We can spend our whole life chasing dreams, toys, and adventure only to end up tired, alone, and empty. If all we’re chasing is our own happiness, we’re chasing after the wind. When we pursue the things of God, we will find lasting joy, adventure, and eternal treasures. I’ve found the greatest pleasures in life often come from giving rather than getting… a simple truth that even a child understands…

Friends, we have a moral and spiritual war going on that is as equally devastating as nuclear bombs being dropped on our country. Men must rise-up and become warriors for God and their families or this culture is doomed. We must lovingly project an agenda of hope, strength, courage, and great character to the younger generation.

Gratitude, you see, is one of the evidences that God is in us and that He is working in our lives. Why do I say that? Because in the world in which we live today, there are so many reasons to be ungrateful. So many reasons to complain. Too many things we experience in the media that can cause us to be disheartened.

Unexpected difficulties — we all experience them. How do you handle your problems? Many people believe that once you become a Christian, all your troubles go away. This illusion is simply not Biblical. What we can count on with absolute confidence is that God is in control and He is with us during times of trouble.

With all the social, political and economic turmoil in our world, it’s no wonder many people struggle with anxiety, rejection, abandonment, emptiness, and depression. Under the mounting pressures of just their daily lives, many are desperate for relief… and peace.

A friend of mine often reminds his children, “You are my children. I have given you my name. Honor it… and me. When you leave this house, you carry it with you. When you return, bring it back as good as it was when you left.” What a sobering consideration for a “Christian”.

It is human nature to assume and expect that those things we cherish most will always be with us. Many folks are so caught up in their careers that they don’t take time to really show their appreciation to others, especially their parents. I’m thankful that the Lord gave me almost four months during my dad’s battle with cancer to “get it right”.

I find it easy to sympathize with Hannah in her misery. I suspect all of us have down times, when life seems dark and empty, as if everything has gone wrong, and we are poignantly aware of how unfair it all is. Bitterness can set in when we face the injustices and pain of this world. If allowed to take root in our hearts, it’s very destructive.

When faced with something unpleasant, we usually do everything we can to avoid it. We’d surely spit it out if we could. Even when we know it’ll be good for us, that we need it, we often resist. How about dental check-ups, spring cleaning, or studying for an important exam? How about confronting that guy at work, asking for forgiveness, or forgiving? And sometimes we just don’t understand. We don’t really know what we need. God does though, and sometimes it’s a bitter pill.

Yes, the state of our nation’s political process is in despair. Yes, we wish the wars were over so our brave troops could come home. Yes, our leaders have let us down. But in all this there is so much to be thankful for. Knowing Christ and living in a free America has so many benefits… Instead of tracking with the pessimists, let’s remind ourselves that our greatest hope and dreams can be realized in Christ Jesus.