We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. Romans 5:3–4 (NLT)  If you were to hand-pick a team of leaders to take your salvation message to the world, would you enlist a bunch of teenagers, fishermen and tax collectors? No, you’d probably look for people who were trained in areas such as theology and leadership. But when Jesus picked His leaders, He picked the most unlikely bunch. Why? Because He doesn’t look at people the way we do. We look at people’s gifts and abilities, but He looks at our hearts.  The truth is that God isn’t in awe …

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (NLT)  Regardless of the storms that blow in your life, it’s essential to hang onto God’s peace.  Jesus operated this way. In Mark 4:35-41, He was sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat when a bad storm suddenly blew in. As the waves began to swamp the boat, His disciples woke him, terrified. How did Jesus respond? Did He freak out or panic? Did He quickly breathe into a paper bag to get a grip? No. He said, “Be still!” and the storm died down to nothing.  It reminds me of the paramedic training I received …

The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 (NLT)  As you walk through storms, do not let the enemy intimidate or frighten you into veering off course.   When he tries to mess with you, what he needs to discover is a believer who says, “Come hell or high water, I’m going where God needs me to go.” Now, the enemy might try to scare you by blowing some heavy waves at your boat to see if you’ll give up but keep going.  A determined believer is like a cork—no matter how deep you sink, you’ll bob back up every time. So, no matter what you’re going through, keep your head up, stay focused on your direction and keep …

My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side! Psalm 56:9 (NLT)  When I was younger and didn’t understand God’s Word very well, I feared that every storm blowing against me was God trying to teach me something.  Of course, now I know better. But I have come across many people who believe—or were mistakenly taught—the same incorrect doctrine. Now, can we learn lessons from adversity? Absolutely. However, when it comes to learning from experience, Holy Spirit is a much better teacher than any trial could be.  That’s why it gives me a confidence boost to know that when any storm messes with me, Holy Spirit is my personal helper, advocate, intercessor and comforter. He …

We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. James 3:3 (NLT)  What do a rudder, a bit in a horse’s mouth and a small flame have in common?  They are all small things that hold immense power. Interestingly, James 3:3-6 compares the strength of our words to all three. Think about it. Today’s verse says if you control a horse’s mouth, you control the whole animal. A horse will turn wherever the bit directs it. And whoever is at the helm controls a ship’s rudder and decides the direction of an entire vessel as well.  In the same way, the words we speak determine the direction of our lives. Perhaps you’re wondering, “What am …