From His Heart, by Pastor Jeff Schreve

The key to a joyous Christmas is to make sure you stop and look at your 'to-do' list.

The Bible warns against tempting God's patience, as seen in the story of the Israelites who were punished for their impatience during their wilderness wanderings. By reflecting on this warning and embracing trust, praise, and faith, believers can avoid falling into the same sin and instead wait on God to bring His goodness to them in due time.

Jesus' message of hope and redemption is not limited to a make-believe neighborhood, but is meant for all real-life communities, including those marked by neglect, shame, and despair. Through His presence in our lives, Jesus transforms brokenness into beauty, offering peace, joy, and salvation to anyone who invites Him in.

The Christian life is a battle of wills between our own desires and God's will, as exemplified by Jesus' willingness to sacrifice His own desires for the Father's in the Garden of Gethsemane. By submitting to God's will, we can experience His perfect plan for our lives and live a life that brings glory to Him, as demonstrated by the author's personal struggle with their child's sleep issues.

A power failure in the Christian life can be a humbling experience, as seen in the story of Jesus' nine disciples who were unable to cast out a demon despite being given authority and power. By examining three key areas - getting away from Jesus, waverin in unbelief, and neglecting prayer - we can understand why these failures occur and how to overcome them through abiding in Christ and relying on His promises.

A person's foundation is crucial for stability and resilience in life, just like a house needs a firm foundation to withstand natural disasters. By embracing two fundamental truths - that God is good and loves us - individuals can develop a rock-solid perspective that enables them to navigate life's challenges with hope and confidence.

The devil's favorite proverb, "The fathers eat the sour grapes, but the children's teeth are set on edge," is a subtle lie that has been perpetuated for centuries, teaching three devastating falsehoods: it is not my fault, God is not fair, and it does not matter how I respond. By recognizing and rejecting these lies, individuals can take responsibility for their actions, trust in a fair and just God, and repent of their sins to live a life of faith and redemption.

As Christians, we are called to be "the salt of the earth," bringing flavor, healing, preservation, and seasoning to a world desperately in need of spiritual renewal. By guarding against defilement and contamination from the world, we can fulfill our purpose as salty witnesses, making a huge difference in every arena of life and standing in the gap for the land.

As the Christian life progresses, it's easy to lose sight of our connection with God, but doing a "radio check" - a daily examination of our heart and faith - is crucial for spiritual growth. By regularly checking in with God and seeking His guidance, we can ensure that our love for Him and others is growing, leading to a more obedient and loving life.

As Christmas approaches, many are facing the blues due to separation from loved ones, loss, or personal struggles. By turning to Jesus, who is the Wonderful Counselor and Mighty God, individuals can find peace, joy, and transformation, as seen in the story of Hannah, a woman who poured out her soul to Him and received the desires of her heart.

The problem of sexual sin is a pervasive challenge facing Christians today, with many good men and women falling prey to powerful temptations that can lead to lasting pain and ruin. By understanding the dangers of lust, pornography, adultery, and fornication, and by turning to God's clear commands and His amazing grace, individuals can find victory over sexual sin and live a life of peace and joy in Christ.

God is not a sad or mad God, but a glad and joyful one who rejoices over His people with shouts of joy. By understanding this biblical truth, Christians can shift their perspective on God's character and experience a deeper, more loving relationship with Him.

When unexpected heartache strikes during the holiday season, as it did for Joseph in the Christmas story, facing the pain head-on can be a powerful way forward. By learning from Joseph's example and taking our hurts to God, we can find comfort, healing, and hope in the midst of sorrow.

Most Christians view God as either king or father, but few see Him as a close friend who can share their deepest secrets and struggles with. By shifting our perspective to see God as a helpful friend, we can experience greater intimacy and divine assistance in our lives.

Jesus warns the church in Laodicea of their spiritual state as "lukewarm," a condition where they are neither hot nor cold in their devotion to Him. By praying a prayer of repentance and seeking a fresh work in their hearts, individuals can experience a major spike in their relationship with God and move from lukewarmness to a passionate love for Christ.