2 Peter 1, 2. [NIV Dramatized Audio]

This life has its trials. Yet, as Christians we have a Savior who rides along with us over every bump on life’s road. If we feel it, He feels it. We are not alone.

Christ is our Advocate. He has NEVER lost a battle. He knows how to rescue us from the trials we experience. [2 Peter 2:9] ( This would be a good verse to memorize if you are going through a trial)

1 Peter 4, 5. [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Many want to be the boss and not the follower. If we have a chance or obligation to be in charge, be like Christ Jesus Who was humble and inclined to serve. Lording it over people will cause you to be resented.

God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

1 Peter 2. [NIV Dramatized Audio]

O horrors if we ever suffer unjustly, but that’s exactly what we are called to for the sake of Christ. “All who live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” [2 Tim. 3:12]

If we do, God can and will more than make it up to us. Remember, this life is merely a warmup for an eternity with God in Heaven.

The heavens were opened to Strphen AS he was being stoned.

1 Peter 1. [NIV Dramatized Audio]

The Christian life is a journey from carnality to holiness. The carnal mind focuses on satisfying the appetites of our flesh. The holy mind focuses on pleasing God. It doesn’t happen overnight, although transforming experiences at the altar can make big changes.

Our goal; that His kingdom fully comes in our daily life – body, soul and spirit.

James 5 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Many people fall into the bad habit of swearing (making an oath) and cursing (GD this and GD that). F-bombs and ignorant misuses of common language terms to add abnormal weight to a conversation abound in our culture. (I personally blame Hollywood for severely degrading the English language)

“Let your yes be yes and your no be no so that you will not sin and be condemned for it.” [V. 12]

James 3, 4. [NIV Dramatized Audio]

James warns us not to make plans for tomorrow that are outside of God’s will.

Who is a greater planner than God Himself? Allowing God’s will to be in the driver’s seat is like turning your inner Spirit radio on and following it’s instructions.

While working on my daughter’s lawn tractor with my friend Ron, he asked, “How does a musician come up with engineering plans?” “It came up on my mind’s screen,” was my reply.

I’m no engineer, but my God is! He planned and built a universe.

James 2. [NIV Dramatized Audio]

My son-in-law pastors the church I attend. One of his major themes is that we were all made in God’s image. When we meet people, we don’t know how much is in their bank account or how much education they have or what kind of home they live in. We NEED to see that they were made in God’s image and give them appropriate honor for that.

When God chose Mary to birth Jesus, He “regarded the low estate of His handmaiden!” Hey, she was POOR.

Let’s get rid of our hypocrisies and treat everyone well. Start right now. Beware, they might ask you for some help ($$$).

James 1. [NIV Dramatized Audio]

When I place an Amazon order, my item always arrives either the next day or very soon after. Their reliability has generated my faith in their system.

James instructs us that we must have faith that God will give us wisdom when we ask for it. He’s bigger and greater than Amazon. Ask in faith. It’s coming!

Heb. 12 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

The Beatles never thought their song would be my headline.

This chapter is a complete discourse on discipline and correction. God says He will shake everything. Whatever remains can endure eternity. So, let the shaking begin.

A significant point: Fathers are in charge of discipline and correction. It’s part of their job description. If dad is not around, then mom steps up and does it. Children NEED correction. You can’t be correct without correction.

When you’re in the shaking it no fun. But, the result is worth suffering for. God WILL have a people who are without spot or wrinkle.

Heb. 11 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Pastor Rod Parsley quoted Lester Sumrall as saying, “Faith is knowing God.”

Apart from God there really is no faith. We receive faith through God’s Word. We hear God’s Word at our believer gatherings when we hear His Word preached. We get to know Him through our personal study of the Bible. It can all be considered getting to know God better.

All of the accomplishments and exploits of the heroes of the Old Testament ONLY came by faith. As we know God better each day, we too can do mighty exploits for God through the faith He imparts.

Let faith arise!