Legalistic remorse says, "I broke God's rules," while real repentance says, "I broke God's heart."

When I forget the gospel I become dependent on the smiles and evaluation of others.

Because sin is not just breaking the rules, it is putting yourself in the place of God as Savior, Lord, and Judge just as each son sought to displace the authority of the father in his own life.

Jesus Christ, who had all the power in the world, saw us enslaved by the very things we thought would free us ... He laid aside the infinities and immensities of His being and, at the cost of His life, paid the debt for our sins, purchasing us the only place our hearts can rest, in His Father's house. Knowing He did this will transform us from the inside out.

God is so committed to your ultimate joy that he was willing to plunge into the greatest depths of suffering himself for you.

We think that idols are bad things, but that is almost never the case. The greater the good, the more likely we are to expect that it can satisfy our deepest needs and hopes. Anything can serve as a counterfeit god, especially the very best things in life.

Think like a prophet, serve like a priest, and plan like a king.