In Season 2, we will be breaking down the armor of God and talking about how to apply it to our thoughts. The reality is... we are living in a spiritual war... whether we want to acknowledge it or not. If the Bible tells us to utilize the armor that we have access to...maybe we should spend some time learning about it and better applying, it.

In the season 1 finale, we will put it all together... Let's take the high points from the season's episodes and learn how to apply it all in daily life. Simple stuff... not always easy but pretty simple. That seems to be the way that Jesus talked about it all. Simple...but takes practice.

Why do we care what other people think about us? Someone once said, "What other people think of you, is none of your business." And yet some of us live our lives trying to make it our business. The amount of power that we can give to other people's opinions, can be pretty impressive at times. Ever stop and wonder how much of your stress and anxiety is rooted in what other people think? Bet its more than you realize. Good thing God doesn't leave us without wisdom and tools to apply... We just have to learn and apply it.

"When God closes a door, another one opens." It is a saying that many of us cling to in the midst of doors shutting... but what if even more comfort is offered through scripture. Turns out, scripture offers comfort and direction for how to handle doors being closed. Doors closing are a lot less painful when we don't stick our fingers in the door to try to keep it open.

Ever find yourself distracted by all of the thoughts and voices in your head? Ever get frustrated by the noise and feel powerless to manage it? The Bible tells us to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Sounds good... but how do we do that? Turns out, it may be simpler than we think...but it does take practice, and it does take some intentional work. But its work worth doing.

Disappointment may be one of the most uncomfortable emotions that we feel. Feelings of disappointment generally lead to more uncomfortable emotions...especially when we leave them unattended. While we can't control all of our emotions, we may be able to significantly reduce this feeling if we make the choice to approach our plans and decisions a little differently. Like so many other things in the bible, this is pretty simple...but not always so easy. And yet... it is worth the work.

Ever wonder why it is so hard to not compare? Ever wonder why it is hard to not be joyful all of the time? Ever wonder if those two things are directly connected? It seems as though there is an enemy force working hard to ensure that our comparison game stays on point...and he is pretty good at it. But as good as he may be at helping us compare...there is a much stronger advocate that creates joy. We just have to decide which one we are going to focus on.

Some of the heaviest times in our lives are when we are walking through our darkest valleys. It is as though gravity gets stronger in the valleys and our heads are pulled down... it seems, even against our own will sometimes. Psalm 23 may be a familiar chapter... but how often do we really apply the details? Seems that there may be more guidance than just comfort held within those verses.

Worry may be the root of more struggles than we are aware of. The bible tells us over and over again "do not worry." What if there is a deeper reason for this directive than just to ensure that we are happy all of the time? Turns out, the Bible tells us the "deeper why" behind the dangers of worrying. Whether you are worrying about major life events or worrying about the daily "minor" things... Doesn't matter. The result of worry is the same. But good news. There is another option.

Anxiety is a feeling that we are all familiar with...some of us are more familiar with it than others. Some of us struggle with anxiety, all day, every day. Some of us just don't like the feeling when it randomly arises. Therapy is great. Medication can be helpful. Coping skills are useful...But Jesus is the healer. The Bible tells us how to live a life free from anxiety... we just have to read it and apply it for optimal relief.