Do we write off our minor little lies as indiscretions? Often we tell lies that benefit and put us in a stronger light. Is this offensive to God? A careful examination of our lives will show who and what we glorify.

Today we are talking about adult topics and living a holy life. As you hear the word of God today, know that original receivers of the Gospel lived at a different time and place, but the message is relevant today.

Often we act like children. We are immature and make bad decisions. The right path is before us and yet we choose the lesser path. As children we experienced stages of development that led us from just seeking food to building relationships and knowledge.

Today we begin a forty day journey to Easter. Over the next forty days we will fast, pray and seek the direction of God. As we receive the imposition of ashes, we are sealing our covenant with God.

Do we know God is good and we are not? Apart from God, we struggle, walking aimlessly in a wilderness of self doubt and confusion. In Christ, our lives are forever changed. We know the good and are able to move beyond selfishness to service and love.

Our lives can bring joy and hope to the lives of others. A faith daily grounded in prayer and humility can change the eternal course of those struggling, hurting and lost.

As we watch the Olympics with awe and amazement, it's easy to forget all the hard work it took for the athletes to get to the games. They spent hours and hours practicing and working with coaches to help them achieve greatness in their respective sports.

In Christ, we are set free from judgment. Yet, many of us feel as if we are still begin judged by God. We fear retribution and suffering because of bad choices. We have been set free. We are free indeed.

What makes us angry? Do we find ourselves easily annoyed and led to anger that then drives us to sin? If so, we need to change. Anger that leads to sin is wrong. Anger that motivates us to change the world in honor of God is a whole different story.

Are you facing overwhelming challenges in your personal, social, work or spiritual life? If so, open your hearts, minds and souls today as we discussing being set free from feeling overwhelmed. God is with us. God will lead us