From His Heart, by Pastor Jeff Schreve

The devil's bag of tricks is a collection of temptations used by Satan to lead people away from God, as seen in Jesus' 40-day wilderness temptation. By understanding the three tricks - lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and boastful pride of life - Christians can recognize and resist these temptations, relying on the power of God's Word to overcome them.

Many Christians struggle to live out their faith, instead conforming to the world's expectations. Can you tell if someone is being transformed by God or just going through the motions?

Will you pass the ultimate test of eternity by ensuring your soul is secure in Jesus Christ? Take a five-part test to examine your faith, love for God's family, and relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus asks a paralyzed man at the Pool of Bethesda if he wants to get well, prompting us to confront the emotional and spiritual junk in our own "closets." By opening our hearts, cleaning out our hurts and fears, and focusing on spiritual growth, we can experience true healing and transformation.

Our big problem in life is that we spend way too much time thinking about ourselves and far too little time thinking about God.

When two godly individuals, Paul and Barnabas, disagreed on a crucial decision, their friendship and ministry partnership were put to the test, revealing that even good people can disagree without losing sight of their faith. This biblical account offers valuable lessons on navigating judgment calls, finding balance between love and truth, and maintaining healthy relationships despite disagreement.

The Bible teaches us that we all struggle with fear, even the courageous Apostle Paul needed encouragement from God to overcome it. By embracing God's presence and promises, we can find peace and confidence in the face of uncertainty, just as Jesus' strong arms envelop us in safety and security.

Knowing the will of God is a profound discovery that can bring life's greatest satisfaction, but many struggle to discern it. By applying biblical principles such as focusing on God's guidance, His Word, your desires, and His peace, individuals can uncover their specific will and align with God's good, acceptable, and perfect plan for their lives.

A pastor's spiritual health has a direct impact on their ability to lead their church, and Jesus' words "the lamp of the body is the eye; if therefore your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light" serve as a reminder that a healthy heart and focused mind are essential for effective ministry. By examining our own spiritual health through questions like "Are my eyes clear?" and "Is my heart full?", we can identify areas where we need to seek healing and restoration, just as the church needs it to grow and thrive.

The Bible teaches that there are only two ways to live, God's way or man's way, with the latter leading to destruction and the former to victory and blessing. By embracing God's way of obedience to His Word, individuals can experience joy, peace, and blessings, and avoid the path of eternal ruin that "my way" represents.

A pastor's role is multifaceted, requiring spiritual nourishment, biblical encouragement, and courageous refutation of false teachings, as emphasized by Apostle Paul in his letter to Titus, which provides a clear job description for this vital church leader. By fulfilling these essential duties, pastors can effectively guide their congregations, protect them from spiritual deception, and ultimately glorify God.

The struggle with temptation is a universal human experience that can lead to devastating consequences. By understanding the nature of temptation and the power of God's love and guidance, individuals can develop strategies for overcoming temptation and achieving victory over sin.

A growing Christian must demonstrate consistency in their behavior, avoiding moodiness that can hinder their ability to glorify Christ. By choosing a positive attitude and seeking the Lord, individuals can overcome their struggles with moody behavior and find peace in their troubled hearts.

Marriages that last a lifetime are built on forgiveness, not just for ourselves but also for our partners, as emphasized in Ephesians 4:32. By seeking forgiveness when we've wronged others and granting forgiveness to those who have hurt us, couples can overcome the fireworks of disagreements and hurt feelings, and instead, cultivate kindness, tender-heartedness, and a love that keeps growing stronger with time.

Prayer is not just about reciting words, but about genuinely connecting with God from the heart, sharing our true thoughts, feelings, and emotions with Him. By being honest and vulnerable in our prayers, we can build intimacy with God and experience His presence as a refuge of strength and refuge.