"Turning Trials Into Triumphs" - by having a joyful attitude, an understanding mind, a surrendered will, and by asking & believing. The purpose of James' epistle is to bring us to a mature faith in Christ.

Ephraim was jealous because they wanted to share in Jephthah's victory without having to partake in the battle. This eventually led to civil war. Let's not make any room for jealousy in our lives. Run your own race, and run to win!

When our lives bear some fruit, God will prune. He will cut away anything unnecessary...things that aren't bad, but that will choke out the fruit if it's not removed. We must stay connected to Jesus, the vine, the Word in order to bear fruit.

The people chose Gilead's son Jephthah to fight against the Ammonites. Although the Lord gave him victory, he loses his daughter because of a foolish vow. Let's not do what's right in our own eyes, but seek to know the Lord & His ways.

"The Best News You Didn't Want to Hear" Jesus is the true vine; The Father is the vinedresser; We are the branches; & Fruit is the goal. If we aren't bearing fruit, God will lift us up & clean us up.

After Abimelech's death, Israel enjoyed 45 years of peace under the judges Tola & Jair. But then turned away from God again after Jair's death. After 18 years, Israel finally came to true repentance. Tola's life pointed to Jesus...Does our's?

All of eternity is because of Easter. There is no hope if there is no Easter. On that first Easter, it appeared that evil had triumphed over good, but it wasn't over! God's unfailing love was at work, and on the third day, Jesus rose from the dead. God moved the stone to let us in, and He still moves stones in our lives today.

He is risen! Jesus is alive!

Jesus leaves His "will" with His disciples prior to His departure. As Christians, we are blessed with forgiveness & cleansing in Jesus' death; life in His resurrection; the Holy Spirit to teach, empower & bring things to remembrance; peace and unconditional love.