Many families are struggling through pains, sorrows and difficult situations behind false "happy" facades. We turn to the world or lean on our own flesh and efforts for deliverance. We're trying to get free from sin and curses that have been passed down our generational line, only to end up passing them on to our own children. The good news is that Jesus Christ has broken all generational curses. You have a new inheritance and a new Father, who gives you everything you need pertaining to life and godliness.

Many are struggling with addictions and have already given up hope. You've tried and tried to find freedom only to end up disappointed yet again. Rather than have hope and believe God for the victory we put on a smile and say all is well, even though we are torn up inside. Some of us need to fall on our face before God and confess that all is not well. Not all miracles are instantaneous. Elijah had to try several things before finally bringing the Shunemite woman's son back to life. Jesus touched the blind man twice before his eyes were fully healed. "Better" isn't good enough for God.

Chronic loneliness plagues many people in America and around the world. Some are lonely because they have been hurt and rejected by people; while others intentionally isolate themselves because of fear, self-pity or they are overly critical of others. The latter expect too much of people — trying to get from people what can only come from God. A third type of loneliness is that appointed by God. Sometimes loneliness is the only true, proper, pure and godly option.

Pastor Gary Wilkerson reminds us that God not only heals broken hearts but also changes the circumstances of our lives. Even if our dreams have died or things didn't turn out the way we wanted, God will be with us to heal our pain and bring about something better – a greater glory – than we might have otherwise expected.

Some of us have come to a place where life feels like it has no meaning. We're drifting along with no purpose or intention. Life is filled with meaningless repetition. Beloved, your life matters to God. He has a plan and a purpose for your life and will give you the power to fulfill it. No life is without meaning in the Kingdom of God. You may feel like you're drowning in the pool of life, but let the breath of God resuscitate you and give your life direction, intention, purpose and power.

If you put three geniuses in a room, they could not create something from nothing — only God can. It is man's role to arrange the things of creation in ways that bring honor and glory to God. Because of sin, man has failed in this role — primarily in the area of relationships. God placed man and woman in the garden to bring him glory. God asks us to be present with one another. Our presence always has implications, whether positive or negative. At Christ's birth it was time to create again. Jesus created something new. He wasn't just rearranging what was there.

 Most Christmas messages don't start in the Garden of Eden with the fall of man. And this is not a message about whether or not Christmas trees are pagan and carnal. It is a message about a loving and merciful God sending His Son to a manger as our Savior — rescuing man from his fall "down" into sin and his fall "up" into trying to be like God.

In the Gospel of Luke, Mary is troubled when the angel of the Lord tells her that she has found favor with God. Like Mary, many of us have a hard time receiving God's favor. We feel unworthy or undeserving, but this is just the type of person God wants to pour His favor upon — the unexpecting, humble and lowly. Favor is often misunderstood to mean an easy comfortable life free of troubles, but God's favor is sometimes accompanied by difficulties.

We all have an innate desire to live life well, but it gets corrupted by our fallen sin nature. We cannot live a righteous life without first being justified by the wrath-quenching blood of Jesus Christ. After we are justified Jesus works to sanctify us. Sometimes we falsely believe that the sanctification is up to us. We get zealous, grit our teeth and try to work up the willpower to live holy, but end up failing. God will not bless our efforts to secure our own righteousness. Our righteousness comes by faith in the finished work of Christ on the Cross.