God is our best defense against fear—and against the things we fear.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.—Psalm 46:1–2

Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.—Psalm 91:14–15

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness.—Psalm 23:1-3

He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.—Psalm 25:9 NIV

God sends a prophet to prepare the way.

An angel appears to the priest Zacharias and tells him that his wife, Elizabeth, will have a baby boy, even though she is long past childbearing age, and that they are to name the baby John. The angel also explains that the baby has been sent by God to prepare the way for the Messiah. The baby grows up to become John the Baptist. (Luke 1:5–25)

Good friends are honest even when they know it may hurt initially.

Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.—Proverbs 27:6 NLT

Friends celebrate each other’s victories.

What woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!”—Luke 15:8–9

Many Christians today are uncertain about God’s position on wealth, and therefore uncertain about what their attitude toward money should be. Some preach “abundant living”—that wealth is proof of a Christian’s faith and a sign of God’s approval. Others condemn wealth and frown on Christians who amass personal fortunes. People of both persuasions back up their stances with scripture. In actuality, the Bible is more balanced.

Chapter 1: Christ, the Son of God

Chapter 2: Christ, the Son of Man

Chapter 3: Christ, the divine teacher

Chapter 4: Christ, the soul winner

Chapter 5: Christ, the Great Physician

Chapter 6: Christ, the Bread of Life

Chapter 7: Christ, the Water of Life

Did you know that “Happy” is one of God’s names? In Psalm 43:4, the original Hebrew El Simchah Giyl means “God Exceeding Joy.” God created us in His own image, so it follows that He intends for us to be happy too.

Creation is brimming with happiness in praise to its Creator.

The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered with grain; they shout for joy, they also sing.—Psalm 65:13

The workplace is becoming an increasingly nasty and competitive arena. Too often, honesty and hard work seem to lose out to the pursuit of a quick buck and me-first politicking. But there is another way. The idea that the Bible contains specific guidance for the modern work life is not as incongruous as it might seem. As Joseph and Daniel proved, integrity and diligence can help us succeed and stand out from the crowd.¹

There is a way to remain hopeful even in the midst of crises. The more we read and absorb God’s Word, the more our faith grows and the more we trust that He will take care of us. (Romans 10:17; Psalm 18:30)

Ask God for help.

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.—Psalm 34:17

Stress is no fun. Whether as a student cramming before an important exam, a parent juggling the demands of work and family, a relative or close friend of someone facing a serious health problem, a professional struggling to stay current, or one of millions trying to stay on their feet in a shaky economy, everyone has experienced the debilitating effects of stress.