“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned I whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound…I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).    We’ve all looked at someone and wished we had what they have. We’ve all wanted to look like they do or live how they live—speak the way they speak and lead the way they...  Read More

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned I whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound…I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).    When you’re really hoping for your circumstances to change, it’s so hard to strive for contentment. When God gives the blessing that you’ve prayed for to someone else, ...  Read More

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).    Have you ever found it difficult to rejoice with those who rejoice? Sometimes one of the most difficult things to do is celebrate when someone else received what you wanted. We hate to admit that, but it’s the truth—being joyful with someone when they get something you’ve prayed for is hard.  Some of the toughest molding...  Read More

“Indeed, all who desire to live a goldy life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).   We’ve all asked the question, “Why do bad things happen?” We especially wonder about this when terrible things happen to good people. When persecution comes, it seems like a horrible punishment because it hurts so bad. Perhaps you’ve been persecuted for the sake of Jesus, or perhaps you wonder why ...  Read More

“You have heard it said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-4).   Sometimes, the one who pushes you away with the most force is the one who needs you the most. When we’re dealing with people who despise us for loving Jesus, it’s hard to imagine that the Lord wants anything to do with such peopl...  Read More

“You have heard it said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-4).   A man by the name of Michael Sattler, a devoted Anabaptist in the 16th century, was captured by the Roman Catholic authorities and martyred for his faith in Christ Jesus. He told his friends that while he was being burned at the ...  Read More