God narrows in our way because He loves us, just as we hedge our children because we care about their lives. God loves us too much to leave us the way we are.

None of the heroes of faith lived a settled life. They experienced continual change to their circumstances, yet they soldiered on and emerged victorious

The Parable of the Sower and the Seed exemplifies a number things that can happen to prevent us from having a place in God's spiritual harvest.

The rigors God puts us through are not to crush us, but to shape us, transforming us into His image. True gain is walking through the anguish in victory.

Entrance into the Kingdom of God will not happen without many tribulations (Acts 14:22). We may need to adjust our expectations of what discipleship entails.

Our hope is based on having a living Savior. At times we are discouraged and overwhelmed, but God has not left us—though unseen, He is in the trials with us.

Some have a warped idea of godliness, not pursuing it with a desire to resemble God, but believing that if they are righteous, God will materially bless.

Our calling could lead to the greatest source of stress since we cannot take a break from developing godly character.

Even suffering that may not be as a direct result of our faith is part of the trials of this age. It will bear positive fruit if it is approached in faith.

Although many have gone through sore trials, virtually no one has gone through the nightmarish persecutions suffered by the early Christians in Imperial Rome.

In the turbulent and uncertain times ahead, we will need extraordinary fortitude and courage. Trials can improving perseverance or active endurance.

Greek and Roman myths have shaped the world view of Western culture, including our attitude toward hope, a concept which is often abused and distorted.

The book of Hebrews provides reasons to recapture flagging zeal, focusing on the reason for our hope and faith, establishing Christ's credentials.

The inability to solve mounting cultural and social problems despite advances in technology puts a strain on anyone who cares about the consequences.

Some of us, facing the stress of the times, may simply be going through the motions but losing every vestige of faith. We must strengthen our convictions.

Even loyal servants of God have had to contend with depression and discouragement. Antidotes include rest, refocus, right expectations, and obedient actions.

To wage spiritual warfare, we must endure hardship, not entangling ourselves in the affairs of the world, being single-minded in pleasing our Captain.

The Feast of Tabernacles gives us hope that all the perversions will be destroyed, making way for God's righteousness to prevail upon the earth.

Jesus cautioned His disciples not to have any destructive fear. The worst fear of all is that which would cause us to deny Christ—namely, the fear of man.

The true church is a unique educational institution, teaching the way of God and amplifying His Commandments, in contrast to the churches of this world.

In terms of building character, God does the creating, assaying, testing, and proving; we do the yielding and walking in the pathway He has set for us.

Faith, hope and love are spiritual gifts which safeguard us from discouragement and depression, giving us a mature perspective that will last eternally.

Christ's suffering was not confined to crucifixion, but also consisted of rejection, humiliation, and the duress of persecution. Glory follows suffering.

We must reorient our focus onto God's Word and His message of hope, never giving up our quest for righteousness and integrity in the midst of immorality.

Like the Ephesians, the weary veterans in Hebrews were becoming apathetic through outside pressures, losing their former zeal and devotion to Christ.