Gathering with other believers to worship is a necessary spiritual discipline, but occasionally that time of worship can become routine. What are some ways to reengage your spirit and enhance the experience? 1. Pay attention to the lyrics. It’s easy to zone out during familiar songs. Instead, pay close attention to the words you’re singing, as if the song is a direct prayer to God. (Because it is.) 2. Make a friend. Don’t sit in the same old spot; find someone sitting alone and ask to sit near him or her. … [Read more...]
Child’s Play: Make a difference in a little one’s life
Me? A godmother? That’s what Andrea thought when Raina, a longtime friend, asked her to take this role in the life of young Bella. But there was no question that Andrea would say yes. She valued her friendship with Raina and was honored that despite their differences (from stage in life to location), she would be a big part of Raina’s daughter’s life. But as a singleton without children, being a godparent was unfamiliar territory. Perhaps you’ve also found yourself in a place of influence in a child’s … [Read more...]
Focusing on the Tough One
See that you don’t look down on one of these little ones, because I tell you that in heaven their angels continually view the face of My Father in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save the lost. What do you think? If a man has 100 sheep, and one of them goes astray, won’t he leave the 99 on the hillside and go and search for the stray? And if he finds it, I assure you: He rejoices over that sheep more than over the 99 that did not go astray. In the same way, it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of … [Read more...]
Get Real: Authentic accountability can change your life
Growing up, I knew everyone was watching me. Worse yet, I knew they wanted me to be a perfect kid. I was supposed to know the answers to all the questions, be at church whenever the doors were open, and personify God’s love in every waking moment of my life. All because my dad was the pastor. Living up to these expectations—even if unspoken—was exhausting. Even when I went to college, I lived under their heavy shadow. I was stuck in a mindset that I had to project the image of a perfect little Christian—or … [Read more...]
Show Mom Some Love
Mom stayed by your side through chicken pox and teenage tantrums. She deserves her holiday. But you don’t have to spend a lot; just invest some thoughtfulness. Get Personal. This Mother’s Day, show Mom your creative side (and put your digital camera to use) by snapping pics of the family for an album or scrapbook. She’ll be glad you did. Green Thumb. Don’t send flowers … again. Instead, send her a collection of seeds she can plant. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. And if possible, plant them … [Read more...]
Video: Differing Levels of Spiritual Maturity
In this month’s leader tip video, Jason Hayes answers the following question: “What if my small group/Bible study group has differing levels of spiritual maturity?” … [Read more...]
Give Me a Break
A young theologian named Philip Melancthon once announced to his mentor, Martin Luther, “Today, you and I shall discuss the governance of the universe.” Luther responded, “No. Today, you and I shall go fishing and leave the governance of the universe to God.” Luther lived the majority of his life in the midst of reformations, peasant revolts, excommunication, inquisitions, and translating the Bible into German. To state the obvious, he was busy. I don’t know if he realized he was writing church history … [Read more...]
What Makes Heaven “Heaven”?
“Then he showed me the river of living water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the broad street of the city. On both sides of the river was the tree of life bearing kinds of fruit, producing its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are for healing the nations, and there will no longer be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and His servants will serve Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. Night will no … [Read more...]
Don’t Be a “Sell Out” Or… Do?
Our culture has transformed the term “sell-out” into a negative quality. When musicians or actors submit themselves to the going trend, they are often coined as “selling out” to the popular crowd…often leaving behind the original attributes that gave them the credibility and appeal for which they are best known. But is “selling out” always a negative thing? Not in the game of baseball, and certainly not according to 2 Corinthians 8 & 9! “Selling out” is described in both instances as sacrificing one’s body for the good of all. This … [Read more...]
Q&A with Campus Minister Guy Chmieleski
Editor’s Note: Threads recently had the opportunity to chat with Guy Chmieleski, university minister at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, about his experience leading college students. Chmieleski received a B.A. from Bethel University, a M.A. in ministry from Palm Beach Atlantic, and a D.Min. from George Fox Evangelical Seminary. He and his wife, Heather, have three children. In addition to his ministry job, Chmieleski also wrote the Spring 2010 Collegiate Bible studies. Follow him online at … [Read more...]
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