The storms in my life may not be over physically, but spiritually they are over. With the peaceful assurance that God is by my side, that He is holding my hand, I am comforted that He will see me through my storms. Just like the disciples at sea on a stormy night, the assurance that there’s nothing to fear with God by their side is even mine this morning. I do not need to be afraid of the challenges the day holds. God is with me and He has taken my hand. I will be okay irrespective of whatever may comes my way.

Yes, life challenges will test our patience. There may be challenges in your home, your marriage, your job, and even your church that seem more than you are willing to cope with. Be reminded that the race is not for the swift, nor the battle for the strong, but for those who endure. Remember, the humble calf sucks the most milk. Patience is a virtue – a rare one. This fruit of the Spirit is a quality we all need.

For what is your soul hungering and thirsting? Today, as we play our part to feed the hungry and thirsting among us, let us take time to gaze upon Christ's purity as we get better acquainted with Him through His words. By beholding we will become dissatisfied with ourselves and become in favor of being like Jesus. By beholding, we will become changed.

God promised to answer when we call. He will be with us in trouble to deliver and honor us. David found God to be His refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. You can too. Just call Him. The recited prayer can’t do when you are in trouble. You need a prayer from your gut as you cry out to God for deliverance.

The “eagles” of prophetic signs are gathered together. They have formed a corridor down through space to usher in the king of Kings; a new era, a new earth wherein righteousness dwelleth. The end is near! Everything around us is echoing the warning that time will be no more. The sea is angry! The winds are fierce! The earth quakes in rage! Truly, signs of judgment are all gathered together for one great crescendo! Jesus is coming again!

Mourning is a voluntary expression of sorrow over certain circumstances. The elderly folks would often express shock and sadness when someone is murdered, especially close to home. The lack of respect for life, abuse and ill treatment of women, children, and some men, now seems so commonplace—we no longer mourn at these atrocities in our society.

Jesus taught that it’s a blessing to have pure hearts. Those with pure hearts will see God. Realizing these truths, we must do all, with God’s help, to have a pure heart. We must guard carefully the avenues of our soul – especially our eyes and ears – so as not to feed our hearts with evil thoughts and company. Only allow in what is good and noble and just. And yes, ask God’s help to keep your heart pure. Let us be pure, because others care.

It wasn’t God’s will to cause the older generation to perish in the wilderness. It was their rebellion. Their unwillingness to follow the straight “thus saith the Lord” prevented their entry. They preferred to set up their own rules and do their own thing. They rebelled against God’s chosen who always stood in the gap for them. With all the miracles God did and all the provisions He gave them, still they were unsatisfied and doubtful of His protection. Their rebellion prevented them from entering the Promised Land.

The Centurion totally surrendered all control and authority when he bid Jesus “speak the word” so that his servant could receive healing. There are many more such examples. But for me, the one that stands out more is Hosea: despite his Christian morals and beliefs, and against his better hope and aspirations, he chose to follow God and marry a woman who would bring him untold grief.

As we encounter our various challenges and struggles on this Earth, we have nothing to fear. With Jesus at our head we are assured that troubles won’t last long. Why, we have read the last chapter of the Book and we know how it will all climax. Jesus promised that He would return for us. He went away to prepare this beautiful place for His children. He promised that if He go He would come again! We know that He went away and are fully assured that He is coming back soon! Are you longing for Heaven, yearning to enter those pearly gates? Are you packed and ready to go? The Lord is there.