There was a famous song in the 1980's by the group Journey titled "Don't Stop Believin' " which has a lot of spiritual validity when it comes to not looking on what you can see but to continue to believe for what you cannot see to eventually manifest in the here and now.  James 1:12 NIV states "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." James continues the thought that he began in verse 2 where he called on believes to call hard times as joyful things.  Why?  Because our faith only strengthens when we endure trials and overcome them.  When we trust the Lord through breaking through tough experiences, then we grow in our maturity in Christ to trust Him due to each trial that we have overcome.  We essentially become more like Christ with each and every tribulation that we get through.  It is a choice to continue to trust God in the midst of the trial and then the Lord brings more blessing.  Our circumstances may be very challenging  but God is on our…

Is it possible to live a life free of strife?  What did Jesus do?  Did Jesus worry about anything?  Did he complain about anything?  Jesus was our model for living life.  He had no cares in this world.  He did not worry about where he was going to lay his head each night.  He did not get into arguments with people. He did not fear if he was going to have enough money to purchase what his needs were.  But you say “Well, he was Jesus – that’s different than people can live like today.”   He had enemies (Pharisees) and people who were jealous of him.  But He kept his cool as He knew who He was. So is it possible to live a life without striving, worrying, fearing, being angry, taking an offense, and just being at peace every day? The answer to that question is, absolutely yes.  But is it easy at times, absolutely no.  What must one do to live a life full of peace, love and joy every day?  How do you interact with people who hate you, are jealous of you, say things that are horrible to you, mock you, betray you, etc?  You simply…