Dianne Marben

22 heures

Good morning. You're forgiven. (Illustrated Words - May 22)
"Jesus spoke these words to a woman who had anointed Him with expensive perfume, washed His feet with her tears and wiped them dry with her hair. She cared very much for Jesus. Some of the religious leaders criticized her actions, but they showed no respect at all for Him. They had critical, stubborn spirits. Jesus saw the woman's heart - her devotion to Him and her belief that He was the Messiah. Because of that, He forgave her sin. When Jesus looks into your heart, what does He see? Devotion to Him or a critical, stubborn spirit?" (See Luke 7:48).

3 ré

Good morning. What's your maturity level? (Illustrated Words - May 2
"The temptation when someone hurts you is to strike back... harder. It's a defensive, personal protection mechanism. Jesus tells us to resist that reflex. If someone hurts you, turn the other cheek and give [him or] her the chance to do it again. Why did He say that? Because striking back will truly damage the relationship and He is all about relationships. Forgive and give the other person a chance to make things right. And if [he or] she doesn't, let Jesus take care of [him or] her. You keep treating [him or] her the way you'd like [him or] her to treat you. Is it easy? Not always. Can you do it? Yes, with Jesus' help." (See Matthew 5:39).

4 ré

Good morning. We all mean well. (Illustrated Words - May 19)
"You mean well. You mean to be diligent in reading your Bible; in praying, serving. You try your best. But little things wiggle their way into your day. The temptation is to put off doing the 'right' things because the 'important' things are calling. Your spirit wants to serve God, but your body (actions) gets sidetracked with 'stuff.' There's one way through this... ask God to help you. Ask for His strength and focus to keep you on track. You can try to do it by yourself, but you won't be successful. You need divine assistance." (See Matthew 26:41).

5 ré

Good morning. Life choices can be tough. (Illustrated Words - May 18)
"Jesus was praying In The Garden of Gethsemane. He knew what was ahead and that it was going to be very ugly. He asked God if there was any other way to accomplish what They had planned- which was to make a way for you and me to have a personal relationship with Him. He was willing to go through the pain and ugliness... for you. He loves you that much. Sometimes doing what's hard is what is needed. Jesus did it for you. He will help you do hard things for Him. Are you willing? He was." (See Matthew 26:42).

6 ré

Good morning. Let your faith grow. (Illustrated Words - May 17)
"Even a small amount of faith can do big things for God. Faith is like a muscle that grows stronger as it is exercised. When you believe God for a small thing and He does it, the next time you can believe for a bigger thing. Objects, as the mulberry tree in this statement, obey faith because everything is under God's power. Believe God and if you must start small, then do so. Have faith and see what He does. Exercise that faith muscle!" (See Luke 17:6).