"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I [Jesus] have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31-32 NIV. Do you feel like you've got a target on your back? Does it seem like you're battling one thing …
Tag: God
A Season of Trials
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, …
When Your Boat Takes on Water
"One day Jesus said to his disciples, 'Let's go over to the other side of the lake.' So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went …
Crushed and Brokenhearted
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed." Psalm 34:18 NLT. Unfortunately, you can't protect your heart from being broken. You can't build a wall high enough to keep your spirit from being crushed. The medical diagnosis of someone you love can knock you down, leaving you struggling to …
Rough Waters
"When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down." Isaiah 43:2 MSG. You’re not always going to know when someone you love is in trouble. You might think silence means busyness. You might assume the texting and phone calls stopped because you’ve done …
When You’re in the Wilderness
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil.” Matthew 4:1 NLT. You’re going to have times in the wilderness. Unpleasant, painful, lonely times. And sometimes, you might not even realize you’re in the wilderness. Things come at you from everywhere. All sorts of attacks on your …
Surrender What Matters Most
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30 NIV. Surrender. It's seen as a defeat, waving the white flag to those who are against you. But when you surrender to God, you're not giving up to someone …
Satan Wants to Destroy Your Relationships
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 NIV. You know Satan is a thief and a liar. He will twist and take whatever he can from you. That includes your relationships. He's after your relationship with …
Forgiveness
"Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." Colossians 3:13 NLT. If you hold a grudge and refuse to forgive someone for the way they treated you, the way they hurt you (intentional or not), you're allowing the pain to fester. …
Stay In Your Lane
"Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you." Proverbs 4:25-26 MSG. It can be frustrating to watch other cars fly by you on the freeway while you're stuck in the slow lane. You're tempted to switch lanes, to merge into the flow …
Joey Rudder 