Everyone has something that they’re struggling with. Even a rich and powerful person has insecurities and vulnerabilities that the enemy tries to exploit. However, Pastor Bill teaches you today that it doesn’t matter what your circumstances are, or what temptations you are facing, the decision to resist the enemy or to give in to his temptation rests on your shoulders. Yes, God will allow you to be tempted at times in your life, just like anyone else. What you control is how you respond to that temptation.

We’ve all had situations in life when we’ve needed to wait. Whether we’re waiting at the doctor’s office or we’re renewing our driver’s license at the DMV, certain experiences seem tailor-made to test our patience. But Pastor Bill encourages us today that patience is a good virtue to have. Sometimes we have to wait on God to fulfill His promises in His timing. We may not understand why the Lord is doing things on our timeline, but what we can be sure of is that He has the best in store for us. 

Many people prefer to use friendly language when describing God. After all, the Bible tells us that God is our Heavenly Father, who watches over us and cares for us! But Pastor Bill also wants us to remember that God is worthy of all of our honor and reverence, as well. There is a fine line between telling God what is on our hearts and spilling all of our complaints and frustrations to Him. Don’t enter into His presence rashly, but instead come to Him with a humble and open heart.

Some people assume that God’s favor is something they earn through their good works. But Pastor Bill is here to tell you today that even the world’s most generous philanthropist, someone who gives billions and billions of dollars to the poor, and never breaks one of God’s laws, cannot earn His approval! Instead, God’s favor is given by grace and grace alone. It isn’t your actions that earn God’s love; it’s God’s perfect love that can love imperfect people, no matter how good or bad their lives have been.

Have you ever felt the devil hit play on that old tape of your worst moments, trying to drown out everything Jesus did for you? Today, Pastor Bill shuts the player down with Romans 8, “There is therefore now no condemnation for you who are in Christ Jesus and walk in the Spirit.” God doesn’t just forgive the past; He removes the charges, burns the file, and tells you to forget what’s behind, because He already has. Satan wants you stuck in rewind, but God says press forward, eyes on what’s ahead.

Have you ever wondered how God actually guides you when everything around you feels dark? Today, Pastor Bill uses poetic imagery from Job to show you exactly how it works through God’s Word. His Word is your lamp, something you hold close for the very next step, lighting just enough ground to keep you from stumbling right now. At the same time, it’s a light that shines farther down the path, giving you general direction, so you know where you should keep heading overall.

Were you afraid of the dark or monsters under your bed when you were little? But then your dad reassured you that he already scared them away. Or did you watch a scary movie and then need to sleep in your parents' room with the lights on? This is how your heavenly Father is also. Pastor Bill reminds you today that everything is under God’s control. There are no monsters, no scary movies, and nothing evil in this world that wins in the end. The only one you should have a healthy fear of is the Lord. 

God has gifted us with emotion, intellect, and love. Sometimes, we don’t know how to use all three at the same time. Especially when we’re overly emotional, it’s hard for us to see logic clearly. Or when we’re being too intellectual about something, it’s hard to give a loving response. Today, Pastor Bill reminds you that you have prayer at your fingertips. Before you respond in a way that you’ll regret, pause. Seek God’s wisdom and respond in a way that would make your Heavenly Father proud.

Since the beginning of time, we’ve been obsessed with wealth and finding the next quick thing that makes us rich. We’ve risked our lives mining for gold, silver, and other precious metals. Pastor Bill asks us today, how much more should we be seeking God’s wisdom? How much more should we be risking our lives for the nuggets of truth God has for us? Our treasure lies in heavenly things, not earthly things that can be taken or destroyed. How much energy do you put into seeking the Lord’s wisdom? 

I wonder if Job knew the truth that Pastor Bill just shared? …that even though his friends were condemning him…even though everything looked bleak, like the end of the world…God would be faithful. And, sneak peek…not to give too much away…even though Job was RUTHLESSLY attacked by the enemy, God was faithful…God eventually will bless Job. Pastor Bill reminds us today that even though you WILL experience spiritual warfare in this life, the God that is in YOU is GREATER than the god of this world.