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Pastor Israel Phiri Talks About A Shocking Realization That Led Him To Change
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Pastor Israel Phiri Talks About A Shocking Realization That Led Him To Change

by Kriza Jo Tanduyan
written by Kriza Jo Tanduyan

Pastor Israel Phiri shared a shocking realization that opened his eyes and prompted him to make a change.

Pastor Israel Phiri

The founder of Impact Leaders Church in South Africa, Pastor Israel Phiri, revealed to his Instagram followers why he chose to change. He realized that he loved the things of God more than he loved God Himself.

“It was an extremely shocking realization that came through prayer and the word,” he said.

At the heart of his quest for God, he chased after the things of God more fervently than pursuing God Himself. Additionally, he stressed that he used to seek after God’s gifts, power, breakthroughs, and blessings, but neglected to seek after God personally. This realization led to a profound lesson: a sense of dissatisfaction would arise in people’s souls when their focus was on what God could do for them rather than on loving, pursuing, and prioritizing Him.

Pastor Israel Phiri Talks About A Shocking Realization That Led Him To Change

Israel Phiri [@israelphiri]. Why I changed?. Instagram, November 29, 2023, https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0OjxCMNCY1/

It Changed Everything

“There’s always a feeling like there’s another level that I need to get to. There’s another shift that I need,” he emphasized.

When he discovered the shocking truth that his actions and motives were impure and rooted in self-centeredness, everything changed. This revelation transformed his prayer life, altering how he preached and studied the word.

Furthermore, what God taught him not only influenced his own life but also resonated with the people who watched his videos. In fact, one of his followers commented, “This touched my spirit. Until now, I thought I was truly loving my God, but I realized I was just loving His stuff. Lord, I’m so very sorry. Teach my heart to fall completely in love with you.”

Indeed, God longs for his people to know Him. In Hosea 6:6, He said, “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”

Watch his full video here.

Reference | Israel Phiri

Header Image: Israel Phiri [@israelphiri]. Why I changed?. Instagram, November 29, 2023, https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0OjxCMNCY1/

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Forgiveness
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Pastor Tim Timberlake: “Forgiveness Does Not Change The Person That Hurt You’

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

Senior Pastor Tim Timberlake of Celebration Church delivered a profound message on the topic of forgiveness, emphasizing that it “does not change the person who hurt you.” This message holds great significance as it may provide the encouragement and guidance that some Christians require to attain true freedom in their lives.

The Faith To Forgive By Pastor Tim Timberlake

In his message titled “The Faith to Forgive,” Pastor Tim Timberlake thoroughly explained the impact of forgiveness and unforgiveness on a believer. He emphasized the transformative power and liberation that accompany the act of choosing to forgive, as well as the potential dangers that unforgiveness can pose in someone’s life.

Forgiveness

Celebration Church. (Screenshot). (2023). The Faith To Forgive | Tim Timberlake, Retrieved January 23, 2024 from: https://youtu.be/Q4Xq7G9gLdA

During his sermon, the pastor made a powerful analogy, likening unforgiveness to “experiencing internal bleeding that no one else can see.” Pastor Tim highlighted the potential damage this hidden condition can have on a person’s heart, emphasizing how it can ultimately hinder the fulfillment of God-given destiny if left unresolved.

“Forgiveness is a reset button of an overcomer,” he remarked. “Forgiveness is when we press reset on our lives and don’t allow people that have impacted us in a traumatic way to hold us hostage to something that they did. If we continue to focus on the hurt or the impact, we will continue to suffer.”

Forgiveness Changes You

Then, he imparted advice to the church, encouraging them to shift their focus onto the lesson rather than constantly dwelling on and meditating on the pain. Pastor Tim clarified that even if one chooses to extend forgiveness, there is no guarantee that the other person will change. However, he emphasized that this act of forgiveness can bring freedom to one’s own heart.

“Forgiveness does not change the person that hurt you,” he said. “Forgiveness doesn’t change that person, forgiveness changes you.”

Furthermore, the 39-year-old explained that forgiveness does not require a person to forget. He dismissed the notion of the “forgive and forget” theory as an unrealistic expectation.

PASTOR VLAD SAVCHUK: ‘WE SLIP INTO BUSYNESS BUT LACK SPIRITUAL FRUITFULNESS’

“You don’t forget, but you do have the opportunity to forgive every time you remember,” he said. “There are some things in my life and there are some people in my life that every time I remember, I have to forgive them again.”

“Forgiveness is not a one-time fix all. It is a daily sacrifice that I have to implement so that I can receive what it is that God has for me. If I don’t put into practice forgiveness for those that have hurt me and those that impacted me in a negative way, then I hold myself hostage to a prison that God never intended for me to stay put in.”

Listen to Pastor Tim’s full message in the video below.

The Faith To Forgive | Tim Timberlake | Celebration Everywhere

Reference | Celebration Church

Header Image: Celebration Church. (Screenshot). (2023). The Faith To Forgive | Tim Timberlake, Retrieved January 23, 2024 from: https://youtu.be/Q4Xq7G9gLdA

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Dr. Myles Munroe Shares How Change Changes Things

by Le-Jovale Vallejo
written by Le-Jovale Vallejo

Change is the only constant thing in the world. Dr. Myles Munroe shares about how change changes things in a good way.

How Change Changes Things

Dr. Myles Munro started off by sharing a key verse from the Bible.

Ezekiel 34:26 says, “I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.”

“We believe that we’re supposed to be blessed all the time, every day,” Dr. Myles Munroe said. “God says, “No, I send down blessings and showers of seasons.”

You might experience a challenging time during a certain season, but it is only to awaken your capacity for change, and times of transition offer certain benefits.

“First of all, change means that nothing remains the same,” he said. “Seasons” means that everything is always temporary.”

The Importance Of Seasons

Furthermore, he said, “Seasons also mean that the key to life is outlasting a season. Change also means that seasons are an incentive for you to plan for the future. Nothing happens unless you change.”

READ: 3 STEPS FOR STRESS RELIEF FOR CHRISTIANS

Change is a friend, not an enemy. God disturbed people’s comfort whenever He wished to partner with them.

“Abraham was brought up in a home with his father, his mother, and his family,” he said. “God may have thought, “Okay, I want to do something great with you. Leave your parents and your home.” That’s discomforting. And then Abraham asked Him, “Where are we going?” God said, “I will tell you when you get there.” That’s the unknown.”

Dr. Myles Munroe Shares How Change Changes Things

Because Abraham embraced the change and the transition of a season, he became great.

He became the prince of Egypt and had access to all the wealth and power of Egypt.

“God gave him a passion for delivering people and that act of deliverance made him a fugitive, and that change took him to the desert, which gave him the privilege of meeting God by a burning bush. All these changes led him to become a deliverer. You cannot become what you were born to be unless you are willing to change into something you are not. This is why change is so important. I like what Shakespeare said: “Sweet are the uses of adversity. We never grow in good times; we never advance unless we’re under pressure. Change comes to improve and advance your life, not to destroy you,” Dr. Myles Munroe concluded.

Watch the full video:

How Change Changes Things | Dr. Myles Munroe

Reference: Munroe Global

Photo by Mike Lewinski on Unsplash

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ArticlesFaithFeaturedVideo

Pastor Paul David Tripp Discusses Waiting On God

by Rhoda Gayle
written by Rhoda Gayle

Pastor Paul David Tripp discusses waiting on God.

Waiting on God

The best-selling author and international event speaker talked about waiting on God in his recent Instagram post. Pastor Paul explained that waiting on God means more than the thing we will receive at the end of our waiting season. It’s about how our waiting molds us into the person God wants us to be.

“Waiting on God is not about what you get at the end of the wait, waiting on God is about what you become as you’ve waited. Waiting on God is not just about what you get at the end of the wait, but about what you become as you wait.”

Paul David Tripp [@paultrippquotes]. Paul David Tripp. Instagram, November 18, 2023, https://www.instagram.com/reel/Czyc6HtrTNs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Paul David Tripp

The season of waiting changes everyone and it’s also in that season where God reveals to us things that we need to learn. It’s also in that moment that we get to know more about who Jesus is.

“You see, waiting changes you, you begin to learn that there is no salvation apart from God. That there’s no rock to stand on in life apart from Him. That there’s no fortress to be found outside of the Lord. You learn that hope in Him will never disappoint you. You learn that you can pour out whatever is in your heart to Him and He won’t reject you and He won’t turn His back on you.”

Waiting on God is not about the blessing that we will receive at the end of our wait, but it’s about the love God shows us during our wait.

“You learn that power is fading and riches are fading and you put the rich man and the poor man in a balance and there’s not much difference. That real power and real steadfast love belong to the Lord.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Paul David Tripp (@paultrippquotes)

Read also: 3 TIPS FOR SPENDING TIME WITH GOD

Reference: Instagram | Paul David Tripp
Header Image: Paul David Tripp [@paultrippquotes]. Waiting on God. Instagram, November 18, 2023, https://www.instagram.com/reel/Czyc6HtrTNs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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transition
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Transition Alongside God

by Lauren Koch
written by Lauren Koch

Anticipating change in your life can be scary. A key to staying grounded in confidence is trusting your transition alongside God, remembering you are never doing it alone.

“I will not leave you as an orphan” says the Lord

Sometimes God calls us beyond where we are comfortable into His more for us. In these seasons, we can let our worry of what we are leaving behind blind us from the excitement of what is ahead. If you are finding yourself in a season of transition, ask yourself these questions:

  1. Am I fully surrendered to what God is taking me into?
  2. How am I preparing my heart to anticipate His goodness ahead?
  3. What am I meant to leave behind in this season, and what am I mean to bring?
  4. What is my heart afraid of?

As you reflect on what God speaks to you, identify your fears for what’s ahead. Ask the Holy Spirit to refresh you with faith and anticipation for His goodness and promises. Renew your mind with God’s faithfulness to you.

Let community support you as you transition

Without a doubt, you need people. As you prepare to move seasons, jobs, or even places, consider who you can strategically place around you to pray, encourage, and support you. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide the right friendships in this time. It is in these practical moments that you make your transition more about what God does, than the fears that you might have. Even more, this connects your heart to God in a deeper way as you learn to walk alongside Him with a deeper faith.

Remember the prior times God has proven Himself faithful to you. Celebrate these as you move into your new season. Once your transition occurs, give yourself grace! You are doing a better job than you think and God will continue to walk alongside you as a leader and friend.

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FaithVideo

A Billy Graham Crusade Changed Ken Silk’s Life Forever

by Rhoda Gayle
written by Rhoda Gayle

A Billy Graham crusade changed Ken Silk’s life forever.

Ken Silk

Ken Silk grew up going to church as a kid but eventually stopped because they had to move homes so many times. During his teenage years, he sought satisfaction and love in women and sports. Growing up, he never felt close to God and even thought that Christians were weird.

However, during his college years, an invitation from his girlfriend changed his life forever.

“A the time, I had a girlfriend. A few days later, Billy Graham was speaking for the whole week in Vancouver and she had gone to hear him and she had invited me to an event that was on a Friday night, it was a youth event. I remember being at the event and really kind of mocking it. I’d hear the people singing and it’s like… ‘fake.'”

Delafe Testimonies [@delafetestimonies]. Ken Silk. YouTube, November 24, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS5WiNPwR0U

Billy Graham Crusade

The title of that crusade of Billy Graham is “Sex and the Panic Button.” He clearly recalled how he felt that night as it was the night that he heard the Lord’s calling for the first time.

“When Billy Graham got up to speak, he started speaking and something started firing off in me. Something is awakened, something is stirred inside of me that I don’t have words to really describe it… Eventually, I stood up and I turned to the people that were all beside me and I said to them, ‘Well if none of you are going, get out of my way.'”

A pastor approached him and led him to pray the sinner’s prayer. After he prayed it, he immediately felt love, joy peace, and excitement all at the same time. From then on, he never turned his back again on Jesus and followed him until this day. Now, 39 years since that memorable night, he is serving the Lord with his family.

I Went to a Billy Graham Crusade and Then This Happened 😳 ...

Read also: JEWISH WOMAN SUPERNATURALLY RECEIVES A NOTE WRITTEN BY GOD

Reference: YouTube | Delafe Testimonies
Header Image: Delafe Testimonies [@delafetestimonies]. Ken Silk. YouTube, November 24, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS5WiNPwR0U

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messy story
Faith

Writing A Better Ending To A Messy Story

by Corine Channell
written by Corine Channell

One way to change the ending to any story that may be messy is simply to first address WHY it is messy. HERE lies the biggest challenge really – THIS is where people tend to turn and run. Because FEAR is and always will be a liar.

FEAR KEEPS US RUNNING

We don’t understand that as we RUN we carry the weight of the unresolved mess WITH us. And the weight of it only will become heavier and harder to carry with each mile. Yet, most of us will keep running. Running seems like our only defense – if we stop, well – there IT is. And we KNOW this, whether we realize we do or not. Whatever you are running from, you are dragging it right along with you – into every nook and cranny of your future.

“Don’t let it arrest you
This fear is fear of fallin’ again…
We can dance upon our heartache, yeah
So light a match, leave the past, burn the ships
And don’t you look back.”
(“Burn The Ships” by for KING & COUNTRY)

If you stop and turn around to face that thing you are trying to escape from, you will find a strength in you that you never knew you possessed.

FACING YOUR FEARS

A head-on collision with the root cause of the mess is not fun, of course – would we really expect it to be? BUT the sheer relief of laying down a burden – of exposing shame or admitting a failure – busting a secret wide open to look at so you can repair the damage. It is so freeing to just let the buck stop here – to face the truth/ to fix what can be fixed or let go of what can’t and do it over again – or, write a NEW narrative.

THAT is exciting really – to realize that the mess does NOT have to define you. Your messy story matters – your messy story can be redeemed. Jesus came for that very purpose – to turn messes into MESSAGES. “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.” (Quote from an old Japanese proverb)

HOW TO CHANGE A MESSY STORY

Is it fixable? Is it redoable? Is it something that requires an apology or a change of attitude? Does it require humility, or forgiveness? Do you need to heal from injustice and abuse? If you knew that such a responsibility lay on your shoulders, would you carry it? Would you own it? Would you be willing to go the distance? Would you put in the hard work? Make the sacrifices for the ones you love and the ones you may never know? I think this is what Jesus meant by ‘’laying down our lives”. We have to get past the ME factor – that part that defends ourselves or protects us from pain or shields us from further harm and/or confrontation. Proverbs 21:21 says: “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” In the Greek translation, the word pursue means to chase with significant effort, so giving it your all!

I have faced more falling down moments and run more miles than I care to admit, except that I am GOING to admit it. (way more than 7!) If I do NOT admit it, I will never change and change is what I am after. I just never really understood how much I needed TO change. God is patient and loving and understanding, even of our failures, but more so of WHY we fall.

When we choose to write a better ending to a previously messy or ugly story, there IS a price to pay. This does NOT come easy. You may lose people you thought would always be at your side. You might have to give up something that feels like a death to your heart. It might require sacrifices that seem impossible. You might have to backtrack and fix aLOT of potholes in the road behind you. There may be (and probably are) consequences left behind – the residue of whatever it initially was that broke you. You may not see the victory in YOUR lifetime. (uh oh)

CHANGE IS HARD WORK

I live in between the hidden lines of my story. I dwell in the AFTER of abuse and shame and pain and loss and failure and regret. Just because I have chosen to rise up above it and conquer it, does NOT mean there have been no consequences FROM it. In fact, the consequences are WHY I was compelled to write books.

Change is NEVER easy. But it is necessary. And I have found I can still live in the aftereffects of my sexual abuse and all the havoc it wreaked and have PEACE. Many things have not changed around me or in my life story. There were chapters that simply cannot be erased or deleted. They are still there when I look back. What had to change was ME.

To move on, the changes had to come from within. I fix what I am able to but the rest is out of my hands at this point – you can do repairs and renovations to your past, but some things will always stay broken. He is my redeemer and living in between the lines is where I dwell WITH Him. I am not alone. No matter how cringe-worthy I often feel when I uncover yet another of my imperfections or the imperfections of my life, I have learned to give Him the pen. Really, who writes the better ending for our stories – really, it is HIM. He patiently works with me – because He KNOWS the bottom line of who I am. He KNOWS I have a goal, even if I trip all the way there, and bloody my knees over and over, He KNOWS I want more and better, and He KNOWS ultimately I will choose right.

Rising up that eighth time. Sure. There’s that ONE defining moment that you RISE from your slumber – your fear – your loss – your failure and all the things that need to be faced and conquered. But. I have learned that rising up will then become an ongoing thing. A choice to keep pushing forward against all odds. The initial rise is only the starting point. It is now a journey of rising over and over and over.

JESUS NEVER CHANGES

THIS is a whole new level in our relationship – not on His part; He hasn’t changed – but on MY part, I am completely different. Seems a good place right here for a powerful quote from the T.V. series The Chosen – “I was one way and now I am completely different. And the thing that happened in between was Him.” THIS. Knowing Jesus correctly is all the reason I can write a different narrative for my story.

I trust Him and accept Him as my heavenly father. It is all the reason I can stare down my enemies and see them for the liars they are. It is all the reason I can even breathe. It is all the reason I can get back up the 8th time. Or the 18745th time. Jesus is the reason I can do THIS because every morning He offers me a clean slate on which to stand again.

“I need You like the breath I’m breathing
Please
Come and win this fight
I’ve let my white flag fly
I know You are the strength I’m needing
Please (oh)
Please
Jesus, help me please.”
(“Please” by Katy Nichole)

______________

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navigating change and transition with an open heart
FaithSpotlight

Navigating Change And Transition With An Open Heart

by Grace Clibourn
written by Grace Clibourn

Anyone else navigating transition right now? ????  I’d love to invite you into my process of navigating change and transition and hopefully give you some practical tools for your own journey!

After a year and a half of living back at home with family in California, I finally felt the release to move out and find a place to call my own. I had a feeling that I wouldn’t be staying in LA for very long, so I decided that I would keep an open mind and try on a few cities. Austin was at the top of my list having spent a year in an internship at a church in Austin, however, I was also interested in Nashville.

So I decided that I would honor that interest and go and visit. I know that I (as well as the majority of us I would imagine) have a tendency to stick to what I know, so I knew that I needed to allow myself to think outside the box and really stretch myself before making any big decisions. Since Nashville was in my heart, I had to honor that.

During this time, my parents were also thinking about moving out of LA. And since the whole family was living on the property, that meant we all had to find a new place to live.

These are the kinds of times that you just need the timing of the Lord to step in. With so many moving parts, I didn’t trust anyone with the timing or the resources to pull off something like this, but Jesus.

While I was in Nashville I got together with one of my best friends who had just moved to the city. She is one of those friends who has known me for ages and isn’t afraid to tell it to me straight.

I was sitting in her apartment as she was making us breakfast when she turned to me and said, “Grace, what are you doing here?”.

To which I replied, “I don’t know!!!”, “I feel like I’m just following bread crumbs at this point – I don’t know what to do.”

She replied to me “No, I don’t like that. God is not a God of breadcrumbs. You know what you need to do.”

BOOM! POW! Wow, don’t we all need friends like that?!?

She was right. I hadn’t been able to see it, but I had been so used to starting over (having moved over 16 times in my life) I hadn’t thought about what it would be like to do that again, in Nashville, where everything would be fresh. Because the truth is that I’m tired. I don’t want to start all over, all over again. I want to go where I know that I already have community, a church that I love, and opportunities for me to keep growing in my faith and in my career.

Something that I learned here and that I would like to pass on to anyone who might be in a similar position, is that sometimes you just have to let yourself be right where you are until you have someone who can help you see further and help you out of your stuck-ness. It might feel so imperfect and so messy, but no matter how messy you feel, you are beautiful and acceptable right where you are.

There surely will be a time again where you feel like you’re in a clearing, but the times where you feel like you can’t quite see past the trees are just as meaningful and valuable as the former.

They say that death of a loved one, moving, divorce, a major injury or illness and a job loss are the top five stressors in life. And they all require us to pivot or change our lives in one way or another.

Change can cause a lot of stress. That’s just a fact. However, as I was navigating this massive change in my life, I was mindful of taking notes on what helped me in the process. Because I know that my life is not my own, and I know that we are meant to share our struggles and share our strengths. So I took some notes along the way which I would love to share with you!

Here are five tools for navigating change and transition with an open heart:

1. Know your baseline

Where do your thoughts and emotions sit on a regular basis?

What is your general disposition?

When you know where your general disposition is, it’s easier to pinpoint where exactly you’re feeling off. Try to name your exact emotion and then see if you can back-track to when it started and why it started. For instance, if I know that I am generally a happy, joyful, goofy, and loving person, when I’m not feeling that way, I know that something is off.

Sometimes it’s even helpful to simply acknowledge those feelings, but still giving yourself permission to wait until you feel ready to investigate them.

For example, when I was in the midst of having to find a new apartment last minute, there’s no way I would be able to sit and contemplate, “Ok, why am I feeling afraid?”… The answer is pretty clear- “BECAUSE I DON’T HAVE A PLACE TO LIVE” (haha, duh!).

It was about two months after the event that I was able to actually sit down, journal it out, talk to God about how hard it was, and be able to put some distance between me and that event.

However, it is massively helpful to acknowledge when you are not at your baseline state, and that what you’re feeling is not your normal. It offers you somewhat of a map to get back “home”.

Some practical things that help me to get out of my head and get back to my baseline is:

  • taking a cold shower
  • going for a run
  • getting into nature
  • talking to a friend who will tell it to me straight
  • talking to a friend or family member who knows how to comfort me

2. Observe patterns

Something that I noticed in myself in this most recent time of change and transition is that night after night, as soon as the sun started to go down, I started to feel very emotional. I started to feel fear of having made the wrong decision, anxiety over the many things on my to-do list, and a deep feeling of loneliness.

And although I’m not entirely sure why it played out that way, it’s something I took note of. So every night, I would call a family member and talk to them until I was reminded of the truth of my safety within my family and my God. I would also spend time in prayer before bed, which would help me to fall asleep peacefully.

Over time, that nighttime anxiety has begun to dissipate as I have started to settle into my new normal. But knowing that there was a pattern helped me feel like I had a little more control in those moments.

3. Don’t rush yourself out of what you’re feeling

Try your very best to be present with what you are feeling and talk to God right when you’re in the middle of it. Tell Him what’s going on and let yourself talk it out in real-time.

And if you’re anything like me, as much as you just want the feelings to go away and for everything just to be better, try not to rush to conclusions or solutions too quickly. Sometimes I think a lot of the pain that we experience in these times actually comes from running from our emotions, and not the emotions, themselves.

I think it’s really powerful when we’re able to sit and be present in what we’re feeling. We have to place value on our emotions and let them do their work in us. That’s not to say that we should sulk or cause ourselves to fall into some sort of emotional pit, but we need to have compassion on ourselves and allow ourselves to be right where we are.

I personally feel that that’s where healing begins. When we are raw, in the moment, not placing a “good” or “bad” label on what we’re feeling, and simply acknowledging where our hearts are at.

4. Rest when you’re not strong & do the healing work when you are

If you don’t feel like you’re up to processing all of the change happening in your life, maybe what you really need is a nap. It’s OK if you need some time before you start unpacking your intense emotions. I think what’s important is that when you are feeling intense emotions that you find ways to make yourself feel safe.

However, when you are feeling strong, I highly suggest circling back around to the memory of those intense times, begin to review them and bring those painful memories to the Lord. For me, this alleviates a lot of my pain and allows the healing light of Jesus to come into those places so that the next time I’m feeling that way, it won’t have such a hold on me.

When we learn from our painful experiences, it makes us stronger and gives us the ability to be a strength for others when they are going through a similar experience. Our healing matters not just for ourselves, but for our community, too.

5. Find practical things that make you feel safe

What are some things that bring you comfort? Make a list of these things so that you are prepared for times of change and transition

Whether it’s prayer, worship, a bath, a glass of wine, talking to a friend, family member, going for a walk, etc. Make a list so that you have a place to go in your time of desperation.

As for me, I like to go for walks. It helps me clear my head and come back to my body. Sometimes watching a funny movie can actually help a lot – laughter is healing! I also really like to cook. If you are someone who has been feeling a loss of control in your life, try cooking or gardening! Both of those things have enriched my life so much.

The main takeaway here is just to have grace on yourself. Let yourself be right where you are and know that God has a plan for you. He will not let you down and He will not let you forget that you have a future.

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

You are chosen. You are loved and you are safe.

With love,

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FaithSpotlight

Embracing The Changing Seasons Of Life

by Lauren Koch
written by Lauren Koch

Transitioning through the changing seasons of life can be difficult. Often, the comfort of our present must shift to let the new in.  If you’re anything like me, you struggle to let things go. Change can be scary. It uproots what our life looks like and takes us into the unknown. It requires that we take intention with our hearts. Be encouraged: God’s grace leads in every step of the way.

Made to grow through the changing seasons

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

As followers of Jesus, we live from glory to glory. Knowing this, we can prepare our hearts to live anticipating transition, instead of clenching onto the past. God chooses your changing seasons, and is trustworthy to provide all that you need in them. He takes who you are and continually transforms your heart and mind to where they need to go.

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
For wisdom and might are His.
And He changes the times and the seasons;
He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding.” (Daniel 2:20-21)

Led by God’s grace 

God’s consistent foundation comforts us when change overwhelms our hearts. Resting in His arms is a promise. His eternal, unchanging nature goes on forever. Beautifully, we get the privilege of knowing the same heart of God in all seasons of life. His grace is sufficient to lead you when you can’t do it on your own. 

“The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

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overcoming change
Faith

When Everything Crumbles Around You, Do This

by John Mathai
written by John Mathai

We live in a world which is constantly changing. How do we survive in a world system where everything appears to be going against us? We must stay committed to what we believe in. The changes are challenges to where we stand in matters of faith and values. The Bible is a record of how the people of God wandered away from their God in times of change. They were an oppressed people living in an oppressed society. God was always with them and led them by a cloud by day and fire by night. Yet they chose to rebel and follow other gods. They killed the prophets who spoke for God. Are we entering the same period where only a remnant will keep to the faith?

In God We Trust

When troubles come our way do we turn from God or to Him? God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. We live in a fallen world and will be challenged daily on who we will choose to follow. We have to make a choice and stay current in our faith. If we give in to pressure from without then we will compromise and give in. This is the time when we need to live from within us. The Kingdom of God is within us. We need to rely on the resources within us to survive. Our God has made His residence within us and in Him there is abundant supply. No weapon formed against us can overcome us. We need to rely on His word and not on our circumstances. Every thing may appear against us but we can overcome because the overcomer lives in us.

Battle Ready

Imagine how an athlete trains daily to compete in the final race. We too need to train and be ready when the challenge comes. We cannot be caught sleeping because our enemy is like a roaring lion. He knows we are against him and therefore will be against us. We need to be vigilant and ready when he attacks. We will win in the end because Jesus won the battle on the Cross for us. Now we can depend on His victory on our behalf and not fear. We can choose to love and overcome every scheme of the enemy and prevail. Let us not give up but persevere to the end.

Dr. John Mathai

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