"We don't think there's something wrong with one year old children because they don't walk perfectly. They fall down frequently but we pick them up, love them, bandage them if necessary, and keep working with them. Surely our heavenly father can do even more for us than we can do for our children." -Joyce Meyer.

"All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart." Proverbs 21:2. People usually tend to justify their own actions. Maybe deep down they know it was wrong, but they make excuses until they convince themselves it was the right thing to do. We don't always know the circumstances that fuel others' actions, but the Lord does. He knows your heart. We may be able to fool everyone around us, but there's no possible way we can fool God. We need to ask Him to give us discernment over our own actions.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5. Do you ever find yourself constantly wondering what to do in many situations? Maybe you see yourself lacking wisdom. Forget trying to solve all of life's problems on your own. Ask God for wisdom on what to do in every area of your life. God is generous, and He loves us, so He will give you wisdom. It's amazing what can happen once you give your troubles to God.....rather than trying to fix things yourself.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7. Being a Christian does not mean being weak. It does not mean hiding your tail between your legs and running away. As followers of Christ we are to stand tall against our opposition, and not be influenced by others. We are to know we have the Creator, the ultimate power, on our side. We have love, the strongest force, on our side. And when we commit ourselves to self-discipline, we can have the confidence to get us through. Being a Christian is the opposite of being weak. It is the most powerful, courageous thing you can do!

"I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2. NOW is the time to step it up. Not later. NOW is the time for salvation and repentance. We can't continue to wait around for the "right" circumstances. As Pastor Chris says, if you wait for things to be perfect.....it will never happen. What does this verse mean to you? Maybe it means you should begin the process of salvation, tithing, refraining from sin, being nice to others, etc. Whatever it means to you, NOW is the time to make a difference.

"No temptation has siezed you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13. Sometimes when we sin we make the excuse that we "couldn't help it." "The temptation was to great to bear." "There was no way out." But this is not true. God wouldn't leave us stranded to a point where we had no other choice but to sin. We CAN resist, with His help. You can escape. In Christ....there's always hope.

"The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again." Proverbs 24:16. One of the most common misconceptions about Christians is that they are supposed to be perfect. But the only perfect person is Christ. So when we slip up sometimes, it can seem like the whole world is watching. But does that mean we fail at life, or go to hell? No! The whole basis behind following Christ besides love is being forgiven. We should strive to not sin, but we should also know that He will forgive us. You can get up past your sin. He will carry you beyond it. You may trip seven times..... But you can always get up again with Him.