Trust

“. . .Blessed are those who trust in the Lord

and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.

They are like trees planted along a riverbank,

with roots that reach deep into the water.

Such trees are not bothered by the heat

or worried by long months of drought.

Their leaves stay green,

and they never stop producing fruit.”

—Jeremiah 17:7,8

Forgiveness

“When you forgive, that means you absorb the loss and the debt. You bear it yourself. All forgiveness, then, is costly.”

—Tim Keller

This is why forgiveness is so difficult. It’s not right! It's expensive!

We are to forgive as God forgave us. He took the initiative while we were still his enemies. He paid the price and paved the way to reconciliation and redemption by making the first move, absorbing the pain, the loss, and the injustice of it all. Why? Because he loves us. Check out the Jesus story. It’s quite amazing really.

Thought Control

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

—Proverbs 4:23

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

—2 Corinthians 10:5

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

—Philippians 4:8

Fear

“The psalmist doesn't try to explain evil. He doesn't try to minimize evil. He simply says he will not fear evil.”

—Frederick Buechner

Ultimately, it is about trust. We trust God is good and is for us, even when it seems all is against us. The demonstration of God’s love and goodness is the death and resurrection of Jesus. He loves you, is for you, and wants you to live for him. Do it and don’t be afraid.

Peace through Prayer

How about this as a prayer for today?

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

Point out anything in me that offends you,

and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

—Psalm 139:23,24

Love

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

—Jesus (John 13:34,35)

Live Thoughtfully

What we weave in time we wear in eternity.

—J.C. Ryle

Don't be misled–you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.

—Galatians 6:7

Live intentionally and carefully. You can’t go wrong following Jesus. Even death ends in resurrection.