Most of us are initially defensive when we learn we have hurt someone. But I have begun to gauge the health of a friendship by how fast we are able to push past the situation, and own our stuff, in the context of conflict. As my girlfriends and I get healthier and come to trust each other more, the “I’m sorrys” happen more quickly. But just as the one-week rule gives us time to decide if it’s necessary to mention a slight or injury, we also allow the one-week rule for the “offender” to be ready to come back with a sincere apology. A sincere apology is key. Psychologist Harriet…

Ask in Prayer Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. — James 5:16NKJV In Mark 11:24, Jesus says something remarkable: Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. It sounds too good to be true! We know the words are valid because Jesus Himself spoke them, and He always tells the truth. Yet we so often don’t go to God with our requests. Instead, we talk to others about our struggles, or we hide them. We keep ourselves busy — too…

Capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ. — 2 Corinthians 10:5 The good news is that while there are many things in life over which you have no control… you get to choose what you think about. ~ Max Welcome to our final week of the Anxious for Nothing Online Bible Study with Max Lucado! Abide in Him. I remember the first time I heard that exhortation and thought, What does that even mean? Do you ever look around at your circumstances, your troubles, those pesky trouble-makers causing chaos at work, your finances, or your worries and just freak out? It’s like the volume turns up to 10, your mind starts racing,…

“But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33 Unshakable Hope The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel” — Mark 1:15 With these words, Jesus not only began His ministry, but He introduced His favorite subject: the Kingdom of God. The term Kingdom of God and its Jewish equivalent Kingdom of Heaven occur some sixty times in the first three Gospels. In the teachings of our society, the same cannot be said. We don’t like to talk about kings and kingdoms. We find the notion of absolute rule repulsive and medieval.…

Understanding will never bring you Peace. That’s why I have instructed you to trust in Me, not in your understanding. Human beings have a voracious appetite for trying to figure things out in order to gain a sense of mastery over their lives. But the world presents you with an endless series of problems. As soon as you master one set, another pops up to challenge you. The relief you had anticipated is short-lived. Soon your mind is gearing up again: searching for understanding (mastery) instead of seeking Me (your Master). The wisest of all men, Solomon, could never think his way through to Peace. His vast understanding resulted in feelings…