Low self-esteem causes me to believe that I have so little worth that my response does not matter. With repentance, however, I understand that being worth so much to God is why my response is so important. Repentance is remedial work to mend our minds and hearts, which get bent by sin.

How hard is it for God to get your attention? Do you regularly practice turning aside in your day? That is, taking a moment to listen to God- because God, through the Holy Spirit, really is speaking, because we know, every place is filled with the presence of God. There is not an inch of space, not a moment of time, that God does not inhabit.

It only makes sense to ask God for guidance in the context of a life committed to "seeking first the kingdom."

The problem with spending your life climbing up the ladder is that you will go right past Jesus, for he's coming down.

Real question is not who was this man (Jesus), but who is this man?

Genuine brokenness pleases God more than pretend spirituality.

Churches can become places of cynicism, resistance, and pessimism.