From His Heart, by Pastor Jeff Schreve

Rejoicing in each day is not just a feeling, but a choice that pleases God and lets our light shine among men. By choosing to rejoice despite life's challenges, we can experience the power of a risen Savior who loves us and promises to work all things together for good.

Jesus' enemies called Him a blasphemer and said He had a demon, but one of their insults turned out to be a testament to His love and acceptance of sinners; in fact, He is described as a friend of tax-gatherers and sinners. By embracing this truth, Christians can experience the transformative power of Jesus' friendship, which sticks closer than a brother and desires to help them be the best version of themselves.

A person's faith is tested when they are faced with impossible situations, yet it is in these moments that their relationship with God is truly revealed. By choosing to walk by faith, individuals can experience a miraculous transformation in their lives as they trust God and obey His commands, even when circumstances seem hopeless.

As Christians, we are called to be witnesses for Jesus, sharing the good news of salvation with a world in desperate need. By living out our faith, speaking from personal experience, and inviting others to church, we can effectively share the love of Christ and bring hope to those around us.

The Bible teaches that even in the midst of great suffering and loss, God can transform ashes into beauty, turning mourning into joy and despair into praise. Through the story of Stephen's martyrdom, we see how God can take the darkest moments and turn them around for good, offering hope and redemption to those who trust Him.

Living a life of sexual purity is a daunting challenge for many, but a simple yet powerful strategy can help overcome temptation - living as if Jesus' return is imminent. By fixing our hope on Christ's imminent return, we can cultivate the fear of the Lord and remain pure, just like Joseph, who remained true to God despite being tempted with sexual sin.

As we age, it's easy to feel like our usefulness has passed us by, but Psalm 92 reminds us that even in old age, we can still yield fruit and be full of life. By embracing God's love and grace, older Christians can become powerful witnesses for Jesus, radiating His sweetness and declaring His goodness to a world in need.

Conflict is an inevitable part of life, but it's not impossible to navigate with the right approach. By seeking wise counsel, watching for pride and anger, taking the high road, being quick with forgiveness, and persevering through discouragement, individuals can transform conflicts into opportunities for growth and understanding.

God's character is often misunderstood due to His actions that seem harsh or capricious, but a closer examination reveals a loving and merciful nature. By understanding God's perspective and motivations, believers can deepen their relationship with Him and discover the hidden beauties of His character.

The Bible teaches that people can walk by faith or walk by sight, with the majority of individuals choosing to make decisions based on their circumstances rather than trusting in God's power and promises. By adopting a spirit of faith, like Caleb, who saw the giants but also the Promised Land, believers can choose to trust God despite negative circumstances and experience His miracles and blessings.

The reality TV show Temptation Island is a stark commentary on American society's obsession with lust and immorality. By exploring the biblical perspective on temptation, this article offers practical advice on how to resist temptation and walk in victory, empowering readers to make choices that lead to happiness and freedom.

As a self-proclaimed "bad golfer," the author discovered that tips from professional golfers on the PGA tour can significantly improve one's game. Similarly, Christians can apply the biblical principle of "He must increase, and I must decrease" to their daily lives, allowing Jesus to take control and manifest His presence through them.

When faced with seemingly unanswered prayers, it's easy to give up, but Jesus' parable of the persistent widow teaches us that persistence in prayer can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. By continuing to trust and pray, we demonstrate our faith in God's goodness and love, and He promises to answer us at the right time with a mighty response from heaven.

When it comes to problems, you and I always have a choice: "Will I allow this to make me bitter, or make me better?

Unchecked problems can quickly escalate into major issues, as seen in the biblical parable of the "little foxes" that ruined a vineyard, serving as a warning that addressing minor sins and hurts is crucial for maintaining spiritual victory. By confronting and resolving these underlying issues, individuals can prevent destruction, misery, and chains from taking hold, and instead experience true freedom and victory in their lives.