It was great be in church this past Sunday. I believe corporate worship is important for many reasons. As Christians we are called to comfort one another and witness to non-believers. I was glad to see so many people appreciate the true meaning of the Memorial Holiday. We took time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect this county and its freedoms. I was reassured by others who are ready to take a stand for God’s word and Christian values in the most loving manner possible. I was surrounded by people, who like me, are concerned the world’s values are penetrating Christianity rather than the other way around. This should come as no surprise as Jesus clearly warned that the world would hate and persecute His followers. (John 15:18-20) Another benefit of corporate worship is it allows believers to pray for one another. We all face trials that may present in the form of relationships, work, finances, addiction, sickness, loss of a loved one or – place your own current, personal concern here. God does not intend for all the days of our lives on earth to be easy or perfect. I believe that difficult times are not a failure of God’s plan but actually part of his agenda to bring us closer to Christ’s redemptive love. As Christians we should appear joyous in all situations. This joy comes from knowing Jesus Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice for our sins and overcame death and the grave. John 16 above records one of Christ’s last teachings to his disciples. Yes, in this world we will have trouble, “But take heart! I have overcome the world”. How wonderful it is to know that Christ made all things new. I am convicted by the words of Paul David Tripp from his book New Morning Mercies. Tripp writes “I am still tempted to assess the “good” of a day by whether it pleased me versus whether I pleased God.” I think you will discover that life is healthier and less stressful when you live each day to please God instead of seeking the selfish desires of this world. Dr. B