If we ever want to find peace in this world, we must learn to trust God! We must understand that there are so many things that are outside of our control, and it takes humility to develop that strong confidence in a caring God. 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us that we must “cast all our cares upon Him; for He cares for you.” The word “casting” was used to describe throwing something on some other object. We are to take all our anxiety, discontent, and discouragement, despair, questioning, pain, and suffering that we are going through and toss it all onto God. We trade those things for confidence in God’s goodness and power. Spiritual maturing begins with two fundamental things: One an attitude of humility toward God and others, and second a trust in

God’s care. We must fill our minds with the truths of God’s Word that will carry us through each day with the promises of His provision.… READ MORE

An Apple tree may have many apples, but the tree only produces one fruit, Galatians 5:22-23 discusses that Fruit of the Spirit and outlines what that fruit looks like. It is no accident that the Scriptures call the Third person of the Trinity the Holy Spirit , because one of the main functions of the Spirit is to impart the holiness of God to us. As He does this He develops within us a Christ-like character. God’s purpose is that we would “become mature, attaining the full measure of perfection found in Christ.” (Eph. 4:13 NIV). These Characteristics outlined in Galatians 5:22-23 cannot be manifest in a persons life unless they have learned to walk in the Spirit of God. The characteristics are also such that we grow in our ability to manifest them the closer our walk with God is. I would encourage you to look over Galatians 5:16-25 and evaluate your growth and development in these characteristics. I would also like to begin to take us on a journey to understand the significance of this passage of Scripture. So buckle up your minds and begin to think with me as we explore this rich passage of Scripture. … READ MORE

In John 14:1, While the disciples genuinely believed in Jesus, their faith was already beginning to waver. Jesus began by telling them to stop allowing their hearts to be troubled by the news of his impending departure, the reason for that command is based upon their belief in the plan of God. He closes this powerful verse by reminding them that as they believe in the plan of God, to believe in the Jesus’ design to fulfill that plan. He wanted them to understand that he did not need to be visibly present for them to receive comfort and strength from Him. In face in John 20:29, Jesus would tell Thomas, and the rest of the disciples, “because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Jesus would go on in John 14 to share with the disciples the ministry of comfort that the Spirit would provide because of His departure. The presence of Christ is enough to calm the believing heart in whatever perplexing troubling situation it finds itself. The Puritan John Wene noted, “A sense of God’s presence in love is sufficient to rebuke all anxiety and fears; … READ MORE