ASSURANCE:
Assurance of salvation is the awareness of belonging to Christ and having complete confidence that He has given us everlasting life. Having accepted Christ as our Savior, we are encouraged to study the Bible, engage in prayer and be in fellowship with other believers who can help nurture us, as well as readily be prepared to tell others why we have a faith in Christ. If you understand John 3:16-17, then be assured by 1 John 5:12-13 and John 10:27-29. Also, in his letter to the Ephesians (2:8-9), Paul clarifies that we can do nothing to save ourselves, that it is completely a work of God, and it is in God whom we have complete faith (Psalm 31:23).

COMFORT:
Whether we need comfort from facing the death of a loved one, or from facing the ravages of life, the Bible has some timeless truths to share with us. God is the source of all comfort and He comforts us so that we may be able to comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), the Christian life is not a solitary one, but worked out among a body of believers; and while we may feel it is better to give up in times of trial, God assures us that it is much better to remain on earth than to try to avoid discomfort (Philippians 1:21-24); and we can be assured that for those who die, God has prepared a away through Christ for everlasting life (1 Corinthians 15:49-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17); even if it isn't all clear to us now, certainly God will make it clear to us why this trial was allowed (1 Corinthians 13:12); we have God's promises of everlasting life for those who believe in Jesus as the Messiah (John 11:25, John 14:1-3).

COMPANIONSHIP:
As believers we understand that we are never alone. Jesus called us His friends (John 15:14-15) and not mere acquaintances. Through Christ, God has said we are His children (John 1:12; Romans 8:16-17; Ephesians 2:17-19), that is, we have a reciprocal and loving relationship with Him. God has made it possible for us to be united with Him through Christ (John 14:15-18). This means more than a mere association, but a full, rich unity of mind, thought and action. Jesus said that he will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6; Matthew 28:20; John 14:25-27), which is His assurance that we will never be alone. The sense of unity, companionship and relationship is underscored in Matthew 18:20, where we realize that while His presence exists at all times and in all places, in the coming together of two or three believers His presence is manifested - made evident.

FORGIVENESS:
Any thought, word, action, omission, or desire, contrary to the law of God (God's standard) is called sin. All people have sinned and fall short of God's standards (Romans 3:23), there is no sin which cannot be forgiven (Matthew 12:31, Hebrews 10:17) except those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:28-30). God is the one who forgives sins (Psalm 51:1-4, 7,9, 32:1-2); God has made forgiveness of sins possible through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19-21); and His forgiveness of sins is complete (Isaiah 43:25; John 8:36; Hebrews 8:12; 1 John 1:9, 3:9).
Having had our sins forgiven, we are to forgive those who have sinned against us (Matthew 6:14-15).

HELP WITH DOUBT:
Doubt is a normal part of being human and it helps us form realistic views of the world around us. Excessive doubt or unfounded doubt, however, is usually the sign for some underlying issue - lack of trust being the main one. If we have no peace, are not able to trust others, and end up doubting that we are secure, then we first need to seek that which will help us attain peace of mind (Matthew 6:33; Ephesians 2:11-16, 3:14-19 ). When in doubt our first response is to ask the Lord for faith (James 1:5-8; John 20:29; Romans 8:38-39) and then recognize that God is the final source of all assurance (Psalm 119:89-90) even when we disagree with His methods (Hebrews 12:1-3). See also the information listed under Assurance.

HELP WITH FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES:
When we come to realize that God owns everything (1 Corinthians 10:26, 6:19-20) and has graciously allowed us the privilege of putting to use the fruits of our labor for our well-being (Matthew 25:14-30), we can come to listen to His advice on how to deal with financial difficulties in a successful way. First, God desires a relationship with us (Matthew 6:33), then He looks to a relationship which is mutually beneficial (Malachi 3:8-10; Proverbs 3:5-6,9). God also delights in being able to provide for us (Philippians 4:19; Psalm 37:25; 1 Timothy 6:17). Having faith in Him is also important (Matthew 6:25-34) and asking for His help in times of need (Matthew 7:11). Yet He does require that we become transformed, no longer living by the standards of this world (Luke 12:34; Romans 12:1-2). Dealing with financial difficulties is a process that takes time, being open to change our behavior for ultimate success, and relying on the Lord to guide us each step of the way, including maintaining a right relationship with those who we believe to be our enemies (Romans 12:17-21).

LOVE:
God is love (1 John 4:8-12; 1 John 3:16) and has shown His love for us by giving us Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14). Furthermore, He has asked us to show the same love we received to others (John 13:34-35) and has provided guidance on what that should look like (1 Corinthians 13). There are many kinds of love - familial love, Christian love, physical love, conceptual love - but all rely on God being the author and perfecter of our understanding. We know we are loved, we know we are to love others, we know that God has ordained marriage and that being between a man and a woman, and we know we are to love our enemies - whoever they may be (Romans 12:20-21). If we first seek Him in all things He will guide us to the fulfillment of our needs and wants, those that are beneficial to us and our well-being, which encourage us and reflect His character.

PATIENCE:
We all possess some patience but each person has a different level or degree of patience. As Christians, we are to treat others the same we you want to be treated (Luke 6:31) and we are to forgive the sins others commit against us as long as they repent (Luke 17:3-4; 1 Corinthians 13: 4-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15). When we get to the "end of our rope", call upon the Lord for help (Psalm 37:1,7; Philippians 4:6, 13) and recognize that patience is something that can be achieved (Philippians 4:11; Hebrews 5:14). When we practice patience we grow not only in hope, but also in joy (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4).

PEACE:
Peace between nations or groups of people is different than peace between ourselves and another and is different still in ourselves. Through Christ we have a peace that transcends all understanding (Romans 5:1, 8:6; Ephesians 2:14; Philippians 4:7). Between ourselves and others, we are to seek peace (Psalm 34:14; Romans 12:8; 2 Corinthians 5:19; 1 Timothy 2:2; Colossians 3:15; 2 Timothy 2:22). With respect to worldly peace, true peace will not be achieved until all come under the Lordship of Christ (Isaiah 9:6-7; Haggai 2:9; John 14:27, 16:33). In the meantime, we can abound in hope (Romans 15:13) and not fret (Psalm 37:1-5).

BULLET PRAYERS:
Take the main thoughts in the passages and turn them into a prayer to God, lifting up to Him your own concerns and the details of your trial or tribulation. Wait for God to respond to you (listen carefully) through a passage of Scripture, a word picture, a dream and/or confirmation through other godly people. Remember that Christ's promise to answer prayer (John 14:13-16) is based upon a relationship with Him and the Father, and is not like an ATM machine where the prayer goes in and the answer comes out. Rather, prayer is a dialogue with God and just like with children who do not get everything they ask for, so too are prayers not always answered according to what we want. God has given us everything we need in the form of righteousness, peace and joy through Christ and eternal life for those who believe. Philippians 4:12-14 provides an overall understanding of our position in this world.

AGAINST:

Anger	Ephesians 4:26; James 1:19-20
Death	Psalm 23:4; John 11:25; John 14:1-3
Depression	Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 53:4-5; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Loneliness	Psalm 46:1; Proverbs 18:24; John 15:15-16; Psalm 40:1-5
Suffering	Job 5:7-16, 13:15; John 14:1; Romans 8:28-29, 35, 37
Temptation	Matthew 4:1-11; James 1:12-15; Ephesians 6:13-18
Terminal Illness	Psalm 23; John 14:1-6; Philippians 1:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18