Have you ever struggled with developing friendships? Last post we talked about whether it was worth it to develop close friendships.
Proverbs 27:17 NIV
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Does it bring a smile to your face? Or, does it remind you of pains from the past?
Can you say that you have a “friend that sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24)? Or, do you struggle to think of anyone in your life like that?
We’ve all been through storms and trials in life. Maybe you’re right in the middle of one right now?
Over the last few posts we’ve been talking about how to believe God that we’re really going to make it to the “other side” during these storms. We’ve learned that as we “listen,” God’s persuasion, God’s faith is birthed in us.
Because it takes listening for this faith to develop, we’ve been learning the skills we need to develop our ability to listen.
Today, we’re going explore “Listening” skills to birth God’s faith in us to will help us through the hard places in life.
Read MoreAndy Andrews says it best, “We’re all either in a crisis, coming out of a crisis, or heading for a crisis. That’s just part of being with us on this planet.”
But, as we learned through the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:35-41, “we’re going over to the other side.”
Are you struggling through a trial right now? When you think of the challenge before you, does it make your heart sink?
We all face challenges and trials in life. It’s part of the human existence. But, the great news is we don’t have to face it alone.
Jesus said, “He’d never leave us or forsake us.” (Hebrews 13:5)
I love in Psalms 23:4 that it says, “even through I walk through the valley of the SHADOW of death, I will fear no evil.”
Have you ever met a dog that’s been abused. You go up to pet it and it cowers or rolls over on it’s belly hoping you won’t beat it? You may have wanted to yell, “I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to love on you!”
We know that dog doesn’t understand our intentions. If he did, he’d act differently. He’d coming running up, without fear, and enjoy a good belly scratch.
Have you ever worried that God will come through on His promise? What if He doesn’t this time? After all, this one’s “the big one!”
The more we experience God’s goodness, the more we can look back on what He’s done for us in the past. This give us confidence He will be faithful with what we’re experiencing now.
Read MoreWhat’s your view of God? Do you see Him a scrooge? Someone that is stingy with His blessings? Only doling out to those who “deserve” it. Or, do you see Him as a generous giver? Giving even when the recipient didn’t earn it at all.
Do you feel sometimes like life is missing something? You experience a wonderful holiday like Thanksgiving, full of family or friends, and yet, it feels empty.
Maybe, you’re worried about where the money is going to come for Christmas–which is just around the corner? Or, how your kids are driving you up the wall, and it’s only been 4 days off from school!?
Studies show we have between 30,000 and 60,000 thoughts a day. We average about 50,000. And, get this, there are no neutral thoughts!
Each thought we think is either moving us closer to who God created us to be or further away. It’s either serving us or not serving us. It’s either producing joy in our lives or not.
Read MoreHave you ever had one of those days? You know the kind where you just feel off. You’re not sure why. You can’t think of a particular reason, but you’re just not feeling yourself.
How can you pull out of that quickly and not let it drag on? Is there a way that could change your mood even when you’re not sure what’s wrong?
Let me ask you this. When you were a kid, did you hate it when your mom said, “because I said so”? Were you the kid that your parents, teachers and innocent by-standers got tired of because of your constant barrage of questions.
Now that you’re an adult, do you find that new office policy ludicrous so you’re not doing it? Or, do you get bogged down in the details?
Read MoreDo you accomplish those monthly reports will no problem while simultaneously keeping up with your daily exercise routine even tracking it? Are you that person that determines to write a book or accomplish a new goal and you just make it happen?
You may be the one we all envy who always seems to get it done. That new client proposal–done! Exercise consistently every day, while tracking all your food–check!
Let me ask you, does someone “telling” you what to do make you want to run the other way? What about when you’re friend insists you should read “such and such” book? Do you purpose to never pick it up if it killed you? If you’re spouse asks you to do something more than once, do you label it nagging?
Do you ever feel like you have time to help everyone else, but when it’s time to invest in yourself, there’s no time left?
How about those New Year’s Resolutions? Did you give up on them a long time ago?
Here’s the kicker, even though you never seem to get your personal goals accomplished, you always seem to get that report to your boss on time.
Read MoreExpectations, we all have them. Some of our expectations are external such as your boss needs that report by Friday. Other exceptions are internal such as that new resolution you made to finally lose those last 10 pounds.
Have you ever struggled feeling up and down in your thoughts? One minute we’re thinking about how good God is, the next minute we’re struggling with thoughts of defeat. One day we’re on top of the world and 30 minutes later, we’re in the pit of despair...don't even think about trying to escape…oh, sorry, I got distracted.
Why should we even care if our thoughts are like a rollercoaster, up one minute and down the next?
Then she encouraged her little sister to join her on the chair. She exclaimed, “look, Grace, you’re so beautiful!” as Grace admired her own reflection in the mirror.
There delight in themselves was so sweet and innocent. They felt beautiful and they believed they were beautiful
Are RATs sinking your relationships?
I’m not talking about the furry, scampering creatures that strike fear into the hearts of most women…although Ratatouille almost changed my view of rats…almost. No, I’m talking about Really Awful Thoughts–RATs.
Has one of your family members ever been late coming home and you immediately had thoughts of a twelve car pileup on the highway? Or, how about you see your friend down the hall at church and she doesn’t wave at you…”What did I do? Why is she mad at me?”
Let’s talk about being a wife for a minute.
Do you remember when you couldn’t stand to be apart? You would stay up until the wee hours of the morning because you didn’t want to say goodbye.
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