When we show favoritism toward wealth, class, race, or other natural circumstances, we violate the heart of God.

Today we study two crucial tools from the book of James: listening and anger management. We cannot put our faith into practice unless we are skilled at listening to God through His word, and to the wants and needs of those around us. And God’s word can’t produce fruit in us if the soil of our hearts is made toxic through unbridled anger and pride.

The Book of James gives practical, common sense concepts for handling difficult circumstances in our lives. Today, Pastor John focuses on chapter one.

Deborah’s faith contrasts with that of General Barak in the history of Israel’s conflict with a neighboring country. Given the circumstances, General Barak’s reluctance to engage the superior force arrayed against Israel is understandable—without God in the equation. But Deborah had faith that God was with them, even in the dark times, and that made all the difference.

When the moment we face is overwhelming, our comfort is the same one Jesus had: the Father is with us.

Elijah is one of the greatest prophets of all time, but he had wilderness moments. After one of his most remarkable victories, we find him exhausted, discouraged, and ready to give up. But God hadn’t abandoned Elijah. His words for Elijah in the wilderness can encourage us in our dark moments.

You will face some dark valleys in life, so don't be surprised or despair. Life is full of peaks and valleys, ups and downs, highs and lows. We all experience disappointments, failure, betrayal, conflict, broken relationships, financial stress and the loss of loved ones. When despair threatens to overwhelm us, the psalmist David has words to encourage us to walk by faith through the valley.

Everyone knows you can’t walk on water! But here’s Jesus, doing just that; walking on water beyond all human capability and overcoming the utter chaos of deep, turbulent waters, all to let these fearful and panic-stricken followers of his know that “it is well,” and that the seas, while stormy now, would soon be calm for the journey ahead. It’s another powerful example of how, even in the worst of the storm – whatever kind of storm we’re talking about – and regardless of the depth of our despair in the midst of it all, the presence of the divine will ever be our safety and our salvation.

Elder Derrick Kitchens closes out our fall annual meeting on Sunday morning with an encouragement to seek God as a little child would. Let us rejoice in our father's presence, cry out when we need comfort, and seek him when we have need.

Elder Derrick Kitchens continues our fall annual meeting Saturday afternoon with practical steps we can take towards a more abundant life in Christ.