Participating in Bible study groups can make this a fun, enjoyable activity that you stick with over the long-term. What’s more, you’ll make plenty of like-minded friends with whom you can share the word of God. Jesus said in Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth shall pass away but My words shall not pass away. " And by reading the Bible, you make sure His words live on.
James 1:5 says that God wants to give you wisdom in abundance if you ask for it. Prayer can indeed be about anything, and regardless of what your prayer is about, God will answer you as He sees fit. Ask for advice, forgiveness, but also just drop in to say hello from time to time!
Part of this is up to interpretation. Does praising the Lord mean praying regularly to you? Singing? Talking about Him with others? All of these ideas are right! Praising him means living in His light – there’s no wrong way to do it. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. " Think about this: today is a day from the Lord – how uplifting and powerful is that? Realizing that makes it easier to turn every moment into a moment of praise.
Instead of acting out with anger or malice, turn the other cheek. When someone rubs you the wrong way, show them that you’re living in the light of Christ and taking the higher road. Forgive them for their sins as Jesus would do. Who knows? They may be inspired by your actions. The next time you’re beating yourself up over the tiniest thing, remember how perfect you are to Him. He would hate to see you treating yourself that way! Instead, concentrate on doing better next time, focusing on the future and not the past. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. " When you’re tempted otherwise, think of this simple yet beautiful sentiment.
Unfortunately, some Christians come off as arrogant, assuming their faith is better than others’. Remember that Jesus preached that we are all sons and daughters of God, and that everyone should be loved equally. Keeping this in mind will make it easier to be humble in His image.
Virtually every community has individuals that need a helping hand. And if you’re uncomfortable giving money, that’s fine – do you have some old clothes you don’t wear anymore? Could you bake a dish for a family you know, or give it to a homeless shelter? Could you make a craft to brighten someone’s day? Money isn’t the only route to happiness!
When you see people who are sick or in pain offer to pray for them and expect God to heal them You don’t have to do this directly (some people will not be receptive and view even the smallest comment as evangelizing); instead, you can attribute your happiness and success to the Lord. Simply embodying Him is spreading His power.
Be genuine about your doubts, too. It’s only if you open up about them that others can reinforce your belief, making it ultimately stronger.
In Corinthians it is said, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ” Don’t give tithes out of obligation – give them as a cheerful giver, knowing you’re doing your part.
Find out how you can help – there’s usually more help that needs to be done than there are hands. Do you have any special talents? Cooking? Playing the guitar? Sewing? Woodworking? Offer them up to your church. They’ll be able to make use of them somewhere!
As the Bible is often subject to interpretation, think about what His words mean to you. If we are all sons and daughters of the Lord, what would be best for all of us, men and women, black and white, young and old?
This “creative time” is good for you, too. It can help center you, relax you, and ultimately make you feel better about your situation. We all need to destress from time to time, and this may be the push you need to feel prepared to be a better Christian. Proverbs 22:29 states, “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men. “[3] X Research source Talk about an endorsement from the big guy upstairs!
Volunteer at a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or hospital. Work with neglected kids who need a mentor, organize your church’s next luncheon, or even walk a few dogs from the Humane Society! There are dozens of ways you can better your community in His name.
Experiment with other denominations, too. An orthodox Christian church could be a fascinating experience. However, don’t shy away from the other Abrahamic religions (Islam and Judaism) either – visiting a synagogue or mosque will also be a fruitful, enlightening experience. After all, we all share the same roots!
You’ve heard of Jesus, you’ve head of Martin Luther King, Jr. , but have you heard of George Whitefield, Dwight Moody, or William Carey? There are so many individuals who have stories that we can learn from and be inspired by. And all it takes now is the press of a few buttons!
As time goes on, flip back through the pages of your journal. You’ll likely be amazed at all the growth you’ve made! Take it with you wherever you go – you may find a quiet moment where you feel particularly reflective and having it at your side will be handy to record how you feel right then and there. Isaiah 40:8 – “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. " This doesn’t mean only the scripture, this can even be the word of God through you.
