The dominant characteristic of an authentic spiritual life is the gratitude that flows from trust

Our culture says that ruthless competition is the key to success. Jesus says that ruthless compassion is the purpose of our journey.

I you think you've done it, then you're wrong. Because you're not finished until you have achieved everything that you never thought you could.

In my experience, self-hatred is the dominant malaise crippling Christians and stifling their growth in the Holy Spirit.

* Recognize that God is with you. * Acknowledge God knows what He's doing. * Search for God's will: the path He desires you to take in life. * Consider what God did for you when He sent Jesus to die on the cross (forgiveness and righteousness)

Ruthless trust ultimately comes down to this: faith in the person of Jesus and hope in his promise.

Jesus comes not for the super-spiritual but for the wobbly and the weak-kneed who know they don’t have it all together, and who are not too proud to accept the handout of amazing grace.