The biblical purpose of every conversation you have, in every personal interaction, is that they person who hears you will receive grace.

But the very act of pausing in a busy day to pray is an act of weakening pride in my life, acknowledging that I am a dependent creature. I am not self sufficient.

As we mature personally, as our families mature, and as our churches mature, we need the doctrine of sin more, not less; and we need to keep growing in rightly understanding and applying this doctrine. Be assured that this is no less true if you're a pastor or teacher or ministry worker. There's no pastoral privilege in relation to sin. There's no ministry exemption from the opposition of the flesh. There's only a heightened responsibility to oppose sin and to weaken the flesh, as an example to the flock.

We cannot free ourselves from pride and selfish ambition; a divine rescue is absolutely necessary.

All gifts from God are intended to direct our attention to God and create fresh affection for God.

We don't accidentally drift into holiness; rather we mature gradually and purposefully, one choice at a time.

Encourage others each and every day-nothing's more important than our words.