The Christian life is often filled with busyness. Activity after activity fills the calendars of churches and the agendas of our lives. More and more we gravitate toward doing, serving and doing some more. Even our times of prayer can veer off into busyness and distraction. Blinded by our many needs and requests, we may … Continue reading The Epidemic of Christian Busyness
Delighting in God Transforms Our Dreams and Desires (Verse Study Series)
Delight. Each of us experiences delight when the dreams and desires of our hearts are realized. Though these desires vary depending on the person, the desires of our hearts are precious to us nonetheless. We want to see our dreams realized. In Psalm 37:4, David writes, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the … Continue reading Delighting in God Transforms Our Dreams and Desires (Verse Study Series)
Must Read Christian Books in 2020
This year, I set a goal to read more books than the previous year, in which I didn’t make a goal at all. In all this reading, three titles have really stood out from the rest and I wanted to share them with you. I hope they will bless and benefit you as well. Here … Continue reading Must Read Christian Books in 2020
Bible Study Tips: Why You Need a Scripture Reading Plan
When we spend time with God, sometimes it seems so easy to get distracted. Other times, we feel like we just don’t know where to start. That’s where this next Bible study tip will help—if you apply it of course! 🙂 This week’s Bible study tip is about why we should choose a Bible reading … Continue reading Bible Study Tips: Why You Need a Scripture Reading Plan
Is This Conviction or Is It Condemnation?
In our walk with God, we will experience conviction from God when we sin as He lovingly leads us. However, we may also experience condemnation, which—for believers—does not come from God. Conviction and condemnation are sometimes difficult to differentiate. When we mistake condemnation for conviction, it can cause discouragement, shame and guilt to hinder our … Continue reading Is This Conviction or Is It Condemnation?
Secret Strength: The True Meaning of Philippians 4:13 (Verse Study Series)
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”Philippians 4:13 (ESV) Philippians 4:13 is a beloved verse for many believers. We see this Scripture on T-shirts and faith-related decor. We see it on framed art, bookmarks and Bible covers. However, though this verse may be well known and often quoted, it is often pulled … Continue reading Secret Strength: The True Meaning of Philippians 4:13 (Verse Study Series)
Using Evernote to Supercharge Your Bible Study Time (Bible Study Tips)
Have you ever heard of the app Evernote? Evernote is an app for capturing notes and ideas in print, voice and pictures, while keeping them organized and searchable. Evernote is an app that can supercharge your Bible study time! I've used Evernote for several years--ever since purchasing my own laptop in my college days. Back … Continue reading Using Evernote to Supercharge Your Bible Study Time (Bible Study Tips)
Prophetic Masquerade: Using God’s Word to Discern True and False Teaching (Book Review)
Prophetic Masquerade: Learn to Use the Word of God to Unmask the Wolves Among the Sheep is a book written by Kevin Kleint. This resourceful book uses God's Word to help us discern between true and false teachers/prophets and their messages. I have written about this topic before, highlighting a key element mentioned in the … Continue reading Prophetic Masquerade: Using God’s Word to Discern True and False Teaching (Book Review)
Is Self-Care Okay for Christians?
Last Updated: November 14, 2020 As a Christian, have you ever wondered if or when it's okay to practice self-care? Maybe you've asked: Is it selfish or sinful to practice self-care?Where is self-care in the Bible?How can I practice self-care as a Christian? Click the links above to skip down to a particular self-care section. … Continue reading Is Self-Care Okay for Christians?
What Does It Mean to Walk Worthy of the Lord? (Verse Study Series)
This is the first post in the Verse Study Series. Today we’re going to look at Ephesians 4:1-3. The letter to the Ephesians is a favorite of many believers. Written in approximately 60 A.D., Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus while imprisoned for the Gospel in Rome. His aim was to strengthen them and … Continue reading What Does It Mean to Walk Worthy of the Lord? (Verse Study Series)
Making Christ Known by Our Love in Action
“In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and … Continue reading Making Christ Known by Our Love in Action
What To Do When You’re Experiencing Burnout
Last Updated: September 21, 2020 Burnout. Have you ever experienced it? I have. I’ve actually been in such a season recently. If you’re in that season or concerned you are, keep reading for some helpful advice about preventing and overcoming burnout. None of us are immune to experiencing burnout. It can catch us off guard, … Continue reading What To Do When You’re Experiencing Burnout
Busy Day? Keep Your Quiet Time Simple (Bible Study Tips)
I recently decided to start two series on the IPFJ blog. Every other week you’ll find an article with either Bible Study Tips or a Verse Study. I hope to provide some tips to help you in studying God’s Word, and also look at verses in context with the aim to dismiss any wrong ways … Continue reading Busy Day? Keep Your Quiet Time Simple (Bible Study Tips)
Faith Not Feelings: Letting God’s Word Define Us
Like me, have you ever struggled with putting feeling over faith, over simply choosing to trust God and obey? Do you ever find yourself forgetting the truth of God’s Word in those moments, especially when times are hard or God seems absent? It isn’t easy, balancing our feelings along with our faith. God certainly made … Continue reading Faith Not Feelings: Letting God’s Word Define Us
Before Responding to Injustice: First, Seek God
Last Updated: September 21, 2020 How should we respond to injustice and issues facing our world? Speaking and taking action hastily can be harmful. Instead we want to seek God first for His solutions which are better than ours. We want to take action and speak as He leads. In our current world scenario of … Continue reading Before Responding to Injustice: First, Seek God