"Take up the shield of faith, with which you can
extinguish all the flaming arrows...".
- The Apostle Paul

Life often throws flaming arrows our way—doubt, discouragement, fear, worry, criticism, failure, frustration, disappointment—the list goes on. These challenges can feel overwhelming, but we don't face them alone.

There's a powerful truth in the lyrics of a song that says:

"Where there is faith,
There is a voice calling, keep walking,
You're not alone in this world."

Faith is our shield against these arrows. As part of the Armor of God, the shield symbolizes the strength of faith to protect us. But this shield isn't just for defense; it calls us to action. When those arrows come your way, actively raise your shield. Stand firm on the promises and truths you hold dear, and let them guide you.

Couple your faith with grit. Grit is the resilience that keeps you moving forward even when the arrows keep coming. It empowers you to walk in faith, even when the path is...

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he

– Proverbs 23:7

In an early post we talked about the importance about “being transformed by the renewing of your mind.”   That effort is not a “one in a done” exercise. It takes daily commitment.  The key is to eliminate our misbeliefs and unfounded self-limitations is to think the truth.

One of the things that helps me the most is to create a set of “I am” statements about yourself, about your beliefs.  These are affirmations.  Here are a few straight from the Word about you. Scriptural truth — what God thinks about you — is the most powerful truth there is.

• I am a child of God, and He is with me. – Galatians 4:6
• I am a leader of others – 2 Timothy 2:2
• I am a prophetic voice for God – 1 Corinthians 14:3
• I am a temple of the Holy Spirit, and He is in me. – 1 Corinthians 6:19
• I am able share God’s truths with others. – Colossians...

I grew up going to church. Every Sunday and frequently on Wednesday it seems my family was always there in the building.  Can I be honest?  Most of the time I didn't want to be there.

I was a fidgety kid.  I remember sitting in the Church pew hearing more prayers than I can count. Some were simple and profound.  Touching and real.  But most were just long drawn out speeches trying to influence God -- and all those listening.  It was a sales pitch usually combined with an alter call.  That was my perception of prayer.

What’s interesting is that despite all my years of going to church and "being" in church, rarely did anyone talk about WHAT prayer really is.  It was if they assumed you just knew.

Sure, we heard the Lord’s prayer, and I was even taught how to pray. That is really important, but what about understanding what prayer really is?  Not necessarily the why - but the...

A few years ago I watched a movie that left me speechless. And I just watched it again with the same results. The movie is about the true story that inspired the hit song I Can Only Imagine.

If you are not familiar with it, the song paints a picture about our next life. You know, the one we hope to experience one day, but few of us are in a rush to get there.

Surprisingly the movie is NOT about heaven. It’s about life in the here and now. It’s about the struggle, the perseverance it takes to endure, and the relationships that often times require our attention.

To be candid with you, I was expecting the movie to be predictable fiction faith with fake fears and tears an overly dramatic ending. Honestly, when I sat down to watch it, I just wanted to be distracted by something that would at least be entertaining. However, in the next 90 minutes, it captivated my attention, and by the end, it exposed for me an area in need of awakening, and an image of a new-found...

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he

– Proverbs 23:7

I've previously shared about the importance of “being transformed by the renewing of your mind.”   This effort is not a “one in a done” exercise. It takes a daily commitment.  The key is to eliminate our misbeliefs and unfounded self-limitations -- and instead think the truth.

One of the things that helps me the most is to create a set of “I am” statements.  These are statements about myself, founded on biblical truths.  These are affirmations.  Here are a few straight from the Word that you can use about you. It's scriptural truth — what God thinks about you — which is the most powerful truth there is.

1. I am a child of God, and He is with me. – Galatians 4:6
2. I am a citizen of heaven - Philippians 3:20
3. I am a leader of others – 2 Timothy 2:2
4. I am a new creation - 2 Corinthians 5:17
5. I am a prophetic...

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

– Romans 8:28

Here’s what I’ve learned. The disappointments, the failures, the struggles, the challenges. They are all God needs to make an impact.  The irony is that God works best with broken things. The best stories in life come through trials and tribulations.  Perseverance is intended for the underdog. Don’t give up!

In life, the challenge is often the opportunity. When it seems that things are messed up, or have not gone right, don’t dismiss what God can do. Like lemon turned to lemonade. He turns messes into messages.  All that He asks is for you to be open to the potential and for Him to use your story.

Here's are three questions to get you back on your feet: 

What's My Story?

Take time to think of how God has redeemed a situation in your life.  What are the trials and tribulations that He can...

Hope actually is a strategy.

• "There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off." - Prov 23:18
• "Know the hope to which He has called you..." - Ephesians 1:18
• "Hope does not put us to shame." - Romans 5:5
• "Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very BOLD." - 2 Cor 3:12
• "Let us hold unswervingly to the HOPE we profess, for He who promised is faithful." - Hebrews 10:23
• "Be Joyful in Hope. Patient in Affliction. Faithful in Prayer" - Romans 12:12
• "What matters in life? What will last? Faith, Hope, and Love." - 1 Cor 3:13

The proof of our HOPE is in the actions we take!

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith;
Be courageous; Be strong.

– 1 Corinthians 16:13

Life throws at us a lot of curve balls.  A single day can be overwhelming.  Even exhausting. Yet God reminds us to stay diligent in our faith and to take courage.   He wants you to know that you are resilient.  He wants you think of yourself as a warrior, prepared for battle. You are firm in your faith.  You are courageous.  You are strong.

Take a moment to think how you have endured to this point.  What are the trials and tribulations that you have overcome?  Now think about how adversity has made you stronger. What is the growth you’ve experienced? Finally, identify one thing will you do this year to stand firm in the faith. 

My Trials and Tribulations:

My Growth:

One Thing I Will Do Today: