There seems to be something in our human nature that draws us away from a life-giving relationship with Jesus because it feels more comfortable to focus on what to do and not do. That tendency robs us of real joy and peace.

Probably one of the most surprising discoveries I've made while studying the Bible is that God does not condone religion. It's a consistent theme throughout scripture. Religion is man's external effort to please God. But God doesn't care about all my efforts to get it right. He wants more, something far greater.

Because of our selfishness and inclination toward personal comfort and convenience, we'd rather not have to deal with constant change and uncertainty. We have difficulty reconciling the goodness of God with the mystery of his ways.

Sometimes it seems safer to have just enough God to get to heaven, but not so much that he radically alters our lives.

We usually expect too much from people. Often we judge them based on their actions even as we judge ourselves based on our intentions.

The problem with baggage is that it affects other people's trips.

You can't make a difference unless you are different.