Positive Thinking Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. —Philippians 4:8 (NIV) God has a lot to say about what we should think about and how we should talk to one another. Do you know people who always find a reason to complain? How much fun are they to be around? What about you? Do you normally see the good in a situation? Do you look for the excellence in the moment with a thankful heart, or do you sometimes see the glass as half ..read more

Despite Feelings "Despite their fear of the people around them, they built the alter on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings to the Lord . . . For seven days they celebrated with joy the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Because the Lord had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the King of Assyria, so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel." —Ezra 3:3, 6:22 (NIV) When God’s people disobeyed Him, they were sent off as slaves; but God always redeems His people when they humble themselves, acknowledge Him, and repent. This passage details the first ..read more

Speak with Kindness Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. —Ephesians 4:29-32 (NASB) To live a life completely free in Christ, a person must know how God wa ..read more

Fight the Good Fight . . . pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, when you made your good confession [in Christ] . . . —1 Timothy 6:11b-12 (NIV) What things or desires do you pursue? What do you do in your spare time? Do you have a godly vision, or do you pursue your own goals? All you do in faith as a service to Christ is blessed. To attain righteousness, one needs to know with certainty that Jesus is faithful and holds our eternal life in His hands. Flowing from Jesus ..read more

God Is with You Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished. —1 Chronicles 28:20 (ESV) Have you felt abandoned by someone close to you? Does someone you see all the time not know how to be present with you? Have you felt alone for so long that you are certain no one really cares? God wants you to know that you are never alone; He sees every tear, He hears every cry, and He is with you always. If you do no ..read more

“God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, ‘What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.’ Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.” —Genesis 21:17-19 (NIV) “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?” —Psalm 56:8 (ESV) God always hears the cries of His children. —Psalm 56:8 Do you feel li ..read more

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The God of all comfort, comforts you in all your troubles, so you can comfort those in any trouble. God teaches us to be tender, and it is critical that people respond to survivors of sexual abuse in a compassionate way. Sexual abuse affects a person down to their core, completely unraveling some people. Many survivors feel their safety has been stolen from them, plus with the added shame most survivors feel this can easily send them down a dangerous and depressing road. It takes courage to admit sexual abuse happened. Your response to them will help them heal or add to their trauma. If anyone ..read more

God Is with You Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished. —1 Chronicles 28:20 (ESV) Have you felt abandoned by someone close to you? Does someone you see all the time not know how to be present with you? Have you felt alone for so long that you are certain no one really cares? God wants you to know that you are never alone; He sees every tear, He hears every cry, and He is with you always. If you do no ..read more

“God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, ‘What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.’ Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.” —Genesis 21:17-19 (NIV) “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?” —Psalm 56:8 (ESV) God always hears the cries of His children. —Psalm 56:8 Do you feel li ..read more