Thursday, January 2, 2014

6 Ways to Strengthen Your Faith in 2014

By Shelly Burke

  •             Whether a single verse, a chapter, or more, read God’s Word, the Bible, every single day.  2 Timothy 3:16 tells us, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man (and woman!) of God 
    may be competent, equipped for every good work.”  (If you’d like to read through the Bible in a Year, just type “read the Bible in a year” into your search engine. If you’d like to extend that to two years, type in “read the Bible in two years” There are so many different plans available you’re sure to find one that will work for you!
  •          Gather your Bible, journal, devotion book, pens, etc. in one place so when it’s time for your personal Bible study and devotions, everything is in one place.
  •          Write your favorite Bible verses on notecards and post them where you’ll see and read them frequently—on the bathroom mirror, refrigerator, office, wallet, etc.
  •                   Listen to Christian music on the radio, Pandora radio, a TV station, or CD. You’ll be surprised at how listening to positive music affects your day! 
  •                   Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). How? Just talk to God. Any time…all the time.
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    About everything…and anything. Nothing is too big, or too small. Thank Him for the blessings He has given you. Ask Him for guidance. Ask Him to bless those around you. Tell Him your concerns. He cares about all parts of your life. 
  •                    Go to church. Yes, hypocrites go to church…and no, you don’t have to go to church to go to heaven. But if you are serious about strengthening your faith, attending church is vital. At church you’ll worship the Lord and thank Him for all He has done for you, you’ll be with other believers, you’ll  learn more about God and you’ll be strengthened through the sacrament of Holy Communion. If you don’t have a church home, search for one.

 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”

Deuteronomy 6:5-6

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

8 Verses to Guide You in 2014

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  • Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
  • Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.Galatians 6:9-10
  • Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24
  • Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.                                                  1 Thessalonians 5:23
  • Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8
  • Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19 (Read more of my reflections on this verse in "New Beginnings")