Have you ever had an experience that crippled or crushed you in some way? We have all been there in our lives. Moments that left us frustrated and grasping for reasons as to why we are experiencing what we are experiencing. It’s in these moments where our faith is truly tested. What will be your perspective in these difficult moments?In one of my past youth ministry churches, I had this experience...  Read More

Main Point and Overview:   How can someone be filled with joy in a struggle? The answer is having a “healthy life perception.” It has been said that “perception is reality.” While we know that statement isn’t technically true, we do know that a person’s perception is what he or she believes causing action or a lack of action. Paul’s perception was that the cost of prison was worth the fruit that i...  Read More

As a kid walking the toy aisles at Kmart, I would play with the Magic 8 Ball. Maybe you remember it; it was a black liquid filled 8-ball that could tell the future. You could ask questions like, “Will I get married? Will I be successful? What kind of job will I have when I grow up?” and receive responses such as, “Without a doubt. Outlook not so good. Reply hazy, try again.” As I think back to som...  Read More

We often think our success is measured by how much money we have in our savings account, the car we drive, the house we live in, and even the position we hold at work. However, at the end of the day it's not what we think! James 1:9-11 tells us:“Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass awa...  Read More

One of my favorite Johnny Cash songs is “I walk the Line.” The song is about fidelity. Granted, the context is different, but the intent and meaning are the same: to be true, don’t falter. Verse 6 paints a picture of what James is addressing in his letter, and that is obedience.One of the things I love about living in Michigan is “Michigan summers.” Even though we never lived in the state while I ...  Read More

Let’s do a mental picture—after I give you the prompt, close your eyes and imagine what I am about to describe to you. Imagine that you are an elder, by elder I mean you are the oldest living person, in a village thousands of years ago. There are people who are in charge of running the village and dealing with all sorts of conflicts. However, they never ask you for your wisdom that you have accumu...  Read More