We often find ourselves declaring our love for things and events in our lives. There are so many aspects of life to which we can attach ourselves. Are we ready to love the baby Jesus for what he is to the world, or are we to just love the Christmas season like a car?

The primary characteristics of a believer is exhibiting calm in the storm. We worship a God so big and loving that even a vessel in a storm still reveals God is in control. We are to gain courage in this. God is the reason we celebrate! God is the reason we give thanks. Sometimes God calms the storms and sometimes God lets the storms rage and He calms us.

The life of a Christian can be quite difficult. While the knowledge of one's salvation is a welcome blessing, life must still be endured here on earth. This makes for a great challenge in one's living, in one's behavior. Do you welcome the hazards of Christian life?

What does it mean to put your life at risk for something that really matters? Will it mean risking your life? Would it take much to speak out boldly?

What role should faith play in politics? What role will your faith bring to the ballot box? We as Christians have a necessary obligation to live under the rule of our host nation and to live under the rule of God. What do we owe our nation? We owe our obedience to our governing bodies, no matter who is in power. But we're not good at it, are we? Ultimately, we have an obligation to our rulers, but we must also remember that God rules over all and that we do all for him.

Being a person of peace does not include shying away from maintaining the peace, even though there may be difficulty in maintaining the peace.

We should want the biggest dosage of God we can get, because it's what we need to get through life. In His presence we can draw life from his Love. Being pure in heart does not mean being perfect. There is purity in truth and a focus on God.

God showed mercy to us all in His Grace. We could do the same, showing grace, forgiveness and acceptance to others.

Those seeking God may be seeking out of desperation. Those not seeking God may feel they already have everything they need. When we are not desperate for God, we are often in search of other things to fill our lives. There are demands on our lives: jobs, homes, family, friends and socializing. Hunger will cloud our judgement. When we long for God, we will be satisfied.

The virtue of meekness does not go with the reward. One can consider meekness as a quiet strength. It is strength under control. The ultimate result is in God's hands, not our hands.