The ABC’s of Our Christian Faith

Sometimes we lose sight of the basics to our Christian faith. The elements of Christianity setting us apart from the world and other religions.

They are essential to help us grow in relationship with Christ. And they are the spiritual tools we need to live as a believer.

So, here are the ABC’s of a Christian life.

A-F Basics for Our Christian Faith

Abide in Christ. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” John 15:5, ESV.

Believe God. Believe what God says and who He is. Because when the journey turns bumpy, our Christian beliefs carry us over life’s potholes. “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” Romans 4:3b, NIV.

Confess. Confess our sin against God, own it, and take responsibility for when we go in the wrong direction. Because sometimes we fall into sin or we fail to walk in the direction God instructed (Proverbs 28:13 and James 4:17).

Declare God’s glory and works. We declare His glory and works to others and ourselves. In other words, preach it. Then preach it to the choir. “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” Psalm 96:3, ESV.

Encourage other believers. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up” 1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV.

Forget what’s behind. Looking back on our life may help us move forward. But Jesus never intended for the past to paralyze us (Philippians 3:13-14).

5 Ways to Cultivate an Unstoppable Faith

The Christian journey is founded on faith and lived in faith.

There’s this thing in my life that I continue to pray over, wait on, and hope for. And it’s kind of a big deal. Something to give God glory in and for.

Meanwhile, I often teeter between excitement and feeling a bit overwhelmed.

So, I sometimes smile in anticipation. Or, I jump up and down on the inside when I imagine the possibility of it happening.

Then, only moments later, a knot forms in the pit of my stomach wondering what if never happens? 

This thing required I take a leap of faith. And I’m learning these leaps should be the “norm” for believers. But we often hesitate about stepping into the unknown. Still, Hebrews 11:1 defines it exactly that way:

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (NIV)

Faith is not a receive-it-all-at-once deal. Because the confidence in what we hope for and the assurance about what we do not see, grows and strengthens while we live out our Christian lives on this earth. 

Here are 5 ways to cultivate an unstoppable F-A-I-T-H:

F – Find God faithful. 

We come to God in faith, believing He is Creator and Lord, and accepting His salvation by faith through Jesus Christ. This faith continues in our life as we find God faithful and learn He always fulfills His promises. 

Empowered Kids – Everyday Life with the Holy Spirit

Excited to introduce my guest author, Jessie Mattis. Her message to Christian parents, adults, and the church about kids who follow Jesus is eye-opening.

The 4-14 Window

I don’t know about you, but the 4-14 window lights a fire in me. If this is a new phrase for you, the 4-14 window simply refers to the age range in which people are most receptive to learning about Jesus.

Approximately 70% of Christians chose to follow Jesus when they were between the ages of four and fourteen.

I’m guessing we can agree it’s an absolutely crucial period in a child’s life!

Sometimes, it seems, kids between the ages of 4-14 don’t get the credit they deserve. Teachers and parents don’t always understand the capabilities and potential of these children, bubbling under the surface, just waiting for guidance and encouragement to rise to the occasion. 

More than Capable

The truth is, through the power of the Holy Spirit, kids who follow Jesus are capable and empowered to:

• Speak to God
• Hear from God
• Pray for others
• Be led and gifted by the Holy Spirit in various ways

Even at the tender age of four, I can remember my own children being more than capable of understanding the basics of God. And applying it in their own lives. When my youngest daughter was around age four, she had (and still has) deep compassion for those around her. If one of her big siblings hurt themselves (as happens with kids all. the. time.) it wasn’t uncommon for her to reach her chubby little hand out and pray a simple, four-year-old’s prayer: “Dear God, please help my brother/sister feel better.” (Cue me trying not to let my heart explode with joy.)

Showing Kids an Active Relationship with God

Good News and God News About Love

I’m not going to say, I have good news and bad news, since that’s not true.

But I am going to share good news and God news.

And this particular news piece features an extraordinary love story.

Love is one of those loose and hard to define terms we overuse and misuse. Instead of like, we use love for everything from possessions and food to our favorite sports teams and celebrities.

We love ice-cream, brands, songs, books, and our favorite movies.

News That’s Not New

Honestly, I use love to describe my affections for cinnamon rolls, pasta, Chai tea lattes, boots, the Hallmark Channel, and sunsets.

And that’s only a few of my loves.

Still, we struggle to understand love—a feeling or an emotion?

In life’s hard moments, we may lose the loving feeling. For me, abandonment extinguished the emotion. Like when my dad vanished from my life for a few years.

Furthermore, culture woos us with a shallow love from people, things, and false ideas and religions.

Sometimes love fades when hearts break. My heart broke after friendships dissolved and family members died including a baby in utero. I lost hope in love.

Good, Good News

Then, there’s this: For a portion of my life, I wondered, Am I lovable?

Inside chatter tried to convince me otherwise. Internal voices mocked true love. Only the lovely, the best, the deserving—basically, the cream of the crop—meet the standards. 

Praying to the God of Immeasurably More

Praying for you to the God who does immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.

I sent this message to a friend with the assurance we serve and pray to the God of immeasurably more. 

Immeasurably More

Because this particular Scripture is one of my favorites: 

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV)

Google tells us immeasurably means, “to an extreme or extensive degree; immensely.” And defines more as “a greater or additional amount or degree.” Therefore, it’s doubled in degree and greatness and amount.

Far More Abundantly

I also like how the ESV states it.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Again, according to Google, abundantly means “in large quantities; plentifully.”

And so we conclude these things about God’s ability:

*Extreme or extensive. 

*Greater and additional amount.

*Large, plentiful quantities.

Kneeling and Praying

But what does it mean for us and praying? Also, what comes before verse 20 in chapter 3 of Ephesians causing the Apostle Paul to began with Now?

32 Things to Know And Celebrate About God

For last week’s post, I wanted us to know the 52 Reasons to Connect With a Local Church. While I never intended to publish another “list” article so soon, my plans changed. You see, the church as the body of Christ only exists because God exists. 

Since we gained knowledge about the church and celebrated its attributes, it makes sense to know and celebrate the many things that make God, God.

Things To Know About God

(1.) The One true God. Oh, there are other gods. But there’s no other god like our God. “For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” (Isaiah 46:9b)

(2.) Living. Jeremiah compares man-made idols to the living God. “But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God.” (Jeremiah 10:10) How sad and foolish when we bow to idols without breath. Or, believe in gods who are dead.

(3.) Creator. Genesis 1:1 tells us in the beginning God created…. God existed first. Then He created everything else, all of creation, and humans in His image. 

(4.) Holy. The Blue Letter Bible shares, “God is holy means there is no trace of evil in his character. Only God is holy.” Further, “There is no one holy like the LORD.” (1 Samuel 2:2a)

(5.) Sovereign. God rules as the supreme authority, doing what pleases Him (Psalm 115:3), His kingdom rules over all (Psalm 103:19). 

(6.) In control. “For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?” (Isaiah 14:27)

(7.) Majestic. “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:9)

(8.) Almighty. “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’” (Revelation 1:8)

Things That Make God, God

52 Reasons to Connect With a Local Church

“Karen Friday is a pastor’s wife passionate about the local church, women’s ministry, and sacred callings.”

This is the first line of my newest bio for a book proposal my agent and I plan to pitch to publishers soon.

And the main change conveys my passion about the local church. 

Why?

The local church is a sacred institution set apart for God and His people. Because the church is not just a building or meeting place, but literally the people of God…the body of Christ.

Perhaps there are those who feel my passionate sentiments are required or expected in my role as a pastor’s wife. Maybe a burning passion for the church seems like the ultimate job description for a pastor and his wife, and all staff members. 

But like passion for anything, it starts deep in our heart. Still, the main thing I want you to know: Not only is this passion meant for those called to various church positions, but also for every person who answers the call to follow Christ. 

Passion for the Local Church

So here are 52 passionate reasons to connect with a local church. I share Scripture references for some of my list.

(1.) God commands us to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. (Exodus 20:8)

(2.) The Bible tells us not to forsake gathering together with other believers. (Hebrews 10:25)

(3.) We were never meant to do life alone. (Acts 20:7)

(4.) There’s just something powerful about the corporate worship of a Holy God. (Psalm 34:3)

(5.) It creates community in our lives.

(6.) Connects us with other Christian wives, moms, dads, students, and so on.

(7.) The preaching of God’s Word.

Thought for Today and Every Day: Jesus Saves

Popular hashtags on social media showcase a thought for the day or thoughts for a specific day of the week: 

#ThoughtOfTheDay

#ThoughtForTheDay

#TuesdayThoughts

Furthermore, people often use hashtags for wisdom and motivation alongside the above examples like: 

#MondayMotivation 

#WednesdayWisdom

Although I realized these hashtags let others know the information shared in a particular post as an important and sometimes personal thought. Still, a spiritual truth occurred to me.

The most unsurpassed and unmatched and incomparable thought I share with others today or any day remains: 

#JesusSaves

Since Isaiah 55:8 says God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts, He provides the wisdom for salvation and the spiritual motivation we need to live the Christian life.

Unsurpassed Thought 

First, Google explains Unsurpassed as “Better than any other.” 

Next, God’s better-than-any-other thought sent Jesus with a purpose. “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

And Romans describes every person’s condition and need for saving; how Jesus saves us, and the unsurpassed salvation of Christ.

 “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

 “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

 “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

5 Ways to Stop Shifting the Blame

Sometimes no one is to blame but me.

Our tendency to shift the blame on other men or women started with the first man and woman.

When the first humans disobeyed God, it triggered a finger-pointing cycle still in motion today. 

After Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, Adam told God it was the woman’s fault. When the Lord questioned Eve, she immediately blamed the serpent.

You see the pattern?

“It was her!” Or, “He’s to blame, not me!”

Who’s To Blame?

Let’s take a closer look. Pull the cameras in for a tight shot in the Garden of Eden.

In Genesis 3:11, the Lord God asked Adam straight up, “Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” Listen carefully to Adam’s response. “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” Genesis 3:12 (ESV)

Initially, it appears he is putting total blame on Eve’s shoulders. Then we notice that little three letter word—you. God, it was the woman you gave me. 

Adam blames God for his own wrongdoing by cause and effect. God, since you did that, it caused me to do this. Oh, how we also use cause and effect in blaming others.

Adam’s scripted lines from the movie trailer, God, You Messed Up Big Time: “If you hadn’t given me a woman, maybe this sin thing would not have gone down and we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now. You ever considered that, God?”

However, God is the One who made the rules. When you create stuff like the universe and people, you get to decide those kinds of things. The Lord gave clear directions on living in the Garden and what fruit to eat. Disobedience is always our fault.

Blame and Excuses

How to Practice Summer Soul Care

Are we practicing soul care?

Because it seems as though many of us are intentional to care for our body—our overall health and physical wellness.

But sometimes caring for our soul falls off the radar.

As mentioned in 10 of My Favorite Things About Summer, one of my favorite things about summer is the slower pace.

For most of us summer brings a more leisure and unhurried rhythm of life. Kids are out of school. We plan time off work to travel and go on vacation.

And we often gather with friends and family fostering intentional connection and recreation. 

But in this slower pace and rhythm, the Lord also desires to teach us how to care for our soul. So here are some ideas for S-U-M-M-E-R soul care.

S – Satisfy our soul with what only God provides.

“For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” (Psalm 107:9, ESV)

“For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.” (Jeremiah 31:25, ESV)

Like we long to vacation at the beach, hope to relax at a tropical resort, or desire to fill our summer with joyful activities, our soul longs for good things as well. The Lord wants us to slow down long enough to spend time in His presence. And ask God to satisfy, fill, and replenish our soul with His goodness.

U – Understand the role Scripture plays in our soul’s wellness.