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Let me start with Pastor Joe's sermon preview he dropped on socials Wednesday:

"Foolishness is believing all, or part, of God’s authority doesn’t apply to you. #Nabal #LifeOfDavid #SundaySermonPreviews"

I read this and gave it a reaction. I even commented, "Preach ," but I don't think I was prepared for the message this morning.

Yeah, I've been foolish, but that business is between me and God. And your foolishness is between you and God. I say that because I find myself making excuses for other people's behaviors, as well as my own.

Titus 1:16 says, “They (me ) profess to know God, but (I) deny Him by their (my) works.”

I also realized today that I make excuses for my behaviors/actions by saying things like, "Jesus forgives, I'm human, I'm doing it in my own home or with my friends," or, "The thoughts are in my head, I'm not saying them out loud. I'm sick… blah blah blah."

I'm jumping up and down in church, singing loud, my hands are raised, and there are tears flowing down my cheeks (organically). I go home and write a reflection. I sponsor other women in the program and give advice. I tell them to live by spiritual principles and how to do it. And I'll keep doing this, but it's time to hold myself accountable.

Sometimes I judge people. I rage inside about people who treat me badly. I don't acknowledge my powerlessness. I stop trusting God. I take my will back. I lose hope. I stop trusting God. I pick up that old, rusty crown that I've laid at Jesus's feet over and over again.

Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”

Well, the advice came today, and it was raw and uncut. What I also learned today is to keep my own slate clean.

It's not my job to judge others, but I can love everyone. I don't have to agree with what's going on in the world, but I can pray for them. I can disagree with others' behavior, but I can be kind and lead by example. I can fully surrender every morning in prayer.

I get a brand new 24 hours every day when I wake up. Once I'm up, I will hit my knees and ask God to help me live in His will, to help me live with intention, to live without sin, to live by spiritual principles. At night, when I go to bed, I will thank God for everything He's done in my life and ask for forgiveness for where I fell short as I lay my head down.

We're born knowing right from wrong—I do know that. I also know it's so much easier living one day at a time.

Pastor Joe, you said you were nervous at the beginning of your sermon today for the message that followed. I understand. The truth surely hurts sometimes, and there are things we may not want to hear, but thank you for loving us enough to share the truth, even when it’s hard.