One of the most misunderstood verses in the Bible is when Jesus says "Do not judge". The idea that Jesus does not want his followers to make decisions about right and wrong is contradictory to Biblical truth. The truth of God has the power to set you free and bless your life.

There is a big difference between what God allows and what God causes to happen in life. Numerous troubles and trials come our way that have nothing to do with God's wonderful plan for our lives. God does not cause everything that happens to happen, but God can work in good and powerful ways.

Your life may look like complete chaos, but God is in control. The Psalmist declares, "This is the day that the Lord has made". God made it, God owns it, and God knows how to handle everything that comes your way. If you believe that God is in control, you can celebrate this day and everyday because it is a day that God has made to do great things in your life.

God has a plan for your life that is better than what you can do on your own. This means that whatever mess you are in, God can use it for His glory. His plan may not be obvious at this moment, but if you trust God He will make a way for you to experience the fullness and an abundantly joyful life in Him.

When you begin to understand this simple yet powerful truth, your life will change. You are never without God's presence if you choose to trust Him. You can count on God even when you cannot count on anyone else. This is because, as Psalm 118 says so many times, His love endures forever.

You can probably quote the Golden Rule, but do you know the Platinum rule? In today's market, there is a more valuable way to treat others. Jesus teaches that the only way to get your needs met is to be unselfish and seek the best interest of other people.

Life is all about learning to love. It's easy to love loving people who treat you well. However, God wants you to love all people. He wants you to love difficult people, people who are just hard to work with, people who are unpleasant and cranky. This is the path of true Christian love.

The old phrase is "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me". It sounds catchy, but it's not true. Words can hurt. They can break a child's spirit. They can break a husband's dreams. They can break a wife's joy. However, words can also build up and give life. You have the power to strengthen another person with the words you share.

When Jesus taught about love, He didn't say, "I want you to love the best you can." Instead, He said, "I want you to love as I have loved you." It's like someone asking you to pay the national deficit out of your bank account. You can't do it. You don't have enough. The only way you can love like Jesus is to accept the power that only Jesus can give.

We live in a world with crazy relationships, yet nothing is more important than these relationships. God created you to have relationships. He made you to relate to Him and to others. How you relate makes a difference forever because our relationships with God and others will last into eternity.