Imagine what would happen if students all over the world decided to dedicate time, effort and diligence to studying the Bible. The scripture has guided my choice of work, strengthened my friendships, united my family, supplied joy beyond measure, instilled hope in the midst of depression and replaced fear with unwavering confidence. In short studying the Bible has radically transformed my life.
When Sierra started taking her faith seriously she didn’t expect her friends to stop texting or her boyfriend to break up with her. She didn’t anticipate the strange looks and whispering behind her back.
People counselled her to stop taking her religion so seriously, that science had disproven the Bible, and that she was very closed minded to say Jesus was the only way to heaven.
Suddenly, Sierra had lost the social status she had worked so hard to maintain. She was no longer popular and didn’t even fit in with her peers.
“Dear 25 year old self,
Today is your 20th Birthday. I don’t know if you will still be on earth for your 25th birthday.
But assuming you are still in the trenches, here are some hopes, dreams and prayers from your 20 year old self. ”
It’s become a tradition of mine to take time to remember the goodness of God and plan for the future every New Year’s and every birthday. Last summer on my 20th I did this in the form of a letter to my future-self.
One particular set of hopeful words buried in that letter have provided more motivation than I could have ever imagined when they dripped from my pen.
Obviously the world isn’t giving us answers to our beauty insecurities. So what can we do when we feel less than beautiful? I’m going to share with you 4 steps that have helped me fight insecurity and feelings of worthlessness. . .
I smiled inwardly as the door shut behind the last guest and silence flooded my house. It had been a good evening. My mind replayed the events while my hands quickly loaded a stack of coffee mugs and crummy plates into the dishwasher. Encouraging conversations, laughter and deeper friendships left me with much to praise God for.
With the kitchen cleaned up I made my way downstairs to get ready for bed. Before removing my contacts I took a quick glance in the mirror and my happy heart instantly began to waver on the brink of insecurity and depression . . .
After the ascension of Christ, it was often noted by the saints that the Apostle Peter would cry. When a cock would crow, it would often move the apostle to tears. But, there were other times, too, when, for no apparent reason, the big framed fisherman would sob. One day, a young believer dared to approach the mighty man of God and ask the question that was on everyone’s heart. Peter, why do you cry? The Apostle looked at the young man and said, “Desiderio Domini.” Peter’s actual words were not latin, but this is how history has preserved his famed utterance – this is the grief-strained words that have passed down through Christian history and have moved so many that have read them. For, in English, the phrase Desiderio Domini means, “because, I dearly long for my Lord.” . . .
Most Christians start out excited to follow Christ, obey Him and learn about Him. However, after only a short time many of us get discouraged and give up, settling for complacency or even leaving the church. Why? Because following Christ is hard. […]
We all have desires, cravings, hopes and longings. Maybe yours is a puppy, a new career or deeper relationships. But do you desire God? Do you crave Jesus Christ? Does your heart ache with longing for Him? Or do other things creep ahead of Christ on your list of wants and desires? …
Last week we started a conversation about how to develop consistency and get the most out of your time in the Word. If you haven’t read that post go read Part 1 and get caught up before reading below. This week we are going to pick up where we left off. {…}
“I struggle with reading the Bible, I have my whole life. After over 60 years of being a Christian I thought I would be better at it.”
I listened in astonishment as this seasoned Christian woman shared her struggle of reading God’s word consistently with our discussion group of about a dozen women. And when our group leader proceeded to ask if anyone else struggled with reading the Bible I was completely taken off guard by the response. Every single woman raised her hand. Some found it difficult to be consistent, others were frustrated that they don’t get more out of Bible reading.
Obviously this is a big struggle for a lot of you. […]