Just as the innkeeper in the nativity story didn't have room for Jesus, so we often can't find room for Jesus in our lives. The truth is we never find room for Him; we have to make room.

Gratitude is one of the most forgotten, neglected virtues in today's culture. Gratitude will change our lives, but we'll never experience true gratitude until we put the attitude of entitlement to death in our hearts.

One of the earmarks of a genuine surrender to Jesus is a changed life. A saved person lives differently than he or she did in the past. That life is marked by holiness.

The life of a soldier it a mundane, anonymous life of service. The same is true for a person in the army of the Lord. The person who humbly offers himself or herself to Jesus to be used in whatever capacity He needs them is the unknown hero of the kingdom of God.

Paul prayed for God to open doors for ministry and taught about living a life of love and holiness.

When we're broken in the right places, the light of God shines out of our lives, the knowledge of Christ permeates the atmosphere like a perfume, those hungry for truth are fed, and lives are changed because of the sacrifice of Jesus.

Paul fought some spiritual battles for the Thessalonian believers, but he was confident he would stand with joy before Jesus at His return.

If we want to be effective in changing the world around us, we need to be broken in the right places - our wills, our pride, and our hearts.

When Paul's ministry and motives were being attacked, the perfect defense was to point out the way he lived his life. The people of Thessalonica knew Paul's character and actions; therefore, they knew the accusations were not credible. That's a powerful lesson for us about walking worthy of God in this world.

Many people struggle with believing in God because they can't reconcile a God that is good and all-powerful, yet allows evil to remain in existence. However, the problem of evil is an even greater dilemma for those who don't believe in God.