This life is marked with hardship and difficulties, even in our faith. Jesus said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NLT) And it isn’t just that we don’t have to go through things alone, or that God will engage us and what we are dealing with. He has promised that in the end, we win. If we will set our hearts toward Him and our intent to do His well, Isaiah promises, we won’t be rejected and we won’t be put to shame (see Isaiah 50:7).

In the Bible, God made all kinds of agreements with all kinds of people. But how does that work exactly, and what did Jesus say about it? The Apostle Paul asked if we should use the grace of God as a justification for our sin (see Rom. 6:1). Jesus didn’t come to undo anything that had already been set in motion; instead, He came to fulfill it for us, in us and through us. He is the covenant keeper, and that’s why we can trust the promises He gives. He will NEVER change the rules midstream.

In the earliest stories of God, we seem Him being close and personal with people. He walked in the Garden with the first man and woman. He called Abraham, Isaac and Jacob into a deep personal relationship. He invited the nation of Israel to be His people, and promised to be their God. No matter what went right or wrong, He was there — helping, teaching, engaging. He and His love seemed so relentless, personal and close. How should that affect our lives, our hopes, our faith? God is still present, and not just in a large, impersonal way. In every moment, in our pain and joy, He is here.

While we know men will always let us down, God is different. Numbers 23:19 (NLT) tells us, “God is not a man.” When God spoke to Job from a whirlwind, He asked him, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together…?” (See Job 38-39.) It’s no wonder Job replied, “I am nothing — how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand.” (Job 40:4 NLT) To say that God is holy is not to say simply He is morally pure. It means He is separate, other, distinct, removed. We are man, but He is God, and God is Holy.

“One is the loneliest number.” It isn’t just a line from an old song; it has become the cry of millions of people who have been widowed, abandoned, divorced, or just not picked. Living alone can be hard, but it can also be rewarding and fulfilling. The Apostle Paul, who wrote a sizable portion of the Bible’s New Testament, actually talked as though being single is preferable. Let’s see what wisdom the Scriptures have for us on the topic, so we can better live our lives for as long as God may us here.

Parent and kid relationship are tough. (If you don’t agree, just ask your parents or your kids.) So how do we honor our father and mother, as the Bible repeatedly instructs us? And how do we not provoke our kids (see Ephesians 6:4), when we ourselves often feel dishonored and provoked? The truth is family is a gift, a blessing, a grace. How can we all experience the blessing God has waiting for us in the midst of our families?

Human relationships can be difficult, and family relationships are no exception. Even Jesus felt the tension we’re all familiar with. Consider this conversation, recorded in John 2:3-4 (NLT): The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.” “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” How are we supposed to live together in a way that brings honor to God and joy to our hearts? It’s not impossible, and God has given us direction — another part of His road map. Let’s talk about how God invites us to come together and what roles each of us have to play if we are going to thrive.

We are pleased to welcome Ray McElroy, a Chicago guy and former NFL cornerback who played for the Indianapolis Colts, the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions. For the past 9 years, Ray has been bringing a life-changing, powerful message of truth to churchgoers, students and corporate employees across the country. Currently, Ray serves as the chaplain for the Chicago Bears.

Spiritual growth and health are not boxes to check off and claim to have finished. Faith is more like a cycle or the seasons, renewed and refreshed regularly in our lives. Even the Apostle Paul, who wrote two-thirds of the New Testament, believed there was room for himself to grow when he said, “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection.” (Philippians 3:12 NLT) We have a deepening need and desire to know God more, to find freedom, and to discover our purpose and live it out.