Just because God sends you in a certain direction, it does not mean it will be easy. Remember the Scriptures and how things went for Moses, Esther and Joseph? The sharpening process God uses for His tools is sometimes painful. But when He makes us ready the result will diminish us and exalt Him. I'm trying to make it more of a habit to pray about everything first instead of just doing things. When I want God to direct, things are different. There is more assurance and I feel

Closed-mindedness can keep you blinded to things that may benefit you. It can also keep you from truths that you need to realize.

Here is the painful truth: Love and forgiveness go hand in hand. If you don't believe that, then close your Bible and call it a day because that is exactly what the cross of Jesus did for all of us. Jesus proved that real love is the kind of love that forgives. Forgiveness restores and renews hope. Unforgiveness breeds and feeds doubt, insecurity, anger and bitterness. At the same time.. forgiveness is not easy. Some of the most self-proclaimed "mature Christians" cannot for