Reflect, Resonate, Reevaluate, Respond

You must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool…. I’m talking about a specific, extra type of integrity that is not lying, but bending over backwards to show how you’re maybe wrong.
~ Richard Feynman, 1918-1988, Theoretical Physicist

The problem we have with forgiveness does not have to do with forgetting the past. Rather, our problem with forgiveness is our strong resistance to viewing ourselves accurately.
~ Larry Barber, Counseling Psychology, article Forgiveness Gutenberg College

Psalm 130

Growth in grace is growth downward. It is the forming of a lower estimate of ourselves. It is a deepening realization of our nothingness. It is a heartfelt recognition that we are not worthy of the least of God’s mercies.
~ AW Pink, 1886-1952, English Bible Teacher

For too long, we have maintained a confidence in the power of God’s Word by pretending that things aren’t as bad as they are and that God’s call to love means something less than He intended. If we find the power to keep our relationships pleasant and our personal lives disciplined, then we congratulate ourselves for our maturity.
~ Lawrence J. Crabb, 1944-2021, from forward of Bold Love

But the man who is not afraid to admit everything that he sees to be wrong with himself, and yet recognizes that he may be the object of God’s love precisely because of his shortcomings, can begin to be sincere. His sincerity is based on confidence, not in his own illusions about himself, but in the endless, unfailing mercy of God.
~ Thomas Merton, 1915-1968, Trappist monk, theologian

If I crave happiness, I will receive misery. If I crave to be loved, I will receive rejection. If I crave significance, I will receive futility. If I crave control, I will receive chaos. If I crave reputation, I will receive humiliation. But if I long for God and His wisdom and mercy, I will receive God and wisdom and mercy. Along the way, sooner or later, I will also receive happiness, love, meaning, order, and glory.
~ David Powlison, from Seeing With New Eyes, 1949-2019, Teacher/Counselor

Reflect, Resonate, Reevaluate, Respond

The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.
~ Oswald Chambers, 1874-1917, Evangelist/Teacher

The national anthem of Hell is, “I did it my way.”
~ Peter Kreeft, 1937- , Philosopher

Psalm 128

Human history is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.
~ C.S. Lewis, Author/Professor

Where transformation is actually carried out is in our real life, where we dwell with God and our neighbors. . . . First, we must accept the circumstances we constantly find ourselves in as the place of God’s kingdom and blessing. God has yet to bless anyone except where they actually are.
~ Dallas Willard, 1935-2013, Philosopher, Author: The Divine Conspiracy

Everything we encounter today is used by God to prepare us for tomorrow. he wastes no trials, withholds no blessings, nor does he hold back on the discipline of his soldiers. All He does prepares us for future usefulness as vessels of honor.
~ Rick Lambert, leadership consultant/author: Polycarp, A Destroyer Of Our Gods

Growing into spiritual maturity is becoming less self-conscious and more God-conscious.
~ Mark Batterson, 1969-, Pastor/Author