"Why does God want us to be persistent in prayer? 1. God doesn’t want us to come to him like beggars. 2. It reminds us of our reliance on God. 3. It shows our trust in the fact that He will come through in His timing. 4. It reminds us who came through for us when the prayer is answered. 5. Remember: God wants a daily relationship with you. He’s not looking to be a divine genie. He’s looking to call you friend."
Verses to read as we prepare to recognize Good Friday, when Jesus gave up His life for our redemption. (1) Isaiah 53:5 (NIV): "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed." (2) Matthew 26:39 (NIV): "Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'" (3) Mark 15:39 (NIV): "And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, 'Surely this man was the Son of God!'" (4) Romans 5:8 (NIV): "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (5) 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV): "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds, you have been healed."
Here's something you need to remember today. (1) God has given you a perspective nobody else has. You'll see things others won't. (2) God has given you gifts nobody else has. You can do things others can't. (3) He did this because He has a mission for you. You're the one He's called to do it. (4) Don't get so busy with the rat race that you forget the calling God has on your life.
"Myths about anxiety. (1) You can just decide to stop worrying. (2) It means you don’t have faith. (3) Taking medication means you don’t trust God. (4) Truths: God cares about your anxiety. He cares about you. And He will work through counselors, medication, prayer, and faith to help you navigate the challenges of anxiety."
How to be brave today. (1) Remember God has a unique mission for you. It won't look like others' missions, so you don't have to be like them. (2) God has already equipped you for that mission. (3) God is for you, so nobody can be against you. (4) Love covers a multitude of mistakes. Even if you mess up in your bravery, if you're doing it in love, people will sense that love and forgive you quickly.
5 tips to get better at reading the Bible. (1) Set aside a specific time each day to read. (2) Choose a specific translation that you engage with best. (3) Read actively. Underline, write notes, and ask questions in the margins. (4) Seek study resources to help answer those questions. (5) Apply it to your life!
The things that show Jesus the most in your life. (It isn't that you pray before your meal or carry a Bible.) (1) Your response when things don't go your way. (2) Your ability to forgive those who wrong you. (3) The way you speak about others. (4) Your integrity when you think nobody notices (because people do).
5 verses for when you're dealing with anxiety. (1) 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. - Jeremiah 29:11 (2) 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. Isaiah 41:10 (3) I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. - Psalm 34:4 (4) The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. - Psalm 34:17 (5) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7
Why your job matters to God. (1) God doesn't make distinction between people who work at a church or who work at a regular job. (2) Work takes up almost half of your waking hours, and we're all called to be ministers. (3) Pastors mostly only influence other Christians. You have the chance to influence people who need to meet Jesus. (4) And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. - Colossians 3:23-24
