What do we do when we're stuck in an emotional rut? What are some ways we can move toward healthy, emotional maturity?

Our perspective on any situation or relationship can make all the difference. Paul encourages us to always have an attitude of praise and thanksgiving to God, no matter our circumstances. And this wasn't just groundless advice from someone who lived an easy life, Paul learned the power of praise through the school of hard knocks.

We all struggle with anxiety to one degree or another. Anxiety isn't a sin - it's a signal, a symtom, to warn us of other things going on in our life. And it's a signal that it's time to pray. Peter and Paul both give us some helpful instructions on how to pray through the pain and find relief from our anxiety.

Elijah was a remarkable man of God - a powerful prophet. But even Elijah felt overwhelmed, afraid, and ready to throw in the towel at time. But God was with him, and Elijah heard God's ever-present whisper. We'll see some of the mistakes Elijah made - that we still make today - and how to hear the voice of God.

Following Jesus meant a whole-hearted commitment, going all in, giving your all. What does that look like for us today?

1 Cor 1:17-18: Luke 9:23 - Jesus called us to take up our cross and follow him. What does that mean? Total surrender. God took an instrument of death and torture and turned it into a symbol of life and victory. And he is still doing that in our lives today, and we find his strength in our weaknesses.

Luke 7 - Being a fan means we know about something. Being a follower means we have a relationship with God. God want to have an intimate, personal relationship with each of us that goes beyond superficial knowlege.