Comfort in Trouble

2 Corinthians 1:4 says that God is the God of comfort, "who comforts us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we are comforted by God." So first of all, we see here that God does not wish for you to be troubled. Sure, trouble comes. But our God comforts you in trouble, so that way trouble isn't um... troubling. Instead, you are rested, not nervous or stressed, and trusting God. And you get some comfort, so that when others are in trouble, it’s that comfort that you got from God that you can share. So we’re all like, "Hey. Relax bro. Keep the faith―keep praying and believing." Giving what God has given is how we love others best. We as Christians receive that comfort, and we become the rock-solid, anchored people in times of trouble. And remember, if God is comforting you in your trouble, then you can be sure He didn't bring it to you. It's tempting to say, "Oh, God brought me this trouble." But God wouldn't be working against himself. He's the God of comfort. So the next time trouble comes, don’t sweat it―just get ready for some comfort.

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Take His Word for It

Romans 4:20-21 tells us that "Abraham did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what God had promised God was also able to perform." Everyone has access to God's promises for our lives through our faith in Jesus Christ. But you know, we don't all experience the promises. But Abraham did, and a secret is given to us from his example. Abraham did not waver in unbelief, but he was fully convinced that God would do what He said. I don't know what is going on in your life today, but sometimes life brings us some stink. And stink can bring us fear and doubt. So this wisdom is for you. Keep the faith. Don't accept everything you see, but instead, stick with what God has said. Don't let that unbelief creep in, and don't accept things that aren’t what God has promised. Instead, today, be fully convinced of God's promises for your life. He promises that you are blessed―blessed in the city and the country, blessed coming in and going out. You are more than an overcomer, and no weapon formed against you will prosper. But don’t take my word for it, take His word for it.

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Help Me, Jesus!

In Hebrews 2:18, we’re told that "Because Jesus suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." Wait. Jesus suffered from being tempted? The suffering in the Bible that Christians are called to isn’t some kind of torture or disease. It’s more like enduring.  Longsuffering: it means saying no to something that you are being tempted to do. So when the Bible refers to suffering, think of it as saying no to something that is tempting you. It’s kind of like saying no to a piece of cake, even though you really want it. Ugh! And if you start thinking about how everyone else is eating cake, well, now you’re really suffering. Fortunately, eating cake isn’t a sin, but I think you get my point. Now, Jesus is our help in times of temptation. The last place we might want to take our temptations is to Jesus, since we might be kind of ashamed. "Hey Jesus, give me a hand here, help me be strong." But it’s when we try to beat temptation on our own that we fail. When temptation comes, keep your thoughts on Jesus, and ask him for help. Say it out loud, “Help me, Jesus!”

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee

Who's Your Boss?

Romans 6:18 says that “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." Before you know Jesus, you are still a slave to sin. Sin is your boss. Sin says, "Hey, come on, let’s sin." And you're all like, "Okay." But by putting your faith in Jesus, you are now a slave to righteousness. I like that. Righteousness is now your boss. Righteousness says, "Hey, love that person." And you’re like, “Okay.” And even when we do something we shouldn't, righteousness is right there pulling on us, saying, "Hey stop that." Sin is no longer your boss! According to Romans 7:4, we’ve all "died to the law." Dying to the law is what freed you from the power of sin. Think about it—someone who dies is no longer under the law. A judge cannot issue a penalty if the accused is dead. So the without the law, there can be no sin. Then, and only then, you are able to become a servant of righteousness, which will lead you to live a better life. The right voice has all the power. You see, this way you are free to serve God and run your race for Him. Now hop to it.

Pastor Jason Anderson
Living Word Bible Church
Scottsdale | Mesa | Ahwatukee