Category: Living

Dear Friend…

Dear Friend,

I see your pain. I know it is hard to walk away and to forgive.

When I focus on the careless or even mean words of the people around me, I can let anger and pain rule my life. After watching the news and soaking in the fear and chaos of the world, I feel an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. Or when I mess up again and dwell on it, I get discouraged and anxious. I can let my emotions run wild until I am miserable.

What is to be done? 

God tells us not to fear or be troubled when peace by world’s definition fails (John 14:27). But that trusting in God’s peace can give us courage even when there is suffering and distress in our lives (John 16:33). Maybe this is why the peace of God surpasses our comprehension (Philippians 4:7).

So then, what should be our response to difficult times? 

We need to look to God and find our joy in Him-praying, giving thanks, and making our requests known to Him (Philippians 4:4,6). Knowing that grace and peace come from God. (Romans 1:7) and it is multiplied to us in the knowledge of God and our Lord (2 Peter 1:2).

What should be our response to people whom it seems their goal is to make our lives difficult?

We need to pursue peace with them (Psalm 34:14). Show kindness, act with humility, give them a blessing, not insult them (1 Peter 3:8-9). We must depart from our negative nature desires and do good for them (Psalm 34:14). We do this not because they deserve it, but because God through Christ has done good for us and we are to follow in His example (Luke 6:35, Ephesians 5:2). Then we can trust the peace of God to guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Your loving friend,

Sherry

Deeper in 2019

January…a time to renew your commitment.

As Christians, often we feel guilty that we aren’t as strong in our faith as we should be. So January is the time to say, “this year I will grow stronger in my relationship with God.” But how can we be more successful this year than last year? Do we need to make big changes…plan an extended time away to focus fully on God…listen to and learn from a famous bible teacher…spend hours each day ready the bible through?

What better way to focus on God, then a visit to the Jordan River.

These are all are good ideas, but are they the best for you. Below is a simple strategy to grow deeper in your faith…daily.

5 Steps to Grow Deeper in Your Faith

Read less.

Reading through the bible this year will help you get a general overview of the entire bible, but not a deep understanding of it. Instead, read less… reading only a paragraph or a few verses at a time.

Unpack slowly.

Take time to examine each thought, word or phrase. Asking…who is mentioned, where are they, and when are things happening?

Pause often.

As you read, consider how did it happen? Why did he (she) do this or that? Reflecting on what you have read.

Embrace fully.

 Accept the truths and teachings you have read. This may mean you need to own up to your sins…acknowledging how you were wrong (both to God and others). It may also mean that you need to make a life change…a delibrate plan to move forward in a deeper faith.

Repeat steps 1-4 daily…