

The biblical story of Joseph serves as a powerful reminder that when faced with temptation, it's essential to recognize the temporary and deceptive nature of sin. By learning from Joseph's courageous decision to "run" from Potiphar's wife, readers can gain valuable insight into how to resist the allure of sin and instead choose a path of righteousness.

A marathon runner's inspiring finish in the 1968 Olympics serves as a powerful metaphor for perseverance and discipline, encouraging readers to choose the pain of discipline over the pain of regret in their own lives. By embracing this mindset, individuals can overcome obstacles and stay on track with their goals, just as the runner persevered despite his injuries to cross the finish line.

This devotional explores the concepts of mercy and grace, highlighting their significance in our lives as Christians. By examining biblical passages and personal anecdotes, it reveals how God's forgiveness and mercy can transform our ability to forgive others, offering practical guidance for extending mercy and grace to those around us.

The Bible teaches us that everyone has a structural weakness, whether it's greed, fear, lust, or pride, and that Jesus calls us to bind the wounds of others rather than exploiting their weaknesses. By acknowledging our own weaknesses and being willing to encourage those around us, we can become healing agents who restore and uplift others, as encouraged by Romans 8:26 and Matthew 7:3-4.

Jesus teaches that true greatness and significance come not from wealth or status, but from serving others and giving one's life for the benefit of many. By embracing service as a means to achieve significance, individuals can store up treasures that will last forever, rather than chasing fleeting earthly riches.

As the weight of burdens and past hurts threatens to consume us, Jesus offers a lifeline of healing and restoration through His promise of rest. By surrendering our pain and trusting in His power, we can experience the transformative love, peace, and hope that only He can bring.

In a small village in Laconia, a young boy named Tommy discovers that breaking free from the constraints of his community's expectations can lead to a life of true freedom and purpose. By embracing his uniqueness and choosing to be different, Tommy finds that he is no longer bound by the limitations of his surroundings, and instead, he is able to live a life that is abundant with joy and fulfillment.

A young boy's selfless act of love, despite being unloved and abused by others, reveals the profound power of mature love that makes us most like God. By embracing the challenge to love those who appear "of no immediate value," we can transform not only their lives but also our own, becoming more like the loving King we were created to be.

As the iconic film "Thelma and Louise" reminds us, true friendship is about more than just being there for each other - it's about being willing to speak truth and love unconditionally. In this devotional, Elizabeth Cole explores the biblical principles of kindness, compassion, and courage that can help us build deeper, godlier relationships with those around us.

Give yourself permission to rest and refuel by reconnecting with the One who provides rest for your weary soul.

God's plan of adoption has always been to choose us in Christ, making us holy and blameless in His sight, regardless of our athletic ability, intelligence, or faith. We are not picked last, but first, as Jesus chose us long before we existed, offering a gracious gift that requires no pride or self-effort.

A person's life can bear much fruit when they remain connected to Jesus, but many settle for mediocrity and miss out on the fullness of God's plan. By embracing their identity in Christ and letting go of self-imposed limitations, individuals can experience a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment that goes beyond mere average living.

A parable about a school for animals teaches that focusing on fixing weaknesses can lead to wasted potential, while developing strengths can bring glory to God. By recognizing and nurturing our unique gifts and abilities, we can become more effective servants of the Lord and fulfill His purposes in our lives.