“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7. When we read the words of Apostle Paul, we may think that he is in a state of bliss as he writes, “Be anxious for nothing.” He was not on a peaceful vacation while writing, “but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,” he was in prison. Paul understands the lows of life’s trials and in the midst of a dark time in his own life, he extends something far greater than his circumstances, he tells his readers to “guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” God gives a pattern to release anxiety: 1.) Be anxious for nothing. This scripture doesn’t only say, “don’t be anxious,” it says, “don’t be anxious about one single thing.” This is easier said than done, but God wants you to know that nothing is out of His control. This week, take some time to write down what is causing you anxiety. Then, be intentional about searching for scriptures that combat your…

“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:1-10 Job, as he declares, “I shall come forth as gold,” is going through the trial of his life. It seemed like the blessings and favor of God were stolen away forever. Job was in anguish. His heart would forever grieve the loss of his children. His body, though tired and weary from grieving the death of his precious children, was also plagued with sickness and painful ulcers. At the time in his life when he needed encouragement the most, He had no one to comfort him because his wife and friends betrayed him during his time of need. Job was grieving, in pain, and alone. And, the more he cried out to God, the more distant God became, or so it seemed. However, Job had an understanding that God is faithful and declared, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” God knows exactly what you are going through and what you have been through in your life. God is not through with you – not now and not ever!…

“On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’” (John 20:19, ESV) Life sometimes takes unusual twists and turns that cause us to question just what is happening in our lives. How can things change so quickly? This is no doubt how the disciples felt after the death of Jesus. How quickly their world was turned upside down, leaving them confused and uncertain. John 20:19 is part of a passage of scripture which tells of events following the resurrection of Jesus. Suddenly, life as the disciples knew it no longer existed. For over three years they had walked and talked with Jesus. Their hearts were stirred as they heard His teachings and saw Him perform the miraculous. Now? Now they were hiding, locked in with their fears and uncertainty. Where should they go? What should they do? Then Jesus stepped into the locked room. “Peace be with you.” Yes, peace was exactly what His disciples needed. His presence in their midst and the words He spoke allowed them to look to…

“A dispute also arose among them [the disciples], as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.” (Luke 22:24, ESV) Ambition. Egos. Competition. Power. Pride. It happens. We’ve seen it, but we would hardly expect to find it among the Lord’s disciples, those closest to Him. Yet, more than once they disputed among themselves about who was the greatest. Even the night of their Passover meal, just hours before Jesus’ arrest, the argument began again. Did they even grasp the meaning of Jesus’ words when He told them: “For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.” (Luke 22:27, ESV) The Gospels do not gloss over the rivalry that seemed to exist among the disciples. It’s written there for all of us to read. Nor was this the first time the subject had arisen. In Matthew 20 the mother of James and John came requesting that her sons to be given positions of power when Jesus came into His kingdom. The other disciples became indignant at her request. Although Jesus explained true greatness,…