Be a Dreamer. A Doer. A Believer that anything is possible.
We see them on large platforms, speaking to small groups, or one-on-one with those in need of pastoral wisdom. Their arms seems to stretch far outside the means of the body, embracing more hurting and needy people than one person should have capacity for. They answer late night phone calls from congregants desperately needing a voice of wisdom.
This is the role of a pastor.Continue Reading
Rebuilding
WEEK FIVE
DAY TWENTY-FIVE
“Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf: ‘Be reconciled to God.'”
2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Continue ReadingRebuilding
WEEK FIVE
DAY TWENTY-FOUR
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
Restoring relationships can feel overwhelming. When you feel stuck and hopeless, what do you do? You cling to God’s promises! In John 14, Jesus actually tells us He will leave us the Holy Spirit to walk with us as our advocate. He also promises to leave us peace. The peace of God is a supernatural peace that we cannot manufacture– it only comes from His presence!
When you struggle to maintain peace in your life, it is time to surrender and allow God to give you HIS peace. This may look like prayer, worship, or just being still and allowing God to talk to you about what you are going through.
This spring, Believe Boldly is going to have a retreat centered around understanding and claiming the promises of God. Come join us for a peaceful time away to listen to God and allow Him to reignite the hope found in His promises. Space is limited, so get your ticket here.
LET’S PRAY
1.) What makes you anxious? Ask God to bring peace over that situation or thought.
2.) Practice staying in God’s peace. Meditating on the goodness of God will keep your mind on what is important! Are you grateful that He is loving, gentle, kind, always for you? His creativity or trustworthiness? Think on these qualities and let God’s peace wash over you.
3.) Thank God for what He has given you, even the little things. Journal them if you want.
Rebuilding.
WEEK FIVE
DAY TWENTY-THREE
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2
Paul warns the Galatians in 6:1 to not be drawn into sin while restoring others, but also follows that with encouraging them to continue to comfort and counsel each other during tough times. Building relationships takes work! It means that sometimes we are going to have to walk through things with others that we would rather avoid.
Building or re-building relationships takes sacrifice. It means being intentional with your time, feelings, and personal desires. When we truly grasp the value of the community God has given us, we will want to put in the work! He understands the unique way we reflect His image, which is wired for relationship. You need others, and they need you. Let’s ask God to teach us how to support and love the people in our lives.
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LET’S PRAY
1.) What do your friendships look like? Do you have healthy community that you trust to speak into your life? If not, pray and ask God how to find these healthy relationships.
2.) Have you carried the weight of others you were not meant to carry? Ask God to relieve you of this burden and re-establish healthy boundaries.
3.) Ask God to show you ways to be more generous or intentional in your time with others. Who needs you that is not receiving your attention?
Rebuilding
WEEK FIVE
DAY TWENTY-TWO
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
Galatians 6:1
What happens when we have done the hard work of repenting, forgiving, lamenting, and the other person still doesn’t want to restore the relationship? The hard truth is not every relationship is repairable! Living at peace with someone and having a relationship with them is not the same thing. Relationships require two people, and both have to choose to pursue the other in order for it to grow.
When the other person doesn’t choose to seek peace with us, we cannot start the cycle of bitterness all over again. We are still responsible for our own behavior. Do not allow someone else’s unwillingness to forgive draw you back into sin. Forgiveness isn’t a choice we make one time– it is ongoing! You have to decide each day to live in peace without allowing others’ behaviors to influence you.
LET’S PRAY
1.) Have you felt justified in treating someone poorly because of the way you’ve been treated? Repent of your behavior and allow God to heal your heart in this area.
2.) Read Philippians 4:12-13. Ask God to reveal what it looks like to be content in Him.
3.) Sit quietly. Listen to God and enjoy your time with Him! Write down anything you think He is saying.
