​All of us have faults. Even though Satan will try to get you to deny them, God is not afraid of your flaws. Since God wants us to be genuine people with genuine faith, the Bible says we must deal with our faults responsibly. In the brilliant light of Christ’s presence, our fracture lines will display themselves. Even if things are going smoothly right now, in the future you will get squeezed. God knows the areas you need to strengthen to prevent failure. Dealing with your faults now will shore up your character so you will not crack under pressure. If you work to overcome your faults in interaction with the Holy Spirit, who knows what the future holds, God will heal you and help you triumph over life’s testing.

​When your world is falling apart, who do you trust? When your heart is so heavy with burdens, who do you trust to share them with? 

I learned several verses years ago that often I quote, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”  That is Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV. 

Have you ever thought God wants you to be a peacemaker? What does a peacemaker mean? It is a person who is actively seeking to reconcile people to God and to one another. 

This week’s verse is Matthew 5:9 NIV. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Did you know that since the end of World War II, there have been more than 250 major wars worldwide? Obviously, peace is a rare commodity, and peacemakers have not been successful. Over one million marriages end in divorce yearly in the United States. Often, families have members who refuse to speak to one another. Despite man's best efforts, the world's longing for peace remains unfulfilled. Each new generation is optimistic for reconciliation among people and nations but, in the end, faces disappointment. Is it even possible to live peaceably with others?

​One of the toughest struggles in the Christian walk is studying the Bible. It is not a Bible study until you do something about it. It is not enough to just put thoughts in your mind; it must change your life. The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge. The Bible was given to change our lives. So, the last step in every Bible study is: What am I going to do about it?