Religion isn't what saves you; it's your relationship with God. But religion is a God-ordained means of enriching your relationship with Him.

Christianity has its share of tricky balances. How do we strive for perfection while accepting grace? Fight sin while loving people? Be responsible and step out in faith?

"...run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1b Your faith began with passion, finish it that way!

Even with a sure thing, you have to play the game; there's room for improvement; and there's room for a fall.

What's your "impossible"? What is God whispering in your ear, challenging you to? What is that thing in your walk that you always *dreamed* of doing/being but have always dismissed as impossible? It's not. "For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37 Maybe you should start thinking about it differently; a destination rather than a dream, an invitation rather than a frustration?

God's love is bigger than our comfort. Remember that He disciplines those He loves.

Reviewing Live and Growing in God

The Bible is a crucial connection point between us and God. Read it daily for insight into God's character and commands.

It isn't magic. It isn't a means to control God. And it isn't salvation. Our ideas about religion can hinder our relationship with God.

The Back Story: Creation began good. Later its perfect order was broken. Jesus came BECAUSE of that; to fix it; to fix us.

The meaning of Easter goes beyond religion. We can see that in Jesus' short conversation with Mary Magdelene after He rose from the dead.

A life given to God is harder than we want. Even Jesus was tempted not to go to the cross. He calls us to persevere, as He did.

Surrender to God is part of the Christian life. Jesus served people; so should we. Who in your life needs help?

Our bodies are meant to be temples of God, a place for Him to dwell. Is yours? What needs to be removed? What needs to be added?

Have you tried to enter God's kingdom as your own king or queen? As a spectator? As God's student? Or as a true subject of the King?

Love is not just feelings. As emotions fade, love becomes a choice. And the choice must continue over time. That's how God loves us.

The initial emotion of love teaches us sacrifice, forgiveness, and vulnerability.

Know that feeling when you first fall in love? God's love is that intense all the time. His desire is for us and our joy.

We define love in many ways that serve us. God's version is selfless, generous, and forgiving. And God's version is the real one.

We care how others perceive us. We should: God told us we are the light of the world. Our faith should look good to those around us.

Do you want your faith to endure? Prepare for your trials. Get rid of distractions from God. And look at Him rather than your hardships.

To grow in physical strength, you must push your body to the limits; the same is true of our faith. Test the limits of your faith.

Whatever you believe about yourself, God has given you value that can't be taken away. You can see it when you take care of others.

Jesus gave His life to give us a new day. Remember the price He paid for us, and give Him this new year.