Forgiveness can feel impossible when the wound is deep. Yet Jesus gives us a framework that is both sobering and freeing. Forgiveness isn’t for the other person first—it’s for us. 1. Examine yourself before confronting another, coming in humility (Luke 17:3). 2. Talk privately first, aiming at reconciliation (Matthew 18:15). 3. If they repent, forgive—again and again (Matthew 18:22). 4. If they refuse, involve others or, in some cases, step away. It may even be obedience to

“The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10 (NLT) Jesus flipped the script. In the Old Testament, material prosperity was often seen as a sign of God’s favor. In the New Testament, not so. Christ warns that wealth can blind us, enslave us, and even keep us out of the kingdom (Matthew 19:23–24). I’ve written extensively on this subject in my Bles

During these Days of Awe, as we self-reflect and repent of what God shows us (Steps 4–10), praying David’s Psalm 51 can help. Try praying it daily—or more. I love this prayer and the painfully instructive failings that inspired it. We want to learn from David’s experience and apply the wisdom he learned the hard way. David himself tells God, “Then I will teach your ways to sinners, and they will return to you” (v. 13). There’s nothing more powerful than sharing our true stor

✨Days of Awe #2 of 10 – Idolatry✨ “ They know about God, but they don't honor him or even thank him. Their thoughts are useless, and their stupid minds are in the dark. They claim to be wise, but they are fools. They don't worship the glorious and eternal God. Instead, they worship idols…” Romans 1:21-23 (CEV) Speaking of sexual sin—which God often links to idolatry—Let’s be honest: as Americans, we really have a big problem. Anything we put before God is an idol, so that co

Did I get your attention? I’ll bet! I’m so sorry to tell you there’s no version of Christianity that allows for sexual immorality. Just to clarify: No premarital sex. No extramarital sex. No porn. No unchecked fantasizing. No self-indulgence. No spouse-swapping or orgies. Not of the heterosexual or the homosexual variety. God considers all of it—every bit of it—outside of His will. Call it “love” all you like. God says it’s not. Jesus said pluck your eye out (Matthew 5:29). Y

10 Days to Re/Turn Tonight at sunset marks Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year and the beginning of the Ten Days of Awe—ten days of intensified reflection, repentance, and restitution leading up to Yom Kippur (October 1). These days were observed by Jesus, the early believers, and many faithful still today. Regardless, it’s always a good time for a holy housecleaning. " No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harves

Author Note: Here are the first four in a series of weekly Facebook posts on the topic of repentance, aka, Steps 4-10, started a month...

Dear Readers: I’m reposting this from my Sage Sayings & Slogans Facebook page, because it’s relevant and useful for all of us. Also cuz...

I love cheese. I have a few favorites, but I’m not too selective. I enjoy most cheeses enough that I don’t keep them around lest I gobble...

God's perfect timing strikes again! My Guideposts entries are typically written eighteen months in advance, and I seldom remember what I...

Have you seen those reels about the hyper-realistic cakes? Dazzling! I’m awed by the talent, inspiration, dedication, and skill involved....

I got understandable flack for my recent post, Palisades Perspective: Crisis or Consequence, criticizing my seemingly cruel suggestion...

The Life-Threatening Lie of the Old-God-New-God Heresy Have you ever updated your operating system, app, or device, only to find it made...

“…But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms...

I never got a speeding ticket until I moved to Florida—forty-plus years of driving without a single fine. Then, within a few months of...

Isabella Note: I'm reposting this blog from the 2024 presidential election, merely refreshing the title to say "leader" in place of "candidate." Feel free to replace "candidate" wherever it appears. The whole reflection remains timely...and urgent. I’m prompted to write by the imminent U.S. election and a few comments from faithful readers who are dismayed by the shift in my content from gracious, encouraging devotions to relentless, scary-seeming rants about re/turning to G

Personally, nationally, globally...If it's not God's will, if His hand is not in it, it's not good. It's just that simple. I've tortured...

Reading this 18 months later reminded me of the pebble I currently have sitting on my paper-strewn dining room table as a reminder while...

(Plus a little relevant recovery wisdom.) During my quiet time recently, the Lord gave me a series of revealing visuals to capture the...

I’ve road-tested this truth and experienced first-hand both the positive results and negative consequences of my right and wrong beliefs....