ENDURE IT

The healing that we are so desperately in need of has been made available for all by the death and wounds suffered by Jesus Christ. 

Aren't you thankful that God provided us with the gift of laughter to help alliviate our heaviness? Laughter has been proven to lesson muscle tension, reduce stress hormones, and release the endorphins we need to "feel good." I can't think of a more enjoyable way to relieve stress! 

In this episode, we talk about not bowing to the many different forms of oppositions that may arise in our life journeys. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not bow to King Nebuchadnezzar's "selfie" idol. In so doing, they faced uncertain death but remained steadfast and confident in the fact that their God was more than capable of delivering them from a fiery death. They boldly proclaimed to the king that even if their God did not deliver them from the flames, they would not bow. In essence, they understood to live is Christ, to die is gain. Do we?

Many times in life we may find ourselves at an impasse much like the Israelites standing at the Red Sea. We look around and our situations may appear to be hopeless. Fear and panic begin to set in. This may provoke us to question God and wonder where He might be. It is in trials like these that our faith is put to the test. Despite what it may feel or look like, God is in complete control of every aspect of our lives and He desires to bring glory to Himself. 

There are times in this life when we will feel as if we are being "sifted as wheat." We can find assurance in knowing that Christ, indeed, intercedes on our behalf so that our faith does not fail. For those in Christ, nothing on this planet can or ever will separate us from the love of God. Nothing. Not even the power of death. We can be encouraged in knowing that the Father is for us, Christ intercedes for us, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to live victoriously over sin! 

Summer is officially upon us. That just means that the fall season is right around the corner! In this episode, we will talk about the possible health dangers that lurk in several of the plastic water bottles we drink from. On an encouraging note, let's remind ourselves of the critical importance of putting on the armor that God has provided daily in order for us to effectively be able to withstand the assaults of the enemy. 

The most impactful event on planet Earth in all of human history was the moment that Jesus gave up His life on the cross. The moment He willingly gave up His life, the veil immediately ripped in half, providing access to God through the shedding of His own blood! Because of what Jesus accomplished on that bloody cross, in the midst of our darkest hour, we can run to the Father and find peace, strength, and renewed hope.

Four living creatures before His throne give uninteruppted worship to the Almighty in Heaven 24/7. They never stop declaring His holiness and His goodness. If we truly took the time to meditate on all of His goodness, we would join them as much as possible. 

Many times in our lives, we encounter terrifying storms that tend to leave us forgetting that our God is still in control. He does not lose control or give up His power to the forces of nature or circumstances. Our trials have the ability to give us a deeper understanding of His powerful capabilities and faithfulness. Often times, His will sends us directly into difficult situations. In these moments, He is in full control, His glory is revealed, and our faith is deepened. 

We can have peace in knowing that Jesus himself intercedes on our behalf in Heaven. Wow! How comforting it is to read this in the Scriptures. Because of what Christ has accomplished, we have been redeemed from darkness and He promises to work all things for our good and for His glory.