There comes a point in our faith - a dramatic turn in our development - where we no longer focus on our personal need for deliverance.

In fact, as our faith grows, so should our empathy and true care for others. 

Today's Psalm calls us to do something strange... To recognize God's awesome deliverance through comparing what has happened to what would have happened if we would have never known Him.

How many of you get tired of hearing Christians use “silver linings”? You know - those stories that describe the hardships, struggles, and obstacles that life can bring, BUT God did this great thing that made it all better.

I feel as though the stories (or perhaps the way we choose to tell them) often minimize the suffering that we have gone through.

Have you ever looked back on something and felt as if it was all worthless? Like you worked, labored, or cared for something "so deeply" yet - in the end - it felt unprofitable and almost empty? Or perhaps it was a series of time that felt both purposeless and dry?

There is an unfathomable power in divine forgiveness.

I say "divine forgiveness," because human minds can only grasp but pieces of this high level of love. Let's be honest, our giving of forgiveness feels extensive. It seems like a constant process. We think that we have "forgiven fully," yet find ourselves in need of forgiving that person, that situation, or ourselves again and again...and again.

Have you ever experienced a situation that felt just shy of being heavenly? One where your chills were overwhelming, excitement peeking, all doubt, worry, and fear was vanishing, and you simply felt peace? 

There is power in repetition. Have you ever greeted someone with your “church-chat” dialouge? It goes something like this...

Do you like to know things?

Goodness, I do. I am a planner; I like to know what I am doing and when. Schedules and to-do lists are some of my life-long friends. I’m also a research freak. If something comes up with my kids that I don’t know about, you can bet that I am going to read and read until I better understand the situation.

In the matter of one day, our mouths say a lot.

They encourage, speak truth, uplift, call out, show love, and worship God. Yet during that very same day, they lie, whisper enviously, tear down, speak hatred, gossip, belittle, and worship the self.

We do not know our own strength.

Have you ever playfully hit someone - or maybe received a "playful" hit - and had both actions result in a similar response:"OW! You don't know your own strength!"