To some degree, we're all born with a need to be in control. As Christ followers, this can be problematic. In John 21, we learn about Peter who also struggled with giving up control and how God used that to point him to the grace and strength that comes only through a life of faith fully dependent upon Christ.

Oftentimes it is the extraordinary experiences in life to which we more readily apply our faith. However, life is filled with every day ordinary experiences that can trip us up. In the book of Genesis we learn about Abraham, who had extraordinary faith for the big stuff but failed from time to time with the small stuff, and yet he was still called a friend of God.

We all need an anchor that we can hold onto in the midst of storms, struggles and transition. But what is that anchor? What keeps our faith from drifting when we face difficulty? In the book of Hebrews, we find two unchangeable things to which we can hold fast regardless of our circumstances.

Faith is not just something that touches us on the outside but it informs our minds. It does so by engaging our hearts. The result is that our lives are being transformed. In James 4, we learn that God sometimes interrupts our plans.

God's word is like a mirror and it has a purpose of reflection in our lives. In James, we learn we can either approach life angry at God and rebellious against his commands or humble before God and receptive of what he's given us.

Faith is progressive. It grows in us as we live and practice our faith. But how do we know if what we call faith is true and growing? In James 2, we learn what true faith looks like in a Christian.

We're all familiar with the word faith. A simple definition is trust in someone or something. But what does faith in Jesus look like? How do we move from faith that God exists to faith in God. In Hebrews we learn what faith really is.

Why did Jesus come? And what difference should it make in our lives? In our marriages? In our families, our work, and leisure? In John 18 & 19, we learn the very reason Christ came and the decision we need to make on a daily basis.

Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost but who is lost? It’s easy to think of people like the tax collector, Zacchaeus, as lost, however, we don’t like to think of ourselves as lost. In Luke 19, we learn a very important lesson about Christ's thoughts on the matter.