God’s answer to worry

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.2 Timothy 1:7 NLT The Bible says, "God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." Overcoming fear begins with understanding that fear is a "spirit", and it doesn't come …

Practice self-control

Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.Romans 6:12 NLT Paul writes: "Consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ...Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires...[or] let any part of …

Don’t lose sight of your goals

8 His heart is established;He will not be afraid,Until he sees his desire upon his enemies.Psalm 112:8 NKJV To achieve success in life there are three obstacles you'll have to be aware of and overcome: (1) Weariness. It's reputed that during the Kentucky Derby the winning horse runs out of oxygen after the first half-mile …

Giving brings receiving

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.2 Corinthians 9:6 NKJV Jim Penner says: "It was a cold snowy day as my mother drove my sister and me to church. Living at the bottom of the Rocky Mountains I'd become accustomed to …

Speak positively (2)

If I decided to forget my complaints, to put away my sad face and be cheerfulJob 9:27 NLT Let's begin by acknowledging that sometimes life is hard. And some of us have it harder than others. That's why the Bible says there is "a time to cry and a time to laugh" (Ecclesiastes 3:4 NLT). …

Speak positively (1)

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.Philippians 4:13 NLT When you can't choose or control your circumstances, you can still decide how you'll respond to them. Paul was in prison when he wrote, "Rejoice in the Lord always" (v. 4 NKJV). We're addressing those who have a perpetually pessimistic outlook on …

The “If only” trap

Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.Ecclesiastes 11:4 NLT Author Betty Mahalik says in this day and age we're surrounded by messages that scream, "My life would be perfect if only I'd a different job...house...car...nose...spouse...bank account (you fill in the blank). Or if I could be …

The four fundamental elements of prayer

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.Ephesians 6:18 NIV To help you remember these four fundamental elements, think of the acrostic P-R-A-Y. (1) P - praise the Lord. Before you petition …

To advance, you must overcome adversity

But in everything and in every way we show we truly are God's servants. We have always been patient, though we have had a lot of trouble, suffering, and hard times.2 Corinthians 6:4 CEV The Christian life comes with blessings - and battles. You can't have one without the other. Paul describes it this way: …

Are you struggling with temptation?

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.1 Peter 5:8 NIV Your areas of vulnerability will change as the seasons of your life change, but the truth is that you'll always be tempted in some way. But the good news is that …