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We have a promise in the Word of God that when hard times come, God will be our deliverer! It doesn't say that we will never experience difficult seasons, but the Bible does show us that God will protect us, keep us and bring us through with a testimony of God's goodness!

The Danger of Clinging to the Familiar At some point the Lord may lead you to the often difficult step of breaking away from what is familiar into a life-changing opportunity. He has your best interest in mind! If you are feeling that pull in the spirit to new things, don't resist it - remember, your heavenly father has good things in store for those who will follow His leading!

Thankfulness is a powerful spiritual principle. In Psalm 50:23 it shows us that giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors God. Ingratitude is very unattractive, even in the natural realm. However, we must remain thankful even in difficult or trying times as many of us find ourselves or see our country in now. Don't let current circumstances dictate your thankfulness. God loves when we give thanks and will respond to thankfulness with powerful deliverance!

There are certain tasks the Lord gives us here on earth that must be carried out in a certain time frame before circumstances change and the opportunity to fulfill those purposes is no longer available, such as sharing the Gospel message with a friend or relative before you or they move or even pass away. In John 9:4 Jesus says: "We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work." Let's not miss our opportunities!!

So often we have our mind made up on a "Plan A," the way we want or expect the Lord to answer our prayers. If that doesn't pan out as we hope, we often have a fall back "Plan B" calculated. However, the Lord knows what we need and how to provide for us, better than we do! He has a supernatural "Plan C" waiting in the wings that we couldn't even imagine.

What could possibly amaze the Son of God? You would assume Jesus was aware of everything! The Bible says Jesus marveled, or was amazed (depending on the translation) at the faith of a gentile Roman centurion who somehow had a supernatural understanding that Jesus's words were all that was needed heal his servant. Jesus was amazed at this man's radical understanding of the power of the Word of God! Do you have this same grasp of the power of God's Word?

"Earth shaking" events can overturn the daily routines of millions, or billions of people in a literal instant. What do you rely on for "stability" or "safety?" Is it another person, your financial resources, alcohol or a prescription medication, or on the Lord? We live in a shaky world! If we are not relying on our God as our foundation and our defense, we have no hope! As David wrote in the Psalms - only the Lord is the "rock of our salvation" and we must rely on Him if we will remain unshaken!

For some materials, hot water extracts the best potential, for some it hardens or weakens. For the last several years the whole world has seemingly been in some very hot water. Will these trying circumstances and upheaval harden your heart, or bring out the goodness of the Lord inside you? Is the proverbial " hot water" changing you or are you changing the "hot water" around you?

How do we talk about political issues, especially at election time without criticizing, name calling or judging in our hearts? Here is a a practical strategy: Talk about issues not personalities Pray for God's will to be done in this and future election cycles Commit to pray for all government officials

When believers gather together the Lord is listening and the Bible says in Malachi chapter 3:16 that He remembers those whose words show fear of the Lord and honor His name! Are your conversations with fellow Christians something worthy of God's remembrance? Let your words be honoring to the Lord!

Protection, direction, friendship with God, health, wisdom, and prosperity are among the blessings that are promised in the Bible to those who "fear the Lord." But what is this term, "the fear of the Lord," supposed to convey? Should we really be afraid of God? Or does this mean living our lives according to God's ways? We discuss all of these points in this encouraging video!

God has a specific divine plan for your life! However, you must make the life-altering decision to ask the Lord what His will is for your life. This may be somewhat different than the path you have mapped out in your own mind. But if you truly want to experience the fulfillment of God's perfect purpose in your life, you must be willing to ask - "Lord what would you have me to do?"

This week we continue to explore why Christians go through hardships. This week we look at a modern example for encouragement. As we discuss the seeming dissonance we feel when we face difficulties in this world, we can trust that God has a plan for each us, and it is a good plan!

Have you ever wondered why Christians go through hardships? We have all faced hard times, in various ways, but isn't God a savior, and our deliverer? Where is He? What is going on? How do we reconcile this dissonance? We look at some Biblical examples for some great encouragement!

When "seasons" are changing in our lives we must keep our hearts right before the Lord. We must not "rush" the timing of the change in seasons in our own strength. We must not begrudge the people or hardships associated with the passing season. We must end the outgoing season with no spiritual baggage that would hinder our pursuit of the Lord. Make sure you are ready to enter the new season with a pure heart, prepared to receive the blessings the Lord has for you!

Don't forget to remember! You must NOT forget to recount and record the great things the Lord has done for you. Recalling the moments of divine deliverance or provision in your own life will not only build your own faith and help you stand firm in difficult times, it will be a treasure to your children and grand children in the future. Do not despise your own spiritual journey as insignificant, every single believer has testimonies that will inspire those who hear or read them and this "spiritual inheritance" will encourage these future generations in their walk with the Lord for years to come! Write down and record your testimonies of God's goodness and faithfulness!

What are you taking into your spirit? Jesus instructed us in Mark 4:24, to guard what we hear, or as one version (NASB) translates this verse "Be careful what you listen to." We are inundated with news and information nearly constantly through TV, radio and internet formats. In WWII, the Axis powers had ongoing propaganda radio broadcasts throughout the course of the conflict, aimed specifically at demoralizing Allied military personnel. We must guard our hearts in order to not overwhelm our spirits with this current barrage of negativity. This does not mean we should remain naive of current events, but to keep the truth of the Word of God preeminent in our hearts and minds; we are overcomers through Christ, not overcome!

At some point in time every believer faces a "midnight hour," when natural circumstances seem so bleak that no positive outcome appears possible. The well known Bible story from Acts of Paul and Silas is the perfect example of this, as they were locked in a prison, falsely accused with no hope for release in sight. They did not respond in frustration or anger toward God, but rather with praise and worship! Not only did the Lord deliver them miraculously, but the other prisoners and the jailer himself observed their response to their situation, leading to many souls saved! The Lord will deliver those who trust in Him! Keep your heart right in the process and it will be a witness to those around you!

In Isaiah 65:24 the Lord says "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear." We can pray confidently in faith knowing that God will indeed answer our prayers as we petition him according to his will! God will even provide for you in seemingly impossible earthly circumstances. 1 John 5:14-15 states "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him." Let this encouragement boost your faith and confidence in the Lord today!!

If you have been waiting for a dream or vision given to you by the Lord to come to pass in your life, take encouragement in this message today! In Habakkuk chapter 2 the Lord says, "For the vision is yet for an appointed time, it hastens toward the goal and will not fail. Though it tarries, WAIT FOR IT, for it will surely come... If you have been waiting for the Lord's promise to come to pass, don't despair - it will surely come!

Your Life Speaks Without Words! Do you know that you can influence those around you without even "preaching" the gospel? By living and walking in love, wisdom and integrity your lifestyle can speak volumes to those watching you live out your faith!

The favor of God will deliver you from extremely difficult circumstances, not because you "deserve" it, but because you have been made righteous through Christ's redeeming work on the cross. Your "part" is to expect the favor of God to be active in your life!

The favor of God can make a way for you regardless of natural circumstances in the world around you. Even in difficult situations the Lord will make a way for those who seek Him and bring them out on top!

Proverbs 6:16-19 illuminates six things God hates, but notes that seven are an abomination - that seventh "abomination" is referring to a person who sows strife among the brethren. During these times of social unrest and intense political rhetoric, we have to remember that as members of the body of Christ we must be agents of unity, not strife! Our words, or posts and comments online, must be building up one another! If we as believers desire to see true positive change in our nation or the world, we must turn to our spiritual weapon of prayer, because this battle is not against flesh and blood!

Psalms 68:20 says "Your God is a God of Deliverances" - that is a plural word! We are not just promised a one time deliverance or one time salvation. Instead, the Bible promises a wonder working God who is an ongoing deliverer for those who trust in Him!