From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

Today’s world is buzzing! Stress is at an all-time high (ya’ think!). We are on information overload; the sense of community is fading from our neighborhoods and schools and rebellion is rampant. Envy and keeping up with the Joneses is not only exhausting but sometimes financially disastrous.

Yikes, not a pretty picture! But there is a way to relieve all of this stress. How do you spell relief you ask? You spell relief J-E-S-U-S!

Jesus encourages us to lead a quiet life, attend to your own business, work with your hands, do as you are told, behave properly, don’t be in any need, help the weak, be patient with all men, don’t repay evil with evil, and pray without ceasing.

That is so simple…you could almost miss it. And just because it is simple doesn’t mean it is easy. But God’s peace is designed to preserve us body, soul and spirit. Ah, don’t you feel better already? Endure the fire...it's producing pure gold!

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