You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. (Matthew 5:4)

You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and God’s rule. (Matthew 5:3)

Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back — given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. (Luke 6:38)

And don’t say anything you don’t mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, “I’ll pray for you,” and never doing it, or saying, “God be with you,” and not meaning it. You don’t make your words true

Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. (Matthew 5:13)

Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get. (Matthew 7:12)

Change your life. God’s kingdom is here. (Matthew 4:17)

God said, “My presence will go with you. I’ll see the journey to the end.” (Exodus 33:14)

All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; God will never let you be pushed past your limit; God will always be there to help you come through it. (1 Corinthians 10:13b)

Sing God a brand-new song! Earth and everyone in it, sing! Sing to God — worship God! Shout the news of God’s victory from sea to sea, Take the news of God’s glory to the lost, News of God’s wonders to one and all! (Psalm 96:1-3)