With God's help, we fix our gaze on eternal things and listen for God to speak through His Word. When we do that, our hardships and predicaments are put into perspective. We remember God is sovereign and good and eternity is a lot longer than the fleeting days of now.

Where do bitter roots come from? A person gets hurt or offended or slighted. It may've been deliberate or unintentional. It may've been an offense that was perceived but not actual.

Proverbs 3:5-8 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil"

When Jesus rose up from the dead, all the cheering shifted to heaven's side as man's sin was paid for by the Son of the Most High God! Triumph like none ever was achieved!

But one rarely discussed aspect of the pain Christ bore was the intense shame He felt; the writer of Hebrews noted that while on the cross Jesus was "despising the shame." What is the meaning of this unusual statement?

Did you know that Jesus affirmed the Scriptures over and over and over again? How many times in responding to the Pharisees and others did He preface His response to their leading questions and word-traps by saying: "Have you not read..." or "It is written..."

Jesus promised to never leave us or forsake us, to care for our needs, hear our prayers, and cause all things to work together for our good. Trusting Him is the better remedy for anxiety and fear, worry and dread.

The gospel is unchanging and of first importance! How quickly things can change and that right before our eyes. Upheaval often doesn't announce its plans. And uncertainty seems more certain than it ever has. But nothing that may befall us can change this gospel, the Good News about Jesus Christ.

Baptism is a personal passion play declaring the Good News of Jesus Christ and how we've been regenerated into new creatures who will dwell with Him forever. And that is joyous beyond words!

The cross represents God's justice and His love. Both were accomplished at the cross. Both were satisfied there.