Prayer is the most tangible expression of trust in God.

The realization that my daily relationship with God is based on the infinite merit of Christ instead of on my own performance is a very freeing and joyous experience. But it is not meant to be a one-time experience; the truth needs to be reaffirmed daily.

In His infinite wisdom, God allows trials in order to develop perseverance in us and to cause us to fix our hopes on the glory that is yet to be revealed... Our faith and perseverance can grow only under the pain of trial.

This is the essence of God's sovereignty; His absolute independence to do as He pleases and His absolute control over the actions of all His creatures. No creature, person, or empire can either thwart His will or act outside the bounds of His will.

... self-control is not control by oneself through one's own willpower but rather control of oneself through the power of the Holy Spirit.

God will never allow any action against you that is not in accord with His will for you. And His will is always directed to our good.

Which of us, then, does not offend frequently with our tongue? The real problem, however, is not our tongues but our hearts.