Have you noticed? Sometimes the easiest thing to do can be the hardest thing to do? In fact, the very idea that it's the easiest thing can oftentimes be the very thing that makes it hard. Like going to sleep… like returning to God. Both of them… so easy… and yet so hard! The point is, don't let the idea that something should be easy keep you from asking for help!

As we follow Jesus, humility is an important character trait to develop. It is essentially putting the needs of others before yourselves. Love is not self-seeking. When we do not seek our own honor, we receive it. When we avoid bragging about our accomplishments or dominating a conversation, we are sought out because people know we care. 

Not knowing Paul’s thorn means I don’t have to measure my thorn against his.

The act of obedience is hearing the Word of God and acting on it. Whether a reminder in scripture, during your prayer time, or hearing an ask to help, if there is a need, we need to surrender our own agenda, Go First, and be obedient to God - everything and exactly as God has commanded.

We don’t have all the answers but we have something better. God gave us Himself. He gave us the ability to overcome, to sustain, and to endure the hardships of life.

Our words have power. How do you respond to the lies of this world?

There are days when we can bring before God… laughter, joy, gratitude…. There will be other days when we can only muster a bitter, angry, hard-hearted complaint. Be confident that God will accept whatever we lift up before Him, and He will make it serve His purpose and our good!

It can be easy to look at a person who seems to never get caught and find your blood pressure rising. Why? It’s not fair! And then something bad happens to them and the table turns! You can’t help but do the “happy dance”! It could be someone at work, a person who is no longer a friend, or a family member. Let’s look at what the Bible says about being happy because of someone else's misfortune.

On this Memorial Day, may we indeed stop to remember those who gave their lives for the freedoms we experience in this great country of ours. But more importantly, may we also remember the ONE who gave His life to free us from the penalty of sin.

What do you do when life throws you an unavoidable re-route? And how do we use the inevitable changes in life to create an even stronger spiritual foundation? When we choose to position ourselves in an open-minded and curious posture, He can (and will!) remind you, daily, how to handle each and every re-route He already knows is coming your way.