Week of January 21st

God’s love for the whole world is the compelling motivation behind God’s interaction in history. So when we become transformed by God’s grace and hope, we are compelled by this same love to care about others – all kinds of others: short, tall, skinny, not-so-skinny, light skinned, dark skinned, lots of hair, no hair, speak English and “No hablo anglais.” Here are some passages that reveal Jesus’ commitment to reach the whole world with grace. 

PRAYER 

Thank you, O God, for blessing me with grace. As you have blessed me, so use my thoughts, words, and actions to bless others with your grace. Amen. 

Monday – John 3:16--18

Jesus is talking with Nicodemus, a religious teacher of his day. Jesus reveals that his mission was more than to be a nice man who tells nice stories. Jesus came to reveal God’s gift of life – abundant and eternal. This gift is for the whole world. Who will cross your path today that needs a word of grace and hope? 

Tuesday – John 10:14-18

Jesus is talking with religious leaders, who aren’t quite getting it. In verse 16 Jesus reveals he is looking for sheep not of this fold – not in the established church of that day. What? Jesus is looking for people who are different from us? Who in your path today looks different, but needs God’s grace and hope?

Wednesday – Matthew 9:35-38

Jesus genuinely cared about people. His heart was drawn to them. But his mission was not just to heal as many as he could. His mission is to invite us to join him in the ministry of caring for people. “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord to send out workers into his harvest.” Hmmm! Who might that be? To whom is God sending you today? 

Thursday – Luke 10:1-12

Jesus sent out 70 followers. Despite carrying little with them, Jesus gave them the most important resource: power. Check out verse 17. They overcame many forces and brought hope to many people. If God is calling you today, please know that you have access the most important resource: God’s Spirit of power and grace. How will God use you to touch someone today? 

Friday – Matthew 28:16-20

This is the Great Commission. Jesus commands all of his followers to think globally. “Go into all the world!” This is not about us. It is about what God wants to do through us … in the world … in Jesus’ name. How does God want to use you to bless someone today? 

Saturday – Acts 1:4-8

I love this passage. Jesus is never looking back. It is not about restoring something from the past. It is about moving forward. God is always beckoning to us to move forward. God promises to fill us with power as we faithfully witness to the ends of the earth. Who knows how far your witness will go today!

Week of January 7th

Covenant is at the heart of the Christian faith.  God chooses to live in relationship with all of creation, especially the human creation that God has fashioned after God’s own image.  There are several covenants revealed in the Old Testament.  These reach their highest expression in Jesus Christ.  Here are some passages on the covenants God offers to humans.

PRAYER

Thank you, O God, for choosing to live in covenant with me.  Help me through my words, my thoughts, and my actions to live in covenant with You.  Amen.

Monday – Genesis 9:1-17

The story of Noah begins in chapter 6.  After the flood waters receded, God blesses Noah and his family.  They have been obedient and faithful in a monumental crisis.  Then God offers a promise.  What is it?  (See vs 11.)  What is the sign of this covenant?  To whom is the covenant offered?  What does that mean in light of the floods we have today?

Tuesday – Genesis 12:1-9

We are not privy to the reasons for which God chooses Abram and Sarai – later known as Abraham and Sarah.  We know from later parts of the story that they are not perfect.  But they trust this promise.   What is the promise God makes to them?  How do we see this promise being fulfilled today?

Wednesday – Exodus 20:1-17

Probably the most well-known of the covenants is this one, although we do not always think of it as covenant.  It is important to know the context.  God has heard the cry of the people in Egyptian slavery.  God has miraculously delivered them.  Therefore, God has paid the price for their freedom.  The first verse in this chapter is important.  Why?  How does it set the stage for the rest of the passage?  How has God paid the price for our freedom?  What is our part in the covenant?

Thursday – 2 Samuel 7:1-17

Shortly after David became King, he wanted to build a Temple for God, but God had a different vision – a longer view.  The prophet Nathan reports God’s promises to David.  How many are there?  How had God demonstrated faithfulness to David?  What does God require of David?  Anything?  What does that mean for you today?

Friday – 2 Kings 20:1-11

Hezekiah was king some time after David.  His story begins in chapter 18.  He was faithful to God, but the prophet Isaiah had bad news for him.  What was it?  How did God have a change of heart?  How did God renew a covenant with Hezekiah, keep the covenant with David, and give a sign of this covenant?  Do our prayers make a difference to God?  How does this affect the way you pray?

Saturday – Luke 22:14-20

As Christians we believe all of these covenants are most fully revealed in Jesus Christ.  In this setting on the night before Jesus’ own death, he offers a new interpretation of the covenant.  What is it?  How is it fulfilled in Jesus’ death on the cross?  Why is it important for us to renew this covenant frequently?

Week of December 31

Jesus Christ is the continental divide of history.  The continental divide is that peak of geography that separates rivers that flow one direction from another direction.  For example, there is a divide in Ohio that separates rivers that flow to Lake Erie from rivers that flow to the Ohio River.  Where one stands in relationship with Jesus Christ shapes our history, just as it has shaped world history.  Here are some passages that teach us about the importance of Jesus.

PRAYER

Come to my heart, Lord Jesus, and reign in my life.  Amen.

Monday – Romans 5:1-11

Paul is introducing himself to the church in Rome with the most complete description of what he believed.  In this passage, how does God accomplish peace for us?  What role did Jesus play in accomplishing this peace?  What relationship do we have with God because of Jesus?

Tuesday – Hebrews 4:14-16

The writer of Hebrews is writing to an audience that was likely familiar with Old Testament Jewish faith.  The High Priest was the one who represented the people before God.  What role does Jesus play?  What is unique about Jesus that makes him a special High Priest?  What privilege does Jesus provide for us? 

Wednesday – 1 John 1:5-2:2

Our sins block our relationship with God.  We live our lives in a dark confusion about truth and reality.  But God has an alternative.  God offers forgiveness.  What role does Jesus play in providing us the option of forgiveness?  What do we need to do to receive forgiveness?  What does it mean for us to walk in the light?

Thursday – Ephesians 2:11-22

Paul was writing to Gentiles, non-Jewish converts to the Christian faith.  Prior to this, they were excluded from the privilege of covenant with God, but now something has changed all of that.  What?  Who?  What did he do?  How does this bring the good news of peace to the world?  How does it change life for us today?

Friday – Philippians 2:1-11

Paul likely wrote this letter from prison.  He has not lost hope or faith.  He is more convinced than ever.  Jesus Christ not only serves as an intermediary or an advocate before God.  He is also the example of what it means to be fully human – redeemed and restored.  If our attitude is more like Jesus, what would it be?  How would this shape our lives today?

Saturday – Colossians 1:15-20

Jesus is not just one guy who seemed to put it together better than all the rest of us.  He is unique.  What does this passage reveal to us about Jesus that makes him different?  Why is the cross important to us today?  Where would we be without the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus today?

Week of December 24

Christmas doesn’t just happen.  I imagine you put in much preparation.  There are cookies to bake, presents to buy, parties to plan, and more.  Likewise, God didn’t just design Christmas because there was nothing left on the “to do” list.  God prepared for this wondrous, miraculous gift of grace.  Here are some Old Testament passages that indicate God was setting the table for Christmas.

PRAYER

Come to my heart, Lord Jesus, and prepare my heart for your birth this year.  Amen.

Monday – Micah 5:1-6

When the Wisemen arrived in Jerusalem and inquired about the location of the birth of the new king, the scholars pointed to this passage, especially verse 2.  Micah preached in difficult times, perhaps in those decades before the fall of Jerusalem.  While he could see the threats looming on the horizon, he also knew that God would bring salvation.  He promised God’s ruler would yet come.  Can we trust God to bring salvation to our chaotic, changing world?

Tuesday – Isaiah 7:10-17

Isaiah was likely a contemporary of Micah.  He offered the King a sign of hope.  The King rejected it, and missed the promise.  What is the sign of hope?  And what is the promise for us today?

Wednesday – Isaiah 9:1-7

The threat of the Assyrians on the horizon cast a shadow of gloom and doom over Jerusalem.  The Empires of the world were sweeping up the smaller kingdoms.  But Isaiah offers hope for a day yet to come.  Who is the child that will be born?  How is the birth of this child a promise for us today?

Thursday – Isaiah 11:1-10

Jesse was King David’s father.  Isaiah is promising that a descendent of King David will come one day to lead the world into peace.  What images are most striking to you in this passage?  How does Jesus, a descendent of King David, offer us peace today?

Friday – Isaiah 53:1-12

Much later in Isaiah – some scholars believe this part of Isaiah was written after Jerusalem was destroyed and the people forced into exile – the prophet describes the Messiah who comes not to rule by force, but willing to suffer for the people.  His suffering would bring salvation to the people.  How were these images fulfilled in Jesus?  In the midst of national disaster, how does the suffering Messiah offer us hope then, and today?

Saturday – Isaiah 61:1-11

It is not coincidental that Jesus chose these first two verses for his first sermon in Nazareth.  (Check out Luke 4:16-21.)  Like Isaiah, Jesus came to announce news of hope and grace to a world in turmoil and trouble.  How can Jesus’ message be good news for our world today?

Week of December 17

Ever notice how much music plays a part of our celebration of Christmas?  Many of us have favorite songs like “White Christmas” or “Jingle Bells” or “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.”  While the Bible doesn’t seem to have much rap or jazz, there is much music to help us center on the true meaning of Christmas.  Here is a few of them.

PRAYER

Come to my heart, Lord Jesus, and echo the songs of salvation in my ears!  Amen.

Monday – Luke 1:46-56

Mary’s Magnificat is a wonderful expression of faith and joy.  What would it mean for Mary to give up all of her dreams for her life and her family to follow God’s call.  Life for Mary became real complicated after the visit from the angel.  Yet, she answers the call with courage and anticipation!  How can her song become my song?

Tuesday – Luke 2:8-20

This was not a “care bear” world.  The Romans were forcing people to sign up for a census to raise the taxes to support their empire.  Matthew tells us that King Herod slaughtered all the baby boys in Bethlehem in hopes of killing Jesus.  This was a violent, oppressive world.  Who was singing in this passage?  And what was the message of their song?  How is there hope for our world today?

NEXT Steps Scripture & Prayer Guide

Ever notice how much music plays a part of our celebration of Christmas?  Many of us have favorite songs like “White Christmas” or “Jingle Bells” or “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.”  While the Bible doesn’t seem to have much rap or jazz, there is much music to help us center on the true meaning of Christmas.  Here is a few of them.

PRAYER

Come to my heart, Lord Jesus, and echo the songs of salvation in my ears!  Amen.

Monday – Luke 1:46-56

Mary’s Magnificat is a wonderful expression of faith and joy.  What would it mean for Mary to give up all of her dreams for her life and her family to follow God’s call.  Life for Mary became real complicated after the visit from the angel.  Yet, she answers the call with courage and anticipation!  How can her song become my song?

Tuesday – Luke 2:8-20

This was not a “care bear” world.  The Romans were forcing people to sign up for a census to raise the taxes to support their empire.  Matthew tells us that King Herod slaughtered all the baby boys in Bethlehem in hopes of killing Jesus.  This was a violent, oppressive world.  Who was singing in this passage?  And what was the message of their song?  How is there hope for our world to

Wednesday – Philippians 2:5-11

Scholars think this passage was actually the words of a song the early church sang.  While it doesn’t quite ring like “Silver Bells,” it does focus on Jesus and the purpose of his coming.  Could it be that the secret sauce of true Christmas joy is celebrating the purpose of Jesus’ coming?  How can you celebrate that this year?

Thursday – Revelation 5:1-14

The Roman Church at the time this was written was under intense persecution.  The pressures on the believers were immense.  So, John paints a picture of victory in the future.  What do they do?  Apparently, saints sing.  What are these songs about?  Who do they honor?  Why does this celebrate hope?

Friday – Psalm 40:1-8

No song book would be complete with a selection from the Book of Psalms.  While these were likely composed and in use before Jesus’ birth, they invite us to hope in God.  Why does this songwriter have hope?  What has this songwriter learned about life?  Does this wisdom work today?

Saturday – Psalm 98

There are three sections to this song:  vss 1-3, vss 4-6, and vss 7-9.  What is the theme of each section?  Note the tense of the verbs.  The first section uses verbs that are past tense.  God has done these things.  The second section uses verbs that are present tense.  And the Psalm ends on verbs of the future tense.  Christmas is the miracle of a God who is on the move, who makes things happen!  What does God want to make happen in our world today?  In your life today?

Week of December 3rd

Prayer

Come to my heart, Lord Jesus. There is room in my heart for you. Amen.

Monday - Isaiah 11:1-9

The prophet Isaiah, writing many years before Jesus' birth, foresaw that the Messiah would come to bring hope and peace to the land. What phrases or images leap out to you as you read this passage? How does Christmas bring hope and peace to you?

Tuesday - Isaiah 11:1-9

Read this passage again. When you come to verses 6-9, ponder what it would mean to live in hope and peace like this today? A Christmas like this would eliminate fear and violence. How can your Christmas become like that today? How do you live in hope and peace?

Wednesday - Psalm 72

This Psalm was likely written in celebration of one of Israel's kings, perhaps Solomon. But long after the kings of Israel disappeared, it was still used because it focused our eyes on the reign of God in the world. What images speak to you about God's reign today? How do we become partners with God today?

Thursday - Psalm 72

Likely this Psalm was written for one of the kings of Israel, perhaps Solomon. But what if we were to read the Psalm thinking of the birth of Jesus? How does it express our hopes an dreams for the coming of the Messiah today?

Friday - Romans 8:7-13

Leap ahead to the New Testament and Paul's letter to the church in Rome. Likely, most of the church was made up of Gentile converts. Long they had thought they were left out. They were not the chosen ones. But Paul offers hope. What is it? Is that hope offered for us, too? How can we experience that hope today?

Saturday - Hebrews 1:1-4

In the past, God spoke through many leaders: judges, prophets, and other dynamic leaders. But in these last days, God has spoken through whom? How does Christmas reveal this wisdom to us today? If Jesus is the full revelation of God's nature and character, what do we know about God?

Week of November 12th

Following Jesus is grounded in gratitude, revealed in prayer, and lived in faith.  To live in faith means we may not be in control and may not know the future with certainty.  But we live freely and fully, trusting in the God who is able to bring good out of even the worst of tragedies.  Here are some passages on living in faith.

PRAYER

O God who invites all of us to trust your grace:  thank you for making faith possible.  Help me to trust you more this day with all that I cannot foresee or control.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

Monday –Hebrews 11

The best examples of living in faith.  Some of the stories we may know well, and others have been lost over the years.  Their lives were not simple or easy.  They sacrificed much, but God provided so much more for them and us.  Therefore, we are called to live in faith, too.  How can you live in faith today?

Tuesday --Daniel 3

Three young friends of Daniel who also served as slaves to the empire refused to compromise their convictions and faced death courageously.  Was it dangerous?  Was it risky?  Were they afraid?  “Yes” to all the above, yet they lived in faith that God would provide for them.  How will you live in faith today?

Wednesday – Nehemiah 1:1-4 and 2:1-6

Nehemiah was a wine taster for the King.  Who tests wine for a King?  Someone who is easily disposable.  If the wine is poisoned, we’ll find another slave.  Yet, the King appoints Nehemiah governor over Jerusalem to rebuild the walls of the city.  Despite threats, fear, plots, and intimidation; Nehemiah led the people to rebuild the walls in 52 days.  How can one go from so low to so high?  Nehemiah lived in faith.  How can you live in faith today?

Thursday – Matthew 9:27-30

This is one of many healing stories.  Two blind men follow Jesus?  What did they want?  What did Jesus ask?  What did Jesus promise?  These men believed Jesus could and would help, and because of it they gained their sight.  How can you live in faith and regain your vision?

Friday – Luke 8:40-48

This is a story within a story.  Focus on the woman in the second story.  Who was she?  Sounds desperate, doesn’t she?  What did she believe?  Jesus is being jostled in a crushing crowd, but he sensed something important happen.  When the woman confessed what she had done – inappropriate for her to do on several levels – Jesus affirmed her.  What did he say?  How can you live in faith today?

Saturday – John 4:46-53

Why would this man plead with Jesus?  Would you and I be any different if we were in the same situation?  What promise did Jesus make and how did the man respond?  Faith is revealed in obedience.  How will you live in faith today?

Week of November 5th

Legacy Sunday is a time to honor our saints.  What is a saint?  Do you know any saints?  Is a saint someone who, like the little girl suggests, lets the light shine through?  The saints in the Bible were not perfect people, but they did keep the faith with God.

PRAYER

O God, thank you for all the saints you have put in my path.  May the light of your love shine through me to encourage others, forgive others, and lead others, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Monday –Genesis 39:1-6

To Potiphar, Joseph was a saint.  It was based on his observation of his character revealed in his actions.  Obviously, Potiphar’s wife had other ideas in mind.  How was Joseph a saint? Check out 39:21 and 41:38.  What do these verses reveal to us?  How can you be a saint?

Tuesday --Daniel 6:1-9

Daniel was a young man separated from his home and his family; and thrust into slavery in the foreign empire.  What made Daniel a saint?  Are there saints today?  How can you become a saint?

Wednesday -- Ephesians 4: 1-7 and 11-16

Paul is writing to church leaders in Ephesus what it means to be in the body of Christ.  Healthy churches have diverse gifts in different people.  What is the one common bond?  What is the purpose of diverse gifts?  Who is the head?  What are your gifts and how do you use them?

Thursday -- 2 Timothy 1:13-18

Paul describes faithfulness to young Timothy.  What is faithfulness?  What examples does Paul give here:  both negative and positive?  How are you faithful?

Friday -- Acts 9:1-19

Who was the saint in this story:  Paul or Ananias… or both?  Paul had certainly done some horrible things to Christians, but God called him.  Ananias was reluctant to go, but God prevailed.  How important is obedience to the saint?  How important is it to you?

Saturday -- Hebrews 10:19-25

Sainthood is not developed by our own initiative.  It comes as a response to God.  According to this passage, what has God done that calls us to faithfulness?  In response to God, on what should we focus?  Evaluate your own sainthood.  How are you doing?

Week of October 22nd

This week in worship, we were reminded of the power of Jesus to forgive sins and the value of faith.  We also witnessed the “Cardboard Testimonies” of those in our community who God has forgiven and used in His kingdom to bless others. We’re a community who has been blessed to be a blessing to others.  Those are powerful words to remember this week. 

PRAYER

O God, You have blessed me beyond measure, yet there are times that I forget.  Help to me to keep you first in my heart and mind as I work, play, and rest.  May my heart and mind continue to become more like Yours.   Amen.

Monday –Mark 10:35-45

Why were James and John concerned about having places of importance?  James and John assumed that since Jesus was the Messiah and was heading to Jerusalem, he was about to claim Israel’s throne and over throw the Romans.  Have you ever allowed your personal pride and desire for power influence your behavior?

Tuesday –Matthew 25:31-46

Why would sheep and goats be mixed together?  Although these animals would not have been penned together, they would have grazed fields together.  Several herds could co-mingle, but they would respond to the shepherd’s voice.  This would only work if the sheep knew their shepherd’s voice.  How do we ensure that we know the Good Shepherd’s voice and not the voice calling the goats?

Wednesday – Luke 15:1-7

Have you ever been concerned about the 99 sheep who were left?  Could God possibly be on rescue patrol AND keeping the flock safe too?  Certainly!  In this 1st century culture, the Head Shephard would search for the lost while others would care for the flock.  Have you ever felt that Jesus was seeking you?  Have you ever resisted because you felt you weren’t worthy before others?  We need not feel bad about our savior.  He loves us more than we can fathom. 

Thursday – Mark 6:30-44

Once again, the people, “were like sheep without a shepherd.”  Jesus continues to seek the lost, hungry, and hurt.  The religious leaders had become lost and taught lost faith, yet Jesus came to save.  Are there times in your life when wandered without the shepherd’s care?  What happens to us, is what happens to the world too.  Shouldn’t we talk more about the Good Shepherd?  What would be the benefit?

Friday – Acts 2:45

Are we expected to sell our positions and give to the poor?  Jesus didn’t mandate we sell everything, yet we are called to attend to the sick and poor.  If God has been generous to us, shouldn’t we give generously to others?  What’s the benefit?  What might happen if we following God’s calling in our lives?

Saturday – Exodus 3:7-10

God seems to put a heavy emphasis on keeping His word.  Don’t you think?  Although the land was given to Abraham’s people, God wanted to ensure that Moses’ people would receive what was rightfully given to them.  What does this say about the character of God?  What does this mean to us and our relationship?  Should we consider our promises to God with more care and attention?

Week of Oct 8th

Gratitude is how we embrace grace face to face.  When we neglect to give thanks, we miss out on the best of God’s blessings:  a personal relationship of joy and peace.  When we pause to give thanks to the One who blesses us generously, we see God’s possibilities for abundant and eternal life.  Here are some passages about gratitude.

 PRAYER – God, you are the source of every good and perfect gift.  Open my eyes to see the signs and evidences of your grace every day, in Jesus’ name.  Amen. 

Monday – Psalm 77

This is one of my favorites.  Compare the tone of the first few verses with verses 13-15.  What has changed?  I think the key is verses 11 & 12.  What if you and I made that decision every day?  How would choosing gratitude change our attitude?

Tuesday – Psalm 100

Every time I visited Aunt Orie, she would recite this Psalm from memory.  I realize that it is a short psalm, but Aunt Orie was 100 years old.  Maybe that’s how you live to 100?  She may have forgotten many other things, but she remembered how to focus her faith on gratitude to God for her life of many blessings.  Gratitude is an attitude we choose.

Wednesday – Acts 16:16-34

The authorities treated Paul and Silas badly, even illegally.  So Paul and Silas are buried in a dungeon with little hope. What do they do?  It’s not the first thing that comes to my mind. But when we choose the attitude of faith in God, spectacular things can happen.  How will you choose gratitude today?

Thursday – Acts 2:41-47

This must have been a powerful experience – the fire of the Holy Spirit infecting every believer.  And one of the characteristics of this transforming experience is that the whole community gathered in praise and thanksgiving.  Is it that they were thankful that new people joined the group or is it that new people joined the group because they were thankful?  Things that make you go “Hmmm!”

Friday – Ephesians 5:15-21

Paul teaches the saints in Ephesus to “give thanks always and everywhere.”  Is this possible?  Yes, if you read verse 18 first, “Don’t be drunk with wine which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit.”  When we focus on the power and presence of God’s Spirit, we will see God work in miraculous ways.  Give thanks!

Saturday – Philippians 4:1-9

This sounds like a great pep talk, until we realize that Paul is likely in prison spending his last days.  In the midst of tragic and trying cirucmstances, Paul chooses gratitude and joy.  Gratitude is an attitude we can choose no matter what the situation.  Where do you need to choose gratitude today?

Week of October 1st

What comes after we say, “I believe in Jesus?”  Is that all there is or is there more?  God’s hopes and dreams for us are a journey towards blessing.  We do not arrive in one or two steps.  We grow into abundant life, full and free.  Here are some passages that teach us about worship, joy, and hope.

PRAYER – Lord, send your Holy Spirit to enlighten my mind, strengthen my hands, and encourage my heart so I may faithfully live my life for you.  Amen.

Monday – Isaiah 6:1-8

Isaiah was probably a priest, perhaps doing his usual routine when something spectacular interrupted his day.  Not every moment of worship is like this, but it was because he was in worship that he heard the call.  Can you identify the four movements:  vss 1-4, vs 5, vss 6 & 7, and verse 8?  What was Isaiah experiencing?  Does worship mean this for you?

Tuesday – Revelation 4

John has a vision of worship in heaven.  It is an incredible experience.  What is the focus of worship?  How do they express their worship?  Is this dependent on the place, time, and style of worship?  How can you worship this way?

Wednesday – 1 John 1:1-10

Why does the author write these things (vs 4)?  It is so easy in our busy, topsy, turvy world to get buried under “stuff.”  All we do is put one foot in front of the next, and never really “enjoy” the gift of life.  But Jesus came to give life – abundant life.  What in this passage can bring joy to our lives?

Thursday – Romans 14:13-23

We are not the first generation to live in controversy.  It goes way back.  Even though we may not appreciate the issue in Paul’s day, his guidance is still valuable.  What does he advise?  What is the most important guiding principle?  Where will this lead us (vs 17)?  Can this work today?

Friday – Psalm 42

Here is some poetry from “prose-flattened” lives.  This is not an example of a “care bears perfect world.”  This author is frustrated, facing difficulty.  Yet, there is hope.  Why?  How does this writer’s faith encourage our hopes in frustrating times today?

Saturday – Romans 8:18-30

One can spend a life time in the 8th chapter of Romans.  It is not merely surviving the challenges of life, but discovering how to thrive in the challenges of life.  In what ways does Paul teach us how to thrive in the challenges of life?  How does faith in Jesus Christ lead us there?  If you need a boost, read the rest of the chapter.