The United States was built upon principles of freedom. However, many have taken this to mean we are free from moral responsibility and consequences of our actions. As believers we are free from the bondage of sin and death. We have a responsibility to exercise self-control in the decisions we make and remain focused on God in our freedom.

(Verses Cited: Jn. 8:32, 36; Ps. 118:5; 1 Pt. 2:16; Rom. 8:2; Phil. 3:12, 3:8; 1 Cor. 11:1; Phil. 2:12; Acts 9:15; 1 Cor. 2:2; Gal. 5:1; Lk. 20:46-47, 21:1-4, 21:6; 1 Sam. 8:11-17, 19; Lk. 14:28; 2 Pt, 3:18)

Verses Cited: Heb. 12:1, 3; 2 Tim. 4:7; Acts 7:58; 2 Cor. 11:24-27; Rev. 14:12; Matt. 7:14; Heb. 12:4; Gen. 3:1; John 16:33; Ex. 2:25; John 5:6; Ps. 23:4; Heb. 12:6; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 Cor. 15:55; Matt. 5:16

Faithfulness is often hard to come by today. As believers we are called to live faithfully in every area of our lives. As we study the life of Daniel we can see how he lived for God faithfully in every area of his life. We must do the same and live for God personally, glorifying God in our private life. We must also live for God publicly and not be afraid to let the world see us live out our faith. Finally, we must live for God persistently even in the face of trial and persecution.

With all the busyness of life, it’s easy to miss the subtle messages of God. So, sometimes God gets more direct; more bold; more obvious in order to get our attention. That’s what happened to King Belshazzar. He missed the subtle message of God, so God wrote it on the wall, which, as you might imagine, got his full and undivided attention.

Humility starts with a realization of how much we need God. Humility comes with an exhortation to change. God will bring people into our lives who will call out our mistakes and call us to repentance. Failure to repent will be followed by humiliation. God often provides a “thorn” in our life that keeps us humble. God intends to bring us through humiliation to restoration. We must respond by recognizing our need of Him in our lives.

Sometimes life will bring us into situations that seem impossible to get through. Be patient because God could be working a miracle. God often uses these trials to free us from hidden bondage in our lives. God will provide divine protection as we persevere through these trials. We must remain focused on Him. How we deal with these trials can affect others who are watching us and point them to the Lord.

In the world we live you will come across trouble and difficult times. This can happen even when we do everything right. Often during these troubles, the world will try and silence you and enemies will try and scare you. We have an opportunity to live out our faith and dare to be different.

(Verses Cited: Psalm 34:19, Romans 12:3, 18; Luke 23:41; Mathew 5:10; 1 Peter 3:14, 4:12-13; Philippians 1:29; Acts 5:41)

We live in a very skeptical world, one that is constantly looking for truth. We must dare to speak the truth of the Word of God that never changes. We must speak the truth confidently, speak the truth prophetically, and speak the truth in humility.

(Verses Cited: Philippians 4:19; Acts 4:31; 2 Peter 2:5; Acts 7:54; 2 Timothy 4:3; Exodus 5:1; 1 Samuel 10:18; Judges 6:8; Matthew 15:9; 1 Peter 1:25; Judges 17:6; Judges 21:25; James 1:17)

Studies show that people who express regular gratitude in life are happier and healthier than those who do not. Expressing the same attitude of gratitude can help you with your relationship with God.

Fear is one of the most paralyzing emotions that people can experience. As believers we are called to live an attitude of courage in the face of fear.

(Verses Cited: 2 Tim 1:7; Romans 12:2; Phil. 1:12-13, 14; Haggai 2:9; Luke 22:20; John 13:34; 2 Cor. 5:17; Rev. 21:1, 5; Hebrews 13:20-21; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Cor. 1:8-10; Phil. 4:13; Matt. 19:26; Romans 1:21-25; Acts 17:6)

The world will constantly try to discourage you from standing out from the crowd. The Lord calls us to stand out boldly from the world and willingly and faithfully serve Him and the world around us.

(Verses Cited: Prov. 28:1; 2 Cor. 3:12; Phil. 2:15; Jn. 18:36; Matt. 18:3; Lk. 18:16; Eph. 5:25; Acts 17:17, 18:5-6, 19:8, 21:40, 27:21; Col. 3:17, 23; Is. 6:8; Lk. 1:38; 1 Cor. 7:22, 10:31; Matt. 5:16; Dan 3:28; Is. 55:11; Dan. 2:27-28; Prov. 25:2; Gen. 1:1)

Colossians central theme is the preeminence of Christ; keeping a Christ centered ministry. In order to do this, we must recognize that following Christ may lead to suffering, but it is through our suffering that the message is spread. Following Christ also requires service and stewardship. We are called to present the gospel to our friends and family and to be good stewards of our time and resources. Lastly, all of our work in ministry is done through the power of God in us!

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave is the single most important event in the Christian faith. There are multiple lessons we can learn from the empty tomb of Christ:

Good Friday appears to be an oxymoron because on that day Jesus was arrested, beaten, and killed. It is only good when viewed from God’s perspective.

Life is full of surprises and unanswered questions. God often moves in very surprising ways, but always in ways that are intentional to His plan.