When our conscience declares our guilt, there is only one voice loud enough to overpower it, and that is the pardoning edict of God! He is more merciful towards us than our own heart. No matter our sin, the extent of which God understands far more than we do, God’s grace is greater.

When we trust in the care and control of God over our lives, we can live fearlessly. Peter’s message directs us to our safety in Christ: Jesus is keeping you and your future secure. He is a safe place of empathy and care. He has the last word and he will set you on firm ground again.

The root of all wisdom is faithful dependence upon God, and what better to teach us dependence than circumstances we feel ill equipped to handle? In whatever you might be facing, you can consider your trials all joy (James 1:2) because they keep you close to your heavenly Father, the source of all wisdom.

What brought Jesus joy before his incomprehensible suffering and death? The thought of saving you and embracing you as his child. After encountering a love like this, nothing else compares. He is worthy of it all. When we fix our eyes on Jesus and his worthiness of our devotion, we find strength to endure.

Is there someone in your life who has hurt or wronged you? Forgiveness is a process that requires wisdom and discernment, but in its simplest form, it requires us surrendering punishment to God. Herein lies the power to do so: Christ reconciled himself to us while we were sinners, so we can forgive and love those who have hurt us.

As citizens of God’s kingdom, what does our behavior tell the world about our King? How we live as followers of Christ is deeply significant, because we have the opportunity to reflect our savior to a world who does not know him!

To be faithful leaders, we don’t have to depend on our own power! Our inadequacy leads us to depend on the power of God, who draws near and strengthens us in our weakness.

What we hope for shapes what we live for. Followers of Christ are able to live faithfully to God because they see things from the proper perspective! Any present discomfort or sacrifice is nothing in comparison to the glory that is to come at Christ’s return!

Is Christianity just one of many spiritual practices? Is Jesus merely a great teacher among several others? Explore these questions in “The Supremacy of Christ”

When our lives as Believers are geared around the mission of making Christ known, we can find purpose and contentment in any circumstance, even immense suffering. Here lies a joy that no one can take away.