When we decide to follow Jesus, He empowers us for a life of service. The more we become like Jesus, the more we will serve others. We do not serve on our own, but are empowered to serve in fruitful ways in the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit that was with Jesus. Jesus reminded His disciples that they were to remain in Him, as He was in them, because without Him, they could do nothing. It was a foretelling of how His Spirit would be with them in ministry. Unlike Jesus, who walked with His followers for a limited time, the Holy Spirit is our constant companion. He is God with us now, who empowers us for service in the Kingdom. His help is indispensable for Christ followers.

When we decide to follow Jesus, He empowers us for a life of service. The more we become like Jesus, the more we will serve others. We do not serve on our own, but are empowered to serve in fruitful ways in the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit that was with Jesus. Jesus reminded His disciples that they were to remain in Him, as He was in them, because without Him, they could do nothing. It was a foretelling of how His Spirit would be with them in ministry. Unlike Jesus, who walked with His followers for a limited time, the Holy Spirit is our constant companion. He is God with us now, who empowers us for service in the Kingdom. His help is indispensable for Christ followers.

The wilderness is different from the valley. A “wilderness experience” is often a time of intensified temptation and spiritual attack. It can involve a spiritual, financial, or emotional drought. This experience is not necessarily a sign that a believer is sinning, but rather a time of God-ordained testing. While the wilderness can be lonely, it allows us to focus and to pray. It gives us perspective. It can be a place to indulge in a pity party, or it can be a venue that solidifies our soul. What might seem like your worst moment may, in fact, be a watershed moment when God does something that changes your life forever. Even in the wilderness, we can find peace in Christ. Ask Jesus to help you see it as the gift of depending on Him.

The wilderness is different from the valley. A “wilderness experience” is often a time of intensified temptation and spiritual attack. It can involve a spiritual, financial, or emotional drought. This experience is not necessarily a sign that a believer is sinning, but rather a time of God-ordained testing. While the wilderness can be lonely, it allows us to focus and to pray. It gives us perspective. It can be a place to indulge in a pity party, or it can be a venue that solidifies our soul. What might seem like your worst moment may, in fact, be a watershed moment when God does something that changes your life forever. Even in the wilderness, we can find peace in Christ. Ask Jesus to help you see it as the gift of depending on Him.

One of the most delightful concepts in human experience is the idea of “home”, and it is especially true during the holidays. The word “home” suggests concepts of rest, security, and the presence of those we love the most. Scripture speaks of home numerous times, affirming its importance and our longing for home. In his Gospel, John tells us that God sent Jesus to be born in human flesh in order to make His home among us. Jesus changes the idea of home to be more personal than communal. More importantly, He changed the idea of home from a temporal perspective to an eternal one. God wants to settle in us. He is not here to visit or to occasionally be with us; He’s here to stay, to make His home in our hearts.

One of the most delightful concepts in human experience is the idea of “home”, and it is especially true during the holidays. The word “home” suggests concepts of rest, security, and the presence of those we love the most. Scripture speaks of home numerous times, affirming its importance and our longing for home. In his Gospel, John tells us that God sent Jesus to be born in human flesh in order to make His home among us. Jesus changes the idea of home to be more personal than communal. More importantly, He changed the idea of home from a temporal perspective to an eternal one. God wants to settle in us. He is not here to visit or to occasionally be with us; He’s here to stay, to make His home in our hearts.

We need to become more aware of God’s presence in all situations—in both life’s hills and valleys. Hills represent the good times when we feel like celebrating and are grateful for God’s blessings. Valleys represent the bad times when we feel troubled, such as relationship conflicts, health crises, failures, financial problems, and grief. Like hills, valleys are temporary as circumstances change. In valley situations, we can remind ourselves of God’s promise to always be with us, and seek His presence and help. Even though we may be discouraged, we never have to despair, because we are not alone. And while we may enjoy God on the mountaintops, we get to know Him intimately in the valleys.

We need to become more aware of God’s presence in all situations—in both life’s hills and valleys. Hills represent the good times when we feel like celebrating and are grateful for God’s blessings. Valleys represent the bad times when we feel troubled, such as relationship conflicts, health crises, failures, financial problems, and grief. Like hills, valleys are temporary as circumstances change. In valley situations, we can remind ourselves of God’s promise to always be with us, and seek His presence and help. Even though we may be discouraged, we never have to despair, because we are not alone. And while we may enjoy God on the mountaintops, we get to know Him intimately in the valleys.

When Peter wrote his second letter to the early church from a prison near the Roman Forum, he knew that Nero was going to have him executed. Knowing these would be his final words to the church, Peter packed the letter full of passionate words of encouragement and of warning. He encouraged them to remember all the promises of Jesus. He exhorted them to “make every effort” to live in obedience to Jesus’ commands, to love others as He loved, and to grow in holiness. Living in this manner would be a testimony to Whom they belonged and worshiped, and an assurance of their eternal destiny. He closed his letter with the declaration for them to continue to grow in grace and knowledge of Christ—beneficial words for us today.

When Peter wrote his second letter to the early church from a prison near the Roman Forum, he knew that Nero was going to have him executed. Knowing these would be his final words to the church, Peter packed the letter full of passionate words of encouragement and of warning. He encouraged them to remember all the promises of Jesus. He exhorted them to “make every effort” to live in obedience to Jesus’ commands, to love others as He loved, and to grow in holiness. Living in this manner would be a testimony to Whom they belonged and worshiped, and an assurance of their eternal destiny. He closed his letter with the declaration for them to continue to grow in grace and knowledge of Christ—beneficial words for us today.