Do you have trouble with this? Just pretend it is true, act as if you believe it. You will be amazed. Watch yourself become a better person without even trying.

Ephesians 2:8-10
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, lest anyone should boast.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10 (NKJV)

I am great at stumbling around in darkness. It is only when I trip and break my toe that I remember. All I have to do is trust God and rely on His son. Then my way is clear, I am flooded with light.

Isaiah 50:10
“Who among you fears the Lord?
Who obeys the voice of His Servant?
Who walks in darkness
And has no light?
Let him trust in the name of the Lord
And rely upon his God.

Tired of hearing nothing but bad news in a world that seems to get worse and worse? Here's something to cheer us up.

Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you not known? 
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
Bible Gateway Link: Isaiah 40:28-31(NKJV)

Are you willing? You are never going to be good enough to deserve salvation. It is a gift. Take it.

2 Corinthians 8:12
For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.
Bible Gateway link: 2 Corinthians 8:12 (NKJV)

This is what it means to make a life and death decision. I chose life, I chose to repent and let God save me. If you are suffering, you too can choose to live, and without regret.

2 Corinthians 7:10
For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
Bible Gateway link: 2 Corinthians 7:10

Feeling hard pressed and perplexed? I'm perplexed all the time. But I have Jesus and that means there is hope.

2 Corinthians 4:8
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
Bible Gateway link: 2 Corinthians 4:8 (NKJV)

I tell you what, I need a counselor at all times. I've discovered I really don't know what is good for me. Please God, help me run my life. I would be so lost without you.

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Bible Gateway link: Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

Now this is encouraging. Happy Labor Day!

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Bible Gateway link: 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV)

When I was a kid, the greatest of the three was translated "charity." I never understood it until my Mom told me it meant love. I now understand why the word charity is so apt: love in action. That is how my Mom loves me. That is how I love God.

1 Corinthians 13:13
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Bible Gateway link: 1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV

Do you remember being "in love?" There is nothing quite so intense, unless it is God's love for His people. Or Jesus' love for His followers, His church, every last one of us.

Song of Solomon 4:9-10

You have ravished my heart,
My sister, my spouse;
You have ravished my heart
With one look of your eyes,
With one link of your necklace.
How fair is your love,
My sister, my spouse!
How much better than wine is your love,
And the scent of your perfumes
Than all spices!
Bible Gateway link: Song of Solomon 4:9-10

This is the story of my life. I never think to sharpen the dull edge, I just muscle through. I have learned some things, though never the easy way. Thanks to you, O God!

Ecclesiastes 10:10
If the ax is dull,
And one does not sharpen the edge,
Then he must use more strength;
But wisdom brings success.
Bible Gateway link: Ecclesiastes 10:10