Jesus said that “in the world you will have tribulation” (see John 16:33). So, we are going to have trials in our life, but it would be much better for us to avoid the ones that are not necessary. This week we will address the main reasons we are subject to unnecessary trials. 

         A choice we can make that will help us avoid unnecessary trials is to make every major decision by seeking the kingdom first, and put the interests of the kingdom above every other consideration. He said that if we would seek...

         We continue with the biblical step-by-step path to victory, acknowledging that these are also step-by-step paths to maturity in Christ. We continue with the exhortations of Peter as he was the one given the keys to the kingdom, and they do provide an opening of the door. Now look at I Peter 5:5-10:

         “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives His grace to the humble. 

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         In biblical times, to show anything but joy in the presence of a king could cost you your life. This is why Nehemiah was terrified when the king noticed the grief he had for the condition of Jerusalem while he was serving the king. With our King this is not dangerous because in His presence it can’t happen. In His presence you simply can’t be depressed or distraught about anything, as Psalm 16:11 declares, “In His presence is fullness of joy.”

         It’s not possible to be depressed or...

         I once read that the only creature that loves a storm is the eagle. The reason is they have learned that if you approach a storm at the right angle it will carry them higher. In aviation “angle” can also be a term for “attitude.” This is what we must do in the stormy times—approach the storms with the right attitude and they will carry us higher. 

         Continuing with Peter’s exhortations about how we face trials, remembering that the Lord gave him the “keys of the kingdom,” we now look at I Peter 4:1-2:

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         We have been covering how the fruit of the Spirit are divinely powerful weapons. In this day of increasing discord and conflict it is even more crucial that we build our lives upon the Rock, Jesus, and strengthen ourselves in Him by continually seeking to grow in His nature. This is demonstrated by the fruit of the Spirit in our life.  

         For this reason, we will now cover some of the biblical exhortations that give us clear instructions as to how we strengthen ourselves in the Lord. We will begin with those written to us...