What a weekend, starting with Friday’s rush hour traffic. Schools were closed early. Many took hours to get to their destinations. Most stayed in the rest of the weekend. Many churches were closed. We even made some changes due to the weather. Not many would consider the winter storm as beneficial. Yet, even in storms there can be some good. A large snowfall will blanket the earth and will give some insulation against frigid temperatures. That snowfall provides moisture for the ground that will be so important for crops once the growing season begins. Snow also acts to cleanse the air and brings nutrients to the ground.

Some good comes out of the storms of life, as well. James recorded…

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 ESV

Don’t let the trials and difficulties of life get you down. Put your trust in God and use those difficulties as stepping stones to develop endurance. Have a winner’s attitude. As you endure, your faith will grow and mature.

Have a great week. Turn to God and trust in Him.

***

 

I used a football illustration recently. Now, turning to baseball (after all spring training is just around the corner), many baseball fans park in the Casino Queen parking lot and ride the MetroLink to the ball games at Busch Stadium. Why is the Casino Queen so gracious in allowing riders to use their parking facilities? I am sure it is because they hope riders will be enticed by the close proximity to the gambling facility. Satan will do anything to break down your resistance and remove any hindrance to entice you to sin.

No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 2 Tim 2:4 ESV

It is your responsibility to prepare each day for battle against Satan and his minions. Do not allow him to entangle you with his web of deceit and lusts. Do all you can today to please your Commander. Pray before you leave your house that God will grant you the wisdom to recognize temptation and the strength to overcome.

***

As we made our recent trip to Valparaiso, we felt almost like Santa in his sleigh. We went bearing gifts.

I am sure there were many others on the road doing the same thing.

As we travel through life, we ought to bear gifts daily, gifts such as love, good works, and more.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Eph 2:10 ESV

Experience the joy today of seeing others receive the gift you bear. Do something unexpected for someone. Show your love for those around you. It will lift your spirits and theirs, and it will be pleasing to God.

 

TLM

Sermon Outlines

Printable PDF Version

The New Birth	What About the Resurrection	A Way of Life
It Is a Tight Squeeze	The Day I Die	You Can Make a Difference
Equipping the Saints to Bear One Another's Burdens	I'll Do It Myself	Why Should We Preach...
Jesus Christ: The Prince of Peace	The Good Shepherd	What Is Fellowship?
I have Found the Book	How the O.T. Helps Us Today	Motivation for Christian Living
The Faith to Endure	The Bases of Fellowship in Jesus	The God that Sees
The Humility of Jesus	Jesus: The Great I AM	Committment in Marriage
Jesus' Passion for the Lost	When Time Ends	A Seperate People
Christians Are Special	Who Is Satan Part I?	You Have no Right to Judge!
Why Be a Leader?	Developing Wise Leaders	The Mighty One of Jacob
Who Is Satan Part II?	Feelings Felt by a Suffering Servant	Why Are There So Many Churches?
Value of Fellowship with Deity	I'm too Young	Running the Race of Christian Faith
Made in the Image of God	Is the Bible You Use Reliable? Parts 1 & 2	Is the Bible You Use Reliable? Parts 3
Healing from Hurt	Inherited Sin	How They Viewed Jesus
Why Do We Believe Jesus Is the Christ?	Why We Believe in One Faith?	The Thief on the Cross