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CURRENT RADIO SERIES God's Secrets   CURRENT TV SERIES Unchained

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” --John 16:33 Adversity has a way of getting our attention like other times can’t. Think about it this way. When was the last time you were drawn closer to God as a result of easy times? It doesn’t happen that often. That’s because it is in life’s dark times that we’re most open to what God is teaching us and are therefore drawn closer to him. Over the years, I’ve had adversity and I’ve been with people as they have struggled with adversity. And I’ve come to realize that what we really battle with in times of adversity is the desire to control our own circumstances. We want to be the ones to figure things out and to fix things our own way. The good news about adversity is that it is not pointless. God promises to bring good out of it if we trust him. So don’t be surprised when adversity comes. Jesus has already told us it will come! And the next time adversity comes your way, say to the Lord, “What is it you are trying to show me? I want to trust you more.” He will be right there drawing you ever closer to himself. God promises to bring good out of adversity if we trust Him. Fleeting Fame by Dr. Paul Chappell “Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.” James 1:9–11 During a brilliant and successful business career that saw him as head of both Ford and Chrysler, Lee Iacocca became one of America’s best known business leaders. He was one of the first company heads to appear in advertising, and his commercials helped turn Chrysler from a failing and near-bankrupt company into a profitable car maker again. But in his autobiography, Iacocca reflected on the lack of value fame offers. He wrote, “Here I am in the twilight years of my life, still wondering what it’s all about. I can tell you this: fame and fortune is for the birds.” There are many who are spending all of their time, energy, and effort to become well known in this world. But even the best-known men and women of history fade from importance over time. Soon, all that remain are a few statues, perhaps some buildings or towns named in their honor, or a museum somewhere that collects the remnants of their work. There is nothing more fleeting than fame and the applause of men. So when we choose how to invest the limited time we have, we should focus on what is eternal. Those who pursue earthly fame forfeit eternal reward. “Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward” (Matthew 6:2).   Today’s Growth Principle:  When we live for what is eternal, the work that we do for God will never be forgotten.