"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus and faithful in Christ Jesus." - Ephesians 1:1 (NKJV)There was a couple traveling from Minneapolis to Florida for their 20th anniversary. Due to scheduling conflicts, the husband flew ahead to set things up. Using the hotel's email system, he tried to send his wife a message saying he'd arrived safely. But he mi...

"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." - 1 Peter 5:10-11 (NKJV)In Chase the Lion, Mark Batterson tells a story about a woman named Bonnie Martin who was very discouraged with family issues, feeling defeated and beat u...

"Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." - 1 Peter 5:9 (NKJV)When Peter says "steadfast in the faith," he's talking about remaining true to your doctrinal convictions - the faith, the doctrines you know to be true. Satan is described over and over as the liar and the father of lies. He comes into our life with deceptio...

"Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." - 1 Peter 5:9 (NKJV)There was a woman who struggled with materialism. She'd spend way more money than she had, and her husband was trying to help her with this. She came home with a very expensive dress, and he said, "Honey, I thought we talked about this. We don't have the mone...

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." - 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)There was a real boxer fighting his opponent, and his trainer was in the corner trying to encourage him. Round after round, he's just getting pummeled. The trainer keeps saying, "Man, that guy hasn't laid a glove on you!" Finally, the boxer says, "Throw in the ...