If the kingdom of God is not first, it doesn't matter what's second.

Satan delights to have us put ourselves down. Self-contempt is of Satan. There is no such thing in heaven.

How could there be refining fires without our enduring some heat?

During our mortal schooling in submissiveness, we will see the visible crosses that some carry, but other crosses will go unseen. A few individuals may appear to have no trials at all, which, if it were so, would be a trial in itself. Indeed, if, as do trees, our souls had rings to measure the years of greatest personal growth, the wide rings would likely reflect the years of greatest moisture-but from tears, not rainfall.

If we are serious about our discipleship, Jesus will eventually request each of us to do those very things which are most difficult for us to do.

The laughter of the world is merely loneliness pathetically trying to reassure itself.

It is only by yielding to God that we can begin to realize His will for us. And if we truly trust God, why not yield to His loving omniscience? After all, He knows us and our possibilities much better than do we.