You need "Rooftop" friends! As the Lord leads you, you need to be surrounded by friends who encourage, correct, and help you get into the presence of Jesus! Just like the friends of the paralyzed man in Mark chapter 2, be a friend that gets people to Jesus by any means necessary.

Everyday, human beings find new things to be worried about! Whether it be finances, relationships, or even the future, we have a constant internal battle for control of timelines and outcomes. Matthew would remind us in chapter 6 that God has promised provision for every need to believers who simply surrender control and seek the kingdom of God first!

BE CAREFUL! Honor is rare when familiarity is high. When we become all too familiar with Jesus, we are blind to who Jesus truly is and to his mighty hand moving!

In John 15:11, Jesus' purpose for sharing His words of life is for every believer to obtain FULLNESS of joy! Not a fleeting happiness or some kind seasonal contentment, but a lasting joy that doesn't come from our circumstances. This is a joy that peacefully rests completely in the hope of Jesus Christ!

In the midst of all the chaos, King Jesus comes to provide a peace that goes beyond human understanding to guard our hearts. Will you make room for peace? Where there is a temptation to store vengeance, conflict, and offense, choose to allow the Lord to fill your heart with peace and allow it to determine every thought, word, and deed.

"Other men see only a hopeless end, but the Christian rejoices in an endless hope."- Gilbert M. Beeken

As followers of Christ, we have a hope that is both present AND future; going beyond the grave. If all you have is hope in God, you have all you need and more in this life!

Suit Up and Boot Up! In Ephesians 6, Paul implores every believer to stand against all manner of evil. Often times as followers of Christ, we can think we have the strength to fight the flesh and the wickedness around us. Yet, it is only through putting on the full armor of God that we receive the strength and power to fight!

Are you being protected by the full armor of God?! In the beginning of Ephesians 6, Paul says it is not enough to stand firm against all evil. In a world filled with deception and wickedness, we must also daily pursue truth and righteousness in the fight for peace!

When we choose to follow Jesus, we choose to follow Him into battle. The constant battle between flesh and spirit will either create an opportunity to lean on God's strength or discourage and completely debilitate us. Paul suggests that the only way to stand firm in the battle is by putting on the whole armor of God. Are you ready for battle?!

Scripture says "to know good and not do it is a sin" (James 4:17), but what do you do when your flesh is weak?! How do you combat the urge to satisfy fleshly desires? In Romans 12, Paul would say a key component is being fervent or passionate in spirit; relying fully on the power of the Holy Spirit in the face of temptation!