• Start Small

  I have found that if you want to be used by God, you have to be willing to do the little things first. When I went to Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa and volunteered my services to Pastor Chuck Smith, I was 19 years old (and I did have hair).

• Sinning Against the Spirit

  Sometimes we may think of the Holy Spirit as being more of an "it" than a Him. But Jesus said of the Holy Spirit, "And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" (John 16:8). The Holy Spirit is God, and He can be specifically sinned against.

• Seize the Moment

  Have you ever been in a store or restaurant where a baby is screaming so loudly that people are practically running away with their hands over their ears?

• Be Salty

  In the ancient world, salt was used as a preservative. It still is today—ham, corned beef, olives, pickles, and even anchovies are preserved in brine, a saltwater solution. The purpose of the salt is to stop the food from spoiling, to prevent its corruption.

• Why Pray?

  If God knows what we need before we ask Him, why should we even bother to pray? If God is going to do what He wants to do and He knows what He is going to do, why even bother praying?