How to Destroy a Beautiful Marriage

Marriage is an institution ordained by God, meant to mirror God's covenantal love for us, as was shown in Ephesians 5:25-32. But like everything of value, it becomes worthless if not handled properly. This post will delve into how to ruin a perfect marriage not because we want to fail but to point out what to avoid in building a healthy, Christ-centered union.

1. Stop Communicating

If you want to sabotage your marriage, don't communicate openly. Don't express your feelings. Don't show affection. Bottling up frustrations. Proverbs 18:21 says, "The tongue has the power of life and death." No communication kills trust and intimacy. The foundation for a great marriage is open and loving communication.

2. Be Selfish

A surefire way to kill your marriage is to make sure your own desires are met before and above the needs of your spouse. The scriptures say in Philippians 2:3-4 to "value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Selfishness depletes the mutual sacrifice necessary to maintain a relationship. Choose selflessness.

3. Ignore God's Design

You have to remove God's purpose for marriage, and then you will have removed the very foundation of it. Marriage is more than a human contract; it's a covenant before God. Genesis 2:24 says, "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." The absence of God at the center loosens the bond. You align your marriage to His Word to make it stronger.

4. Harbor Unforgiveness

Harbor grudges, and bitterness will be the death of your relationship. Ephesians 4:31-32 reminds us to "get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger. forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Forgiveness is healing and unifying. Without it, even the smallest hurts fester into division.

5. Neglect Intimacy

To destroy a marriage, neglect physical and emotional intimacy. 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 reminds us that love and care in marriage is to be mutual. Intimacy isn't just physical; it's connecting on all levels. To nurture your marriage, invest in these connections intentionally.

6. Focus on Faults

Constant nagging of your spouse is a great way to tear them down. Jesus said in Matthew 7:3-5 to take the "plank in your own eye" out before judging others. Build up your spouse with encouragement instead of tearing them down with negativity.

7. Be Unequally Yoked

A mismatch in spiritual priorities creates a conflict. 2 Corinthians 6:14 says, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." Not only initial choices but maintaining unity in faith throughout the marriage is what is implied here. Pray together, worship together, and let Christ be that common ground.

8. Allow Outside Influences to Control You

Let other voices be the voice of your marriage, and division won't be far behind. Genesis 2:24 reminds us to leave and cleave-to make your spouse the top priority above all others. Set healthy boundaries with family, friends, and work, ensuring nothing eclipses your commitment.

9. Stop Praying Together

Prayerlessness is a silent killer of marriages. James 5:16 says, "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." In prayerlessness, couples lose access to God's power to sustain their relationship. Pray daily for wisdom, love, and strength in your marriage.

Conclusion: Building a Marriage that Lasts

And the secret to not messing up a marriage is rather simple: just do the opposite of all of the above. Devote yourself to godly communication, selflessness, forgiveness, intimacy, encouragement, spiritual unity, and prayer. Marriage requires work, but with Christ at the center, it's a beautiful reflection of God's love.

Let us, therefore, learn from what not to do and deliberately construct marriages that honor God, bless our families, and inspire others. A perfect marriage is not one with no challenges but one in which both partners choose to grow together in love, grace, and faith.

After the Christmas Fun.....

 Christmas is already behind us. Those who had gifts have already unwrapped their boxes and now we are looking forward to a new year. More celebrations...

But let's go back a bit and ask ourselves, what does Christmas really mean to me?

Some would simply say, "nothing " and move on. Christmas is to many a chance to meet with friends, eat nyama choma, get high on something.... 

Some will even tell you that Christmas is not the day christ was born. Suppose it's not? We do not have Jesus's birth certificate nor do we have the Jewish Callender, we only know that he was born. We celebrated that fact, and we don't have a problem doing so in any month. 

Here comes the third question, or is it the second? Would Jesus have celebrated his birthday, as we do? I suppose not.

Jesus's birth marked the beginning of his humiliation stage. Having lived the life of God, as creator of the world, he now had to live in the limitations of a human body. His rank was drastically lowered from lord of all to a position where mankind is: a little lower than the angels (Hebrews 2:7-9)

He would get angry, hungry, feel sad, and be limited by time and space. To be sure, he was still God, born like us(galatians 4:-5)

Before we could talk about redeeming those under the law, we should talk about the ultimate human weakness: death. God can not die, but Jesus OBEYED even death (philippians 2:8)

This is where my redemption came from. He took my place on the cross and gave me his position in heaven. Pilate found nothing to accuse him of, the law and the prophets found none either, yet God heaped all the sins of the world on him.

Because he was judged on my behalf I will not stand in judgment. He has become the end of the law so that there may be righteousness to the likes of me, who believe *(Romans 10:4)

Am waiting for Easter, which stands for my redemption and glorification.....

Can a Loving God Punish?

 

An inferno representation of wrath and hell

No, it's not the nature of God to hit back when we do wrong. He answers wrong with love.

I know what you are thinking right now: what about Sodom and Gomorrah, what about Uzaiah, what about the foot of the mountain when Moses found them worship calf and 3000 died? I will tell you; Moses's misrepresentation of God made him the first Jewish terrorist.  He ordered those men to be killed. 

Now tell me, between the idol worshipers and the killers, who was the sinner?

That's a great illustration of religion. It makes you think you are reacting on God's behalf while in real sense, you are doing your own stuff your own way.

Love, not wrath 

God always reacts with love, in fact, He proactive with love. When Adam disobeyed and found out his nakedness, God, who must have been angry in our minds, devised clothing for him. In the time of Isaiah when the whole world was sinful, God said, " Come, let's talk. Even if your sins are red as crimson, I will make you as white as snow ". 

When the stench of sin was nolonger bearable, he sent His only son to save us from the punishment for sin and the power of sin.

Galatians 3:13 NLT

[13] But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” 

https://bible.com/bible/116/gal.3.13.NLT

The old testament writers wrote about God's wrath because they didn't understand him through the lens of Christ. Though they were inspired by the Holy Spirit to write, they had liberty to pen their own thoughts, which were shaped by the torrah and traditions. They didn't understand the God whose kindness leads to repentance. 

My Bible tells me that in his forbearance He continually let it slide until Christ came( Romans 3:25). All the punishment that was due to us was heaped on Jesus on the cross. And still on that, God did not punish Jesus as a person, but as sin personified. 

Romans 8:3 KJV

[3] For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.8.3.KJVThat's to show that God doesn't have a problem with the sinner, but with sin itself. To save the sinner he dealt with the issue of sin completely by making his son sin itself so that we may become not just righteous, but righteousness itself in him. (2CORINTHIANS 5:21)

That's his perfect will, that we'd all be saved through Christ. Instead of lashing out, God points us to the one who can save us, the one He punished on our behalf, the one who took our weaknesses. 

To sum it all, a loving God doesn't and can't punish. Poverty is not a slap from God, nor is sickness, drought, war, or any bad tidings. The wages of sin are death, not any of the above, and Christ Jesus died on our behalf, taking away the charges that stood against us.

Colossians 2:13-15 NLT

[13] You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. [14] He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. [15] In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

https://bible.com/bible/116/col.2.13-15.NLT

Don't anticipate God's wrath and punishment, anticipate all the riches in his glory!

The Power of Shared Experiences

Shared Experiences of the Healing Kind

In a world that lauds the individual spirit, community and shared experiences hold their ground as relentless pockets of strength and healing.

 The old adage, "No man is an island," reverberates with an intrinsic human penchant for connection-finding strength in people who understand and support us.

The Role of Shared Experience in Healing

When we experience hard times, it's natural to feel as though no one else might understand our pain. 

It's times like these that community performs an important role in healing: shared experience can make us more empathetic towards others and relate deeper with them.

 These connections remind us that we are not alone in our struggles and that others have gone through similar challenges and have come through stronger on the other side.

Whether it is through a support group, a circle of friends, or a faith community, being among others that have similar experiences is amazingly therapeutic.

 Research has documented that social support may drastically lower stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improve physical health. 

The telling and retelling of one's story, hearing of others' stories, can be a potent way of emotional release; such often leads to a sense of comfort and relief.

The Biblical Understanding of Community and Healing

The Bible has several passages teaching about the importance of community. Galatians 6:2 says, "Help carry each other's burdens. 

In this way you will follow Christ's teachings." This verse underlines our responsibility to one another, especially in times of need. 

By sharing our burdens, we lighten not just our load but fulfill a heavenly purpose of mutual support and compassion.

This sense of community-in-fellowship was essential to the faith and practice of the early Christian church. 

Acts 2:44-47, GW reports, "All the believers were united and shared everything they had. With glad and sincere hearts, they broke bread with one another." 

It wasn't just about survival in life; it was about thriving by the love and support they would give one another.

Practical Steps to Cultivate Healing Through Community

1. Join or Form Support Groups

In times of grief, addiction, or any other challenge, joining a support group offers a great avenue to share and listen. 

If there isn't a group that fits your needs, consider starting one.

2. Practice Active Listening: 

When someone shares a fight with you, actively listen to them.

 That means hearing them out with full attention, showing empathy, and not giving advice. 

Sometimes the best way to bring healing is to just listen.

3. Join Community Activities: 

Those things that help bring the community together, like volunteering, church activities, or even local meetups.

 In such activities, relationships can be built which will provide a reservoir in support of trying times.

4. Reach Out for Help: 

When in a struggle, reach out for help within the setting of your community.

 It is not a sign of weakness but actually a strong thing to do when needed.

Conclusion

Community is the power that can change isolations to connectivity, pain to recovery, and despair to hope.

 In support from people around us and sharing of experiences, we find the strength to heal and help others to do the same.

 As we go through ups and downs of life, let this be a reminder from Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 

For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up".

Nurturing our own lives, while creating a ripple into others' lives through processes of healing and hope, begins as we build up and cultivate our communities.hared Experiences of the Healing Kind

In a world that lauds the individual spirit, community and shared experiences hold their ground as relentless pockets of strength and healing. 

The old adage, "No man is an island," reverberates with an intrinsic human penchant for connection-finding strength in people who understand and support us.

The Role of Shared Experience in Healing

When we experience hard times, it's natural to feel as though no one else might understand our pain. 

It's times like these that community performs an important role in healing: shared experience can make us more empathetic towards others and relate deeper with them.

 These connections remind us that we are not alone in our struggles and that others have gone through similar challenges and have come through stronger on the other side.

Whether it is through a support group, a circle of friends, or a faith community, being among others that have similar experiences is amazingly therapeutic.

 Research has documented that social support may drastically lower stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improve physical health. 

The telling and retelling of one's story, hearing of others' stories, can be a potent way of emotional release; such often leads to a sense of comfort and relief.

The Biblical Understanding of Community and Healing

The Bible has several passages teaching about the importance of community.

 Galatians 6:2 says, "Help carry each other's burdens. In this way you will follow Christ's teachings." 

This verse underlines our responsibility to one another, especially in times of need. 

By sharing our burdens, we lighten not just our load but fulfill a heavenly purpose of mutual support and compassion.

This sense of community-in-fellowship was essential to the faith and practice of the early Christian church. 

Acts 2:44-47, GW reports, "All the believers were united and shared everything they had. With glad and sincere hearts, they broke bread with one another." 

It wasn't just about survival in life; it was about thriving by the love and support they would give one another.

Practical Steps to Cultivate Healing Through Community

1. Join or Form Support Groups

 In times of grief, addiction, or any other challenge, joining a support group offers a great avenue to share and listen. 

If there isn't a group that fits your needs, consider starting one.

2. Practice Active Listening: 

When someone shares a fight with you, actively listen to them. 

That means hearing them out with full attention, showing empathy, and not giving advice. 

Sometimes the best way to bring healing is to just listen.

3. Join Community Activities 

Those things that help bring the community together, like volunteering, church activities, or even local meetups. In such activities, relationships can be built which will provide a reservoir in support of trying times.

4. Reach Out for Help: 

When in a struggle, reach out for help within the setting of your community.

 It is not a sign of weakness but actually a strong thing to do when needed.

Conclusion

Community is the power that can change isolations to connectivity, pain to recovery, and despair to hope. 

In support from people around us and sharing of experiences, we find the strength to heal and help others to do the same. 

As we go through ups and downs of life, let this be a reminder from Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 

For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion.

 But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up".

Nurturing our own lives, while creating a ripple into others' lives through processes of healing and hope, begins as we build up and cultivate our communities.

Changing Your Victims to Victors

Turn your setbacks into success

We all have trials and adversity at different moments in life. If it is a money problem, if health problems or breakups are your issues- -- such an event will be part of any wake up call we receive. 

The good news is, with God on our side every trial can turn into a triumph!

The Purpose of Trials

James 1:2-4 (GW) states, *"My brothers and sisters, be very happy when you firm faith is tested.

 James 1:4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

The lessons of these verses are this: our trials aren't simply inconsequential suffering. They are to make us stronger in faith and better people.

Imagine going to the gym. The weights are heavy at what seems like the beginning, and workouts make you cry. 

But as you continue to forge ahead, the more your muscles adapt and develop strength through endurance.

 It is similar with our spiritual muscles. And the more trials we press through, the more our faith grows.

Looking To God For Help

One of the major ways you can go from trials to triumphs is by seeking for strength in God (Psalm 28:6-7). 

Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They will mount up with wings as eagles. They will walk, and not be weary. They will walk and […]  

our strength does not come from us but comes from the Lord. Through Him, we have the strength and stamina to continue no matter how hard things get.

A Testimony of Triumph

And it made me think of an amazing testimony that was given in our ward. She was sick, really sick for a long time about which the doctors said nothing can be done now. 

But she never lost her faith. She had prayed, and trusted, believing in gods healing. And guess what? God came through! 

Not only was she restored to health, but gave her testimony of what God had done for and in herAvailable on with plenty who were fighting a similar battle.

This testimony is such a great example of how God can turn all things for our good. What seemed like lost cause became a testimony to God's grace and power.

* Get over adversity Step by practical Step

Some practical steps you can take in your trials :

1.) Pray and Seek God: 

Philippians 4:6 (GW), *“

Never worry about anything. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. *

 Ask God to help you through the storm and ask for wisdom and peace.

2. ■ Hold On! — 

Use the Bible as our power and wisdom. Reading and meditating on the word of God helps to keep us grounded, it is that spiritual food we need in order for our spirits not departed from this truth.

3. Be in Community with people who believe in you:

 Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (GW) says, *“Two is better than one because they have a good return for their work. For when his brotha falleth suddenly, he also shall rise up again. However pitiful the one who falls but that they have no helper. 

There isno oneto pick him up. 

Lean on the support, encouragement and prayers of your fellow church family.

4. ** Remember Its Only Temporary: 

Romans 8-18 you are going through fire know that Everything we Experience in This life is only temporary because eternity it will all be over * 

There may be a lot of trial and tribulation now, but the glory in heaven is eternal. The hope to continue is kept alive if we protect our sight on the greater good in life.

Conclusion: 

In Christ we are victorious

Adversity is resulted to be the most challenging part of life, but when we put it across with faith and endurance along with his divine intervention having our back all-the-time — this can lead every burden into a breakthrough.

 Romans 8:37 (GW) tells us, *“In all these cases we are more than conqueror through Christ who loved us.” * With Christ, We are more than conquerors!

Therefore, the next time you are in a storm, remember that God is with whom and He will make everything work together for your good. Believe Him, rest in His and see your trials turn to triumph!

Self-Care and Spirituality

Being close to my pastor has given me the privilege of walking alongside many people in their spiritual journeys. 

In the process, I have come to realize our mental health is not any less significant than our spiritual well-being. Actually, the two are very much interconnected. 3 John 1:2 says, 

"Dear friend, I know that you are spiritually well. I pray that you're doing well in every other way and that you're healthy." 

This verse so eloquently encompasses what God wants for us-spiritual prosperity, yet also extending into all the other facets of our lives.

The Place Where Self-Care and Faith Meet

I have met so many along the way who think somehow self-care is selfish or less spiritual, but let me remind you, it is necessary-taking care of yourself-and it's biblical! 

You remember Jesus went out to pray by Himself? Even the Son of God needed a refuel, and if Jesus needed that, how much more do we?

One Sunday, feeling drained after an extremely busy week trying to juggle the care of a grieving family, the writing of a sermon, and the counseling of a couple whose marriage was on shaky grounds, my pastor was exhausted by Saturday evening, having prepared nothing, and still had a sermon to write. 

So I did what many times he had advised others not to do; namely, he pushed through the fatigue. When Sunday morning finally came, he delivered the sermon, but somehow he knew something wasn't right.

He wasn't into it. I afterwards greeted him and asked, "Pastor, I could feel your heart, but today you seemed tired. Are you okay?" 

Well, that woke him up. He knew at that time he wasn't practicing what he preached. He wasn't taking care of himself.

From then on, self-care became an integral priority in ministry. He began to set aside several times a week to rest and pray, and to do things that rejuvenate my soul, whether it be walks in nature, reading a good book, or just spending quiet time with God.

Spiritual Practices as Self-Care

Spirituality brings a host of practices that double as self-care. Prayer, meditation, and worshipping are also excellent avenues for keeping in good mental shape, not only to communicate with God. 

When we pray, the burdens are lifted unto God, where He can carry what we cannot. As it reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7, 

"Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God's peace, which goes beyond anything we can conceive, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus." 

This peace God gives is a kind of self-care, divine balm to the anxious mind.

Another story that comes to my mind is about a woman in our congregation who was struggling with anxiety. Life overwhelmed her: work, family, and all the pressure to be everything to everybody.

 We chatted about including more spiritual practices in her daily coping. She started her day with prayer, meditation on God's Word, and time to be still before the Lord. 

And as time went on, she began to realize great improvement with her mental health. She told me, "Brother, it's like I have rediscovered my anchor. God has been my hiding place, and somehow, I feel so much at peace again."

 The Power of Community

And lastly, there is community. God never intended for any of us to live life in isolation. As Galatians 6:2 encourages us, 

"Help carry each other's burdens. In this way you will follow Christ's teachings." 

Being part of a supportive faith community plays an important role in spiritual and mental health. 

It's within these communities we receive encouragement, accountability, and the important reminder that we are not alone.

Conclusion: 

Self-care and spirituality are not the two opposite sides of the coin; they are a match. Taking care of ourselves-mind, body, and spirit-is how we honor God and better prepare for Him and others. 

So take time this week to rest, recharge, and reconnect with your Creator. Your health matters to God, and it should matter to you too.

May God richly bless you as you concentrate on regaining your health and press on with your spiritual lives.

**Scripture References**:

- 3 John 1:2 (GW)

- Philippians 4:6-7 (GW)

- Galatians 6:2 (GW)

Breaking Loose from Chains of Spiritual Stagnation

 Curing lethargic relationship with God

 2 Peter 3:18 King James Version (KJV)

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Growth, in the walk of life, is expected to be an organic and natural process. 

We mature and grow from innocent children to fully aware adults, we develop and grow from inexperienced beginners to knowledgeable authority, and we grow from being unsure starters to matured achievers. 

However, in our spiritual walk, we can often find our growth suddenly stopped dead in its tracks. 

Occasionally, we may find ourselves in the same relentless grind, working through exactly the same challenges, and we start to realize and wonder why it is that our faith no longer seems to be as alive and as dynamic as it was at any given point in time.

What we refer to as spiritual stagnation, to put it simply, is a stage or period of our life when it appears as if we have reached such a point of spiritual plateau where the progress seems hardly worth mentioning. 

You simply have no time to study the word of God, to pray, or anything that could build you up in your faith. Spiritual growth, as people refer to it, is actually growth in faith.

I want to assure you, though, that this isn't your journey's end but the beginning of a big break in your spiritual journey ahead!

Identifying the Signs of Spiritual Stagnation

Appropriate understanding and comparison should be clear: think of a river that once flowed free and has now become reduced to a trampled pond of stagnation. 

Lifeless. 

Dead. 

Just about how spiritual stagnation would be there if you don't grow in faith. One may feel disconnected from God, uninterested in spiritual practices, and even apathetic about one's relationship with Him.

In the book of Hebrews, there is a very strong reminder, especially in chapter 5, verses 12 through 14 of the God's Word translation: 

"By now you should be teachers. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the first things you need to know from God's word. You still need milk instead of solid food. All those who live on milk lack the experience to talk about what is right. They are still babies." 

Well, this passage is certainly provocative of challenge to rise and grow up from the very awkward situation in the infancy stage, and seriously begin to move on to maturity in our spiritual journey. 

It is basically for the maturing of grace in our lives that we require increasing in our understanding and being "practiced users" of the mature word so that we may become able to teach other people, rather than needing to be taught forever.

Freeing Your Spirit from Spiritual Stagnation

Overcoming spiritual stagnation requires deliberateness, something done with specific intent and purpose. 

It is about that moment to rekindle that very passion that was in, finding those places of connection again with the Source from whence all life comes through-that is, God.

 Here are a few ways you might initiate such a transformative journey: 

Reconnect to God through Prayer and Worship 

Prayer should not be considered as only a chore or a responsibility; instead, it is actually a lifeline that links you to the divine. 

It is a channel of your personal partnership with your Maker, who not only created the heavens and the earth but also really desires to listen to you personally. 

Oftentimes, when you are feeling spiritually dry or emotionally burnt out, it becomes necessary to press past the feelings of lethargy that threaten to overcome you. 

Instead, dive deep into genuine and heartrending prayers as well as inspiring worship. 

Spend time expressing all of your fears, doubts, and frustrations to God openly and honestly. 

In that way, you avail yourself to Him so that He may fill your heart and mind with His stirring peace and wisdom and guide you safely through your troubles.

Immerse Yourself into the Word of God 

This is not an ordinary book; it is the living word of God. It holds the keys to work through the hindrances along your spiritual walk. 

Spend time daily in the Word. Get to know His character, what He promises, and His expectations for your life. Let the Word of God transform your mind and renew your spirit.

Now, like Romans 12:2 (GW) says, 

"Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be be able to determine what God really wants—what is good, pleasing, and perfect."

Surround Yourself with a Supportive Faith Community

Isolation is at the root—the seedbed of stagnation in any area of life, including spiritual development. 

God never did mean for anyone to walk this life of faith alone, to be isolated from all others. 

You need to be around likeminded believers who can encourage you but also challenge you in the ways you will be in need of support. 

Engage in conversation about your faith and what you believe, join in with Bible study environments that provide further insight and connection, and finally, find a mentor who can be your guide, leading and sharpening you on your own pathway of spiritual growth. 

In the very wise words, 

"Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other" (Proverbs 27:17, GNT).

Accept Change and Step Out in Faith  

One thing about growth is that it calls for change, and more often than not, the change calls for one to move beyond the comfort zone. 

Do not allow fear to stop you from trying new spiritual disciplines that could bless your walk with God, volunteering for ministry that might have much impact, or even accepting a leadership role within your church community if that is where your gifts and talents are to be used. 

For it is when you step in that courage of faith that God meets you head-on with direction and support. Always remember what the Word says: 

"For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7, GW), and that keeps you with faith in the unseen path forward.

Moving Forward with a Renewed Sense of Purpose

Loosening oneself from spiritual stagnation is not a one-time thing that can happen once and for all but an unending process that asks for continuous striving and dedication to one's growth and development. 

As you commit yourself to doing these important steps, you will realize that your faith would take on much more vibrancy and liveliness, that your relationship with God deepens considerably, and that life itself would break into an overflow of His unbounded love and profound sense of direction.

Remember that God really wants you to grow, to flourish in every area of life, to the glory of His wonderful and excellent majesty. 

Take this beautiful journey with an open arm and a willing spirit, and you shall, by all means, be surprised at how God shall lead you to new heights and levels in your faith and open doors you never thought were possible.

You are not called to stagnate in stagnation or deadness but to grow, flourish, and be a light to everything around. Live life to the fullest by leaving your comfort zone, breaking all barriers, and enjoying the abundance that God has in store for you!

Scripture References:

Hebrews 5:12-14 (God's Word Translation) 

Romans 12:2 (God's Word Translation) 

Proverbs 27:17 God's Word Translation 

2 Corinthians 5:7 GOD'S WORD Translation

Finding Your Tribe and Making Sense to Like-Minded People

 Connect with those you resonate well with

We can't help but keep running across this philosophical statement: "No man is an island." But how often have we stopped to reflect on the kernel of wisdom encapsulated in that statement? 

What makes it true? This saying speaks profoundly to the fact that humans were not created to travel this life alone. 

Humans are designed to be social: to interact with others, to create relationships, and to live in a blossoming community. 

This remarkable power of community is nothing less than life-changing and thus gives us the most essential strength we need, every kind of support one may require, and magnificent belonging, which shall be the driving force behind our betterment and prosperity.

The Importance of Community in Our Lives

Imagine you are all alone, lifting some heavyweight all by yourself, with no support at all. 

Then think of the same task again; this time, visualize around you several sets of strong hands that will help to carry the same load with you. 

What remains is to share the weight of the burden among yourselves, which was before you, and suddenly, that insurmountable task will become one which can be done. 

This is the power of a community. Through community, through people sharing with us the values at our core—being with us to reach our ends and sharing our enthusiasm—we derive much more strength than any one of us can gather alone.

The Bible, to be more precise, Proverbs 27:17 GW, has said these words: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." 

It is this verse that beautifully presents the robust interdependent consequences of being in a community: just like iron sharpens iron, we grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient members as we engage and relate with others who will challenge our perspective, inspire our aspirations, and help us become better accountable for our actions and choices.

Finding Your Tribe

Finding your people is about more than just surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals. It’s about building relationships that uplift and empower you. 

Start by seeking out those who share your passions, whether it’s through professional networks, social groups, or even online communities. 

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and reach out to others—you might be surprised at how many people are also searching for meaningful connections.

Remember that your community is so much more than just a support network in which to draw what you need in the way of help and support from other members. 

You play an important role in terms of what you, as a member, do to contribute to the community supporting and contributing to the greater good for all. 

Be the friend, mentor, or ally to others that you seek for yourself. Share your support with others graciously, sharing your information and expertise, and celebrate wins and successes of those around you.

 This positivity will come back around and be a constructive and affirming feedback loop for everybody in the community.

Benefits Derived from Belonging

 It provides a reliable support system during times of need, serving as a comforting safety net, as well as a sounding board for our ideas and aspirations. 

Indeed, it will establish a large network of resources, which might open doors to things we wouldn't have had before. 

More importantly, being engaged in a community gives us a deep sense of belongingness, which is important for our emotional well-being. When we take the time to find our people, we discover a place where we are genuinely valued, where our unique contributions matter significantly, and where we have the chance to truly thrive and reach our full potential.

Hebrews 10:24-25 GW admonishes,

 "We must also consider how to encourage each other to show love and to do good things. We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some of you are doing. Instead, we must continue encouraging each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming." 

This scripture puts great emphasis on the necessity of frequently fellowshipping with one another and a sphere of mutual encouragement amongst the family of God.

It is in such get-togethers, either in person or virtual, that we garner the strength to carry on and march ahead. Indeed, even in the midst of troubles and hurdles when confronted by adversity.

Feel the power of the community that's incredible and transformative. Of all the things that seem to resonate in a fragmented, often lonely world, community is what matters most in this age. 

Finding your others is not just a question of finding friends. It's finding an extraordinary force of strength, inspiration, and value in our lives. 

We not only increase our value but can take on almost any challenge—actually head-on with much greater ease as a team—and therefore set ourselves up for almost certain long-term success.

Therefore, I want to encourage you to take that first step right now.

 Give your best shot to connect with those around you, to reach out to them and to start building a community that is bright and supportive and that can keep pushing you further up on your journey.

 Sometimes it's important to remember that the path always lying in front of you is generally much more manageable when you are not walking alone. 

References Bible Verses: 

Proverbs 27:17, 

GW Hebrews 10:24-25, GW