Are you living a life that qualifies as “good soil”? Is your heart open for His Word? Do you pray and allow His love and guidance to permeate your spirit, taking away worry and removing the parts of yourself that are no longer necessary?

Catherine Marshall said, “When you relinquish everything to God, you stop commanding and demanding God to do things for you. As long as you keep telling God what to do, He will honor your free will and will not violate it even to answer your prayer.”

It’s easy to get caught up in your surroundings—by looking at your cell phone or engaging in social media—and to almost forget about the beautiful world all around you. Today, instead of blurring out the background of your life, tune in and notice God’s awesome gifts, like the blooming flowers and chirping birds.

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale advised that when you need healing, do not think about the illness or condition. Instead, focus on God and His power to heal. Affirm over and over words of life, health, and strength. Steadfast prayer and faith in God are sure to bring results.

God is always true to His word. And in every difficult situation He is present, helping you through fearful times and guiding you to bring victory out of them.

The more you pray the more you realize God’s wisdom is greater than your own and His will more important than yours. When you make prayer a regular part of your day, it becomes easier to release control of the outcomes in your life and yield to His timing and glory.

Is there something in your life that is wedging between you and God? Perhaps it is jealousy, greed, or dishonesty. Whatever it may be, you must stay alert to areas in your life that are coming between you and His love. Put Him first and ask His help to release all blocks that interfere with your relationship.

One thing is certain, when Judas realized the evil of his actions, he was so full of guilt that he could not live with himself. What he forgot was that Jesus would have forgiven him even for his betrayal. If you feel as if you’ve failed against God, remember there is no sin beyond His forgiveness.