Jesus didn't mean this as a sweeping command for everyone who has a lot of money. Jesus meant this for any of us who wallow in whatever abundance we have. I imagine Jesus looked straight into this young man's soul and said, 'I want you to give up the one thing you crave more than me. Then come, follow me.'

Because He's near, we dont have to be anxious or feel out of control. We have peace that rises above any circumstance!

Maybe God's goal wasn't for me to raise a good rule-following child. Instead, His goal was for me to raise a God-following adult.

Whether we're on the path toward victory or defeat is determined by the very next choice we make. Not the choices from yesterday. Not the choices five minutes ago.

Sip the shame so you won't have to guzzle the regret.

It's not my perfect performance that captures God's attention. It's my complete dependence on Him that He notices.

I can face things that are out of my control and not act out of control.