And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? (KJV) ( Matthew 7:3  ) 

Have you noticed that basically anytime you approach another person with judgement in your heart, things go badly? That’s because only God sees our hearts clearly.  Instead of judging others, God advices we offer friendship to those around us.  Hard words spoken in friendship, bring life.  All words said in judgement hurt.  

For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. (KJV) ( 1 John 3:11 ) 

Why does the apostle John repeat that we must love one another even though we have heard it from the beginning?  It’s because of the importance of the message.  Other things get in the way, our minds get distracted, our selfish desires begin to overwhelm us.  Perhaps this is a message that fades over time and we need to remind ourselves over and over to love others more.  Is there someone you are angry at today?  If so, how can you show them your love, even though you are frustrated? 

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.(KJV) ( Ephesians 4:26-27 ) 

Festering anger only leads to resentment and irritability, which break down relationships. While some distance may help temporarily, don’t allow the issue to go unresolved. God provides peace, grace and forgiveness to all of us, and desires us to extend the same acts to others. If you’re experiencing these moments with your spouse or kids, apply this tool given to us by God.

Rejoice evermore. (KJV) ( 1 Thessalonians 5:16 ) 

Can you find happiness wherever you are in life? If so, this is a powerful lesson that will bless you throughout life. Otherwise, we will runaway from relationships, environments, jobs, or even cities to escape unhappiness. Ultimately we never deal with our unhappiness and carry it around to the next friendship, job, or marriage. It’s helpful to recognize joy, embracing contentedness, or stop comparisons that cause you to be dissatisfied with your life. Practice identifying your joy in life. 

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (KJV) ( Proverbs 3:6 ) 

Usually we reserve the big decisions for God to throw in His two cents, such as job options, marriage partner, and moving possibilities.  Yet we are quick to make “smaller” decisions without giving any thought to God’s will.  Where we spend our time, who we spend it with, and the words we say are decisions we make daily, but don’t think twice about inviting God into the process.  It’s quite possibly these smaller decisions which make a greater impact on our lives when we ask God to show us His will.  The next time you make a decision, invite God. 

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (KJV) ( Romans 3:23 ) 

Do you place a lot of pressure on yourself?  You get overwhelmed easily and then feel like a failure when you don’t measure up to your own expectations of perfection.  God wants to free you from those burdens.  Release yourself to God.  Stop trying to control everything.  Let go and let God. 

My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. (KJV) ( Psalms 121:2 ) 

There is no problem too big for God!  He made this world, which means he is able to break the rules that He set into place. If you face an issue that seems impossible, remember we were created by a God that specializes in making the impossible, possible again!  He is our help when we have need. 

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: (KJV) ( 1 Peter 3:8 ) 

Sometimes we face people who are outwardly unpleasant or who unknowingly strike a nerve in us. Family and friends are no exceptions. While it may seem like they’re directing it at you, most times it’s just their own behavior reacting to the pressures of the day. You have a choice to either harbor that negative energy, or to believe that somewhere deep inside of them, God is there working on them. Join Him by believing in the beauty of His creation. You can do this by reacting with a tenderhearted attitude. It’s your choice.