# data[].attributes.body
Two friends and I have decided to pray for and message each member of the Bethany College EM group. This is not something to glorify ourselves but this is something that we've decided to do in order to glorify God through the encouragement of His people. It's so easy to forget how we can seek guidance from Him and His people.

Therefore, please don't stop posting because you think nobody is listening. We are listening and most importantly, so is God! GOD. The creator of heaven and earth, the highest heights, the lowest depths and even the intricacies in the flavors of food. HE is listening to YOU. That's absolutely amazing.

# data[].attributes.headline
"Wish we could turn back time to the good old days when our mama sang us to sleep but now we're stressed out."

# data[].attributes.subject
"Wish we could turn back time to the good old days when our mama sang us to sleep but now we're stressed out."

# data[].attributes.body
Sure I'm very familiar with failure, with disappointment, and the numerous other obstacles in life. But I'm certainly not used to feeling like a terrible child, having sudden tears fall because I may  lost sight of what's important? When problems feel so real and all I want is a real solution and the Bible and prayer don't feel tangible enough to provide the love and reassurance I crave. I've traveled too far and too deep into the realm of worldliness, where faith is nothing but a mere tightrope that you can hold onto only with your utmost concentration. When you don't have a brother or sister in Christ to turn to for both faith and worldly things, that's true loneliness. Because how is anyone else to understand the delicate struggles of a Christian college student?

# data[].attributes.body
I hope that our Bethany College kids live life to the fullest instead of hiding or running away from their fears. Rejections, disappointments, failures always happen if you stand for something. Yet I would rather have enemies and painful experiences than to stand for nothing and therefore experience nothing.

Don't be afraid to live your life to shine! Blending in with the rest of the people, not asking out that guy / girl because you're afraid of rejection, not having passionate hobbies, or thinking you're not good enough, that's nonsense. You're beautiful, each and every one of you, just the way you are.

This is non-negotiable: you were MADE in God's image. You are not worthless.

If any brother out there struggles with self-confidence and leadership, come to Uncle Junhee's lifegroup @church, 7pm every Friday (shameless self-advertising).

# data[].attributes.body
I have been lacking passion to love God. It's been an unusual journey

# data[].attributes.body
Our brothers and sisters left for Guatemala today and praise God - they got there safely. All of them are doing God's work in Guatemala so please pray for their well being and for blessings upon blessings. Thanks for reading. :)

# data[].attributes.body
Let me lay my cards out on the table for you all to see: There are moments, days, when I doubt God. I doubt his wisdom, I doubt his love, I even doubt his existence. There. Now you know. My faith is weak. Sometimes it seems non-existent. And my guess is that I’m not alone.

There are seasons when I wonder (sometimes out loud), “Where the heck are you?” “Why don’t you come down here and straighten this mess out?” “Why do I feel so alone?” Sometimes I’m tempted to think I’ve been completely cut off from him. “Sure, there might be a God somewhere, I’m just not sure he’s here with me.” And there are days when I can honestly say I don’t care if it’s all true or not. I’ve got too much to do.

All I can say is, it’s a really good thing that my salvation doesn’t depend on the strength of my faith because if salvation were dependent upon my being completely sure all the time of everything I say I believe when I’m in my right mind, then, I’m toast. Or in more theological terms: If my salvation depends on me at all, I am lost.

If you’ve been a Christian for more than two days, I’m sure you’ve discovered (and to your dismay) doubt in your own heart. Doubt is part of what it means to be human, to be weak, to walk by faith and not by sight and we all do it. Theologian Os Guinness confessed in his book, God in the Dark, “I am, therefore I doubt.” The question is not whether we doubt. We all doubt. The question is what we do with our doubt when we experience it. Sometimes we try to ignore our doubt. We hope that if we ignore it, like a headache, it will go away. Trust me, it won’t. There are other times when we try to shout it down. Those are the days when we’re obnoxiously Christian, getting up in everyone else’s face, trying to convince them of something that we’re having trouble believing ourselves. We think that if we say it long enough and loud enough, we’ll be able to convince ourselves. There are days when our doubt scares us and we wonder whether it means that God is disappointed with us. On those days when we hear others talking about how loving God is and then consider our doubt, we think he must be angry at us for not believing.

We doubters all need to hear some good news, don’t we? We need to hear that the Bible contains stories of doubters who were loved by God, even in their doubt. Think about Job and the writer of the Psalms. They were vocal about their doubts, weren’t they? Peter certainly doubted Christ’s love and power when around a campfire he swore, “I don’t know the man!” Even after the resurrection, Thomas said, “Nope, not believing it! I’ve got to see that it’s really him, got to see those wounded hands and side before I’ll go down that road again.” And yet, how did the Lord respond? He responded with grace and gentleness. “Here, Thomas. See. Touch. Feel.” Jesus wasn’t disappointed in Thomas’s doubt. He could deal gently with him because he had known doubt himself.

Wait . . . what? Jesus doubted? Yes, of course he did. When he cried out in agony on the cross, not only because of the physical pain he was experiencing but because, for the first time in his existence as a human being he was cut off from the Father he loved, he asked the question we’ve all asked, “Why have you forsaken me?” This question wasn’t rhetorical and he wasn’t just fulfilling prophecy. At that moment, in his humanity, he didn’t know where his God was. He doubted. And because of that, he is able to deal gently with us. He knows our weakness. He suffered just like we do. He knows what it is to crumble before the weight of all our sin and be exiled. And he prays for us now.

The humanity of Christ is the only truth that will comfort you when you doubt. He understands perfectly what it is like to be human. And he has promised that his weak faith, the way he prayed, “My God, my God,” is sufficient for you to be welcomed one day to the only place where we’ll finally be free of doubt. Thank God.

Do you doubt? Of course you do. But the man, Christ Jesus, believed in your place. So come to him. Don’t hide. Don’t pretend. Tell him. Ask for wisdom. He understands and he loves.

# data[].attributes.body
God has been showing me how He's using what I've been struggling with to further glorify His kingdom. I think it's amazing how He chooses to still speak to us, even though we are wicked and awful children. However, He still loves us and still wants us to know that He is there. I need prayer to just be faithful in every circumstance because God is still there. He is real, and He is life.

# data[].attributes.body
I don't have any motivation to seek after Him, the desire or the passion. Please pray that His word will speak to me and that I can fall in love with Jesus again.

# data[].attributes.body
With school right around the corner, please pray for me that I don't make any excuses to not spend time with God. I'm at the happiest I've been in a long time and I know it's because of QT. Please pray for me.

God bless

# data[].attributes.body
Beg Jesus: cry out to God for his mercy beyond your fears, walls, and reputations.

# data[].attributes.body
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Do not let this feeling left behind by the retreat go to waste! Use that feeling to create change within yourself for the better.

# data[].attributes.body
http://natepyle.com/confronting-the-lie-god-wont-give-you-more-than-you-can-handle/#sthash.PprfscLQ.OyO1niQW.dpbs

# data[].attributes.body
1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

# data[].attributes.body
Lately, I've just been so fed up with everything - especially christianity. I find no joy in God, nor any motivation to seek after him. It's hard to accept something intangible. I grew up in the "church" all my life, and I had faith, but I'm not sure where that faith went. How do we know that what we believe is real. What about those with good jobs and things just seem to go perfect for them - yet theyre unbelievers. Why does God bless them - over those who believe. I just want a simple carefree life without having to follow all these rules in the bible. There's so many do's and don'ts I'm so sick and tired of. And this is how I really feel. But I WANT to have that desire for God, knowing that there's more to life than posessions, grades, nice jobs. I'm so selfish, I don't want to help anyone and all I care about is myself. I'm very greedy. Please pray that I would have this change of heart.

# data[].attributes.body
It's crazy how God works in every situation. There is so much to be stressed out about, but through a simple whisper of prayer, God changes the entire situation. Praise the Lord, who brings peace and hope!

# data[].attributes.body
I want to drop everything I'm doing and run away. I feel apathetic to bible studies, sometimes I question what my purpose in life is. I wish God would give me more joy in life. I feel like I'm going to church out of obligation and routine, and if I stop attending it feels unbalanced because it's something I do every week.

# data[].attributes.body
I'm exhausted.

# data[].attributes.body
Life is so stressful and always full of surprises. However, with how busy our lives are/get/become, we forget that among all the chaotic events in our life- that you are constant and that you never change. So for whenever we feel troubled and our hearts are unrest, let us turn to you God. You are sweeter than honey and higher than the highest mountains. Let us never forget that even in our happiest times that we owe it all to you. Let us seek your word and your grace.

Amen.

# data[].attributes.body
just in case you needed a little pick me up and happened to stumble by this prayer wall :)

# data[].attributes.body
Pray for those planning and going on the retreat. That we would be able to get to know each other more and God would work in us.

# data[].attributes.body
Help us to seek your kingdom 1st in our lives. Help us to be hopeful and humble. Help us to love you by loving others.

# data[].attributes.body
Dear God,

I pray that you give each and every one of us the courage to follow our dreams. We don't give ourselves enough credit-that is to say, we don't give you enough credit to realize just how capable we really are when we abide with you. Give us the confidence we can only obtain from your Love, Grace, and Mercy. Let us be able to break out of our comfort zones to show the world what can really be accomplished through Christ.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen.

" I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." -Philippians 4:13

# data[].attributes.body
Prayers for those going to guatemala!

# data[].attributes.body
Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand

# data[].attributes.body
I don't know what it is but I can't stop thinking of terrible things that could happen to the ones I love... I feel like I'm being paranoid but my thoughts keep turning to my biggest fears. Could you pray for peace and calm in my heart and trust in God.

# data[].attributes.body
http://the-worship-project.tumblr.com/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Releasing new and creative expressions of worship throughout the earth.

# data[].attributes.body
Lately, I haven't been consistent in prayer or reading the word. I also stopped reaching out to the underclassmen because I couldn't make the time to reach out to them. I've been spending a lot of time working on work. Prayer that I can balance my spiritual and work life, and for me to finish this semester by spending it with my brothers and sisters in christ.

# data[].attributes.body
i don't know what to do, who to listen to, what i want, where i'm going, and who i am. i know my ultimate identity is in Christ, but the rest of the time, i feel amorphous, like an actor or a politician. people bring me their struggles, i don't know how to help them.

# data[].attributes.body
"Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give men in exchange for you,
and people in exchange for your life."

My prayer is that we could fully understand how valuable we are to Him and how much He wants us (even when we think we are not worthy of Him).

-Heather

# data[].attributes.body
feeling quite overwhelmed and frustrated with the amount of work I have to get done in the next two weeks. I can already feel myself starting to hit the mid-semester slump, so please pray that God will continue to strengthen me and provide me with wisdom to manage my time in a way that glorifies Him and not feel tempted to just sit back and let the days slip by. thank you!

-eunice

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Worship and praise song called "Here In My Life" featuring Darlene Zschech, worship leader from Hillsong Church. Hillsong Church (formerly Hills Christian Life Centre) is a Pentecostal Christian church affiliated with Australian Christian Churches, the Australian branch of the Assemblies of God denomination.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi Bethany Fam!

Just throwing out a prayer request for this week! I'm looking at all the work I have ahead of me for this week and I'm a bit overwhelmed...if you guys could pray for God to help me to persevere and focus on my studies this week in a manner that glorifies Him, I would really appreciate it! Thanks and have a great week :)

-Josh

# data[].attributes.body
Romans 8:6-12 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. my phone reminded me to read today's bible app verse of the day. today was the first time i ever received a reminder from my phone to open the app, but it came just in time. it's crazy how God speaks to us. His timing is truly perfect; it's unexplainable. let the Spirit of God lead us, not our flesh. remember that His mercies are new everyday, and He will forgive us if we repent before Him and follow His steps. take up the cross everyone and live a life that has purpose and meaning. let's follow Him!

# data[].attributes.body
Hi guys! I think it would be awesome if we could pray for our upcoming retreat! Let's pray for the leaders organizing the retreat, for our speaker, Pastor David, & for God to really open up our hearts more to Him! :)

-Josh

# data[].attributes.headline
“Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right.” -Max Lucado

# data[].attributes.subject
“Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right.” -Max Lucado

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It is a rare person who believes that everything would go as planned or as dreamed. They are rare because either they live in an unreal perception or they have yet to embrace personal disappointment or detours in their lives.

# data[].attributes.body
There seems to be a theme on some of the posts of brokenness and emptiness. It's a beautiful thing that as I read these posts, I can relate in similar ways and it just reminds me of how awesome it is that I can share these burdens with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. With that said, I encourage any of you struggling with a heavy heart to just talk to God. Have a conversation with Him and just share how you're feeling. Share the chains of discontent, want for control, and uncertainty with Him and He will not only carry those burdens with You, He'll break those very chains. It is only through Christ Himself that we can find redemption and can find that joy and freedom from the ways of this world. It might seem impossible now, but never forget that God is still dancing and singing and rejoicing around you.. even if you can't hear it just yet. There are people who love and are praying for you, and most importantly Christ Himself is protecting You. Keep on fighting the good fight and let go and let God!

# data[].attributes.body
I need to get something off my chest. I am struggling mightily in my relationship with God. Instead of going to God in prayer, I find myself on this prayer wall typing away. I don't even know where to start. I am at the dryest of dry spells in my walk. I have no desire to read the Word, to pray, to get back on the right track. I go through every single motion of my so called "christian" life: pray before each meal, listen to christian music, try not to cuss (at least not in front of other christians), and etc. I feel like a walking hypocrite as others know/perceive me to be a devout christian yet I couldn't be further from the LORD. I know what's happening....Im relying on my own strength, I'm dabbling in sin and constantly falling to temptation, I'm not reading the Word and honestly seeking Christ's help. I know that Jesus is the answer and that I need to focus on Him, but I honestly that truth doesn't seem to mean much. I dont mean to disrespect Christ and what He's done...Im just failing to see it apply to me and my situation right now. I dont even know what Im writing anymore. Im just a complete mess right now. please just pray for me

# data[].attributes.body
recently i have been struggling with my walk with God and just today one of the doors for my future shut on me. i always tell people its gonna be alright when they go through struggles. "God has bigger plans for you!" but this door that God shut on me was such a big one. all my hopes and dreams were just crushed. i really thought this was what God had intended me to do. i understand that God has bigger plans than i can ever imagine, but right now i cant imagine that. i really need prayer. i really do. pray for me. please.

# data[].attributes.body
Since coming to college, my heart has been so hungry for God. My heart breaks when I think about how little I am doing for Him. It makes me so frustrated and upset when I think about how I am living my life. I yearn to live only for God, but it seems so impossible. I can't tell if I'm living only for God because distractions and faulty intentions get in the way. I despise myself for not being able to fully surrender myself to Him. I seek Him, and I find Him, but I am never satisfied with how much I find Him. During class, I would much rather go read the bible to find out more about this God. I would much rather be doing a devotional, or read more about how to get to know Him more. I see others and I become jealous because they seem to know God more than I do.

# data[].attributes.body
It's not sad at all when we're in heaven. You see, we'll be with Christ. Some say we may not be able to recognize our family and friends here on earth once we're in heaven. However, the bible also says that we will recognize after death, just as abraham and lazarus were recognized after death. But once we're in heaven, we'll be like Jesus, we'll be with Him!! That's all that matters right? And as long as our family & friends are with Christ too.

# data[].attributes.body
Currently studying for an exam that I have on Tuesday that I am completely unprepared for (my fault for being in this situation). However, please pray that God helps me use the time between now and my exam to prepare effectively and that He is glorified in my effort! Also please pray that God gives me the strength& endurance to study during this time, especially without much sleep..I know for a fact that I can't do this without Him! Thank you to everyone reading this and praying! :)

-Josh

# data[].attributes.body
I'm really really confused as to what God wants me to do with my life. Everytime I think I find something right for me, that door gets shut in front of my face... i need some direction

# data[].attributes.body
My

# data[].attributes.body
it's kind of sad and weird how in heaven we'll be able to rejoice even if our friends or family ended up in hell. do we just not care for them anymore at that point?

# data[].attributes.body
I want to thank God even though I'm feeling like I couldn't possibly be more stressed. Amidst of all the typical things that a college student could be going through right now, I'm still thankful for my friends and the beautiful weather. Despite having cried over my family for the first time, I'm still thankful I have a family and a home. Although I sometimes don't remember what it's like to be happy, it's amazing that God will never let me forget that He loves me. Even when I have tried to doubt God in his timing or presence, I am always convinced again that God is perfect. He makes no mistakes. And everything will happen at the right place at the right time. Even when I get jealous of petty things, I'm reminded that I have Jesus. Don't ask me from where I get my confidence in all of this. I honestly couldn't tell you. If I simply said, "faith" many people still ask "how do you know?" But faith is the only answer I can give you. I just know there's a heaven out there and for me, it's only a matter of waiting patiently for my time to leave this world. Death doesn't scare me. I would love be in heaven rather than be stuck here on earth, who wouldn't? But I feel that God hasn't finished with me yet, that I haven't filled my purpose yet. So I can't leave yet either, because God's timing is perfect right?

So I guess my only prayer request is that God will truly use me in a way that will make my life spent here worthwhile. That as much as I feel worthless sometimes, at the end of the day, I'll have made some positive difference to the world.

Anyone know of the butterfly effect? If one extra hug, smile, greeting, kind act, no matter how small, can change the whole course of the future, then I'll do it, gladly.

It's wonderful how I went from stress to hope in the matter of one post. I attribute that to Psychology, which ultimately, I thank God for.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The term, coined by Edward Lorenz, is derived from the metaphorical example of the details of a tornado (the exact time of formation, the exact path taken) being influenced by minor perturbations such as the flapping of the wings of a distant butterfly several weeks earlier.

# data[].attributes.body
Been struggling recently with depression. Please pray that I spend more time alone with Christ and that I find my self-worth & joy in Him alone.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
So you're in a small group.

Or maybe you're thinking about joining one.

While every group may be a little different - with different individuals, different objectives and a different feel - your experience with your small group has a lot to do with you.

Here are six ways to get more out of your small group:

1. Choose the right group. Having recently moved to a new town, Brandy wanted to get more connected with her church by joining a small group. So she submitted her name and information to the small group coordinator. When Brandy received her small group assignment, she had been placed in a group composed of couples in their 50s and 60s.

"I have nothing against intergenerational groups," Brandy says, "But my goal in joining a small group was to build community with those who were in my same stage of life."

Because Brandy knew what she wanted, she spoke with the small group coordinator and was reassigned to a group of people in her same life stage. She's been faithfully attending for a year and looks forward to group each week.

Before you join a small group, decide what you hope to get out of it. Are you looking for community? Outreach opportunities? Bible study? Accountability with members of the same gender? Mentorship?

Speak with the leaders of potential groups to find out if the group has the elements you're looking for.

In " Will Your New Small Group Survive Past Valentine's Day? " one small group leader describes the choosing process this way:

Every group has its own ethos and vibe, so we welcome people to visit a couple of groups before they decide on the one to join. We let them know that they may visit a great group of people, but feel like they simply don't fit and that's alright. However, once a person decides on a group we ask them to strongly engage and consistently attend.

2. Be transparent. Small groups are only transformational when people can be real and authentic with one another, especially about their struggles.

In his article, " Confessing 'Safe Sins,'" Jon Acuff introduces the concept of giving the gift of going second:

When you go first, you give everyone in your church or your community or your small group or your blog, the gift of going second.

It's so much harder to be first. No one knows what's off limits yet and you're setting the boundaries with your words. You're throwing yourself on the honesty grenade and taking whatever fall out that comes with it. Going second is so much easier. And the ease only grows exponentially as people continue to share.

Being willing to be the first to answer a question or share your "ugly side" with the people in your small group gives them permission to be real - good, bad or ugly. Go ahead, be the first.

3. Pay attention. I remember often feeling distracted during small group. My mind would wander to the stresses of the day or all I had to do that week. Sometimes when it came time to mingle over brownies and lemonade, I didn't remember a ton about what we had discussed.

A friend of mine takes a notebook to small group each week and writes down people's prayer requests.

"People are more willing to share when they know someone is truly paying attention," she says. "Plus, it's a great way to remember when someone is having surgery or going on vacation."

4. Hang out outside of group. My favorite and most long-lasting small group was a group of friends from my church that got together to do improv comedy.

Each week we would share a meal, practice improv and then spend some time praying for each other's needs. Along with our weekly practices, we often got together outside of group to eat out, take a day trip or go for a hike. It wasn't an official church small group, but the family-like community and life-giving conversation I experienced there encouraged me spiritually.

The church small groups I've attended that have fostered a similar camaraderie have been the most influential in my life, because of the relationships.

In " Five Essentials for Small Group Health," Randall Neighbors emphasizes that relationships must be a priority:

Holistic small groups can only work when relationships between group members are considered number one. And that means having regular contact outside of meetings. I've experienced a vast majority of the transformation in my life through a small group experience, and it happened because of this principle. The groups have been very intimate friends of mine with whom I can share transparently.

If this isn't your group's strong suit, you may need to be the one to invite people over for a meal or arrange to go play mini-golf together. You may also want to take the initiative to get to know some of your group members individually by meeting for coffee.

5. Remember it's not all about you. While it's helpful to be choosy when selecting a small group, once you've joined one, your focus shouldn't primarily be on how the group can satisfy your needs.

The pastor of small groups at my church writes on his blog:

You and I may join a small group for personal reasons and desires, but the ultimate purpose just might not have anything to do with our spiritual goals or purposes.

Small group life is genuinely more about others than it is about self. That's why I love Dietrich Bonhoeffer's quote from his classic book Life Together, 'The Christian needs another Christian who speaks God's Word to him. He needs him again and again when he becomes uncertain and discouraged...The Christ in his own heart is weaker than the Christ in the word of his brother.'

6. Go. If you are in a small group, at some point you will feel completely exhausted the night your group meets. Go anyway. You will also likely have the greatest last-minute opportunity arise on that night. Go anyway. Additionally, the finale of your favorite TV show will, you guessed it, be on that night. Go anyway.

You will only get as much out of your small group as you put into it. Making your small group a priority allows you to truly invest in community. Plus, you honor fellow members by valuing them enough to show up ... every time.

So, get more out of your small group. Better yet, give more. You'll be glad you did.

Copyright 2013 Suzanne Hadley Gosselin. All rights reserved.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
6 Ways to Get More Out of Your Small Group - Boundless

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
So you're in a small group. Or maybe you're thinking about joining one. While every group may be a little different - with different individuals, different objectives and a different feel - your experience with your small group has a lot to do with you.

# data[].attributes.body
One of my friends graduated from my school last year and went to upenn for grad school....erm..I just heard that she committed suicide and its quite shocking for me because she's one of the most sweetest and happiest girls I know. Even though I haven't known her for too long, I learned a lot about life and school from her when I got to spend time with her last summer. I'm just completely shocked at how something like this could happen to someone like her. Prayer request that God would watch over her family & everyone impacted by her.

And a reminder to keep your loved ones close & cherish each and every day.

Also, to B E H A P P Y.

peace ya'll.

# data[].attributes.body
Prayer request for God to plant seeds into the hearts of our ministry.

# data[].attributes.body
-A heart that yearns for what He desires
-God's confirmation and direction
-Our trust in Him and His ways

I know these are rather vague prayer concerns, but I think these are things we all can ask God to answer in our lives, especially as college students.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Image: Santi Villamarín / Flickr

I've never had to convince anyone that joy is good, but sorrow is a tougher sell. Sometimes we Christians describe a life following Jesus as something straight out of the pages of a pretty magazine. The house is beautiful, the kids have clean faces and matching socks, the refrigerator is full. We confuse the favor of God with the benefits of living in a blessed country during an era of relative prosperity. However, the words of Jesus himself in John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble," defy the idea of a picture-perfect existence in our preeternal world.

The Bible doesn't run from sorrow, but rather encourages us to see it as one of the blessings born on the battlefield. I have experienced at least three distinctly beautiful benefits from sorrow.
1) Sorrow connects us to the comfort of God's presence.
The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus's most extensive monologue, and is the best foundation we have on which to build a theology about the blessing and favor of God. In it, he mentions eight specific "blessings," including poverty, hunger, and persecution. One has grown near and dear to my heart: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" ( Matthew 5:4).

I realize that comfort seems like a cheap consolation prize for mourning. It's like, "Blessed are those who break their arm, for they shall get a shiny new cast!" This promise, however, is so much bigger and better than that.

Read more articles that highlight writing by Christian women at ChristianityToday.com/Women

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Image: Santi Villamarín / Flickr I've never had to convince anyone that joy is good, but sorrow is a tougher sell. Sometimes we Christians describe a life following Jesus as something straight out of the pages of a pretty magazine. The house is beautiful, the kids have clean faces and matching socks, the refrigerator is full.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In each of these sections one item could be added that I have not listed, namely, How do you handle and live with differences? How do you decide what can remain differences without jeopardizing the relationship? So as you deal with each subheading, include that in the discussion.

Theology

What do you believe about . . . everything?

Perhaps read through the Desiring God Affirmation of Faith to see what you each believe about various biblical doctrines.

Discover how you form your views. What is the reasoning-believing process? How do you handle the Bible?

Worship and Devotion

"What would our family devotions look like? Who leads out in this?"

How important is corporate worship? Other participation in church life?

How important is it to be part of a small accountability/support group?

What is the importance of music in life and worship?

What are your daily personal devotional practices? (Prayer, reading, meditation, memorization)

What would our family devotions look like? Who leads out in this?

Are we doing this now in an appropriate way: praying together about our lives and future, reading the Bible together?

Husband and Wife

What is the meaning of headship and submission in the Bible and in our marriage?

What are expectations about situations where one of us might be alone with someone of the opposite sex?

How are tasks shared in the home: cleaning, cooking, washing dishes, yard work, car upkeep, repairs, shopping for food, and household stuff?

What are the expectations for togetherness?

What is an ideal non-special evening?

How do you understand who initiates sex and how often?

Who does the checkbook - or are there two?

Children

Should we have children? If so, when? Why?

How many?

How far apart?

Would we consider adoption?

What are the standards of behavior?

What are the appropriate ways to discipline them? How many strikes before they're . . . whatever?

What are the expectations of time spent with them and when they go to bed?

What signs of affection will you show them?

What about school? Home school? Christian school? Public school?

Lifestyle

Own a home or not? Why?

What kind of neighborhood? Why?

How many cars? New? Used?

View of money in general. How much to the church?

How do you make money decisions?

Where will you buy clothes: Department store? Thrift store? In between? Why?

Entertainment

"How much money should we spend on entertainment?"

How much money should we spend on entertainment?

How often should we eat out? Where?

What kind of vacations are appropriate and helpful for us?

How many toys? Snowmobile, boat, cabin?

Should we have a television? Where? What is fitting to watch? How much?

What are the criteria for movies and theater? What will our guidelines be for the kids?

Conflict

What makes you angry?

How do you handle your frustration or anger?

Who should bring up an issue that is bothersome?

What if we disagree both about what should be done and whether it is serious?

Will we go to bed angry at each other?

What is our view of getting help from friends or counselors?

Work

Who is the main breadwinner?

Should the wife work outside the home? Before kids? With kids at home? After kids?

What are your views of daycare for children?

What determines where we will locate? Job? Whose job? Church? Family?

Friends

Is it good to do things with friends but without spouse?

What will we do if one of us really likes to hang out with so and so and the other doesn't?

Health and Sickness

"How do you think about exercise and healthy eating?"

Do you have, or have you had any, sicknesses or physical problems that could affect our relationship? (Allergies, cancer, eating disorders, venereal disease, etc.)

Do you believe in divine healing, and how would prayer relate to medical attention?

How do you think about exercise and healthy eating?

Do you have any habits that adversely affect health?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Questions to Ask When Preparing for Marriage

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In each of these sections one item could be added that I have not listed, namely, How do you handle and live with differences? How do you decide what can remain differences without jeopardizing the relationship? So as you deal with each subheading, include that in the discussion.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
40 Day Bible Challenge | 700 people give up reading the Bible every day. Here's what we're doing about it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
700 people give up reading the Bible every day. Here's what we're doing about it.

# data[].attributes.body
Prayer for those entering college, leaving college, embarking on new journey's

Prayer for future life group leaders and officers, who have hopefully will start if not already begun their preparation for the upcoming year. Let their mind and thoughts remain clean and righteous before God.

Prayer for seeds to be planted, faith to be challenged and strengthened

Prayer for our ministry to become one, to pray for one another, to challenge one another and grow in different areas

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
My husband and I were once with a youth group. There were three kids sitting across from us at a meal: two guys and a girl. The one guy was a computer geek with glasses. The other one was a college student with slightly cooler hair and no glasses. The girl was obviously with him. But while the computer geek was busy serving everyone at the meal, clearing plates and garbage, the college student got angry with the girl for a small accident and poured red juice over her leather jacket and white shirt. She picked the wrong guy, and the juice didn't seem to change her mind. She is in for some grief if that relationship continues and especially if it leads to marriage.

So to all the young, unmarried Christian girls out there, listen up: who you marry matters. You might think that the way he treats you isn't so bad. It's not going to get better after the wedding. You might think that he'll change. It's possible, but most don't. You might think that you'll be able to minister to him and help him. Possibly, but if you can't now, you won't then, and you will be at risk yourself. A husband should lead and cherish you, not need your counsel for basic personality or behavior issues.

Unless someone married is very frank with you, you can't understand how much a husband will impact your entire life. Next to salvation there is no other long term event that will change so many areas of your life so deeply. Here are just some of the ways that marriage will impact every aspect of living.

1. It will impact you spiritually. If the guy is not a believer, you can stop right there. You have no business yoking a redeemed soul with an unregenerate one, even if he seems open to change. Christ has bought you with a price and it is not an option to give away that blood bought heart to someone who doesn't know and love your Lord. It will cripple your spiritual development, open up a host of temptations, stifle your prayer life, make regular church going difficult, and cause massive parenting conflict if you have children.

If the guy is a believer, is he a strong one? Will he lead you in prayer, Bible reading, family devotions, and public worship? Or will you be on your own? Is he going to make spiritual growth a priority or do other things come first? Is he going to ask you how it's going with your soul so he can help you grow in holiness and love for Christ, or will he leave that to your pastor? Is he going to lead the children in this, or will you have to spearhead that? In church, is he going to help the kids sit well, pray, find the hymn, or will you be the one pointing out what is happening next and helping the family keep up? Many women have married spiritually immature men, thinking that it wasn't a big issue, or that the man would change, and they were wrong. They bear the scars.

The health of your eternity is at stake. Think carefully.

2. It will impact you emotionally. Is the guy you're thinking of going to encourage you, love you, be kind to you, and seek to understand you, or will he want to go out with the guys when you're having a hard night? Will he listen when you are struggling with something or will he be preoccupied with a video game? Is he going to be annoyed when you cry or will he get you Kleenex and give you a hug? Is he going to understand that you are probably more tender than he is, more sensitive to issues and comments, or is he regularly going to run rough shod over your feelings? One woman was struggling to breastfeed her new baby, believing that that was the best thing for her, but it was very difficult. Instead of giving support and encouragement, the husband would make mooing sounds whenever he saw his wife working at it. We have to get rid of princess complexes, but we do have emotional needs. Any guy who is uncaring about your feelings and self esteem is selfish and should be left alone.

Be careful - a husband can cripple or foster emotional health.

3. It will impact you physically. Is the guy you're with going to provide for your basic needs? Will he be able to shelter, clothe and feed you? At one point in our marriage, I was worried that there was no employment opportunity. My husband assured me that he would work at McDonalds, dig ditches, clean up roadkill - whatever it took to provide for the family, regardless of his gifts and training. That's the kind of attitude you want. A man who doesn't provide for his household is worse than an infidel (I Tim. 5:8). You might have to help ease the financial burden, but unless your husband is disabled or there is another unusual circumstance, you shouldn't have to carry it yourself.

Will the man you are with care for your body or abuse it? If he gives you little smacks, kicks, etc. when you're dating, get away. It's almost guaranteed that he will abuse you after marriage, and stats show that's especially true when you are pregnant. Is he going to care for and protect your body or will he hurt it? There are women in churches across America who thought it was no big deal to have little (sort of friendly) punches or slaps from their boyfriends, but who are covering up the bruises from their husbands.

Will the man you are with care for you sexually? Is he going to honour the marriage bed in physical and mental faithfulness to you or will he flirt, feed his porn addiction, or even leave you for another woman? You can't always predict these issues, but if the seeds or practices are already there, watch out. I recently saw a newly married couple and the husband was flirting openly with another woman. Unless something drastic happens, that marriage is headed for disaster.

Is he going to be tender and gentle to you in bed? An unbelieving co-worker once told my sister that after her first sexual encounter, she had trouble walking for a few days because her boyfriend was so rough. In other words, he wasn't selfless enough to care for the body of the woman he said he loved.

Watch out. Your body needs care and protection.

4. It will impact you mentally. Is the man that you're thinking of going to be a source of worry or will he help you deal with your worries? Is he going to encourage your intellectual development, or will he neglect it? Is he going to value your opinions and listen to what you are thinking, or will he disregard your thoughts? Is he going to help you manage stress so that your mind is not burdened that way, or is he going to let you struggle through issues alone? Is he going to care for you and be thoughtful of you if you are experiencing mental strain, or will he ignore it? I know of a woman who could handle pregnancy and child birth very well physically but postpartum depression took a huge toll on her mind. The husband overlooked it, continuing to have more children, until his wife ended up in a mental institution.

You might think that the intellectual or mental side of a marriage is small. It's bigger than you think. Consider it seriously.

5. It will impact you relationally. How's your relationship with your mother? Your dad? Do you love them? Does your boyfriend? Fast forward ten years: you tell your husband that your mother is coming for the weekend. Is he excited? Disappointed? Angry? Making snide jokes with his friends? Of course, a husband should come first in your priority of relationships, as you both leave father and mother and cleave to one another. But parents are still a big part of the picture. Whatever negative feelings he has about your parents now will probably be amplified after marriage. Your marriage will either strengthen or damage - even destroy - your relationship with your parents. The people who know you best and love you most right now could be cut out of the picture by a husband who hates them.

It's the same with sisters and friends. Will they be welcomed, at reasonable times, in your home? Will the guy who you're with encourage healthy relationships with other women, or will he be jealous of normal, biblical friendships? Will he help you mentor younger women and be thankful when older women mentor you, or will he belittle that?

Don't sacrifice many good relationships for the sake of one guy who can't value the people who love you.

So how will your boyfriend do after the vows? Because this is just a sampling of the ways that a husband can bless or curse his wife. The effects are far reaching, long lasting, and either wonderful or difficult. True, there are no perfect men out there. But there are great ones. And it's better to be single for life than to marry someone who will make your life a burden. Singleness can be great. Marriage to the wrong person is a nightmare. I've been in a church parking lot where the pastor had to call the police to protect a wife from a husband who was trying to stop her from worshiping and being with her family. It's ugly. Don't be so desperate to get married that your marriage is a grief. If you are in an unhappy marriage, there are ways to get help. But if you're not married, don't put yourself in that situation. Don't marry someone whose leadership you can't follow. Don't marry someone who is not seeking to love you as Christ loved the church. Marry someone who knows and demonstrates the love of Christ.
Update: this blog post has been expanded into a book, Your Future Other Half: It Matters Whom You Marry. Released March, 2014 by Christian Focus Publications, you can purchase it there, as well as on Amazon, and at Reformation Heritage Books for a very good price.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
My husband and I were once with a youth group. There were three kids sitting across from us at a meal: two guys and a girl. The one guy was a computer geek with glasses. The other one was a college...

# data[].attributes.body
just pray. It’s a cliche answer, but I know your heart is really big and once you pray, you will realize how many things you care about. And then you will recognize the importance of those things in your life and it will bring you joy.

# data[].attributes.body
"When that day comes, will the Lord say to you “well done” or will he say “medium rare”?"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
"Man, I need to call Ben," I thought out loud.

"Oh, yeah well ... he hasn't been at church the past couple weeks, and he hasn't come to hang out with the singles group," Josh said.

"Wait, seriously? Ben?"

"Yeah."

I was used to people missing out on events, but not Ben.

No one had seen or heard from him in weeks. I'd just come back from vacation, and the weeks before that were filled with final exams and Christmas parties. I was trying to get my bearings again and catch up with how people in the small group I led were doing.

He came to church the last Sunday in December. I didn't get a chance to really talk to him, but he seemed fine. Just some issues he was dealing with. Family problems. I figured it was just the holidays and that he'd be back to normal soon.

That Sunday was the last time I saw him for five months.

He stopped coming to church, to the singles group, to our small group. He stopped returning phone calls. He stopped replying to emails.

* * *

The fall semester before he left I saw Ben almost every day at school. We'd meet in the music lounge - a long room with old furniture and soda machines that only occasionally worked. We'd do things like run around the music building looking for a dark empty room so we could see if Lifesavers really did make sparks if you chomped on them. (They do.)

Ben read voraciously, and I could barely keep up with him. In the music lounge, where most other students were joking about sex and drinking, Ben and I laughed loudly at stupid theological humor. We talked about what we were learning, what we wanted to read. I could always count on him to help with our small group or at church. Ben felt like a brother.

As the semester wore on we saw each other less, but only because we were studying more. And then ... he just left. I couldn't imagine what had happened.

* * *

Ben says it felt like he woke up one morning and didn't want anything to do with God.

He didn't want to read his Bible. He didn't want to go to church. It all felt empty.

I'd find out later that, at the time, Ben was beginning to have doubts, small ones at first, about what our church believed. The doubts grew as he questioned more and more, even questioning God. Then he became distrustful of the people around him, even people trying to help him. He knew what he was supposed to believe but didn't want to anymore. But he didn't tell anyone.

His Bible started collecting dust on the shelf. The doubts grew. Sin began to creep in. Then he woke up one day and didn't want anything to do with God.

Part of me was angry at Ben. I knew that I'd never do that. I thought I couldn't understand what Ben was going through.

Until it started happening to me.

* * *

It started small, just like with Ben.

I was facing some major life decisions. In the process I got frustrated with God when I felt like He wasn't giving me answers. And I had a lot of sin to deal with. It was a hard time. I felt disconnected. I knew what I was supposed to do but didn't feel like it. I knew what I was supposed to think or feel or the Bible verse I was supposed to read, but I didn't feel like doing it.

I spent less time in God's Word and more time in my own head. I was trying to figure out all the situations in my life. Subtly I started questioning God's goodness, His sovereignty, His love. I thought, There's no way I can bring this up without looking stupid. But I started keeping my thoughts to myself instead of telling those around me.

My Bible started collecting dust on the shelf. My doubts grew. Sin began to creep in.

Then I woke up one morning and realized I didn't want to have a quiet time.

Usually it was just that I didn't feel like it or that I was tired. But this was different. I actively didn't want to spend time with God. I didn't want to hear from God. I felt lost, confused, upside down. The way Ben had disappeared didn't seem like such a bad idea.

* * *

"But God...."

Two of my favorite words in Scripture are "But God...."

Paul confessed that we "lived in the passions of our flesh" and that we were "by nature children of wrath.... But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ" ( Ephesians 2:4-5). That's my life. I sin and would keep sinning. But God stops me.

God helped me realize what was happening: I was drifting.

Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick; who can understand it?" Even though I was a Christian I knew that I was still a sinner. I didn't want to hear what God had to say. I was wrapped up in myself, and I was giving up God's truth for lies in my own head, because they were more flattering to me, not as harsh. I saw that I couldn't trust all my thoughts. I couldn't assume I was thinking rightly because my sin twists my thoughts from truth to lies.

I realized that the problem was that I was full of subjective and quickly changing feelings instead of being rooted in God's Word. I'd learned from author C.J. Mahaney that

When we look inward we live by the subjective, the temporal, the ever-changing, the unreliable, the likely-to-be-false. When we look outward, to the gospel, we live by the objective, the never changing, that which is perfectly reliable and always completely true.C.J. Mahaney, p 51, The Cross Centered Life, Multnomah: Sisters, OR 2002.

More than anything, I needed to ground my thoughts in God's Word to see things the way God saw them, as they really were.

By God's grace I knew what I most needed. I needed to think rightly about God again.

I needed the Bible I didn't want to read.

Psalm 119 says that God's Word keeps us from wandering ( 10), from sin ( 11), it strengthens us ( 28), it "gives light" ( 130), and "imparts understanding" ( 130). And God is fully aware of my tendency to drift away from truth. When God gives the law to Israel He tells them to write it on their hearts, to talk of it constantly, to go to extremes to remember God's words ( Deuteronomy 6:6-9). That sounded like the kind of action I needed. So when I was starting to drift, I had to fight.

* * *

BEEP. BEEP.

Rubbing my eyes with one hand I fumbled for the source of the sound.

The clock read 6:30 a.m.

BEEP. BEEP.

I found the snooze button, hit it and rolled over.

That's when the fight started. I knew I could keep hitting the snooze for another hour if I wanted to and still make it to school on time. But that meant I wouldn't spend time with God that day.

There were days I got up and days I didn't. Even when I got up I didn't always feel like reading God's Word. But I remember more than once rolling out of bed, shaking myself and reading Psalm 119:35-37:

Lead me in the path of your commandments

for I delight in it.

Incline my heart to your testimonies,

and not to selfish gain

Turn my eyes from worthless things

and give me life in your ways.

Those verses comforted my soul. Even David needed God to "lead" him, to "incline" his heart, to "turn his eyes." I just wanted to stay awake and get something out of my time with God. And the amazing thing was that most days, when I begged God to help me, to turn my affections toward Him, He met me.

And He didn't leave me alone.

I spent time with other Christians. I went to church, to our singles meetings. I hung out with Christians during the week that knew me and would ask me how I was doing spiritually. Funny, how they could so easily see my wrong thinking while I was so blinded. My Christian life was still a fight but a fight I knew I was fighting alongside others.

* * *

I was working on a paper one day about five months after Ben had left when my phone buzzed. Still thumbing through my textbook I grabbed my phone to see who it was.

It was Ben.

The text said that he wanted to meet. I still didn't realize what was happening as I called him.

Within a few seconds I was sitting at a table by the window across from a guy who hadn't wanted to talk to me for five months. I didn't know what to think. But something was different. There were traces of joy on Ben's face.

Somewhere between tears and joy he described the last five months. After he started drifting he started to become angry and bitter at our church and some of the people in it. His thoughts and emotions consumed him. His joy was gone. He felt horrible for months.

But then, almost against his will, God began drawing him back. He began to want to read his Bible or other Christian books he had. He had no idea why; he'd told himself he was done with that stuff.

Slowly God began to change his heart.

And now, a few weeks later, we sat in the library amazed by God's goodness.

* * *

A few nights ago I met Ben and another friend from my small group at Chili's. We shared what's going on in our lives and encouraged each other. Ben was joyful, the way I remembered him - so loud that he was probably concerning our server.

If you ask him, he says that it's still a fight. When he gets up in the morning, he has to preach truth to himself; he has to make sure he's spending time with other believers. He knows his tendency is, like any of ours, to drift away from what he knows is true. But he also knows that with God's help he can stay anchored to truth.

Ben's fight is really no different from mine. I need God to help anchor my soul in truth. I need God to help me follow Him when I don't feel like it. Still, there's good news:

"But God...."

Copyright 2008 Ricky Alcantar. All rights reserved.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
"Man, I need to call Ben," I thought out loud. "Oh, yeah well ... he hasn't been at church the past couple weeks, and he hasn't come to hang out with the singles group," Josh said. "Wait, seriously? Ben?" "Yeah." I was used to people missing out on events, but not Ben.

# data[].attributes.body
Prayer for those who went to Native American Missions. May God use them in various ways and continue to protect them.

# data[].attributes.headline
I think this is an important post to share. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I think this is an important post to share. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
"You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life." - John 5:39
It has become something of a sport for folks in the evangelical, neo-Reformed tradition to take to the internet to draw out the "boundaries of evangelicalism," boundaries which inevitably fall around their own particular theological distinctions and which seem to grow narrower and narrower with every blog post on the topic.

Pastor and blogger Tim Challies recently added a few more stones to the fortress wall in a blog post entitled " The Boundaries of Evangelicalism." In it, Challies writes about his concerns regarding "the power and prevalence of mysticism" in the contemporary church and posits that true evangelicalism rejects all forms of this "mysticism" and instead embraces the doctrine of the Reformed tradition and its emphasis on knowing God through Scripture alone.

He concludes:

"God has given us his Word to guide us in all matters of faith and practice. When we commit ourselves to mysticism, we commit ourselves to looking for revelation from God and experiences of God that come from outside that Word. We reject his gift--his good, infallible, inerrant, sufficient gift--and demand more. Because God promises us no more, we quickly create our own experiences and interpret them as if they are God's revelation. Yet the Bible warns us that we can do no better than God's Word and have no right to demand anything else. The question for Evangelicals today is just this: Will God's Word be enough? Because whatever does not lead us toward God's Word will always, inevitably and ultimately lead us away."

The post is so full of historical inaccuracies, theological problems, and contradictions that it's hard to know where to start, but I want to make clear from the get-go that my response to this post should not be seen as an attack on Tim Challies himself, (who I respect and like), but rather a response to the general belief that God's presence is limited to the pages of Scripture and that all forms of contemplative or experiential spirituality should therefore be dismissed out of hand or regarded with suspicion. As evangelicalism in the U.S. has been working its way through something of an identity crisis over the past few years, and as many young evangelicals like myself have reconnected with the spiritual disciplines, this seems to be a recurring point of contention, and therefore one that should be addressed.

Challies defines mysticism as "those forms of Christian spirituality which attempt direct or unmediated access to God" and mentions, generally, the popularity of books on spiritual disciplines and spiritual formation and, specifically, books by Christian authors like Sarah Young and John Eldredge. In the past, Challies has been highly critical of Ann Voskamp's spirituality in One Thousand Gifts, chastising her for her experiencing the presence of God in nature and in a Catholic cathedral, and for being influenced by the likes of Henri Nouwen, Brennan Manning, Teresa of Avila, Brother Lawrence, Annie Dillard, and Dallas Willard. One of the commenters after Challlies' post also mentioned Richard Foster, Thomas Merton, centering prayer, contemplative prayer, lectio divina, and prayer labyrinths, which the commenter describes as efforts to "access God in a pagan/occult way."

According to Challies, mystics are those who experience "a direct inner realization of the Divine," and an "unmediated link to an absolute." He goes on to argue that mysticism is any connection with God outside the context of Scripture.

Challies writes, "Mysticism was once regarded as an alternative to Evangelical Christianity. You were Evangelical or you were a mystic, you heeded the doctrine of the Reformation and understood it to faithfully describe the doctrine laid out in Scripture or you heeded the doctrine of mysticism. Today, though, mysticism has wormed its way inside Evangelicalism so that the two have become integrated and almost inseparable."

I have no idea where Challies got the idea that "mysticism was once regarded as an alternative to evangelical Christianity."

While it is true that the Reformers occasionally used the word "evangelical" in their writings, most historians locate the roots of evangelicalism solidly within Wesley's Methodism in England and in the Great Awakenings of the 18th and 19th centuries. Evangelicalism was, at its heart, a movement, influenced not only by a strong emphasis on the authority of Scripture but also by a lively, impassioned, and deeply personal spirituality-an eclectic, ecumenical mix of elements from Pietism, Presbyterianism, Puritanism, and Pentecostalism. Evangelicalism's mothers and fathers were mystically-inclined Christians like John Wesley, Jonathan and Sarah Edwards, William J. Seymour, and A.W. Tozer-people whose "hearts were strangely warmed" by profound experiences with God, by "a direct inner realization of the Divine."

And indeed, mysticism-which I would define as practices intended to help connect a person to God through experience, intuition, contemplation, the devotional reading of Scripture, ritual, and prayer-has been a part of the Church from the very beginning.

From the events of Pentecost, to the practices of communion and baptism throughout Christian history, to the writings and teachings of the desert fathers and mothers, to the Reformation, to the divine offices being prayed continually throughout the world today, to the Azusa Street revival, to the spread of Christianity in the global South and East, the story of Christianity is the story of regular people connecting in powerful ways to the presence of God.
Indeed, the history of the faith, and the teachings of Scripture itself, show that Tim Challies is dead wrong on one very important point:
He says at the end of his post that when it comes to our connection with the holy, "God promises us no more" than Scripture as a means to knowing and experiencing his presence.

This is absolutely not true. Scripture itself teaches us that God has promised us the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49, Acts 2:33, Ephesians 1:13).

As Peter exclaimed at Pentecost, "you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for your and your children and for all who are far off-for all whom the Lord our God will call."

The Holy Spirit has sustained the Church through good times and bad, through persecution and imperial power, through the centuries before the Christian Bible was fully assembled, through the assembling of that Bible, through the centuries when most Christians had very little access to the Bible, through the centuries when many American Christians have multiple versions of the Bible on their bookshelves and multiple Christian denominations in their hometowns.

And as Jesus told Nicodemus, "the wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
In other words, the Holy Spirit doesn't have boundaries.
Furthermore, to limit the presence of Jesus to the words of Scripture, as if Christ's presence is restricted to paper and ink, is to deny the resurrection of all its power. Christ is not merely an historical figure that we read about, a person from the past to whom we make intellectual assent. Christ is alive! Christ is present! Christ is directly accessible to all who believe!

Jesus himself said that we can expect to encounter his presence not simply in the pages of Scripture, but also among the least of these, where two or three are gathered, in persecution, and in communion. Paul experienced Jesus on the road to Damascus. Peter experienced Jesus in the home of Cornelius (much to his surprise). Stephen saw Jesus just before his death. I have encountered the presence of Jesus in fellowship with other Christians, among the poor and disenfranchised, as I eat the bread and drink the wine. And if this makes me a mystic, then count me in!

The whole point of Scripture is to testify to the Living Word, which is Jesus Christ. As Jesus told the Scribes and Pharisees, "You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life."

When we become more committed to the testimony than to the Person to whom it testifies, we are likely to miss the presence of Jesus even when it's right in front of us. Probably because it took some form we weren't expecting. Probably because it showed up outside of our boundaries.

But Challies says "we can do no better" than the Bible.

I'm not sure this is true. For what do we long for when we read the Beatitudes, when we meditate on the words of Christ through lectio divina, when we join with Christians past and present to pray the hours, when we climb Teresa of Avila's "Interior Castle," when we raise our hands in worship, when we eat the bread and drink the wine, when we walk the labyrinths, when like David we see that the night sky declares the glory of God, when we study the Bible in Hebrew and Greek, when we connect with a glorious line from Wendell Berry or Frederick Buechner, or Annie Dillard?
We long for consummation, for total union with our beloved Christ. For He is the source of eternal life, the fulfillment of Scripture, and the object of our desire.
Scripture points to Jesus, not the other way around.

And all of these practices-from prayer to communion to fellowship to reading Scripture- give us glimpses of the day when that union will be realized, when we will all gather at the marriage supper of the Lamb. But right now, even with Scripture, we see through a glass darkly. Right now, even with Scripture, we know only in part.

Only later will we see Jesus face to face and be known even as we are known.

Now, here's where I suspect Challies and I may agree: Because we believe Scripture to be authoritative in matters of faith and practice and a trustworthy testimony regarding Jesus Christ, we would be right to be highly suspicious of anyone whose claims about their experiences with God run contrary to the teachings of Scripture. Our testimonies should harmonize. Mysticism that morphs into mere superstition, or that contradicts what we know about Jesus from the written Word, is not a faithful testimony and should be warned against in the sternest terms. There is obviously space here to "test the spirits."
But while we should be appropriately wary of anyone whose claims of personal revelation run contrary to Scripture, we should not discount, out of hand, all personal experiences with God that occur outside the context of Scripture...which is what Challies has essentially done with this piece.
Furthermore, any understanding of "sola scriptura" that totally divorces reason, experience, and tradition from the interpretation process is a misunderstanding of that principle. We never approach Scripture alone. It does not exist in a vacuum. We approach Scripture with our Helper, the Holy Spirit, with the influence of the great cloud of witnesses who have read and interpreted it before us, and-like it or not-with the subtle but powerful influences of our culture, our language, our background, our experiences, and our biases. This notion of total, exclusive reliance on Scripture is a fantasy; it cannot be done.

Challies says that "whatever does not lead us toward God's Word will always, inevitably and ultimately lead us away." But the point of Scripture is not to lead us back to Scripture. The point of Scripture is to lead us to Jesus Christ. And any student of Luther will know that this was central to the Reformer's theology as well.

Finally, when Challies defines mysticism as "direct or unmediated access to God" and then essentially trashes it as heresy, he (probably unintentionally) communicates that Christians need some kind of additional mediator to access God- Scripture, he seems to think, or perhaps the pastor interpreting it. (This is a fine example of how many Protestants tend to simply replace the Pope with the Bible and priests with the pastors interpreting it.)

But once again, Scripture itself disputes this claim. "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Jesus Christ, who gave himself a ransom for all people," writes Paul. "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need," says the writer of Hebrews.

Challies is wrong. We do have direct access to God. We need no additional mediator.

And if labyrinths and lectio divina and contemplative prayer and Annie Dillard help remind us of that, I see no reason why we should fear them.

A lot of young evangelicals are reconnecting with these mystical practices, and I count myself among them. I suspect we are drawn to ritual, tradition, contemplative prayer, and silence because these are things that give us a sense of history, identity, and communion with the universal Church that has perhaps been lacking in the evangelical church of late. Praying the hours provides a rhythm to my day that takes the focus off of myself and my schedule and puts it on God and the members of God's Church who are praying along with me. Ancient liturgies connect me to followers of Jesus from the past. Reading St. Francis and Teresa of Avila and Dallas Willard and Madeleine L'Engle help put words to my experiences and stretch me to see God in new ways. Communion...well, I can't explain exactly what happens in communion, and I'm beginning to wonder if maybe that's the point. While none of these things should serve as replacements of Scripture; they can certainly function constructively alongside of it.
Honestly, the more Scripture I memorize, the more labyrinths I walk, the more prayers I pray and the more mystics I engaged, the sadder I become by all this boundary marking and fortress building coming from the more fundamentalist camps within evangelicalism.
For I have tasted and seen. I've felt this wind blow wherever it wishes, however it wishes, whenever it wishes. I've caught a glimpse of this God who is bigger than Calvinism, bigger than evangelicalism, bigger even than the Church.

And I have come to see that these boundaries designed to shut others out only serve to shut the builders in.

They're missing out on all this space, all this freedom, all this fresh air we call grace.

***

So what do you think? Is mysticism helpful or harmful to Christians? Should we expect to encounter God outside the context of Scripture? Do we have "direct, unmediated access" to God?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
"You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
This Comedian Just Pointed Out What Dudes Never Think Of When Asking A Woman Out

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I have never laughed so hard at a really scary reality for most women.

# data[].attributes.body
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ5Qmhiljdg

One of my favorite songs from retreat I wanted to share.

# data[].attributes.body
Thank God for the wonderful turnout and everyone who came out to the retreat. Praise the Lord!!!!!

# data[].attributes.headline
Pray 4 Sammy Kang, David's mom, and retreat.

# data[].attributes.subject
Pray 4 Sammy Kang, David's mom, and retreat.

# data[].attributes.body
Prayer for the people affected by the accident while landing in San Francisco. Safety for the people in the city

# data[].attributes.body
PRAY 4 MEXIKOH TEEM

# data[].attributes.body
Hey Everyone! I wanted to pass along this awesome resource to our College EM. The website is called Boundless, and they are part of the ministry with Focus on the Family. It's basically a christian website/community for young adults who share their struggles/praises in life through blogs, podcasts, and articles. There's a little something here for everybody. When you get a chance take a peak at the website. It's a great resource for advice and counseling in various areas of our lives. Hope this is as much a blessing to you as it is me.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Boundless.org | A Website for Christian Singles and Young Adults

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Boundless is a community for Christian young adults who want to grow up, own their faith, date with purpose, and prepare for marriage and family.

# data[].attributes.body
There are so many things distracting my heart right now. Please pray that my heart would remain focused on Him.

# data[].attributes.headline
I pray for Haiti Mission Team that they may reach out to God's people and glorify God.  Please protect them, empower them, and guide them.  

# data[].attributes.subject
I pray for Haiti Mission Team that they may reach out to God's people and glorify God.  Please protect them, empower them, and guide them.  

# data[].attributes.body
I hope we remain a community that encourages each other to seek God in these upcoming months. I pray that we are filled with the passion to seek God, to feel His love, and to grow spiritually!

# data[].attributes.body
I am so blessed to have people like you guys in my life.

# data[].attributes.headline
What is your Love Language? Take this test to find out! 

# data[].attributes.subject
What is your Love Language? Take this test to find out! 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover the secrets that have helped millions of people improve their relationships and themselves.

# data[].attributes.body
Physical Touch Words of Affirmation Acts of Service Quality Time Gift Giving

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

By Laura Bagby
CBN.com Producer

CBN.com – Still can't seem to find a way to communicate your love to those closest to you? Perhaps it is time you learn about the love languages.

That's right. According to best selling author and relationship expert Gary Chapman (not to be confused with Amy Grant's ex husband), there are exactly five different ways you can show love to your spouse, your kids, your friends, your parents, your coworkers, practically anyone you have an interpersonal relationship with, including God: words of affirmation, acts of service, gift giving, physical touch, and quality time.

So successful is this love language concept that Chapman, who has been married for more than 35 years, has authored several books on the subject. The original text, The Five Love Languages, has sold over 2 million copies and has been translated into 32 languages, according to Chapman, and ranked third in the top 50 bestsellers for March 2004 by the Christian Booksellers Association. Since the release of his first book, Chapman has expanded his series to include The Five Love Languages of Children; The Five Love Languages of Teenagers; Your Gift of Love; his most recent, The Love Languages of God (2003); and two new books slated for later this year, The Five Love Languages, Men's Edition (due out in May) and the tentatively titled The Five Love Languages Especially for Singles(due out in August).

Long an advocate of the love language concept, I looked forward to finally meeting the author face to face. I wasn't disappointed. Personable, articulate, resourceful, and good-natured, Gary shared his secrets to interpersonal success with me and even humored me with my very own autograph.
What are the five "love languages"?
GARY CHAPMAN: One is words of affirmation, using words to affirm another person. If it is a spouse, it could be, 'You look nice in that dress,' or 'Do you ever look tough tonight!'

A second love language is acts of service, doing things for them. You know the old saying 'actions speak louder than words,' for some people that is true. If you wash dishes, if you vacuum floors, if you cook meals, if you get bugs off of the windshield of their car, they feel loved.

A third love language is gifts. It is universal to give gifts as an expression of love. My academic background is anthropology, the study of cultures. We have never discovered a culture where gift-giving is not an expression of love. The gift says, 'She was thinking about me. Look what she got for me.'

A fourth love language is quality time, by which I mean you give a person your undivided attention. I don't mean sitting on the couch and watching television, because then someone else has your attention. If you are sitting on the couch with the TV off and you are looking into each other's eyes and talking that is quality time -- so is taking a walk or going out to eat, so long as you are communicating with each other.

A fifth love language is physical touch. We have long known the emotional power of physical touch. In marriage it is holding hands, it is kissing, it is embracing, the whole sexual part of the marriage.

Out of those five love languages, everyone has a primary love language. The problem is that by nature we speak our own love language. Whatever makes us feel loved is what we do for our spouse. So you have the husband whose love language is physical touch. He comes home and goes to the kitchen. He wants his wife to feel loved. He starts hugging her. She says, 'Leave me alone! Can't you see that I am busy?' His problem is not his sincerity. He was sincere. The problem was he was speaking his language and not her language. If acts of service is her love language, the best thing he could have done was to have gone in there and said, 'Honey, why don't you sit down and rest. Let me finish that.' Wow! She feels loved because he is speaking her language.
How did you discover the concept of the love languages?
GARY CHAPMAN: I learned early on in marriage counseling that what made one person feel loved did not make another person feel loved. For a long time I have been helping couples connect with each other in the counseling office. I began to realize that what I was hearing fell into patterns, so what I did was actually sit down and go through 20 years of my own counseling notes. I asked myself, 'When people said to me, "I feel like my spouse doesn't love me," what did they want?' They fell into these five categories. I was never dogmatic to say there were not six or seven love languages. I talk to a lot of people and get a lot of feedback. Really, everything people tell me still falls into those five categories.
Sometimes you don't know what you love language is. How do you figure that out?
GARY CHAPMAN: Two or three ways. You ask yourself, How do they express love most often? Observe them. If they are often giving other people affirming words, then that may be there love language. If they are often touching people, patting other people on the back, and hugging people, then physical touch may be there language. If they are giving gifts to others, maybe that is what they want. Not always.

A second clue is what do they complain about most often? The complaints really give you good insight into a person. If they say, for example, 'I feel like we don't ever spend any time together; we are like two ships passing in the dark,' they are telling you that quality time is their language. If they say, 'I don't think that you would ever touch me if I didn't initiate it,' they are telling you that touch is their language. If you go on a business trip and come home and they say, 'You didn't bring me anything?' they are telling you that gifts are their language. So you listen to the complaints of your spouse. Typically, we get annoyed when our spouses complain. We get defensive. But, really, when your spouse complains, he or she is giving you wonderful information about what would make him or her feel loved.

The flip side of that is what do they request most often? If they are saying to you periodically, 'Can we take a walk after dinner?' or 'Can we do a weekend away?' they are asking for quality time. Listen to what they request and typically that will tell you their love language.
How long does it take to learn someone else's love language?
GARY CHAPMAN: It depends on whether you are starting at ground zero and you have never spoken that love language in your life, or whether you have been exposed to it somewhat during your lifetime and you just need to sharpen your skills. You can grow up in a culture where you speak English and your family speaks English, but you hear a lot of Spanish, for example. You pick up a lot of Spanish words and phrases. Then when you start to learn Spanish, you will learn it faster than the person who has never heard it. The same thing is true here. If you grew up in a home where you never got affirming words, then you will have to work harder and longer at learning how to speak affirming words. If it is your primary love language, it doesn't take any time at all.
In your own marriage, you talk about your wife having acts of service as her love language. What is your love language?
GARY CHAPMAN: Mine is words. I vacuum the floors. I wash the dishes. She tells me what a great husband I am. We are both happy! In the early years, she gave me a lot of criticism: 'You don't help me around here. You expect me to do everything.' I didn't feel loved. I felt condemned by her. She didn't feel loved. So we had empty love tanks and we argued about everything else. We had a hard time in the early years of our marriage. That is probably why I do what I do because I know how discouraging and disappointing it can be. You are in a marriage and you thought you loved each other, you thought everything was going to be wonderful, and here you are, you don't even like each other. We saw the way God turned our marriage around, and we have really devoted the last 30 years helping other people.

GOD AND OUR LOVE LANGUAGE
Why did you write The Love Languages of God?
GARY CHAPMAN: I wrote that book because more and more people were saying to me, 'I am realizing that this love language concept applies in my relationship with God.' They planted the seed in my mind. In fact, I get a lot of my good seeds from other people. As I began to reflect on it, I realized that that is true.

I saw that not only does God speak our language and it is reflected in our conversion, but once we become believers, we tend to express our love to God in our language.

So, if words is my language, I feel closest to God when I am giving Him words -- praising Him, thanking Him, maybe with music, maybe just prayer or writing. That is my offering to God, that is my gift to God, and that is how I worship God. If you look at church history, which I do in the book, you find numerous people for whom that was their language and that was how they served God. They poured out words, whether it was sermons, or hymns, or commentaries.

For other people, it is gifts. When they want to express love to God, they do it by giving gifts -- money, gifts -- realizing that when you give to people, you give unto Christ.

Most of the time, people will speak their own love language to God. That is wonderful. That is why we have so much diversity in the church.

One of the things I am trying to say in the book is let's not criticize the other person. For example, here is an acts of service person. What do they do to show love to God? They work in the soup kitchen. They volunteer to take meals. They might say to the person for whom words is their language, 'All you ever do is go to church and sing praise choruses. Why don't you get out here and do something?' They fail to realize that to this person words means to them what acts means to the service person. I am trying to help people understand each other better.

The other thing I am saying about the love languages of God is that just like in human relationships we can tend to get into a rut, like even if you know your spouses love language, you tend to do it the same old way, it can become perfunctory, the same thing is true with God. Eventually, it loses the edge emotionally. So what I am suggesting is that you try to speak a different love language to God, something that is not as natural to you. If you have never worked in the soup kitchen, volunteer. Get your hands dirty. Your relationship with God will come alive.
In The Love Languages of God, we see that Jesus used all of the love languages, so we need to learn how to also.
GARY CHAPMAN: Jesus spoke all five and he spoke them fluently. When you look at the Old Testament, God spoke all five.

What I explore in this book, The Love Languages of God, is that people tend to be converted and influenced by their love language.

If physical touch is their love language, they tend to have dramatic conversion experiences, like Saul on the road to Damascus. He was physically touched, he feel to the ground, and he was blinded. People will say, 'God touched me. I felt His arms around me. My body was shaking.' Other people will say, 'That sounds rather emotional, doesn't it?' But to them, God spoke their language.

For other people, their conversion takes place over a period of time. If quality time is their language, they probably started reading the Bible, they probably started reading Christian books, they listened to Christian television or radio, and over a period of time, one day they responded. It is a gradual getting to know God.

If gifts is their language, then what they are impressed by and what draws them is that God offers them the gift of forgiveness, the gift of eternal life. Because God is love and because God loves us so much, God will speak our love language to communicate His love to us and draw us to Himself.
Why do we struggle so much with loving others?
GARY CHAPMAN: We are not, by nature, lovers. We are, by nature, self centered. Love is a spiritual grace. We learn it from God. The Bible says that we love God because He first loved us. God is love. The closer we get to God, the more loving we will be. One of the reasons why I think there is a problem in expressing love is that people are not very close to God. Another part of it is lack of understanding the nature of love. In the romantic and marriage relationships, we are so influenced by movies that give us the idea that love is this euphoric feeling and if you have got it is wonderful, and if you lose it, it is terrible, so we go from person to person to person living off that temporary in-love experience. It is temporary. The average lifespan is two years. People don't understand that. If they do understand that is temporary, they still don't know how to express love to each other so that you do have emotional warmth. Information is a part of it, and that is what these books provide.

THE FUTURE OF LOVE
You have coming up The Five Love Language, Men's Edition andThe Five Love Languages for Singles, both coming out this year.
GARY CHAPMAN: The first Love Language book was written to married couples. It was just called The Five Love Languages. But through the years, I had so many singles say to me, 'I know you wrote that for couples, but I read it and it really helped me in my relationships' that I realized that this concept applies to all human relationships. It helps singles understand, for example, their parents because a lot of single adults don't feel loved by their parents. They know intellectually that Mom and Dad loves them, but they don't feel loved. When they read the book, they realize why -- the parents didn't speak their language. So I talk about how to break down the barrier, how to go back and rebuild a relationship with a parent. I talk about how this concept works with college roommates, how it works in the workplace with colleagues, how it works in dating relationships, and how it works with your siblings.
Would you ever write a version about love languages at work?
GARY CHAPMAN: That is on the docket somewhere down the line. I would really like to do that. I have had more and more opportunities the last two or three years to speak to business groups and to challenge them to apply this to the business setting. When I collect enough stories and affirming words, I probably will write it.
Do you ever think you will come to the point where you are sick of this topic and move on?
GARY CHAPMAN: I have moved on, in a sense that I have written books on other topics. Most recently I have a book called Covenant Marriage: Building Communication and Intimacy (Broadman & Holman, September 2003)that looks at the biblical concept of covenant, so I have written on a lot of other topics. It just happens that this series has been the best selling. I think that is because these books speak to the basic human need for love and when people read them and apply them, it changes the climate in their relationships.
Is there anything else you want to add? Anything you are itching to talk about?
GARY CHAPMAN: I think I would say this. Obviously, once you have the information, it still takes the will to do it. For example, a husband said to me some time ago, 'I tell you right now: It if is going to take vacuuming floors and washing dishes for her to feel loved, you can forget that.' What he is saying is that he knows what would make her feel loved, but he isn't going to do it. I say to him that that is your choice. If you want to live with a wife who has an empty love tank and if you want to be a husband who is not loving your wife, you can choose to do that. Obviously, that is not biblical. Jesus said, 'Love your wife as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself.' Really, love is a giving spirit. You have to have a giving spirit to express any of these languages. That is why one's relationship with God is extremely important in having good relationships. The closer we come to God, the more we have a loving attitude. Our relationship with God is central in learning how to be a good lover.

CBN IS HERE FOR YOU!
Are you seeking answers in life? Are you hurting?
Are you facing a difficult situation?

A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Love Comes in Many Languages, by Laura Bagby; Gary Chapman, the best selling author of The Five Love Languages and The Love Languages of God, gave me a crash course on the love languages in this exclusive interview for CBN.com -- everything from the basics to how your love language is tied to your relationship with God.

# data[].attributes.body
Prayer that God would watch over everyone in Oklahoma and that through this natural disaster, people would continue to rely on God trusting him even more.

# data[].attributes.body
Dear God, Help us not to be so inwardly focused. Give us a "kingdom" perspective. The world pulls us a million directions, preaching a message that centers on selffishness, happiness, and security in the worldly pleasures. Give us your eyes and heart to help/serve others. Help us to die to ourselves! In Jesus name I pray, Amen

# data[].attributes.headline
"the more inward you focus the more miserable you'll become."

# data[].attributes.subject
"the more inward you focus the more miserable you'll become."

# data[].attributes.body
"And he said to all 'If anyone would come after me, let him DENY himself and take up his CROSS daily and FOLLOW me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will save it." Luke 9:23-24 "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4

# data[].attributes.body
That our God will provide a flawless surgery.

# data[].attributes.body
It's one of those days where nothing I do seems to be going well.. I'm disappointing and angering everyone I meet and I just want to give up and walk away for a little while.

but..

there is a time for everything.

"A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance." - v. 4

Life is a constant roller-coaster. There will always be good days following bad days, and vice versa.

What's important is that God is good through it ALL.

# data[].attributes.headline
Life can be difficult. Please pray that there is hope to our struggles.

# data[].attributes.subject
Life can be difficult. Please pray that there is hope to our struggles.

# data[].attributes.body
I am so stressed out.

# data[].attributes.headline
Tomorrow is the 62nd National Day of Prayer. Listen to this broadcast of prayers for this nation by callers of Focus on the Family! 

# data[].attributes.subject
Tomorrow is the 62nd National Day of Prayer. Listen to this broadcast of prayers for this nation by callers of Focus on the Family! 

# data[].attributes.body
It's amazing, encouraging, and humbling to hear prayers of believers all across America. It gives you the slightest insight to what God must hear when He hears all our prayers to Him!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Focus On The Family podcast on demand - Daily encouragement to help families thrive

# data[].attributes.body
There are some days when I can't stop thinking about past mistakes I've made and things that I regret. It's enough to make me indifferent to my responsibilities and just curl up in bed. Please pray for peace and healing in my heart. God bless you guys

# data[].attributes.body
When it seems like there is just way too much to do, too many burdens to bear, too many failures, too many things going wrong, too many uncertainties, too many disappointments, too many things that look to be hopeless…  God is still merciful.

His grace is overflowing. don’t forget to look for it amidst the struggle, because it’s there. it always is, always has been, and always will be.

# data[].attributes.body
Amen to what was written below.. I feel like I'm barely making it day by day, and thinking about how much work I have to complete by the end of this semester is so overwhelming. These days, life just seems like a constant struggle and I'm trying to have a positive mentality that trusts in God's plan for me. I just need a lot of prayer support. Prayer for motivation, for not relying too much on other people, for not being too lonely and remembering that God is the only one I need in my life, for comfort and joy in Him and Him alone.

# data[].attributes.body
It's so hard to keep pushing forwards, especially when there are only 2 more weeks of school before finals. I'm so distracted by new relationships and just an attitude of giving up. While I know I should be working harder to make up for not doing well this semester, the extra work that I am going to have to put in just makes me want to roll up under a rock until finals pass. This is the time when everything turns into a crawl to the finish line and I pray that everyone can find motivation with me.

# data[].attributes.body
I am very frustrated/upset/stressed about my summer. Everyone around me seems to be getting good internships except me. I've been praying, trying to do what's right and living a christ-centered life. I know God isn't a genie and believing in Him doesnt mean getting a good job/whatever you want. But I'm just so frustrated because it seems as if all the non believers are getting somewhere in life, where as for me I'm just stuck here. And i know there's a better life in Heaven. But honestly, it is soo hard to think that everything will be okay when I have payments to make....and im jobless. Prayer that I can live up to Gods plan.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This is not my song or image in the background. I've just placed them together for use at my Youth Group. All credit goes to the artist(s).

# data[].attributes.headline
Everyone! Post your favorite worship song! 

# data[].attributes.subject
Everyone! Post your favorite worship song! 

# data[].attributes.body
This song came up on shuffle on my phone and I was so into it that I wanted to just belt it out in public! Praise God "With Everything" by Hillsong Live in Miami

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
With Everything - Hillsong United - Live in Miami - with subtitles/lyrics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hillsong United - With Everything Welcome to the Aftermath - Live in Miami DVD Available at hillsongmusic.com and on iTunes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Kari Jobe - The More I Seek You w/lyrics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
but if from thence you shall seek the Lord your God, you shall find Him, if you seek Him with all your heart and soul Deut. 4:29 The More I Seek You Awesome praise and worship song! I put this together to use in our church services Enjoy!

# data[].attributes.body
Pray for my son, who is having a ct scan for craniosynostosis today.  Pray that it comes out negative.