Forgiveness brings about healing.

As we begin our Lenten journey together, may God give to each of us servants’ heart of sacrifice and unselfishness in our daily lives of faith, whether at church, at home, at work, or even in difficult situations.

Prayer is a powerful component of one's faith. All too often it is dismissed as having no effect on the world. It is what we should go to first every time. Prayer is for every situation in life: when we're in trouble, when we are joyful, when we are sick or need repentance. Pray in all circumstances.

Being wealthy is not a sin, however, there is often the potential for abuse of wealth. Wealth does not protect us from sin nor destruction. It seems easier to sin when one has much. Remember, at our gate we encounter poor and needy people, which could one day be us.

Pride can be motivation for us to sin in so many ways. Why? Because our pride (self-serving thoughts) displace God from our hearts. Pride becomes the basis for sin.

People encounter the ministry of Jesus Christ in every day occurrences. Will you stand up and be a part of that ministry? It begins with acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah and from there it can blossom to so much more good in this world. Take the step!

The tongue is tiny, but it is not insignificant. A careless word can destroy a life overnight. Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, for one rumor can ruin a stock portfolio, end a relationship, end a career, so much damage can be made. A tongue problem indicates a heart problem.

It is one thing to hear the word, it is more to act on the word!

Our faith is a body of understanding by which we think and live. We remember the Ten Commandments as an important guide for living. It all boils down to living God and loving one another. Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. studied intently the Book of James and how the Message rang true for everyone. We are taught to love and we are taught to reject partiality through the Book of James. Favoritism can bring disastrous consequences. It's not a small sin. Jesus says 'love thy neighbor', which is the basis for most of the Law.

Our problems can be based on indecision. Divided priorities can lead us to make wrong decisions, or even NO decisions. Divided priorities can lead us to go against God's will and let in instability. The answer is to ask God for wisdom, for it will be given.