This is the best sentence ever written about human nature. Our hearts ARE hard, what little faith we have is in our own efforts. "Five loaves, a couple of fish, that's not nearly enough. Let's go get some more." With God we do not need more. We need soft hearts to accept truth. He is.

Mark 6:52
For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.
Bible Gateway link: Mark 6:52 (NKJV)

My husband chides me for hiding my light. I like to duck the spotlight as a rule, but it may just be cowardice. This week I failed to respond when a silly woman attacked evangelicals for not keeping their religion private. Wow, I need to take these red letters words more to heart.

Mark 4:21
Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?
Bible Gateway link: Mark 4:21 (NKJV)

Once the seed is planted the miracle that will transform you has begun. God gave us everything we need, He gave His Son, He gave us the bible. All He needs from us is fertile ground.

Mark 4:14
The sower sows the word.
Bible Gateway link: Mark 4:14 (NKJV)

I have never been a good sister to my own siblings. But it says right here, I still qualify to be His sister when I follow this red letter guidance.

Mark 3:35  

For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”
Bible Gateway link: Mark 3:35 (NKJV)

Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the unforgivable things I did when I was young. And yet I am forgiven. Tender mercies indeed!

Psalm 25:6-7
Remember, O Lord, Your tender mercies and Your loving kindnesses,
For they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; 
According to Your mercy remember me,
For Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.
Bible Gateway link: Psalm 25:6-7 (NKJV)

No political cover-up was ever going to change this truth. Christ has risen! Besides, appeasement never works.

Matthew 28:13-14
saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’
And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.”
Bible Gateway link: Matthew 28:13-14 (NKJV)

When it came to giving their stuff, their skill even their talent, God's rescued people could not do enough, in fact they did too much. Giving their hearts, obedience and faith was not so easy. It is so true for me? You?

Exodus 36:4-7
Then all the craftsmen who were doing all the work of the sanctuary came, each from the work he was doing,

and they spoke to Moses, saying, “The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which the Lord commanded us to do.”
So Moses gave a commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, “Let neither man nor woman do any more work for the offering of the sanctuary.” And the people were restrained from bringing,
for the material they had was sufficient for all the work to be done—indeed too much.
Bible Gateway link: Exodus 36:4-7 (NKJV)

We are so desperate for leadership, and so fickle when we get it. Our evil hearts are to blame. The good news is that God can change hearts. He is the leader we are all yearning for.

Exodus 32:22-23
So Aaron said, “Do not let the anger of my lord become hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil.
For they said to me, ‘Make us gods that shall go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’
Bible Gateway link: Exodus 32:22-23

However bad it gets, this is a red letter promise.

Matthew 24:13
But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

When you feel a tug to take a course of action that seems impossible to you, my advice is to just stop resisting and go. God will get you where He wants you, one way or another. You may as well make it easy on yourself.

Exodus 23:20-21
“Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared.
Pay careful attention to him and obey his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression, for my name is in him.
Bible Gateway link: Exodus 23:20-21 (ESV)

He invites lots of us to the party. What we do about the invitation is up to us. It just happens to be the difference between eternal life and the alternative.

Matthew 22:14
For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Bible Gateway link: Matthew 22:14 (ESV)

Be careful what you pray for, this is powerful stuff.

Matthew 21:22
And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”
Bible Gateway link: Matthew 21:22 (ESV)