Gratefulness is more than a temporary emotion; it's a heart posture towards God. When life throws us a curveball, it's easy to forget that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). But it's true just the same.

Let's give thanks when we see the positives and when we don't quite understand how it's working for our benefit, because we know we are to "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We have a loving Father in Heaven that loves to give good gifts to his children. We can trust that even when we don't understand, He is in control and is working it out for us. What are you grateful for today?

Book reference: "The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten Boom

When Jesus tells us in Matthew 16:24 that in order to be his disciples we must pick up our cross and follow him, he isn't describing a burden we must bear. He is simply asking us to think twice about our level of commitment to Him.

Are we willing to give up our self-centered desires and our own path in life? Are we willing to surrender absolutely every area of our life to God?

He reminds us in Matthew 16:25-26 that "whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it."

What are you willing to lose to follow Jesus? The reward is worth the price!

How many of you jump up and down and praise the Lord during a trial in your life? Not many of us do, but the Bible tells us that we should consider it joy whenever we face trials because the testing of our faith produces perseverance. (James 1:2-3)

Storms may seem unexpected, but they serve a purpose in our spiritual growth. Instead of acting surprised, we should ask the Lord for the strength to get through and realize He is working it out for our good.

Heaven or Hell, it's just that simple. When you die you will go somewhere. Where are you going to end up? Why would you gamble with eternity? Accept the free gift of salvation today. Tomorrow might be too late.

Romans 10:9-10

"If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."

Acts 4:12

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."

John 14:6

"Jesus answered, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

John 3:16-18

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

To call someone "Lord" is to acknowledge their authority in your life. Are you leading your own life or is Jesus leading it? Are you standing on a firm foundation or a foundation that may look good, but quickly collapses when the storms come? If you woke up this morning, God is giving you a chance to get it right. Build your foundation on the rock of Jesus Christ today!

Luke 6:46-49

The Wise and Foolish Builders

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

James 1:22

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

It's God's heart's desire to make himself known to us. That's why He sent His one and only Son to die on the cross for our sins. This perfect sacrifice made a way for us to enter into His presence. He wants to spend eternity with us! He wants a relationship with us! Are you comfortable just having your salvation ticket punched or do you want to enter into real joy, real peace, and real love?

Scripture

Matthew 16:24-25 "Then Jesus said to HIs disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."

Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword"

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

How many people know EVERYTHING about you? Not just the polished presentable you, but the ugly dirty mess you try to keep hidden even from yourself. God sees it all, and yet, despite everything, He still chooses to love you with an unconditional love. In today's episode, Amanda talks about being fully known and fully loved by God. He's not more loving on one day and less on another. He loves us the same on our very best and very worst days. God's love is not conditional and there is nothing you can keep hidden from Him. Come to Him, just as you are today, and watch as His perfect love casts out all fear and enables you to live a victorious life.

Scripture: Psalm 139:1 "O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me." Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." 1 John 4:8 "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.  John 4:18 "Perfect love casts out fear."

Why is prayer important? How does prayer draw us closer to God? How does God answer our prayers? In this episode, Amanda and Susan discuss these questions many of us wonder about and how prayer plays a key role in their own lives. An active prayer life is the foundation for closeness with God; it is the key that unlocks the gates of heaven on earth.  Because God cares for us, he longs to be included in every detail of our lives, small and large. Prayer is God’s invitation to us to partner with Him so that His will is done on earth and His glory will be made known! The Lord is searching the earth for someone who is willing to talk to him and partner with him; someone who knows Him, fears Him, and obeys Him. How will you partner with God today in your life?

Scripture:

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8

“I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be my people.” Leviticus 26:12

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6