Everyone deals with stress in different ways. You may not deal with stress by eating but there could be something else that has a hold on you. Are you struggling to break free? It’s possible to find peace. Surrender that control and you can feel good about yourself again.

Take the next step:

Is your need to be loved controlling your life?
How to cope with change
Win the battle against stress

Take a look at your life. How would you describe it?

Contented? Rushed? Exciting? Stressful? Moving forward? Holding back? For many of us it’s all of the above at times. If stress dominates your life, you could be looking to move passed those situations. It’s hard to cope with stress when you can’t put the past behind you. In the Bible, it says that Jesus came to make all things new. What would your life look like if you could start over with a clean slate?

Are you ready to choose a different path?

Jesus came, and died, and rose again to wipe the slate clean. He was scourged, tormented, and finally nailed on the cross for humankind’s sins – this was all part of God’s plan to bring you and I back into relationship with him. God wants to be a part of your life … in fact, not just a part of your life, but wants you to live in full fellowship with Him. Is this the life for you?

God loves you and created you to know Him personally. He longs for you to have the kind of full life you were always meant to have. So why do people not experience this kind of life? People are lost and separated from God, so we cannot know Him personally or experience His love. Because of our sins, we justly deserve judgement. But God provided his Son, Jesus Christ, as the only provision for our sin. He died in our place, then he rose from the dead.

We must individually trust Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know God personally, receive forgiveness for our sins, and experience His love: “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12)

We trust God through faith. You can trust Christ right now by faith through prayer! (Prayer is just talking with God.) God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. The following is a suggested prayer:

Lord Jesus, I need you. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.

Does this prayer express the desire of your heart?

“Jesus once set a guilty woman free from her accusers by showing that the people who were judging her were just as guilty of sin as she was. “All right, stone her,” He said to the religious leaders who were ready with stones in hand, to deliver the judgment she indeed deserved. “But let those who have never sinned throw the first stones”” John 8:7, NLT

This incident shows us something very important about our purpose as Christians living in a world of sinners. Our job is not to throw judgment upon sinners, but to identify with them. The Pharisees and religious leaders were trying to separate themselves from this sinful woman they had found in the act of committing adultery. By judging her they were going to be able to feel much better about themselves. Jesus put a stop to their little charade by putting them in the same boat with the woman they were accusing. They were just as guilty.

It is so tempting to think, especially after being a Christian for a while and spending a lot of time around Christians, that you are better than other people. You start to separate yourself from sinners, forgetting it was your sin that brought you to Christ in the first place. I know this because I’m so good at it.

The gospel comes best from people who identify with the sins of others, because they have become so familiar with their own sin. It is noted in the account that as the self-righteous leaders were convicted by the presence of sin in their own lives, “they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest” (John 8:9 NLT). That makes sense. The oldest would be the ones most aware of their own sinfulness. There comes a time in your life when you can’t fool yourself anymore. There were probably a few young, arrogant idealists who hung on as long as possible, but even they had to finally give in to the truth about their own guilt.

The proliferation of both spoken and unspoken judgment found primarily within Christians, has forced many into the world, unarmed and without a known Christian friend and mutual sinner. We are constantly trying to separate ourselves from a world that Jesus wants us in. Not only that, He wants us to see our own sin and not make such a big fuss over everyone else’s. Our sin nature is our connection with our neighbor, our salvation is our hope, and the good news of the gospel is our message.

Sinners can spot a mile away the hypocrisy of proclaiming a gospel about the forgiveness of everyone’s sins but your own.

Question: Jesus preached more about hypocrisy than most other topics; do you see hypocrisy in the church (or yourself) and how can we (and you) start correcting this?

Sometimes, it’s okay to say ‘no’ when people ask you to do things. Jesus Himself sometimes respectfully refused when people demanded things from Him that were contrary to His mission:

* Brothers’ squabbling? Jesus hadn’t come to decide such things (Luke 12:14).
* Begging Jesus to stay in Capernaum? “We must go on to other towns as well” Jesus replies (Mark 1:38)
* Herod’s questions? “Jesus refused to answer” (Luke 23:9)
* Be our Earthly King? Jesus had bigger plans! (John 6:15)

Consider Romans 12:4-8. All of us are called to use our abilities to help our church. Some may have a gift in public speaking. Others may get weak in the knees at the very thought. We all have something to offer. Whether our talent is serving, teaching, encouraging, leadership, kindness, or whatever else, we should use that gift to the fullest in the service of God in His body, His church. But this does not mean that we have to say ‘yes’ every time we are asked to do something.

“All men think of themselves as kind of low level superheroes … when men are growing up reading about Batman, Spider – man, Superman, these aren’t fantasies, these are options.” (Jerry Seinfeld, I’m Telling You For the Last Time)

We are not superheroes. We don’t have to do it all. Sometimes we say ‘yes’ just to please the person asking. But we are called to do something, not everything, and we must aim to please God, not people. Consider what Paul said: “I am trying to please God. If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ’s servant” (Galatians 1:10). By agreeing to speak in public when the mere thought fills us with terror, not only are we ignoring God’s gifts, but we may be taking the opportunity away from someone who is truly gifted in this area.

Jesus was able to achieve His mission in only three short years because he focused on His mission. Perhaps if we do the same, by playing to our strengths, so too will our efforts be magnified a hundredfold. How we go about furthering our mission as a member of God’s body depends on our gifts. Let us refocus ourselves today on using the gifts that God has given us to the fullest. And remember, it’s OK to say no.

Question: Which unnecessary obligations do you have that are preventing you from serving God to the fullest of your ability?

Are you one of the 7 million? I was.

As families break up, teens suffer rejection and loneliness. Rejection causes us to replay negative experiences in our minds. Each time we hit rewind and replay the situation our depression deepens. It’s a vicious cycle and a spiritual battle. You and I need God to break any mindset that keeps us trapped in a negative place. But how?

During the time when I was healing from my parents divorce, a minister came up to me and said, “God tells me you are replaying the pain. Stop rehearsing it. Instead fill your heart and mind with what God’s Word says about you.” I knew he was right, so I did as he said. And that was the beginning of a greater liberty in my life. From that day forward, I made a conscious effort to let go of my bitterness.

Finding your place

There is a place of belonging for you beginning today and that place is close to the heart of God. You can experience healing. You can leave the pain of your past behind. You can move into the future, whole and complete in Christ. God did it for me, and He will do it for you.

Maybe your parents divorced, your dad or mom left, one of your parents passed away, or a brother or sister betrayed you. Maybe you have a parent who is serving in the military and you miss them. Perhaps your family is struggling with unemployment; your parent is laid off and out of work. Your parents’ home may have been foreclosed and you wonder when the fighting over money will end. Whatever the root of your rejection has been, you must hold onto hope. You can throw off bitterness and experience healing in your soul.

Habakkuk 3:16-19 shows us that God works in the bad times in our lives. The hard experiences we endure really do make us stronger. Romans 8:28 goes on to say that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)

Restoration is a process. Psalm 30:5 declares, “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” No matter how cutting the pain of darkness is, the light of day always breaks through it.

God goes before you and He is greater than your circumstances. He sees your past, present, and future. He gets you. He stands with arms open. His love can heal your deepest sorrow. He can lift the bitterness you feel and bring liberty that will cause your heart to sing again.

I understand people you love have hurt you. Just remember, you are not rejected and you are not alone. You have a place of shelter, a Heavenly Father, a Christian family, and an eternal home.

Six Rejection Breaking Keys that Show How You B-E-L-O-N-G

B – Begin Starting anything new can be hard. In fact, there’s not much good we can do in our own ability without the Lord. That’s why God wants to be your strength as you begin embracing Him (Psalm 46:1 and II Corinthians 12:9-10).

E – Embracing Here’s where you act upon your faith. To embrace is to accept and welcome God in your life (Acts 16:31 and Romans 5:1). You might ask, “But, how do I embrace God?” Well, you talk to Him just like you talk to your best friend. (At the end of this post, there’s an opportunity for you to experience God’s love through the power of prayer.)

L – Love’s I John 4:16 tells us that “God is love”. Is it possible for people like you and me to know Love’s open arms? You bet it is. Never forget, you are God’s favorite one.

O – Open arms Jesus died on the cross, but He also rose from the grave. We aren’t embracing a dead or made-up deity. Our God is alive. The Holy Spirit enables us to feel His presence and sense His open arms. When we call on the Lord Jesus, He hears us every time (Isaiah 58:9).

N – Never-ending

Isaiah 9:6-7 reassures us that God is forever. He isn’t going to walk out on us. Isaiah says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end” (NIV, emphasis added). Did you get that last part? The kingdom of God is never-ending (Psalm 16:8).

G – Grace Favor surrounds you when the God of love is with you. John 1:17 reminds us, “the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (NIV). God will transform your life with His grace. He is the lifter of your head. No more rejection, only acceptance in Him.

A Prayer

God can heal your broken heart. Are you ready to pray?

Lord, who is more powerful than you? Who is more able to restore than you? Not anyone! I empty my heart of the rejection I have experienced and I ask you for peace. Will you revive me again? Will you take away the pain?

I believe you will! I will not hang my head low in defeat; I choose in this holy moment to hold onto hope. I lift my head high, knowing that you have created me to be an individual, as unique as the snowflakes outside. Help me to forgive my family. I release my resentment. Bring purity to my life, restore the trust. Heal the brokenness and cause my heart to sing with new joy! Thank you for being my Heavenly Father and for welcoming me into your family and home. I am neither rejected, nor alone because I BELONG to you. I ask all these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God hears and answers, so expect His breakthrough in your life. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (NIV). God is going to do something mighty for you.

Has divorce touched your family? Read our resources to find hope:

Helping children cope with separation and divorce
Entering marriage as a child of divorce
Stopping the cycle of divorce

Related
How to have peace during hard times

Learn more about the Fruit of the Spirit with our life lesson on Galatians

“In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain” (Psalms 11:1).

A tame “caged” bird, such as a parrot, needs a lot of love and attention. In our home, Bubba, is a source of entertainment and joy. He needs interesting and new things to keep him entertained. He has a small perch which is portable, an outdoor play station, a small cage for transporting to the vet and a larger cage. Eventually he has to go back to his big cage (nest) for water and food. He also sleeps in “his nest” and it is a refuge for him.

Just as Bubba is comforted and fed in his nest, we as believers in Christ need the “water of the Word,” “the Bread of Life” and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Also, not attending worship and shunning fellowship, can cause us grief, guilt and all manner of things. When we stray from the Lord by sinning or dis-interest, life does not go well.

Psalm 121:2 reads: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

When the distractions of this world capture our minds and hearts God is always there to help. After all, He is our Maker and he knows us better than we know ourselves. There is no need to criticize ourselves as we are the “apple of His eye.” As soon as we repent and ask forgiveness, He forgives. Keeping sin-free is not a thing we can fully realize in this life, but keeping our eyes on Jesus will produce beautiful fruit in our lives and give us a place to “nest.”

Lord, help us all to remember to approach you when we want to flee to other sources for our needs.  Keep our hearts and minds fixed on you. In Jesus name, amen.

Questions: Where do you flee to as a source of comfort?

If you feel distant from God try our Life Lesson “Finding Freedom”

When I was eight, I was into gymnastics. I loved to tumble, do cartwheels and round-offs. There was one rule: not in the house. But our living room was long and inviting (despite the knick-knacks and figurines my mother had inherited). It was the perfect place to do three cartwheels in a row, especially on a rainy, cold day. So, at the dare of a neighborhood friend, I did – almost.

Into the second cartwheel my big toe whacked the coffee table. It hurt, a lot, but I wobbled and finished the third one, then limped off to my room. My toe throbbed but I fought back the tears. I longed to run to my mother and have her make it all better, but I knew if I did my bottom side would be throbbing as well when I told her how I hurt my toe.

When my mother came into my room I didn’t run to greet her and let her love on me. I pretended I was taking a nap. The rest of the day I feared she’d call me to come do something for her. When she called us to dinner, I didn’t want to go because I’d limp to the table and the questions would start.

When I didn’t come, Mom came to me.  The walls of guilt crumbled in her presence and I held onto her waist, blubbered through tears about my pain and confessed the whole thing. I told her how sorry I was, and cried for her to help me. She hugged me all the way to the emergency room.

That is how I picture God when I have sinned. He wants to love on me and forgive me, but I am the one who shrinks away not wanting to own up to what I have said, or done or thought which is not in line with His will. I am ashamed, and sorry. Even though I know He sent His Son to die on the cross for my sins, and perhaps because of that, my guilt prevents me from being in His presence. The longer I go without confession, the more the hurt inside me throbs. But eventually He comes to me. How will I receive Him?

Some people feel they can never go to God, so they try to hide the pain and guilt in other ways – drugs, alcohol, sex, theft, adrenaline rush extremes. But cheap thrills only mask the pain for awhile. No matter how far you think you have distanced yourself from your Heavenly Father who loves you, it is never farther than His hand can reach to hold onto yours and draw you near. Until you reach out to Him, He will seek you.

There may be consequences to your sin.  Mine was wearing orthopedic saddle oxfords all summer long until my broken toe healed while everyone else was swimming and romping barefoot through the grass. But, Mom never stopped loving me and was there to sympathize when the tears flowed. I expect nothing less from God. Neither should you.

Question: What pain are you hiding from God, and perhaps yourself? Will you go to Him with it?

Are you searching for a source of peace?  Take this study.

“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…” (Isaiah 61:1).

While at one of the most conservative schools in the nation, Texas A&M University, I served in the jail ministry. Every Sunday I would roll up my naive sleeves and drive downtown to lead a Women’s Bible Study.  Dressed in bright orange jumpsuits, slipper shoes, and Bible in tow these women would grace me with their presence.

One by one they would come and sit in plastic chairs that made a semi-circle in a concrete laid room with brick walls. The word that came to mind when looking at the decor was hopeless.   “Ladies, I would like to ask you to open your Bible to Isaiah 61:1. Would someone like to read it for us?”  Timidly, one woman who was fairly new to the class read the verse. Stumbling over a few of the words she finished reading.

“What does that mean to you?” I asked. Blank stares and hardened hearts seemed to fill the room, until one brave soul spoke up.  “Freedom means to me that I no longer have to live the street life–hooked on drugs, sex, and men. I can wake up with a sound mind and body knowing that I may be behind bars, but free in Jesus.”

Another woman said, “I am free from guilt of murdering someone.”   And with that transparency, I noticed a softness come over the women—one by one they began sharing with me how that Jesus is the change and freedom. Free from alcohol, lesbian relationships, pornography, and theft to name a few.   No one gasped–no one flickered a glare…not one. We knew that we were in the midst of breakthrough–where the power of God’s word intersected the lives of others to make them free.

Lady Liberty in New York could not even trump the freedom waved over this group of women this one Sunday morning.   Whether the jailhouse or the church house–Jesus wants to set you free. What areas of life do you desire freedom?

We try to convince ourselves that our areas of struggle are somehow better than the ones my ladies were experiencing. Are they really? Or just packaged more neatly? In God’s economy all of us are in need.   I glanced at the analog clock that reminded me of my childhood school days—it was time for our bible study to end. I left them with these words that are for us all–”You may be bound, but you are free.”

Questions: What areas of life do you desire freedom? How can you become free?

The guilt that a person naturally (and, usually, rightly) feels when they do something wrong is relieved through forgiveness. As philosopher Gregory Koukl says, “We don’t get rid of guilt through denial . We get rid of guilt through forgiveness.”

Do you ever struggle with forgiveness, for yourself or for others? If so, you’re welcome to contact us to talk.

Related reading:
Finding the Gift of Forgiveness
Get Rid of Guilt: Experience True Love & Forgiveness

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” Matthew 5:7, KJV

If you and I have a desire to imitate God, seldom do we accomplish that purpose more than in the practice of showing mercy.

God delights in nothing more than in the exercise of showing mercy. One of the clear prerequisites to real happiness is this display of genuine mercy. Surely God has given us the supreme example, by giving His only Son to die in our place. That is mercy beyond comprehension, beyond description.

The world speaks often of having someone at its mercy. In a very real sense, God has us at His mercy – but He chose to be merciful and make a way of escape for us. The decision to take that way is ours.

To the degree that we show mercy to the poor, the wretched, the guilty – to that degree we are like God. And if He keeps us here on earth to be conformed more and more to His image, how important it is that we trust Him – by His indwelling Holy Spirit – to make us merciful.

When we do something to glorify God, like giving a cup of cold water in His name, in obedience to His commandments, and with a desire that He should be honored, He will consider it as done unto Him and reward us accordingly.

The lesson is clear: the merciful shall obtain mercy. And who among us is not a candidate for more of God’s mercy?

Bible Reading: Luke 6:31-36

Today’s Action Point: Dear Lord, with Your great mercy as the supreme example, I resolve to allow your Holy Spirit to show mercy through me.

Ab0ut the Author: Bill Bright