Worry and Doubt
Beloved friend, take heart and do not worry. I know that is easier said than done, but worrisome thoughts distract you from that which you should dwell on, your Father in Heaven. So do your best to conquer your worry. There is much in life you cannot control, and there will be mysteries for which […]
Trials and Suffering
I must tell you, there will be trials and suffering throughout your life, but take courage, for God is with you! Life includes pain and disappointment, so we must learn to bear with and endure suffering with expectancy and patience. Much suffering will come through no fault of your own, and it must be endured, […]
Self-Control
Child of God, you cannot simply dismiss your bad behavior by saying, “That’s just how I am.” To do that is to be unapologetic for the hurt or embarrassment you may cause to others. May self-control be one of your defining traits. Self-control not only of your temper, but also your tongue. Be careful not […]
Endurance
Life is full of joy, but it includes pain and consequences, too. Remember that you are not yet in Heaven where all is perfect; rather, you are living in a broken world where trials and disappointment abound. Therefore, it is important that you understand that in this life, you are not destined for happiness or […]
Simplicity
Friend, do not overcomplicate your life. Avoid letting your mind become preoccupied with your circumstances, as this hinders your understanding of the will of God. Complications steal joy and bring frustration. A simple Christian life is a surrendered life — a life where temporary worldly pleasures have no power and hold over you but rather […]
Surrender
I urge you to surrender your will, your knowledge, your reason, your experience, your motives, your time, your treasure, your plans, your future, your desires, your comfort — your everything — to God. And not simply to God, but to God and his ways, his purpose, and his desire to bring you into a right […]
Pride and Humility
Dear friend, one who is so loved and treasured, I know it would be easy for you to think too much of yourself. You are not alone; I wrestle with this shortcoming as well. Indeed, humility is not an easy sign of character to develop. It is a hard thing to master, but master it […]
Knowledge and Wisdom
Knowledge is its own temptation, so do not seek knowledge only to lift yourself up. Too much reasoning is a great hindrance to the nurturing of a spiritual life, for it always leads to pride in oneself. It is far better to feed spiritual hunger than intellectual curiosity. God tells us to be still and […]
Obedience
Friend, a trait we have in common is our desire to choose our own way, to be the director of the movie in which we are the star. But to obey God, we must step down from the director’s chair and permit him to take his rightful place in our lives as our sovereign Lord. […]
Faith
What is faith? Faith is an invisible thing. Christians live by faith, not by sight. Faith is not simply an emotion or thought process but is an unwavering confidence built on the knowledge and belief that God is who he says he is. Faith is throwing yourself with abandon at the foot of the cross […]