Pizza Ranch Serves

Content provided by guest writer, Jenna Finkenhoefer 10 years ago, I was dealing with some very serious health issues, and going through a period where I felt like I just couldn’t catch a break. Bad news continued to pile up on top of bad news. I was festering in a pool of sadness and negativity that I couldn’t seem to find my way out of.

Yesterday we talked about the importance of community in our lives and one suggestion of how to actively seek community in our neighborhoods. We know that God created us live in community and do life with other believers. But what about God? Did you know that God lives in community?

One of the things I enjoy most about fellowshipping with other believers is worshipping through music and singing. The sound of our voices raised in honoring our creator and sovereign God is something that makes me long for heaven.

We are called to pray continually, or as some versions put it – pray without ceasing. But Paul's letter to the Thessalonians is not the only time we are instructed to pray; we see this command that all throughout scripture.

1 Corinthians 15:10 "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On…

Grateful

Today I'm thankful that we have direct access to go to Jesus anytime with our sins and receive the grace he offers.

Ephesians 1:18 – I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.

This Beatitude is another favorite that I have; it really helps me in times of need or when I'm feeling guilty about a particular sin in my life.

Yesterday I shared about catching ourselves in negative self-talk and talking to ourselves positively instead. One way to assess if our thoughts are positive or negative is to ask these 3 questions (from Jon Acuff in his book Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking)

Everyone experiences good seasons and difficult seasons in their life. It is a given when we are living in a fallen and sinful world that we will face times of hardship and struggle. I often find that when I am struggling and suffering, I am quick to turn all my attention inward. I am so preoccupied by myself and my struggles, I often forget to take time to engage with and encourage those around me.

Today we look at different Bible translations of this verse, Psalm 31:24. They are all saying to put your hope in the Lord, but with different words. I find this very interesting and hope you do too.