Tips for reading your Bible. (1) Read a little bit at a time. (2) Don't try to read from start to finish. (3) Understand the type of writing. If it's poetry, don't try to read massive amounts. Combine it with stories that read faster. (4) Start with an easy-to-read translation like the NLT or ESV. (5) Find a reading plan online and follow it.
How to forgive someone: (1) Acknowledge your part in what happened. (2) Understand what God has forgiven you from. (3) Choose to forgive. Tell God you forgave the person and ask Him to help you continue to forgive. (4) Treat the person like you forgave them, even if you don't feel like it. (5) Continue to choose forgiveness.
4 Ways To Strengthen Your Relationship With God: 1) Make prayer a priority: Prayer is simply having a conversation with God. He desires to be in communication with you. God is not looking for fancy wording. Just be real with Him. This is also an opportunity to give God thanks for what He’s doing in your life. 2) Develop a habit of reading the Bible: The Word of God is living and active. It strengthens us to stand against the hardships the world can bring. It’s another way that God speaks to us, and we get to know Him better. 3) Cultivate Godly friendships: Surrounding yourself with people who will give you Godly advice and point you back to Him is important. These friendships will help you draw closer to God. 4) Be a part of a local church: Find a church that is right for you. It’s an opportunity to be in community with other Christians and use your gifts to impact others.
How to talk about God with your unsaved friends. (1) Ask about things they're going through and offer to pray for them. (2) Frame your advice in terms of things you're learning at church. (3) Ask them what their experience with church is. Listen, don't try to defend. (4) Tag them in our social posts that speak to things they're dealing with. (5) Invite them to church when you sense an opportunity. (6) What are some things you've done to talk to your unsaved friends about Jesus?
What does God want from you? (1) Be fair and protect the innocent. (2) Show love and mercy to those who don't measure up. (3) Keep a humble heart toward God. (4) He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? - Micah 6:8
5 verses worth reading about 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) The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. - John 10:10 (3) Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? - Matthew 6:26-27 (4) When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. - Psalm 94:19 (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
Want to read the Bible more but don't know where to start? Here are some ideas. (1) Keep a Bible in the car. Arrive to work early and read a bit. (2) Get the Bible on audiobook and listen while driving. (3) Start with the Proverb of the day. If it's the 5th of the month, read Proverbs 5. (4) Start in the New Testament: Matthew. Sometimes the Old Testament can discourage new Bible readers.
The four types of friends you should have in your life: (1) Casual friends. People you hang out with and encourage. (2) Community friends. People who encourage you and lead you toward God. (3) Ministry friends. Friends who you want to make a positive impact on. (Be sure they don't make a negative impact on you.) (4) Transparent friends. Those closest to you who can call you out, speak truth in love, and know you 100%. (5) Choose your friends wisely. They will determine your future.
5 Scriptures to Help When You're Feeling Stressed: 1. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 | 2. Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Psalm 55:22 | 3. “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28 | 4. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9 | 5. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. - Isaiah 41:10
