While God does not answer all our prayers the way we want him to, he hears and answers and loves as a kind Heavenly Father responds to dearly loved children.

If we are never tested, how can we realize how strong we are in Christ? We don't seek out suffering, but when it shows up on our doorstep, we can see it for what it is - future hope and a chance to put our faith in Jesus.

This Week in Native American News (3/13/2020): Flipping the Narrative, Building a Film Native Production Studio, and Supporting Native News

Jesus came to redeem all of humanity to Himself. His death on the Cross and His Resurrection Easter morning made redemption possible for everyone. Because we have hope in Jesus, we can look to Him to sustain us when life gets too hard.

We believe we are spiritual people, yet we don’t ask the Great Spirit - who comes as the wind (Acts 2:2)- to help us! We need to be honest and truthful, letting the Spirit of Truth hear our struggles. Speak to Him, and let Him know your struggles. Ask for forgiveness for trying to be your own god. Then, let Him take control!

At times, the news of tragic events adds to the inner storm we feel in our hearts and minds, and we get overwhelmed. But take heart, there is good news. We have someone who we to run to in times like this. He is Jesus, the Savior of the world. He is the only one who is able to calm us when the violent news overwhelms us.

Jesus calms our hearts like he calmed the storm.

In this ever-changing world, we need a never-changing anchor. We need a never-changing God! He tells us that in Him we will have peace, even in the midst of trials and ever-changing life. Jesus, the same yesterday, the same today, the same tomorrow, loves you so much he came to this ever-changing world to live, die, and be resurrected for your everlasting life.

During Lent, I am challenging your heart regarding forgiveness. Are you holding on to any unforgiveness? And if there is, are we willing to do the hard work of dealing with it and working through it? Let the words and life of Jesus both guide you and inspire you to an abundantly full life!

Search your hearts and be silent.

This is not a cursory glance to see what we may have done wrong in the last few days, but a self-reflection that goes deep into our very hearts.

When it comes to knowing who God is, we must understand His words in order to gain an understanding of what faith means and what He wants for our lives. We know God uses pastors and teachers to assist Him in preparing those who are seeking the wisdom and knowledge of our Creator. But it is by faith we are blessed with spiritual eyes and spiritual ears to begin to understand personally who Jesus is and what He did for us on the cross.