Believers talk about trusting in the Lord with their whole heart and refusing to lean on thier own understanding, but no one really knows what that means until circumstances cast them headfirst into a dark and painful place. If we give ourselves fully to God in those moments, we will obtain keepsakes of Him to treasure now and forever.

Integrity is keeping a commitment even after circumstances have changed.

Our attitude toward others reveals our genuine attitude toward God.

Some believe we have little or no role in our own Christian maturity. God does everything, they think, and we simply have to "let go and let God." After all, if it's the "fruit of the Spirit," we should passively let him work within us as we abide in Christ.

Happiness is about what happens to you; and, to an extent, it's dependent on your circumstances, your behaviors, and your attitudes. But the joy of Christ is much, much bigger. The joy of Christ is about relationship with a person. It's something you have access to, but it's also something you must choose. Christian joy shows up not only in the happy times but also in times of trial and discouragement.

When I put God first, God takes care of me and energizes me to do what really needs to be done.

Jesus says that those who live by God's forgiveness must imitate it. A person whose only hope is that God will not hold his faults against him forfeits his right to hold others' faults against them.