In the last eight years I have had to learn a lot about grief and how to try and help people who are grieving.  I saw and experienced grief first hand a number of years ago when my daughter died suddenly at the age of 16. My wife who had lost a child of SIDS (Sudden Death Syndrome) years before took both deaths very hard attempting suicide in both instances.  Our son died when he was nearly 50. My wife also lost her mother and all of her siblings. She never got over the deaths (none of us ever really get over the death of a loved one), but after the death of her first two children, each grieving period was different.  

My father died many years ago when I was a young adult.  I also experienced the deaths of all my grandparents and a brother.  I grieved differently each time. 

My most intense period of grief after the death of my wife.  I had watched her grieve, and I had watched others grieve, and I had personal periods of grief,  but I had really no idea of how to grieve. There are no books on how to grieve. The books that claim to help you grieve all say that everyone grieves differently so there is no checklist, or proforma.   

As a Pastor I'm called when someone has lost a loved one.  I guess they think that I know the right words to say. I didn't have the right words for my wife and I didn't have the right words for myself when she died.  What I have learned is that the most important thing you can do when someone has lost a loved one is to just be there.

My sister-in-law, the mother of my niece and nephew, died a few weeks ago.  My niece and nephew are very different and each one is grieving differently. Something my niece said really struck me.  She said "we have to work through this our way and we don't really care what anyone else thinks. People are making suggestions about services and memorials but we don't care what they think."

I agree with her grief is a personal matter.  

It’s okay to grieve. When people are Christians, we know they will go on to heaven, so we need not grieve like the world. Our grief can be different. We grieve because we’re going to miss them, but we can also be at peace because we know they are with God.
There’s a myth that says God wants you to walk around with a smile on your face all the time saying, “Praise the Lord!” The Bible doesn’t say that anywhere.  In fact, Jesus taught the exact opposite.

Matthew 5:4 (NLT2) 4  God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
(emphasis mine).

Anne Peterson gives us some things to think about as we want to show our love and support for those grieving. I'll try to remember them in loving and supporting my niece and nephew and others.  
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​3 Things Every Griever Needs (and What They Don’t)
Anne Peterson (Note:  Scriptures added by me)

When people we love are grieving, we hurt for them. We want to somehow stop their pain.  

So we offer the griever words intended to help but sometimes they don’t. And even when we say things perfectly, we don’t know how they are processing it with their broken hearts.

Job’s comforters were doing okay until they spoke.

So how can we help those who grieve?

1.  Give them your presence.

When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, he asked his disciples for one thing.   He wanted them to wait with him.

Mark 14:37 (NLT2) 37  Then he returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?

Being with someone in grief is a gift to the griever.   

We’re tempted to let them know they are not alone, that we know how they feel, we understand. But fight that temptation. They’ll know they’re not alone when you show up. 

And even if we’ve experienced similar losses, we don’t know how they feel. We’re not them.   

The moment we start sharing that we understand is the moment true communication stops. The focus shifts from them to us. We don’t do this consciously, it’s just that we don’t want them to feel alone. 

Sometimes we’re afraid if they talk about their loved one they will hurt. The truth is, they do hurt. It’s always on their minds. 

One of the biggest fears a griever has is that their loved one will be forgotten. We can alleviate that fear just by listening to stories. It’s one way they can keep honoring their loved one. By listening, we also honor both the griever and the one they lost.

And sometimes we can share on a deeper level. We can do what it tells us in Romans 12:15. 

Romans 12:15 (NLT2) 15  Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 

Jesus didn’t just give us advice that he didn’t experience himself. 

John 11:33-35 (NLT2) 33  When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled.
34  “Where have you put him?” he asked them. They told him, “Lord, come and see.”
35  Then Jesus wept.  


He shared tears with his friends who were hurting. Jesus, who knew he was about to raise Lazarus from the dead, wept. His tears showed he was in it with them. 

2.  Give them patience.

Grief takes time. Lots of time. Let them be where they are, not where you wish they’d be. We can’t decide how long someone’s grief should last. 

Countless books are written about grief. They define the different stages of grief that people go through, describing each one as if it were a sort of road map. But grief isn’t so cut and dry. 

Each person is different. Some grieve outwardly, talking freely about their lost loved one. Others are more quiet. Their feelings are just as real but how they express them is different.

Sometimes your griever will say things they don’t mean. Sometimes they will pull back from you. At those times they need your understanding. Ask God for grace to extend to them over and over. God never runs out.

3.  Give them your prayers.

We don’t know exactly how our griever feels, but God knows. He’s sovereign. He holds the keys of life and death, knowing exactly when we’ll breathe our last breath.   

We are in the best position to lift our grieving person in prayer. Every time the griever is on your mind, lift them to the Father, just like it says in  

1 Peter 5:7 (NLT2) 7  Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 


God cares about what concerns us.

And when the griever shares that his heart is broken, or how he feels raw, pray to the One who heals broken hearts, the only One who can restore them.

You can even be silently praying while you are with them. For as much as you love your griever, God loves them more.

Fight the temptation to give them a verse. And please hear me. I’m not saying God’s Word is not helpful. I’m just saying they may not be in a place where they can receive it. And you don’t want them feeling guilty because they’re not ready.

With every fiber of his being, the person in grief is fighting to just hang on. While your heart means well in sharing verses, he knows the verses. But he’s in survival mode, trying to learn how to breathe without his loved one.

Pray the verses. 

Tell the Lord you want him to show the griever his peace

Isaiah 26:3 (NLT2) 3  You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!


That you want him to comfort your friend.

2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT2) 4  He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 
​

What not to say:

If you are tempted to use words as a source of comfort, try not to say the following:

1. “Your loved one is not suffering any more.”
2. “At least they are in heaven.”
3. “You’re gonna see them again some day.”

In fact don’t start with any statement that says, “At least…” These statements tend to minimize where the griever is, which invalidates them. 

And while these statements are all true, the grief is so excruciating all the griever wants is one thing. They want their loved one back. 

They know their loved one is no longer suffering. They know they’ll see them again. But they are stuck in now. Eternity is a long way off.

Death is a real part of life. And one day we’ll be reunited with those we’ve lost. But until then, we will all experience losing a loved one.

If you really want to help those in grief, acknowledge they are on a journey. Maybe you can take it with them.
​

In 2016 Latasha Morrison a speaker, author, reconciler, bridge-builder and leader, founded Be the Bridge in 2016 to encourage racial reconciliation among all ethnicities, to promote racial unity in America, and to equip others to do the same.  
Be the Bridge’s vision is that people and organizations are aware and responding to the racial brokenness and systemic injustice in our world. People are no longer conditioned by a racialized society but grounded in truth. All are equipped to flourish.

Latasha’s book Be the Bridge: Pursuing God's Heart for Racial Reconciliation,  was recently released.  Be the Bridge offers a clarion call for Christians to move toward relationship and deeper understanding in the midst of a divisive culture.

With racial tensions as high within the church as outside the church, it is time for Christians to become the leaders in the conversation on racial reconciliation. This power-packed guide helps readers deepen their understanding of historical factors and present realities, equipping them to participate in the ongoing dialogue and to serve as catalysts for righteousness, justice, healing, transformation, and reconciliation.

The following review of the book by Bethany Pyle Editor, BibleStudyTools.com was published on Crosswalk.com October 28, 2019.  I pray that it will cause all of you who read it to take an introspective look at yourself with regard to racial reconciliation, no matter your race or ethnicity.  As Jesus told His disciples 

John 13:35 (NLT2)35  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” 

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​How to Be the Bridge : Practical Steps to Racial Reconciliation
Bethany Pyle, Editor, BibleStudyTools.com

Racial reconciliation has been a hot topic in recent years, not just in Christian circles. The phrase itself may evoke a range of emotions in people, but at its heart the practice of racial reconciliation is complicated, messy and uncomfortable. Latasha Morrison has jumped headfirst into the messiness of this mission, wading through the hard conversations in search of the hope that can only be found on the other side.
Morrison founded the Be the Bridge group in 2016, and her book of the same name was recently released. It gives steps for the reader to form their own Bridge groups, with a process that is easy on paper, but challenging in practice. “I like to tell people that this is going to be uncomfortable,” Morrison said over the phone. “It’s going to be hard and you’re going to want to quit.” But she continues that this work is absolutely worth it and she is "excited about what God is doing in the hearts of people." 
What Does it Take to Reconcile?

Be the Bridge has three essential steps to reach reconciliation: Lament, Confession, Reparations. Through those three things, we can work to find peace with our neighbors.

The process of lament begins with breaking down false historical narratives. These painful moments in history are hard to read, forcing me more than once to put the book down and walk away. But understanding the past is essential to understanding where we are now and what influence these painful events have had on our neighbors, our communities and our churches. Morrison says that “when your blinders are removed, it’s about relearning and readjusting and recalibrating your belief systems… and that’s painful work. It’s awkward and uncomfortable.” Even worse, she continues, “a lot of people stop because it’s too painful for them.”

In 2014, Morrison began meeting with a group of 11 women who would eventually become part of her first Bridge group. They’d spent a few months tackling those hard conversation and building relationships, when unrest in Ferguson, MO began following the death of 18-year-old Michael Brown. Morrison says the conversations that came out of the group following this news “brought about a lot of raw discussion… We were able to give them [majority white members] a different perspective that they would never have gained without being in proximity in our relationship with people.”
​
Proximity is another important aspect of racial reconciliation, Morrison explains. “Proximity and relationship has to be intentional… you have to be willing to listen to people and learn from people… and be very intentional about how you come into that space.” There are plenty of people, she says, who are proximate to diverse people, but there is no internal change. Part of reconciliation involves seeking to understand that person, even the parts that are uncomfortable, and seeing some change in your own heart.
​

Moving from Lament to Confession

But it is only through sitting in that painful period of lament that we can come through to confession. This is another step that rubs some majority culture people the wrong way. When asked to confess these past events, many will pipe up with “but I didn’t do that. It’s not my fault.” It’s in this moment that Morrison wisely turns to Scripture, and the story of Ezra.

In Ezra 9, the prophet is told that the people of Israel have been following the practices of their pagan neighbors, disobeying God’s commands. When Ezra hears this, he tears his clothes and pulls out his hair in despair. He later prays to God:

“I am too ashamed and disgraced, my God, to lift up my face to you, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens. From the days of our ancestors until now, our guilt has been great.” (Ezra 9:6)

Ezra pleads before the Lord, for our sins. He does not point a finger at his sinful neighbors, and he does not ignore the issue because it was not something that he participated in. Ezra understood the severity of the Israelites’ crime, and he felt deep shame over it. Enough to plead before the Lord, in fact. Morrison explains that those in the majority culture should feel the same lament that Ezra did, and it should move us to the same place of confession.

How Can We Make it Right?

The final step to reconciliation is reparations – something that Morrison urges readers not to skip. Her book gives the example of a shopkeeper who hires an employee and agrees to pay him $500 a week. After several weeks, the employee pulls the shopkeeper aside and says she’s only been paying him $300 a week. The shopkeeper apologizes profusely for the mistake and agrees that it won’t happen again moving forward.

“Have I made things right,” Morrison asks? “Are we reconciled?”

The answer is a resounding no.

In the same way, majority culture people need to embrace the idea of reparations, in whatever way they can, to reach true reconciliation. Morrison writes that this can look like anything from using your resources to open a memorial or museum, to passing the microphone to a minority person, raising up their voice over your own.
​
Morrison writes that reparation is not a punishment, it’s acknowledging that injustices robbed some communities of their opportunities, wealth or safety so that other communities could have those things. Reparation, therefore, "is about repaying or returning those things so as to restore equity."
​

Is This a One-Sided Issue?

At face value, racial reconciliation seems like a one-sided issue. White people (in general) were responsible for enslaving and mistreating black people (in general), so does racial reconciliation mean white people do all the work to make it better? Not at all, Morrison believes.

That’s one of the more interesting parts of her book, that she discusses ways that both majority and minority cultures have to step up to shine a light on injustice. When she talks about taking steps towards confession and acknowledging racism, she admits there will be a lot of shame and guilt on both sides. For those of African descent, it may mean taking a hard look at the painful ways their ancestors were mistreated, or the ways the community values lighter skinned individuals more than those with darker skin.

For those of European descent, it may mean admitting your own family’s connection to racism or slavery, or ways those institutions have benefited you directly or indirectly. Either way, it’s uncomfortable. “This shame and guilt,” Morrison writes, “the shame and guilt of both White and non-White people – can keep us from reckoning with the truth.”
But Morrison even goes beyond this, diving into the issue of colorism that she has experienced in the African American community. She explains how this “caused deep divisions within our community as lighter-skinned African Americans are sometimes treated with contempt by those with darker skin.” It’s something that she herself had to confess in order to move into a better place of loving both herself and others with darker skin.

Sin runs deep in our world, reaching into every community, no matter the color of their skin. “The sin of racism – as well as my sin of colorism – disrupts God’s order of justice and righteousness,” she writes. She continues:

“As people of color, it’s easy to point to the injustices perpetrated against us. We can bring attention to atrocities such as slavery, the unjustified taking of native lands, and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II … And it can be tempting to bypass our own personal confession as we wait for the confession from others. But that’s not the way of bridge builders.”

Clearly, this work is for everyone. And when Morrison said it would be difficult, she didn’t have one people group in mind. The work of reconciliation, messy as it is, is a group effort.  
​
Building on a Foundation of Love

Morrison never promises this work will be easy. But for her, verses like John 13:35 bring hope.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

“I think what’s important in this work is to really see people as image bearers of God,” Morrison says. And that’s what is truly at the heart of this book. One of the main themes of Be the Bridge is simply to sit down with someone and listen to them. Listen to their history, their cultural experiences, share in their pain and their joy, and come to have a deeper understanding of each other.

Morrison’s belief is that unity can be found in diversity. She writes that “too many Christians believe that the ultimate goal should be seeing the world without color.” But “in the love of the family of God, we must become color brave, color caring, color honoring, not color blind. We have to recognize the image of God in one another.”

That’s important for Morrison and the mission of racial reconciliation – looking at another human and seeing them as God sees them. She explained that we as believers should be leading the charge of reconciliation. We have already experienced the joy and hope of Jesus sacrificing himself in order for us to be reconciled to God. Therefore, we who have been forgiven much must be quick to show that same grace and forgiveness to others.

This is a challenging book for any Christian, regardless of their history or culture. Morrison admits that this work is not for everyone, and not everyone is going to “get it.” Her prayer is that the Holy Spirit would be at work in some people’s hearts, to open their eyes to this injustice and help them to have a heart for this mission. “It doesn’t take a million people to change the world,” she says, “but just a few dedicated people that are given over to the Kingdom of God.”

You can also read more about Be the Bridge groups and Latasha Morrison’s mission at Be the Bridge.com.

See my posts on Diversity at this LINK 

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Editor's Note: I wrote and published this post in October 2019.  I celebrated my mother's 100th birthday with her on September 21, 2022.  She went to be with the Lord for her eternal reward in the early morning on October 4,2022.  Now that she is with the Lord I have revised this post for those you are still blessed with a living parent.

At the writing of this post, I am 78 years old, and was blessed to celebrate my mother's 100th birthday.  That celebration was one of the highlights of my life.  I will never forget  my mother's smile and the Happy Birthday song and as she ate her ice cream and cake.  Although she has some memory issues, she still knew my sister, brother, who lives in San Diego, and me.  With the help of my brother-in-law, she called us often. She can still get around and was still in reasonably good health for a 100-year-old.  

I prayed for her all the time.  I thank God for her life, and all the things I learned from her. 

I read an article written by Dawn Wilson that can give you some ideas of how and what those of you who still have living and your aging parents.  I added the full text of the scriptures that Dawn references.

A Prayer For Your Aging Parent
By Dawn Wilson

Psalm 92:12-15 (NLT2)12  But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.13  For they are transplanted to the LORD’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God.14  Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.15  They will declare, “The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!” (emphasis mine)

One of the greatest privileges of my adult life has been to pray for my elderly mom. Although we are separated by many miles and the burden of physical caring for her falls mostly on my precious sister, I do what I can and I love to pray for Mom.

Here are some of the things I’ve found useful to pray over the years. Perhaps they will be a template for prayers for your parent. 

Father God... I Pray For PROTECTION.

I pray my parent will keep on leaning on You, the Rock of strength and righteousness

Psalm 71:3 (NLT2)3  Be my rock of safety where I can always hide. Give the order to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. 

Psalm 73:26 (NLT2)26  My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. 

Spread your protection over my parent, because You are the ultimate Refuge 

Psalm 5:11 (NLT2)11  But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. 

Psalm 46:1 (NLT2) God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. 

I ask you to protect my parent from the evil one, and show the way out in moments of temptation.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NLT2)3  But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 

 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT2)13  The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 

May wisdom, discretion and understanding protect and guide every day.

Proverbs 4:6 (NLT2)6  Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. 

 Proverbs 2:11 (NLT2)11  Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. 

I pray my parent will be courageous, confident in Your presence, help and deliverance 

Psalm 121:1-8 (NLT2)1 I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there?
2  My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!3  He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.4  Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.5  The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade.6  The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.7  The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.8  The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT2)6  So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” 

Isaiah 41:10 (NLT2)10  Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.  

Psalm 34:19 (NLT2)19  The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time. 

Psalm 91:1-16 (NLT2)1  Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.2  This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.3  For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.4  He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.5  Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.6  Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.7  Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.8  Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished.9  If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter,10  no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.11  For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.12  They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.13  You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!14  The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.15  When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.16  I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”
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I Pray For PROVISION—That You Will Meet My Loved One’s Needs.

Show me how to meet my parent’s needs in ways that will please You, Lord. Equip me to be a good steward in my loved one’s care.

1 Timothy 4:5 (NLT2)5  For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer. 

 1 Timothy 5:1-2 (NLT2)1  Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers.
2  Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters. 

There is much I can do, but You are the Great Provider. Thank you for your willingness to supply my parent’s needs for Your glory and my loved one’s joy.

Romans 8:32 (NLT2)32  Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? 

Matthew 6:31-32 (NLT2)31  “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’32  These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

Matthew 7:11 (NLT2)11  So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. 

Philippians 4:19 (NLT2)19  And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. 
John 14:13-14 (NLT2)13  You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.14  Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!

John 16:23-24 (NLT2)23  At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name.
24  You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

I pray my parent will be made holy through Your grace and receive Your good favor.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NLT2)23  Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.24  God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. 

Psalm 84:11 (NLT2)11  For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. 

I Pray For Continuing PURPOSE.

I ask you to help my parent flourish with an eternal perspective.

 Psalm 92:12-15 (NLT2)12  But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.13  For they are transplanted to the LORD’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God.14  Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.
15  They will declare, “The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!”

Work in my loved one’s life for Your glory.


2 Corinthians 4:16 (NLT2)16  That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 
. 
Open appropriate opportunities for ministry and influence.

Help my parent live as a holy and faithful role model, Father, for as long as you allow.

Titus 2:2-5 (NLT2)2  Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.3  Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good.4  These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children,5  to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. 
I pray my parent, from a wealth of experience, will share important life lessons You still want me to learn.

Father, I Thank You for Jesus, Who Makes Possible Our God-Honoring Transition from This World to Everlasting Glory. As I Pray These Things for My Parent, I Pray Them for Myself as Well. I Pray We All Will Someday Hear Your “Well Done.” Amen!

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“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)

A few weeks ago I published “Why We Need Church When We Don’t Want To Go”.  In it I gave you four reasons to go anyway.  Well I have ten more reasons for you to go when you don’t want too. 

10 Reasons To Go To Church (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)  By Ronda Stoppe (Full Scriptural references and some edits by me)

1. To Hear the Preaching of the Word

If the word of God is quick, powerful, and sharper than a sword, then hearing the preaching of Scripture is vital to your spiritual well-being.

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) 12  For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 

Watching preachers on TV is often how people justify giving up on church attendance.  They may be listening to good preaching (if they’re discerning), but without living in close fellowship with real people, one can never really experience the help and hope Christ offers His bride through faithful involvement in a local church. 

These days people are more accustomed to getting their information through entertainment, so sadly more and more preachers are replacing preaching with drama, skits, videos, etc.  While our culture craves entertainment, God never instructed His ministers to entertain the troops. Rather He commanded them to preach Truth with urgency. It is through the preaching of sound doctrine that the Word of God:

• Penetrates hearts and transforms lives
• Calls sinners to repentance 
• Encourages the downtrodden 
• Inspires the Lord’s servants to love and serve Christ
• Lights the way God would have you go

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When facing certain death, the Apostle Paul revealed the importance of preaching with this final instruction to Timothy:

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) 12  For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 

*Please note if you are physically unable to attend church, watching it on television or online is a wonderful resource. Especially if the church where you are a member streams it’s sermons weekly. This allows you to stay in communion with your church family, learning what they are learning, and growing as they grow.

2. To Participate in Corporate Worship

Worshiping God alone is wonderful, but nothing can replace the beauty of coming together corporately to worship Him with others who also have His Spirit in them through the redeeming work of salvation. 

Jesus said those who worship must worship in Spirit and in Truth.

John 2:24 (NKJV) 24  But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men,

In order to truly worship God the way He demands requires some soul searching. All too often, people think worship is rooted in feeling like they’ve been with God. So they flock to churches that help them muster up those feelings. Sadly, if the church doesn't continue to create an environment that stirs their emotions, many move on to find another church––or worse yet stop attending altogether. 

Realize that worshiping God comes as a response to our humble gratitude for His love for us. Knowing God and His character as revealed in Scripture will stir in His children a heart of thankfulness that is expressed in worship that brings Him glory––rather than a self-serving emotional experience. The Spirit causes true worshipers to long to come together with other believers to honor Christ. If God’s Spirit does not stir in you a desire to worship God both privately and corporately, it’s time to ask Him to show you why. 

3. Because Iron Sharpens Iron

Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV) 17  As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

Meeting regularly with other believers is a source of encouragement and strength. But know this: when iron rubs against iron, not only does it become sharper, it also causes sparks! It’s just part of the process.


Matthew 12:34 (NKJV) 34  Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

When you live in community with other Christians you will get bumped. And what spills out of you is what’s in your heart. God uses our interactions with others to show us the areas He would have us repent and turn to reflect more the image of His Son. Working alongside Christians in a church fellowship is a wonderful way to grow your love for God and for others. And it is also God’s way of showing you areas He wants to mature your walk with Christ.

If you’ve stopped attending church because people hurt you, didn’t measure up to your expectations, or are hypocritical, know that the enemy has you right where he wants you. Satan’s tactic is to divide and conquer. If he can pull you from the flock, you are vulnerable to his deceptions and attacks. Satan will use your lack of love for God’s people to quench your love for God. 

4. To Exercise Your Gift

From preaching to encouraging, hospitality to administration, God equips His children with gifts to serve Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (NKJV) 4  There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5  There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.6  And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.7  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:8  for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,9  to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,10  to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.11  But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 

Romans 12:6-8 (NKJV) 6  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;7  or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;8  he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.   When a church body is healthy, its members realize they are part of the congregation not only to receive but also to be a blessing. 

Statistics reveal that in most churches, 20 percent of the people do 80 percent of the work. This is not to guilt you into “getting involved” at your church, rather it is to inspire you. Imagine, God has supernaturally gifted you so that He can glorify Himself through you as you serve Christ.

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) 10  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. 


Many see work happening at church and think, They really don’t need me. Don’t be deceived. A well running ministry may appear to have all its bases covered––and it might. But if you look closely you'll discover many individuals who are doing more work than they’d like simply because today, just as in Jesus’ day,

Luke 10:2 (NKJV) 2  Then He said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.

Your willingness to minister in your church with what God has gifted you is likely the answer to someone’s prayer for God to send more workers to help with the harvest. 
​

5. To Encourage Your Pastor

Philippians 1:3-7 (NKJV) 3  I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,4  always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy,5  for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,6  being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;7  just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. 

Can’t you just hear Paul’s affection for these precious people who partnered with him in spreading the glorious gospel of grace?

In the same way, when you become a partner in ministry with your pastor you bring joy to his heart, grow his love for you, and cause him to joyfully thank God for your faithful service to Christ.  

6. To Find Godly Mentors

In the church you’ll discover many people who have walked the road ahead of you. Their wisdom, insights, and even vulnerability to teach you from their mistakes is one way God provides to help you grow.

Titus 2:1-8 (NKJV) 1  But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:2  that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience;3  the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things--4  that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,5  to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.6  Likewise exhort the young men to be sober-minded,
7  in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,8  sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.  

God values mentorship. It is His plan for the older men and women to come alongside of the younger to train them in godliness, and guide them toward building a life of no regrets. 

Not only is the church a wonderful place to find amazing mentors, it is also the place God wants to use you to mentor someone else. With one eye looking to godly older women for guidance, and your other eye on who God might want you to mentor, don’t be surprised at the opportunities He will give you.

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV) 9  But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him."


7. To Teach Your Kids to Love the Church

Often parents grew up in church but walked away after they grew up. Many never really had a relationship with Jesus. However, when their own kids were at risk, it was to the church they often returned. 

If you want to teach your kids to love God, they need to see that you love God. And if you want them to learn to love God’s people, they have to observe you loving God’s people.

Luke 6:40 (NKJV) 40  A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.

Notice Jesus didn’t say the student will become as the teacher teaches him to be, rather he will be like his teacher. “Our children will learn more about faith from watching us live out our own faith journey… than from us telling them about God.” 

8. To be a Light to Your Community

Jesus said the world will know we are His disciples by our love for one another, so of course Satan wants to destroy any sense of love and community in the body of Christ. When you commit to loving God and loving others, the light shining from your Christ-honoring love is what the Spirit can use to draw others to know Jesus. 

Everyone is looking for acceptance and a place to belong. Whether people admit it or not, they all long to be known and loved for who they are. When God’s people commit to fiercely love each other by covering sins with love and readily forgiving each other, their love will be a light that shines brightly in a crooked and perverse generation. Let it begin with you.

9. To Bear Each Other's Burdens

Galatians 6:2 (NKJV) 2  Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 

Life can be hard, right? In a moment everything can change. Just when things are going great, a phone call, diagnosis, or a host of other mishaps can leave you feeling afraid and alone. But to those who are a part of a church family never feel alone. When life is going great, they have the affirmation of others. And when life throws a curve, they’re blessed by loving concern, support, and prayer.

If you're accustomed to only going to church when you have a need, why don’t you try going when you're doing okay? Maybe God will use you to be an encouragement to others who are looking for help. 

10. Because God Says To

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NKJV) 23  Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.24  And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,25  not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. 

The writer of Hebrews could make any more clear God’s desire to have you regularly assemble together with His people. Realize that God wanting you to regularly attend church is for your good. He wants you, and His people, to exhort one another especially as the days grow darker and the time of Christ’s return approaches. 

I pray His Spirit stirs in us a zeal and commitment to meet together with God’s people to praise Him, love others, and shine brightly the hope of Christ to a generation who is desperate to believe that what we say we believe is true––is in fact true.
​

Psalms 91:1-16 CEV Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful.  Then you will say to the Lord , “You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you.”  The Lord will keep you safe from secret traps and deadly diseases.  He will spread his wings over you and keep you secure. His faithfulness is like a shield or a city wall.  You won't need to worry about dangers at night or arrows during the day.  And you won't fear diseases that strike in the dark or sudden disaster at noon.  You will not be harmed, though thousands fall all around you.  And with your own eyes you will see the punishment of the wicked.  The Lord Most High is your fortress. Run to him for safety,  and no terrible disasters will strike you or your home.   God will command his angels to protect you wherever you go.   They will carry you in their arms, and you won't hurt your feet on the stones.   You will overpower the strongest lions and the most deadly snakes.  The Lord says, “If you love me and truly know who I am, I will rescue you and keep you safe.  When you are in trouble, call out to me. I will answer and be there to protect and honor you.  You will live a long life and see my saving power.”
 
Remember that He is a Good Good Father
From A Prayer To Soothe An Anxious Heart
By Jennifer Heeren
 
The psalms are a great place to go when anxieties seek to overwhelm you. They often begin with a problem and crying out to the Lord. Then they explain what they want. Finally, the Spirit within the author remembers the truths about just who God is and extreme comfort is the result. The situation may not go away but the attitude changes.
 
Good is indeed a good Father.  Psalm 91 tells us that like a mother eagle to her eaglets, God longs to cover you with His feathers and give you full refuge along with a warm place of safety to rest your head. God promises that He will rescue those who love and trust Him. He really does want the best for me and you.
 
Dear Lord, I Thank You That I Can Come To You Always For Any Reason. I’m Grateful That When I Pray To You, You Answer Me. Help Me To Come To You At The Beginning Of My Fears And Anxieties Instead Of Waiting Until I Can’t Stand Them Anymore. The Quicker I Come To You The Better. You Want To Free Me From ALL My Fears. Help Me Look To You For Help More Often So That I Can Be Radiant With Your Joy. In Jesus’ Name I Pray, Amen.

Editor’s Note:  This guest post by Ruth Soroski originally appeared at Behind the Lens.

This weekend, I, along with the rest of America, took some time to listen to Kanye West’s latest album release, Jesus is King“

I have never been a Kanye fan before. Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve had plenty of jam sessions to some of his greatest hits like Stronger, Heartless, and Gold Digger, which could be considered to be some of the pillars of 2000’s music. But I have never listened to one of his albums all the way through. When he announced his conversion to Christianity would be followed by a worship album I was extremely intrigued.
I had many thoughts while listening to Jesus is King. Musically it is incredible. It’s Kirk Franklin meets Lecrae and everything one could hope for from a Gospel album. What surprised me was how each song revealed the truth of the Gospel. As each song played, I was encouraged and convicted and even reminded of my calling as a believer.

However, there was one song that genuinely upset me; track nine on the album, a song titled Hands On .

Here are the words that disturbed me:

Said I’m finna do a gospel album
What have you been hearin’ from the Christians?
They’ll be the first one to judge me
Make it feel like nobody love me
Told people God was my mission
What have you been hearin’ from the Christians?
They’ll be the first one to judge me
Make it feel like nobody love me

​
These lyrics unfortunately proved to be true. This past weekend I’ve seen countless tweets, Facebook and YouTube comments, magazine and newspaper articles, and blogs that have something to say about Kanye West and his newfound faith. Most of these words are either criticizing or doubting West’s intentions and many of those come from within the Church.

Kanye’s faith is not the first that the church has questioned.

Look at this response to Saul’s conversion:

“Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.””
Acts 9:14-16

Saul, who was later renamed Paul, is widely recognized as one of the world’s greatest missionaries to ever live. The man who once murdered Christians was used by the Lord to share the hope of salvation, and is still being used by the Lord today through his Spirit-inspired writings in Scripture.

How about this response to Matthew’s conversion:

“As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.””
Matthew 9:9-13

Matthew was a despised tax-collector, and he became one of the twelve men that was closest to Jesus here on earth. After Jesus returned to Heaven, The Lord used Matthew as a vessel to bring the Word of God to those who had not heard. And just like Paul, Matthew continues to be used by God through his Spirit-inspired words in the Bible.

Brothers and sisters, it is never our responsibility to judge the soul of another, regardless of an individual’s past. The Lord “has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” (Psalm 103:12) If God is willing to send His son to die to atone for and forgive the past, present, and future sins, of ALL people, we should be more than willing to do the same. In fact, we should be excited when God’s child repents and returns home.

I hear Mr. West’s story and I am encouraged. Kanye’s story is just one of many. Everyday God is saving countless sinners, just like Kanye, just like you, and just like me.
So I don’t know about you, but I will be turning up Kanye’s new album and celebrating the fact that Shepherd has been reunited with his lost sheep.

I know I won’t forget all He’s done
He’s the strength in this race that I run
Every time I look up, I see God’s faithfulness
And it shows just how much He is miraculous
I can’t keep it to myself, I can’t sit here and be still
Everybody, I will tell ’til the whole world is healed/ (Song: God is)

​I encourage you to listen to Hands On , and reflect on how we as a church view Gospel transformation. Join me in praying for our new brother Mr. West, and our many other brothers and sisters as the Lord begins to work in their lives and work mightily through them.

The word content can best be defined as contained. Don’t miss this truth.

Philippians 4:11‭-‬12 NLT Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 CEV Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.

The Apostle Paul, who wrote these words had trained himself to focus on his inner resources, the resources his heart contained, rather than the outward circumstances of his life. He chose to be grateful. He chose to praise God – period. "Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ."

For believers, contentment should be governed by inner attitude and the decisions we make rather than by external circumstances. 

Paul understood what it meant to live in Christ and to have Christ living in him.   He had made the decision to draw his life from the Lord and, as a result, had the calm assurance that what he possessed inside could never be stolen. He was confident in his identity as a child of God with full access to the abundant life Jesus offers.  

John 15:1-9 (NLT)1  “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener.2  He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.3  You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you.4  Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.5  “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.6  Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.7  But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!8  When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.9  “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)22  But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23  gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 

Gratitude brings contentment yields perseverance and produces strength. 

Romans 5:3‭-‬5 NKJV And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

James 1:2‭-‬4 NIV Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

God entrusts trials to us, giving us the opportunity to choose gratitude. It is easy to practice gratitude when the seas are calm and the skies are clear, but the real test of gratitude is in the midst of the greatest storm of our lives.

When our hearts are filled with gratitude, we will find contentment. Choose to practice gratitude. Gratitude is wrapped around trust and contains the element of acceptance. Gratitude understands that God is sovereign and that His ways are not our ways. There will be times when we find it impossible to understand His process, but we can always trust His heart. Remember, you can count on every promise of God.

Father, I Come To You, Confessing That I Tend To Have A Heart That Is Filled With Whining And Complaining Instead Of Gratitude. Please Forgive Me. Help Me Learn To See Your Hand At Work In My Life. I Want To Trust You Even When I Don’t Understand My Circumstances. Right Now, I Choose To Praise You, Lord.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

​

Stress, anxiety and worry are something we all struggle with at some point in our lives.  We are bombarded with advertisements, enticing us with things that we don’t really need or can afford,  and left with the feeling that if we don’t get or don’t have those things that we are losers, or we’ll never achieve any significance.  Given that jolt we can easily become overwhelmed with worry, fear of failure and fear of the unknown. But God has not given us a spirit of fear but of love and power and a sound mind.  

2 Timothy 1:7 CEV God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control. (See Worry Ends Where Faith Begins)

Yes a spirit of courage not fear.   The ultimate end to worry is to put your trust in God.  Worry ends where faith begins.

What is worry?

Here are some definitions for worry; (1) give way to anxiety or unease; allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles; (2) a state of anxiety and uncertainty of actual or potential problems; (3) to think about problems or fears : to feel or show fear and concern because you think that something bad has happened or could happen.

Worry is to give way or give in to anxiety or unease, to ponder or consider intently about things that may or may not happen.  If what you are worrying about has already happened then you may need to do something about it. Worrying about it without doing anything doesn’t solve or change anything.  If what you’re worrying about is a hasn’t happened you may be giving in to something that may not happen. So you spend time worrying about nothing. You may need to do some things to prevent what it is you are worrying about but if it hasn’t happened yet why give in in advance?  Remember worry ends where faith begins and if your faith is in God then you need to give in to Him and His promises, not to the problems, difficulty or trouble.   

Worry robs us

Worrying robs us of time that we will never get back and,  if we look back at our past most, if not all of the things we worried about never happened or were solved and the worry wasn’t the solution.  The scriptures encourage us to keep our mind on God and the peace He brings. 

Isaiah 26:3 NKJV You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on  You, Because he trusts in You.

 What he is saying is that our faith will be expressed as complete trust in the sufficiency of God and the perfection of his will.  The Hebrew for perfect peace here is shalom shalom or peace peace.  This is “a peace that really is peace”  the kind that only God can give not the temporary peace that man gives. 

Then Jesus said;

John 14:27 CEV I give you peace, the kind of peace only I can give. It isn't like the peace this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid.

There Is A Time For Peace

Ecclesiastes 3:1‭-‬8 CEV Everything on earth has its own time and its own season.  There is a time for birth and death, planting and reaping,  for killing and healing, destroying and building, for crying and laughing, weeping and dancing,  for throwing stones and gathering stones, embracing and parting. There is a time for finding and losing, keeping and giving,  for tearing and sewing, listening and speaking. There is also a time for love and hate, for war and peace. (emphasis mine)

As the author of Ecclesiastes reminds us, God designed life to run in cycles or seasons. Yet how often do we approach this life with expectations of perpetual summer, only to struggle with anxiety and disappointment when winter inevitably interrupts?

Remember that worry ends where faith begins, so exchange your anxiety, worry, and fear for the peace that passes all understanding. 

Philippians 4:6‭-‬7 NKJV Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
​

​10 Prayers to Help You Exchange Anxiety and Fear for Peace
Dawn Wilson

Listen to even one televised news report and fear or anxiety may capture your thoughts and grip your heart. We do not overcome the effects of ‘the news’ by denying or ignoring the evil in our world that causes such intense emotions, but rather by applying scriptural truth to circumstances and responding biblically.

But it doesn’t take a newscast to stir up fear. The enemy, Satan, wants God’s children to live in constant fear and anxiety as they stockpile worries and are burdened by cares. The Bible says such temptation is “common” to mankind.

I Corinthians 10:13 NKJV No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

What does the Bible say about fear and anxiety; and what might we pray to the Lord based on those Scriptures that can help us exchange toxic emotions for God’s wondrous peace? Let's begin to pray these prayers for anxiety over our thoughts and exchange fear for peace.

1. Remember: God is not the source of anxiety or fear.

II Timothy 1:6‭-‬7 NKJV Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Philippians 4:6‭-‬7 NKJV Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Father God,

I know you are not the source of fear and anxiety. That is Satan’s realm, and he delights in causing your children pain. You do not torment us with worrisome thoughts or burden our hearts with fretfulness. You are the God of peace. You desire to give me power over my worries as I count on your love and trust in your sovereign care.

Help me remember, when fears and anxiety come knocking at my heart’s door, to answer with powerful Scripture—to remember you are a good God and faithful, and you will help me challenge my worries with life-building truth instead of destructive thoughts. Your peace will guard my heart and mind in Jesus’ name.

2. Take your anxieties and concerns to the Lord

Philippians 4:6‭-‬7 NKJV Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesu

Matthew 7:11 NKJV If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Proverbs 3:5‭-‬6 NKJV Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Romans 8:28 NKJV And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Dear Lord,

Sometimes it seems like I take my worries everywhere except to you. I hear people say, “God’s got this!” But how often do I live like I believe it?

I know you hear me, Lord, when I bring my concerns to you. You care about what is going on in my life, and I know you want to give me a clear, sound mind. Forgive me when I allow anxious thoughts to cloud my thinking. Help me take my anxieties to you in every circumstance, believing you will intervene and work out your eternal purposes. Give me a thankful heart—a heart that says, “I am grateful for your lovingkindness to me, Father. I know you will work out your plans for my growth, others’ good, and your glory.”

3. Leave anxious thoughts with Jesus.


I Peter 5:6‭-‬7 NKJV Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.


Psalms 55:22 NKJV Cast your burden on the Lord , And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

Dear Jesus,

I am grateful for your sacrifice on the cross to give me life and bring me true freedom. Sometimes I still feel chained to fears and worries when I focus on situations rather than you, my Savior.

Teach me to throw all my anxieties where they belong—into your loving arms. You understand the temptation to fear and worry, and you can handle my concerns. You cared so much for me, you died to enable me to overcome the power of sin, my selfish flesh and Satan’s lies. I can come to you with confidence, giving you all my cares, knowing that you loved me on the cross, love me still, and will love me forever. As I cast my cares on you, you will sustain me with your love and not allow my confidence in you to be shaken.

4. Count on God’s presence.

 Joshua 1:9 NKJV Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Deuteronomy 1:6‭, ‬8 NKJV “The Lord our God spoke to us in Horeb, saying: ‘You have dwelt long enough at this mountain. See, I have set the land before you; go in and possess the land which the Lord swore to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to give to them and their descendants after them.’

Ephesians 6:10 NKJV Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Father,

Sometimes I feel afraid in the tough trials of life. Sometimes the darkness overwhelms me, and I grow discouraged as I face the uncertainties of life, wearying temptations, or scary attacks from the enemy. But this is not what you have for me, and my victory comes from you.

Satan wants me to believe I fight my spiritual battles by myself. Help me remember I am not alone in my battles. Your Word is clear. You have commanded me to be strong and take courage in you, and that is my desire. I can count on your presence wherever I go, and rely on the power and provision of your presence in my times of deepest need. Thank you for being near, for walking with me every day.
​

​5. Don’t borrow future worries.

Matthew 6:25‭, ‬34 NKJV “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Lord,

Sometimes I’m such a ‘worry wart.’ I fuss about all sorts of things—what I will eat and wear today, and the many choices I can make. But worse, I stew over things on tomorrow’s calendar—concerns that aren’t even here yet! That is so foolish.

Your words were clear, Jesus. I am never to worry about what’s going to happen tomorrow, because you haven’t given me the grace to bear up under tomorrow’s concerns until I get there. So I will not borrow worries from the future, Lord. Rather, I will invest in faith. I will choose to look for your hand working on my behalf today—and trust you, in simple faith, for my future.

6 Eliminate any misplaced fear.

Hebrews 13:5‭-‬6 NKJV Let  your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord  is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Psalms 21:1 NKJV The king shall have joy in Your strength, O Lord ; And in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

Psalms 6:3‭-‬4 NKJV My soul also is greatly troubled; But You, O Lord —how long? Return, O Lord , deliver me! Oh, save me for Your mercies’ sake!

Father God,

I am so human-focused sometimes. I know it’s natural to be concerned about what others think, but you want me to live supernaturally, living according to your truth instead of the changing whims of the culture. I need to get rid of misplaced fear. You want me to fear you—to live in reverential awe of you, desiring to do your will—and not to fear man.

I know as I trust you fully, I will not give in to my distresses. I will not live in fright or dread or terror. You go before me to cast down all the giants that would make me be afraid or cause me to live with anxiety. Lord, make me bold in facing my fears, knowing you are my heavenly helper!

7. Find peace beyond your circumstances.
 
John 16:33 NKJV These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

John 14:27 NKJV Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Philippians 4:6‭-‬7 NKJV Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:2 NKJV Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Dear Jesus,

You are the Prince of Peace. You came to give us your peace. It’s nothing like the world gives. It is peace born in the freedom we have in you, a gift to all God’s children—to guard our hearts and minds.

I can’t escape the troubles of this world. I may face financial difficulties, relationship breakdowns, a health crisis—so many scary challenges. But you tell me to “take heart,” to be encouraged, because you have overcome the world. You have overcome all the things that would discourage and defeat us. I am grateful for your peace that is beyond all my circumstances.

8. Cast out fear with love.

“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” (1 John 4:18)

Romans 8:15 NKJV For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

I John 4:12 NKJV No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.

Lord,

I know you do not want us to be paralyzed or depressed by fear of judgment from you. You want us to be confident that you will accept us in Christ on Judgment Day. Your complete love abides in us to bring us this confidence. When we walk in the light, your love is perfected in us.

Teach me how to live in that perfected love of your sacrifice for me. When I am tormented by fears about my sins or my future, remind me of your great love for me. Show me how my love-walk with you, Abba Father, confirms the authenticity of my faith and casts out my fears.

9. Run to your eternal refuge.

Deuteronomy 33:27 NKJV The eternal God is  your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, ‘Destroy!’

Psalms 71:3 NKJV Be my strong refuge, To which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress.

Psalms 90:1 NKJV Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.

Dear Father,

Sometimes I just want to run and hide. Fears come, anxieties rise up within me, and I feel overwhelmed by my circumstances. So many hide in temporary ‘fixes’—addictive habits and foolish, harmful choices; but nothing is a permanent solution.

But you, Father, are an eternal refuge for me. You carry me in your loving arms and show me how to live. Not only that, you make my “enemies” run, and you destroy their hurtful influence in my life. You are my rock of refuge where I can always flee, and I know you will overcome my fears and anxieties by your command. Thank you for being my strong dwelling place.

10. Let the peace of Christ rule.

Colossians 3:15 NKJV And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Isaiah 26:3 NKJV You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on  You, Because he trusts in You.

Dear Lord,

Help me remember you are indeed Lord of my life. You have the right to rule all that I think, believe and do. When I allow my mind to run to places that destroy my peace, remind me these are unauthorized thoughts. You do not want me to dwell on thoughts and emotions that contribute to unreasonable fears.

I know my mind will remain in perfect peace as I fix my thoughts on you; so Lord Jesus, let your peace rule in my heart. Remind me of the peace I have in your family, and teach me how to be thankful for those circumstances that cause me to run to you, focus on you, and abide in you. I never need live with fearful, anxious thoughts. The truth is, you are in control!

Shalom the Hebrew word translated as peace, expresses the idea of tranquillity, well-being, restoration, reconciliation with God, which happens through the right relationship with Jesus, who is the Prince of Peace  

Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)6  For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Peace is the freedom from disturbance; it’s quiet and tranquility.  The peace of God that passes all understanding is not just a psychological state of mind; this peace is spiritual peace…the peace of the God of all Creation.   This is the peace of people whose sins are forgiven. The peace that comes from being in a right relationship with Jesus doesn’t depend on everything going well.  

This peace is the opposite of anxiety.   It is the tranquillity that comes when you commit all your cares to God in prayer and don’t worry about them anymore.  You are confident that God can and will do what is best for you.  

This  peace guards you from anxiety, fear, and worry like a sentry guards the entrance to a military installation or the ones who stand guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier in Washington,  DC.   

This Peace is a gift.

John 14:27 (NLT)26  But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.27  “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Today there is the fear of terrorist attacks and civil disorder.  Fear created by those running for political office that pits races, religions, and those with different sexual orientations against against each other, anxiety over the economy, health scares over new diseases or old ones for which there is no cure, fear of being alone, on and on. 

We Christians live in this world too and we often become afraid, but we have something that the world doesn’t have.  We have a gift from God, and that gift is peace. The kind of peace that you can’t explain.

The scripture that I just read says that God the Father would send the Holy Spirit and that He would remind us of things that will give us peace.  We can find those things in the Bible, God’s Word. In the midst of all this turmoil the Holy Spirit will remind us of the promises of God, and knowing that He keeps every promise will give you peace. 

​

Embed These Truths In Your Soul

Your peace is determined by the degree to which these truths are embedded in your soul.

​Belief 1: God is absolutely sovereign.

Recognizing and accepting the truth that God is sovereign over everything is vital for your inner peace. This means that nothing related to you is beyond His watchful eye and loving care. 

Colossians 1:17 (ESV) 17  And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 

Belief 2: God is your provider.

From cover to cover, the Bible has a clear message that God is the One who provides for all your needs. No need is too massive, problematic, or severe for Jesus to meet it. The Bible tells us, “Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing”

Psalm 34:10 (NLT2)10  Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing. 

Belief 3: God made you the way you are for a purpose.

There are many things about your life in which you have no control. Accept those things as part of the way God created you. Your race, culture, language, nationality, sex, and many attributes of your physical being are God’s “choices.” He also gave you talents, aptitudes, intelligence, personality, and spiritual gifts that, taken as a whole, make you a unique person on this earth to fulfill the plan He has for you. 

Psalm 139:13-16 (NLT2)13  You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.14  Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.15  You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.16  You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

Belief 4: God has a place where you truly belong.

God created you for fellowship with Himself and others. Trust Him to help you gain a strong sense of belonging to Him and to provide for you a “family” of fellow believers to whom you can belong. Then, as you grow in Him, reach out to others. 

1 Peter 2:9 (NLT2)9  But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 


Belief 5: God has a plan for your fulfillment.

For real inner peace, a person needs to know that he or she is competent, able, capable, and skilled at doing something. There’s a wonderful sense of peace that comes when you know you’re capable of putting in a good performance or doing a good job. 

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT2)10  For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. 

When you accept these five essential beliefs at the core of your being and trust that God is working in you and on your behalf, inner peace will truly be yours.

​

The Bible is an awe-inspiring book. However, we don't want merely to admire it; we need to understand it. Most people don't understand what it says, that includes Christians.  Understanding the Bible is crucial because the Bible is the Word of God, so we need to know how to study the Bible. 

When we study the Bible we need to approach it with purpose, expecting it to let us know more about God and His plan for us.  We need to approach our personal study of the Bible prayerfully.   

Psalm 119:33 (NLT)33 Teach me your decrees, O LORD; I will keep them to the end.

To do so expectantly means we believe that the Lord is going to speak specifically to us

Psalm 25:4 (NLT) Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.

Sermons, Sunday school lessons, and quiet times on our own are all things to be anticipated. God uses these to build us up, strengthen us, or offer us comfort—He certainly makes listening to Him worthwhile. And obedience is the only proper response to this kind of personal attention.

Approaching the reading of Scripture prayerfully prepares our hearts to listen well and ushers in an attitude of purpose and expectancy.

If you want to experience God working in your life, come to Scripture with a prayerful, expectant, purpose-filled attitude. The mourner will be comforted. The weary will gain strength. Those convicted of their sin will repent and know peace. All will sense joy. 

When we study the Bible we need to approach it with purpose, expecting it to let us know more about God and His plan for us.  We need to approach our personal study of the Bible prayerfully.   

In October 2018 I wrote and published four posts on how to study the Bible.  I suggest that you read each of them by clicking on these links.

1. How To Study The Bible - Post 1 Observation
2. How To Study The Bible - Post #2 Interpretation
3. How To Study The Bible - Post #3 Application 
4. How To Study The Bible - Post #4 The B.E,S.T. Way

This post is a follow up to the second of those posts which was on how to interpret the Bible.

Interpretation is discovering the meaning of a passage, the author’s main thought or idea. Answering the questions that arise during observation will help you in the process of interpretation.

Five clues (called “the five C’s”) can help you determine the author’s main point(s):

● Context. You can answer 75 percent of your questions about a passage when you read the text. Reading the text involves looking at the near context (the verse immediately before and after) as well as the far context (the paragraph or the chapter that precedes and/or follows the passage you’re studying).

● Cross-references. Let Scripture interpret Scripture. That is, let other passages in the Bible shed light on the passage you are looking at. Many bible give you a number of verses to cross reference a specific verse.  Let’s look at John 3:16. Look in your bible at the verses used to cross reference the fact that God loves you a lot. At the same time, be careful not to assume that the same word or phrase in two different passages means the same thing.

● Culture. The Bible was written long ago, so when we interpret it, we need to understand it from the writers’ cultural context. Somebody look at the introduction to John and read the Background.

● Conclusion. Having answered your questions for understanding by means of context, cross-reference, and culture, you can make a preliminary statement of the passage’s meaning. Remember that if your passage consists of more than one paragraph, the author may be presenting more than one thought or idea.
​
● Consultation. Reading books known as commentaries, which are written by Bible scholars, can help you interpret Scripture.

​

​10 Steps To Interpret Scripture

Editor’s Note:  Though all human interpretation will always hold some degree of error, there are ways we can minimize this. The following article by Jennifer Slaterly will give you 10 steps to help you to interpret Scripture.  

1. Interpret and discern verse or passage's meaning based on context.

If you’ve taken literature classes, you understand how context can change the meaning of a particular word, sentence, or phrase. The same holds true for Scripture. For example, you may have heard someone use Luke 6:37, which says, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged” to counter a particular teaching regarding a behavior. 
 
Luke 6:37 CEV Jesus said: Don't judge others, and God won't judge you. Don't be hard on others, and God won't be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you.
 
But when we read Jesus’ words in context, we realize He’s not saying don’t address sin, but instead to make sure we’ve taken a hard look at ourselves first. We’re to evaluate the plank in our own eye—that sin, attitude, motive, and misconception—that’s distorting our vision. Only when we’re certain we’re able to “see clearly” should we attempt to address the speck in our friend’s eye.
 
Luke 6:37‭-‬42 CEV Jesus said: Don't judge others, and God won't judge you. Don't be hard on others, and God won't be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you. If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.   Jesus also used some sayings as he spoke to the people. He said: Can one blind person lead another blind person? Won't they both fall into a ditch? Are students better than their teacher? But when they are fully trained, they will be like their teacher. You can see the speck in your friend's eye, but you don't notice the log in your own eye. How can you say, “My friend, let me take the speck out of your eye,” when you don't see the log in your own eye? You show-offs! First, get the log out of your own eye; then you can see how to take the speck out of your friend's eye.
 
The gist of His message in Luke 6, then, seems to be that we should not be so focused on everyone else’s wrongdoing that we become oblivious to our own; rather, we should evaluate ourselves first. Then, if God calls us to lovingly admonish someone, there’s a greater chance God truly is the one leading—rather than our pride or “offense.”
 
2. Interpret and evaluate a verse or passage based on the overall messages and truths of Scripture.

The Bible is unique in that it contains sixty-six individual books of seven different genres, and yet they all tell one cohesive redemptive story. We see Jesus—our need for Him, the promise of His coming, His life, or power—threaded through every narrative, gospel, and epistle. The Old Testament reveals our need for a Savior and tells us Jesus is coming. The New Testament reveals God’s redemptive power unleashed once He came. And throughout each page, God reveals His heart, character, plans, and promises.

And just as one understands individual words in relation to their sentences and paragraphs, each verse and passage of the Bible points to or falls within Scripture’s overall message. When discerning a particular verse or narrative, then, we can ask ourselves a few basic questions:

• What does this passage reveal about the human condition?
• What does it show about God—His nature, His heart, and His plans?
• How does this passage indicate mankind should relate to Him and/or one another?
• How does this passage point to Jesus?

3. Watch for repeated words and phrases in Scripture.

Good writers select those verbs, anecdotes, and details that reveal their point or deepen the narrative. Repetition is avoided—unless it’s necessary.
 
When words are repeated, in any literature (Scripture included), there’s a reason. Consider each repetition—first within a particular sentence, then a passage, and then a book—a call to pause for further evaluation.
 
Take 1 John 1:5-7 for example:
 
This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.  But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.
 
In this short passage, John, the author, repeats light three times and darkness twice. If we were to continue reading, we’d see John expand on his contrast between light and dark and a life of obedience versus one of sin.
 
I John 1:8‭-‬10 NKJV If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

4. Research historical context surrounding the Bible passage and the original audience.

Consider Romans, a doctrinally rich book that reveals God’s holiness, man’s depravity apart from Him, and the redemption we have in Christ. Through Paul’s writings to the ancient Romans, we receive a clear presentation of the gospel. Considering this, one might assume Paul wrote to evangelize a group of nonbelievers but Paul was writing to fellow Christians. These Roman believers didn’t need to learn how to receive Christ; they needed to understand how to rest in Him. The Jewish believers who were holding tight to circumcision needed to realize the Old Testament law hadn’t and couldn’t save them. They came to Christ the same way their Gentile brothers and sisters did—through faith. And the Gentile believers, who were being pressured into following the law, needed reassurance and the reminder that their salvation wasn’t dependent upon anything they had or hadn’t done but instead on what Christ had done for them.
Understanding the historical context adds depth and beauty to this ancient letter, reminding us of the saving, transforming, and preserving power of grace.
 
Romans 10:1‭-‬3‭, ‬5‭-‬13 NKJV Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, “The man who does those things shall live by them.” But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down from  above ) or, “ ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

5. Research the background and ministry of the biblical writer.

​Consider Genesis, known as the book of beginnings. Written by Moses, a Hebrew prince turned shepherd turned liberator, we see a historical narrative revealing Creator God to a people who likely had no concept of Him. They’d spent their lives enslaved in a foreign land whose people worshiped everything from the sun and earth to beetles!
 
So Moses began at the beginning. Through the creation account, he revealed Elohim, the all-powerful, all-knowing, sovereign beginning of all things. We see this holy God beckoning mankind to Himself, as He did through Moses, inviting His people to godly living. When humans fail to live up to His standard, God remained faithful and true. Nothing, not even man’s sin and rebellion, can thwart His plans.

6. Read verses and passages in different translations.

Some words and phrases make zero sense when translated exactly. Imagine having the following conversation with someone from another language. She asks you how you’ve been, and you reply, “Hanging in there.” Translated exactly, she may envision you swinging from a tree branch.
 
Every language has its own idioms, hyperboles, and euphemisms that, when expressed in a different tongue, can result in confusion. Bible scholars must decide, then, when to translate word-for-word versus conveying the general thought. Some translations, like the ESV (English Standard Version!, focus more on a word-for-word translation; others, like the CEV (Contemporary Version) translate thought-for-thought; and still others, like the CSB (Christian Standard Bible/), attempt to merge both. Because of this, it’s helpful to read the same verse or passage in numerous translations. This often provides a more thorough understanding of the word’s definition.

7. Look up the original Greek or Hebrew words and what they mean in what context.

Language is constantly evolving, and thus definitions change over time. One word, like “screen”, can mean numerous things based on how it’s spoken. This is true for Hebrew as well, and although scholars do their best to find the English equivalent, the depth of some meanings are lost in translation.

Consider 1 Timothy 2:1, for example. In the NIV, we read, “I urge you, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—” A simple reading clearly reveals what Paul is saying here. And that’s the beauty of Scripture. It’s written so all, regardless of reading level, can receive God’s message. But consider how your appreciation for Paul’s exhortation might increase were you to investigate the meaning behind the Greek word, pakaleó (urge).
 
Translated as “urge”, this word means to beseech or entreat and has the connotation of someone walking closely beside another as an advocate or helper. In the Greek army, paired soldiers called Paracletes stood back-to-back so that no one could come at them from behind. It’s as if Paul is saying to Timothy, the pastor facing persecution outside of his church and division and false teaching within, “I urge you to do this. I know this won’t always be easy—” like when he prayed for his persecutors, perhaps? “—But I’m standing with you!” 

8. Read Bible commentaries.

When I get stuck on a passage and feel uncertain as to what God might be trying to say, I like to read the thoughts of others smarter and more educated than myself. Numerous Bible sites host commentaries written by brilliant theologians such as John Calvin, John Wesley, and other greats, allowing readers to evaluate different viewpoints on a particular verse or topic. If we find our interpretation differs from everyone else’s, there’s a good chance we’re wrong.
 
Many times, these commentators will list other related passages as well, showing how a particular verse or doctrine fits into Scripture as a whole. Some will even present interesting historical facts. 
 
9. Pay attention to conjunctions in Scripture.
 
The Bible is such a large book, one that can be understood as a whole but is most often read and understood in sections. I rarely read all of Matthew or Romans in one sitting; therefore, it’s easy to miss the connections individual verses or chapters have to one another. Whenever we see words such as for, since, or because, we know the writer is connecting his point to something stated previously.
 
For example, Romans chapter 12 begins with, “Therefore, I urge you … to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice …”  Had we read Romans 1-11, we’d understand Paul meant because of God’s holiness, our sinfulness, and the redemption He provided through His death and resurrection, we are to offer ourselves back to Him. This doesn’t change the meaning of Romans 12:1, but it does add weight to Paul’s statement and likely our desire to obey it.

10. Read other related Bible passages.

​Using Romans as another example, when we read through it, we find a rich history of God’s redemptive message woven throughout the Old Testament. Paul discusses everything from creation, the law, the symbolism revealed through the story of Abraham, and more. He also quotes or references numerous other passages.  
 
By taking time to read these different narratives and verses referenced, which can often be found in your Bible’s footnotes, you’ll gain a broader and deeper understanding of the text and topic.
 
Scripture is a living yet timeless, life-changing book preserved through numerous generations by a God who is constantly revealing Himself and His will to the people He dearly loves. Whenever we approach His Word with an open and expectant heart, whether we evaluate each word or simply ponder the meaning of a passage, we’ll encounter Him. And that’s when life change—freedom, healing, and growth—occurs.