Facing Problems and Trials

 

Romans 5:3-5 says to feel good about problems and trials because they help you develop endurance and strength of character, leading to stronger faith. When you face your challenges with a positive attitude, you will not be disappointed in the process or the outcome. 

 

Romans 5:3-5 (NLT) 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

4/17/2022

Jesus Can Reach Anyone

 

Paul was the most eager and venomous enemy of the early church. He persecuted all he could until he was blinded by a brilliant light, showing how blind he was to the Truth. He was transformed into a brilliant light of Christ and anyone else can be too.

Acts 9:1-5 (TLB) 1 But Paul, threatening with every breath and eager to destroy every Christian, went to the High Priest in Jerusalem. 2 He requested a letter addressed to synagogues in Damascus, requiring their cooperation in the persecution of any believers he found there, both men and women, so that he could bring them in chains to Jerusalem.3 As he was nearing Damascus on this mission, suddenly a brilliant light from heaven spotted down upon him! 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Paul! Paul! Why are you persecuting me?”5 “Who is speaking, sir?” Paul asked.  And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city and await my further instructions.” 

 

4/10/2022

The Ghost in the Storm

 

In this passage the disciples were so gripped by fear they didn’t recognize Jesus. They thought he was a ghost. Peter wanted proof it was Jesus and even after realizing it was him, he still sank in the water. This says Jesus is always with you whether you know it or not.

Matthew 14:24-31 (NLT) 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

4/3/2022