James 1:2-4 "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything." Whether we realize it or not, times of adversity can be times of intense personal and spiritual growth. so, the next time you experience a difficult moment, a difficult day, week, month, or year, ask yourself this question: "where is God leading me?". In times of hardship, in times of struggle, you can be assured that God is leading you to a place of His choosing and He does so for a reason. It is our duty to simply watch, pray, listen, follow, and grow.

1 Peter 1:13 "So prepare your minds for service and have self-control." Jesus has taught us that the most esteemed men and women are not those we see in the limelight but rather those who minister and those who serve others. So instead of getting caught up in trying to impress others, concern yourself with walking in the footsteps of Jesus and with winning the favor of Our Heavenly Father. When you have done your best to serve others and serve your God, you can rest comfortably knowing that in His eyes you have achieved greatness.

Peter 2:9 "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you...into His wonderful light." We can feel at times if we are "on the bubble", uncertain if we have what it takes to compete in or finish this race of life. When we're feeling that way it's important to remember that in Jesus we're never "on the bubble". As children of God, our place in His kingdom is secure. We've already won! So may your confidence flow from knowing that Our Heavenly Father chose Jesus to be the cornerstone on which our lives are built, and He chose us to "living stones" filled with the Spirit of God and capable of being the people He created us to be.

Matthew 6:33 "The thing you should want most is God's kingdom and doing what He wants. Then all these other things you need will be given to you." When we invite God into our daily lives, when we ask for guidance and the courage to do the things that need to be done, we continually invite him in. When we make Our Creator a true partner in our lives, He reigns over our hearts, He leads us along a proper path, and we are honored with true spiritual blessings. So, as you plan for the day ahead, make Our Heavenly Father's will your ultimate priority. When you do, your daily to-do list will take care of itself.

Colossians 4:5 "Make the most of every opportunity," I think one of the most common things that hold us back from achieving our true potential, and recognizing the abundance that we are destined for, is fear. But if we trust in God's promises, and if we have welcomed His Son into our hearts, then that fear has no place in our lives because our future is intensely and eternally bright. So as you prepare yourself for today take a moment to consider God's promises and think for a moment about the wonderful future that awaits all believers, including you. Trust that promise, make the most of every opportunity that is presented to you, without fear, and celebrate a life of abundance and eternal joy that has been promised to you.

1 Peter 2:9 "you are a chosen people. You are a kingdom of priests, God's holy nation, his very own possession. This is so you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light." Whether you realize it or not, you are on a personal mission for God. As a Christian, that mission is straightforward; honor Him, accept His Son as your saviour, and serve His children. Every day offers countless opportunities to serve Him. When you do so you will be blessed in miraculous ways. If you struggle to find your purpose and how to serve Him, worship Him, give thanks, and study His word. Continue to seek His will and place Him at the center of your life.

Daniel 12:3 "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." Great leaders understand that the right attitude will set the right atmosphere, which enables the right response from others. As Christian leaders, whether in our homes, on our workplace, or in our communities, we must set the tone by maintaining the right attitude within ourselves and enable an atmosphere consistent with our Heavenly Father's kingdom. Our world, now so more than ever, needs Christian leaders that can be trusted, that can inspire, provide direction, hope. It needs leaders that are realistic, optimistic, forward looking, and most importantly Christ-centered. When our Heavenly Father wants to accomplish something He calls dedicated men and women to challenge His people and lead the way. As leaders, it is our part to choose the right attitude for that to happen.

Psalm 84:4-5 "Happy are the people who live at your Temple....Happy are those whose strength comes from you" If we seek happiness, abundance, and contentment, there are some things that we should do. We should love our Heavenly Father and His Son. We should depend on Him for strength. We should try to the best of our abilities to follow His will for us and strive to obey His commands. When we do these things we discover the happiness that goes hand-in-hand with righteousness. The happiest people are not those who rebel against Him but rather those that love Him and embrace Him.

Psalm 147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds" Our Heavenly Father loves us and protects us. In times of trouble, He comforts us; in times of sorrow, He dries our tears. When we are troubled we call upon Him and He, in His own time and according to His own plan, will heal us. So, if you find yourself weak, fearful, sorrowful, discouraged, or bitter, remember that He is as near as your next breath. Trust Him and turn to Him for peace, for security, and for salvation. Build your life on the rock that cannot be shaken.

1 John 4:8 "He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." God loves you. He loves you more than you can imagine. His affection is deeper than you can fathom. God made you in His own image and gave you salvation through His Son Jesus. When you accept the love that flows from the heart of our Heavenly Father, you are transformed. You feel differently about yourself, your neighbors, your church, your world. When you open your heart to His love you will be compelled to share His message, His compassion, with others. God's heart is overflowing with love. Accept His love, return His love, share His love, today.