The Foolishness of God?
Did you know that the Bible mentions the foolishness of God? "for the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength." This assertion from 1 Corinthians 1:25 challenges our innate trust in human reasoning when faced with life's trials.
Embracing Community Amidst Difficulty
The possibility and reality of conflict can be unnerving. The instinct to retreat into solitude often whispers loudest, especially for those of us who lean towards introversion. When faced with attacks, wounds, or the mere prospect of conflict, the impulse to isolate ourselves from community becomes a compelling temptation. Yet, amidst this pull towards isolation, the wisdom of the Bible beckons us to embrace a different path—a path of constructive conflict resolution within the context of community.
Overcoming Indecisiveness
In the maze of life’s decisions, uncertainty often casts a shadow, leaving us grappling with indecisiveness. The quest to decipher God’s will for our lives is a pursuit many embark upon, seeking guidance amidst the labyrinth of choices. In the midst of this quest, Psalm 25:12 offers a beacon of hope: "Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will God instruct in the way that he should choose."
3 Reasons You May Be Stuck in Anxiety
Feeling trapped in the clutches of anxiety is an all-too-common experience, one that can leave us feeling paralyzed, isolated, and overwhelmed. Despite our best efforts to break free, anxiety often persists, its grip tightening with each passing day. If you find yourself mired in this cycle, you're not alone. Understanding the reasons behind this persistent state of anxiety is the first step toward regaining control and finding a path toward peace of mind. Here, I explore three compelling reasons why you might find yourself entrenched in anxiety's grasp, shedding light on potential pathways to liberation and mental well-being.
By ALL means, Don’t Isolate
One of the worst things we can do, when navigating challenging seasons, is choose to isolate ourselves. The reason we often make this mistake usually comes from seeking our “own desire.” Proverbs 18:1 says, “Whoever isolates himself seeks his desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.” The context for isolation can involve ignorance of the need for community, hidden sin, or pride. Regardless, each of these results in a crippled spiritual life, since we are designed to live in a community with other believers who hold us accountable.
Is Your Heart Out of Tune?
Emotional health is not something that you can determine by appearance. There are very few signs that give away an emotionally unhealthy person. There may be smiles and laughter, and they seem to be, on the surface, emotionally healthy and stable. However, when the strings are strummed, so to speak, a trained ear can quickly identify whether or not the heart is out of tune. There are two ways heartstrings are strummed, and we evaluate the emotional condition of the human heart; praise and criticism from others. When these two things occur, the heart plays a tune, and how the individual responds displays the condition of the heart.
A Short Plea for Mercy
We often see other people's shortcomings more clearly than our own. This is true in marriage, friendship, and practically any relationship - even when we see people in the government, or social media. We judge people more harshly than we judge ourselves. How can we, instead, give as much mercy as we hope to receive?
3 Ways Your Friends can Help Fight Depression
One of the most powerful means of breaking depression's grasp is a group of close, faithful friends. Here are 3 ways faithful friends can help you fight depression and to break its hold.
The Spiritual Nature of Downtime
We live in a chaotic, noisy world. Even when alone, apart from everyone, we are bombarded with texts, emails, and social media messages. All vying for our attention. Seeking solitude and silence is not only about finding a quiet place. It's about discovering the beauty of removing ourselves from the cacophony of alerts, alarms, and messages to find rest in the Word, in Jesus. It because of this your downtime, or free time, is your best opportunity for spiritual growth. A commitment to using your downtime to find rest in God's Word will determine what, if any, fruit you produce with your life.
How to Discover Joy
I want to have joy in my life. Don’t you? Happiness, as described, is based on happenings. We are happy only if good things are happening. However, I want something more permanent than that, something that is not fleeting but persists even during difficult seasons. I want joy. If you, like me, desire joy, let’s discuss the one way to discover joy even when discontent with the happenings of life.
Repairing Broken Communication
It happens to every married couple - a communication breakdown. You’re cruising along (probably on Cruise Control) when suddenly, there is a breakdown. Things have broken down, and all your attempts to adjust and compromise have failed. Well, here are 3 tips for repairing a communication breakdown in your marriage.