The people, conflicts and circumstances may be different – but it’s the same challenge you’ve faced for years. Why can’t you break free from these ever-repeating issues? Your situation is just like the baker who set out to make a delicious cake, but used salt instead of sugar in her recipe. She tried different mixing techniques, pans, and ovens, but every cake turned out inedible. And she continued to fail until she finally realized that she had to change the…..
Events may occur that make you feel isolated and insignificant. Perhaps loved ones fail to understand the pressures you face, or obstacles arise that make your goals appear unreachable. Even commonplace aspects of your life may suddenly become unmanageable – stealing your joy and making you feel defeated. You wonder if you’ve wasted your time trying so hard when no one seems to appreciate your sacrifices. Friend, God has not abandoned you – and your love for Him is never…..
Whether it is the driver who cut you off in traffic, a friend who betrays you, a boss who overlooks you, or a loved one who makes you feel inferior, there will always be someone in your life who needs your forgiveness. Sadly, sometimes the deep roots of hurt prevail and the bitterness tightens its grip on your spirit, making reconciliation very difficult. But friend, when you remember the immense debt that Christ has pardoned you of, it is so…..
There’s no escaping criticism, nor the wounds it can cause. But moments of censure can be opportunities for you to experience God’s power if you’ll respond in a manner that honors Him. The truth is, when you’re living in obedience to the Savior, others will persecute you for it. Instead of retaliating, Scripture admonishes you to respond by doing good to, praying for, and forgiving the people who attack you – in the hope that they’ll “come to their senses…..