Like Paul, each of us has different chains that we might see as inhibiting our lives. But, we need to take the time to stop and seek the Father as to what His purpose is for the struggle. Paul knew that his time in prison could even be used by God. Is that how you perceive the struggles in your life...just ways for God to work?

The Scriptures say that there is nothing new under the sun. And that's certainly true when speaking of factions with the Body of Christ. Today we'll learn about the splinter groups that surrounded Paul's ministry and where their allegiance actually was. Our allegiance should be to God, not a church, pastor, or ministry.

Unfortunately, there's a bad tendency in the Body of Christ. When a certain ministry or leader of a ministry goes through hard times or falls into grave sin, instead of praying, we often find a sick joy in their struggle. Brother and sister in Christ, this should not be! Our hearts should be grieved when these things happen.

Each and every time we encounter the prompting of the Holy Spirit we're faced with a decision. Will we obey or will be disobey? And the same is true when we're initially born again. The Holy Spirit shows us that we're full of sin and in need of a Savior...and then we have a choice. Be careful to not harden your heart like Pharoah did.

One of the responsibilities for every Christian is to partner financially with the church that you attend in order that the ministry might be as fruitful as possible. Now, does God NEED your money? No! Of course not! But, God has given us direction in His Word as to what we're supposed to be doing with the money He's entrusted to us.

There's a saying, 'you can take that to the bank'. People use this phrase to describe something that's virtually guaranteed. Today we learn that God has made a promise to each and every believer. He's promised that He will complete the good work of salvation that He started in each of our lives.

Have you ever considered yourself to be a work of art? If you're like most of us, you look in the mirror and laugh at a thought like that. :-) But, God is working in your life, sanctifying and changing you into His image...YOU are His work of art!

In today's Christian world there's a gross misunderstanding about love. Some people believe that we should love everyone no matter what. And while that IS true, it requires a bit more of a definition. God certainly wants us to love everyone, but part of loving someone is telling them when they're wrong.

Paul prayed for the spiritual progress of those that he ministered to. And we should have the same heart for each other. But our spiritual progress won't necessarily be seen by others. The progress that we learn about today is in the heart. It's all about our relationship with our Father in heaven.

Christians aren't normal. They are set apart. What does that mean? It means that you were purchased at a high price and that God has a very specific purpose for your life. God wants to use you to spread the Good News of His Son, Jesus Christ. As saints of God we all have a place to be serving in His Kingdom.