Our present is at times cluttered with being overwhelmed by our possible future and being burdened with our past. God wants us to live in the present to bring his joy and peace to everyday life.

There are some of us that allow what has happened in the past to affect us in the present and to affect our future. But God wants to redeem our past and to use it for our good.

It's been cited that the #1 trait modern parents want to instill in their kids is "compassion". Yet, often that compassion is in want when it comes to those with whom we disagree. As the book of Jonah closes, God tests our compassion. How will you do?

It is better to steward the ‘little’ well and take one small step of obedience to satisfy the intentions of Father God, than take one big stride in the flesh to fulfill the expectations of others.

At times we get angry with God and his plan because his plan is not turning out how we would like it. And even in our anger, even in our self-pity God cares for us and consoles us. He truly is a gracious God.

A Christian's life is a life of repentance. Jesus gives us the freedom to not only repent of sin but to repent of our goodness and righteousness as well.

Jonah had run from God and now was in the depths of the sea. In his darkest moment, he looked again toward God. When we feel the weight of our decisions upon us, will we look again to Jesus for his gift of salvation?

Someone once said "All life-changing love is some kind of substitutionary sacrifice." When we can grasp the heights and depths of God's mercy toward us, it enables us to become vessels of mercy for others. But sometimes it takes us being thrown over the side of a boat first.

James is not positing any new type of religion, rather he is reaffirming what Jesus taught. A true believer will bear fruit. Are you and I bearing fruit?

It's natural to want to hide from storms, but when God sends them, sometimes hiding is worse than the storm.