Life comes with seasons of trial and testing. How do we survive and thrive through the storms of life? How do we face fear, pain, addictions, loss, depression, faith crisis and sickness without becoming callused toward God and people? There are no easy and straightforward answers to life’s trials and afflictions, but one thing is sure in the midst of our tribulations – God is able and willing to bring us through storms of life.

Jesus replied with six simple, but beautiful words that would delight any parent, “Go your son will live!” In faith this nobleman goes, meeting his servants the next day on the way home who confirm that at the very moment he accepted Jesus’ word, his son was healed. Now not only did he believe, but his entire household believed!

If there is anything I’m certain of is that prayer works. One of the benefits of having walked with God for an extended amount of time is that you begin to build experience with God. And the longer you walk with Him, the more experience you will have with Him.

Jesus reminded the disciples, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26 NIV) It is part of the Holy Spirit’s role to teach and, to bring into our remembrance, the Truth that Jesus has spoken.

Share on facebook Share on google Share on twitter Share on linkedin “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let …

Like the bird, we can choose to blindly enter into situations with ignorant optimism. Optimism is an amazing quality to have, but not at the expense of taking the time to apply wisdom and careful thought. That’s the amazing benefit of being a part of God’s family.

Our everyday decisions are often affected by our understanding of current events, past experiences, assessment of consequences, hope for results, and learned preferences. However, perhaps an even bigger factor is, who is looking at us and what are they thinking.

The great news is that you can know how God wants you to live your life. You can train your spirit to recognize and discern God’s will by renewing your mind to His word (check out Pastor Dave’s series: Under Construction). Our minds are renewed and transformed as we spend time reading scripture. And in doing so we are able to recognize what God’s will is for us.

“Fuel Low” sign is on. Seeing this in my car dashboard, the thought on my mind is – how did I manage to do this again?! Whether is letting my car run until the gas tank is nearly empty, or use my laptop even with 5% battery left, I have a tendency of using everything until it reaches its limits. My disposition to give or use everything I got, without re-fueling or re-charging, is something that I’m working to change by the grace of God. The same grace that fuels me to do good works is the same grace I need to be filled again. A purpose-driven life is worth living only when we depend on the One who empowers us with His grace. 

I often hear people say that they do not know their purpose or the will of God for their lives. Well, this scripture lays it out real plain. It is God’s will for each of us to walk in thankfulness to God in everything. Everything might not be exciting or even feel good in the moment, but we are exhorted to give thanks anyways.

If we believe in a personal and sovereign God who created us intentionally out of love, then it follows that there are some logical questions for every person to ask: why did this God create me? Which direction does He want me to go in life? What is the purpose of my brief earthly existence? Where is my destination in this life and will it affect my afterlife?

The Church that Paul writes to in Colossae faced similar challenges. Their culture had crept into the church and was pressuring the believers to conform to its perspective.The “good philosophies” of Paul’s day did not deny Christ, but it did dethrone Him. It gave Jesus a place, but not the supreme place. The heresies at that time included the worship of angels, mysticism and legalism (a spiritual diet of rules) that would give them eternal life. There was a pressure on the believer, like it is now, to be a culturally correct.

God has set you up in your neighbourhood, in your office tower, in your networks and in your family to bring the life changing message of Jesus.  All He requires from you is to allow the Fruits of the Spirit to come out of your life until people can’t help but ask what makes you so different.

Most of us have probably been taught at a young age to show respect to our parents. The late Aretha Franklin is well-remembered for a popular tuneasking for some R-E-S-P-E-C-T. I would suggest that more than giving respect, what we need more of in our culture today is HONOUR. 

I mean, wouldn’t God want me to celebrate my successes or take pride in a job well done? Of course, the answer is yes. The Bible actually teaches us that we are to work hard, and that God himself took satisfaction in His own creation (Gen. 1:31). This doesn’t describe the sin of pride.

There is more and more interest these days in finding our family histories. Where did I come from? What is my ancestry? We are encouraged to search the Web to find our roots, to find our particular branch on the family tree. You can even mail away a sample of your DNA and the results should tell us what particular part of the world we originated from.