HELLO, Recharge Wednesday community!

I am sad to say that this is our last Recharge Wednesday post 🙁

If this is the first time you read about it, please click here for last week’s linkup where I shared the news. Going forward, as we are launching the new Soaring with Him website in July, this blog will only contain our ministry initiative news (which I would love for you to continue receiving!)

Let’s remain connected! My blogs, podcast and columns will continue to be posted at my new website: https://patriciaholbrook.com/blog/ – Would you sign up there to help me start my distribution list (which I’ve had to start from scratch!). When you sign up, you will receive a FREE gift – The mini-course: 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SPIRITUAL ATTACKS.

Thank you all, again, for your faithful readership and contribution! And again MANY MANY THANKS to Karen, Debbie and Bethany for their beautiful writing through the years.

May God bless you in your ministry!

With love and gratitude,

Patricia

Here is Karen’s last post:

I’m a fan of summer. Perhaps you love summer, too. While I enjoy something about every season, summer remains my top pick.

Since enjoying this wonderful season is well under way, a top 10 list seems in order to share my favorite things. 

We’ll start at number 10 and countdown to my number one favorite thing.

(10.)  Reminiscing of childhood.

Reflecting on my childhood stirs a mix of memories. When I think of summer, I remember fun and laughter and joy-filled moments. Memory lane reminds me of playing outside with my sisters and cousins. 

Preteen and teen years meant days spent at the local swimming pool and the first time I jumped off the high dive. Another memory leads to number 9. 

(9.)  Catching fireflies.

Called fireflies or lighting bugs, these winged insects start appearing in late June and are seen lighting up around dusk and nightfall. When our grandchildren spend the night, I recreate this childhood favorite by catching lightning bugs and putting them in a mason jar.

(8.)  Connection and community events.

Summer naturally gets us out and about in our neighborhoods, our towns and cities, and attending local events. Examples include: neighborhood yard sales or block parties, music and other festivals, county fairs, and community mission and outreach projects. Also, there are day camps and programs just for kids.

(7.)  A blooming flower garden. 

My front yard sports the cutest flower garden. Encircled with stones, a small tree sitting in the center, the garden showcases several types of flowers. Blooms of stargazers/oriental lilies, African daisies, purple irises, and yellow day lilies. I enjoy weeding, watering, and caring for them to display all their glory. 

(6.)  Outdoor recreation.

No other season provides such great opportunities for outside play time: parks, sports, swimming, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, water games, biking, hiking, walking, picnics, and so much more.

(5.)  Slower rhythm of life. 

Sure, life happens in every season. Yet, for many of us, summer life is slower and more easy-going.

And unless your children attend a year-round school, summer means a break from studies. However, as His children, the good Lord teaches us worth-while lessons when the rhythm of life is slow.

Like resting our weary minds and souls in Him. Or, slowing down and not running through life at breakneck speed.

(4.)  Warm temperatures. 

It’s true, I’m a warm-weather girl. Although sweltering temps and unbearable humidity is not desirable, I prefer warmer temperatures to the frosty digits in the dead of winter. Think about it, have you ever heard anyone say, The dead of summer. Not me. Warmth and the season brings growth and life.

(3.)  Camping.

As I type this blog post, my husband and I are camping at one of our favorite campgrounds in the mountains of North Carolina. Our camp site is beside a small creek. Listening to the water trickle over rocks during the day and especially at night inside our little camper is part of heaven on earth. I hear it’s soothing sound right now. 

We cook our meals. We enjoy a campfire and roast marshmallows. And sometimes go to local attractions. Campers camp in the spring and fall. But summer is a busy and favorite camping season.

(2.)  Trips/vacations.

Our family loves to go on trips throughout the year, particularly in the summer. Though we used to go to the beach in July, the last few years we went in May right before summer officially started and sometimes in early October. But that’s never our last hoorah when it comes to trips. The Smoky mountains is a favorite place to visit Gatlinburg and Dollywood theme park. Just being together makes every trip special.

(Drumroll please.)

(1.)  Long summer days. 

The extended amount of daylight makes my number one spot on the list. In my neck of the woods—east Tennessee—sunset happens around 9:00 PM. This makes for long daylight hours. There are many tasks, activities, work, socializing and more we accomplish when light hangs around longer than usual.

But when my son was young and bedtime came early, he never understood how it was bedtime without darkness. “Mom, it’s not nighttime yet, the sun is still out.” And he had a valid point. In Genesis, God created the heavens and earth. Then, the Lord created light.

The long daylight hours of summer remind me how Jesus is the light of the world and in God is no darkness at all. #summer #lights @FridayKaren
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“And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.” Genesis 1:3-5 (NIV)

Furthermore, it reminds me how Jesus is the light of the world and in God is no darkness at all. 

“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5 (NIV)

Also see, Summer Soul Care (Recharge Wednesday).

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@FridayKaren shares her favorite summer things. God often teaches us when the rhythm of life is slower in summer: how to rest our weary souls in Him and not running through life at breakneck speed. Share your blog! #blog
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GOODBYE TO RECHARGE WEDNESDAY

Pressing Through God’s Silence

Have you ever spent a long time praying, bringing your praise, gratitude and requests to God, and, at the end of your prayer, the silence that followed felt uncomfortable, as if no one was listening?

Or, as I read in the introduction of Addison Bevere’s new book, “Words with God,” prayer may feel more like yelling within a canyon. You shout, and sound waves skip across the canyon’s walls and return to you. You hear only your voice. Your thoughts. Your conclusions.

Sometimes, we may feel like that voice we hear is God’s, but we are unsure. Was it my own desires reverberating through the walls? Was it logic? Or, worse yet, was it the accuser, pointing his ugly finger, counting my inadequacies against me?

Prayer, as taught throughout Scriptures, is hardly a monologue.

From Genesis to Revelation, we find passages that show us prayer as a two-way conversation, a means to discover and move God’s heart and sometimes change our circumstances.

Yet, many spend a lifetime (or a season) when prayer feels more like yelling from the edge of a great canyon.

Why is it that prayer often feels ethereal, unattainable? Why is something supposed to be the very channel of communication with God and the door to real transformation so hard to attain?

Bevere’s book offers a perspective that is worth noting.

He believes that prayer has lost its robustness because the world has been infected by a religiosity that tells us that God will only engage with us at certain times if we do things “perfectly.”

But this is not the message of the Father. That is the message of legalism.

Yes, there is no question that confession and repentance are crucial elements of prayer. We must come to our holy God humbly, honestly, and repentant of our sins.

But we confess not because God doesn’t know what we have done. He is, after all, the all-knowing God. Rather, confession is our weapon against the accuser, for only when we surrender our sins and struggles to God can we hear him clearly and receive his guidance.

God also invites us to communicate with Him beyond our “quiet time.” In his first letter to the Thessalonian church, the apostle Paul challenged them to make prayer a lifestyle, a constant conversation with the Father: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; (…).”

I learned that concept years ago when my children were small.

With our hectic schedules, juggling a job, Atlanta traffic, and two growing children, my “quiet time” in the mornings often felt hurried and disconnected. Then, I started taking my “prayer closet” wherever I went.

I was the crazy lady lifting my hand in worship when traffic stopped on I-75. I became “that woman” talking to herself in the breakroom. And while preparing dinner, many nights, my girls would come into the kitchen and catch me talking to Jesus out loud.

I miss those days. Days when prayer became more than a ritual. Days when praying became as natural as breathing, and I learned for the first time what it meant to hear God speak in silence because even when I did not hear Him at all, His presence was enough.

My children grew up, and today I don’t have little feet following me around, preventing me from spending a long time in prayer. And I relish those moments, don’t get me wrong. They are indeed critical.

But I have to say that I am so grateful to have found out years ago that God wants to meet me in the stillness of my prayer room, just as much as He wants to connect with me in the kitchen or in traffic.

Words with God

Words with God become easy when we commit to making prayer a lifestyle and become comfortable with the silence that precedes the moments when God’s voice becomes loud and His will clear.

Words with God become easy when we commit to making prayer a lifestyle and become comfortable with the silence that precedes the moments when God’s voice becomes loud and His will clear.
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Only then can we truly experience the exciting nuances of a vibrant instead of boring relationship and a real and transformative connection with the father, who truly longs to have words with us.

This article was originally published in my column for The Atlanta Journal-Constittuion on Saturday, June 17, 2023. Click HERE to find it on the AJC’s website

Purchase Bevere’s book here: Words with God.

CLICK to Watch or listen to the interview: GOD-SIZED STORIES ~ Addison Bevere

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission should you choose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. It’s okay – I love all of these books anyways, and you will too!

LINKUP PARTY opens on June 14 at 6 am!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

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JUST TWO MORE WEEKS of Recharge Wednesday LINKUP. Visit the page to read the news about the future blog posts, share your blog and link with us! This week, my column with @addisonBevere about his book #WordswithGod
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3 Shifts to Enhance Your Bible Reading

A Good News Bible and tiny notepad graced my nightstand through my teen years and college. After climbing into bed at night, I’d read a passage and jot the questions my reading inevitably raised. Questions I thought could only be answered in heaven. I was wrong.

During my senior year in college, a Christian retreat peaked my hunger for God. I joined a Bible study led by a friend. The Bible came alive and began to make sense. Instead of coming away with only questions, I began to receive answers and hope.

Three changes transformed my Bible reading.

A Shift in Trust

The years I’d read the Bible and not understood it I’d approached the Bible as if I were the authority. The Bible had to pass through the filter of my understanding. What I agreed with, I kept. What didn’t make sense, I dismissed as antiquated and irrelevant.

I basically treated the Bible as if I knew better than it. No wonder it didn’t make sense! Since God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, this is never a good way to approach the Bible or anything else.

The gals in this study approached the Bible as if it was what it claimed to be—God’s timeless word. They filtered their opinions through the filter of God’s revealed wisdom. When I approached the Bible with childlike wonder, the Bible made sense. It became exciting and relevant.

A Shift in Power 

Another important change to my Bible reading: I learned to trust the Holy Spirit instead of my intellect to understand scripture.

“And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. … But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means” (1 Cor. 2:12, 14 NLT).

Just as Jesus had to open the minds of His disciples on the road to Emmaus for them to understand the scriptures, I need Him to open my mind. I ask Him for understanding and then read the Bible trusting Him to enlighten me.

“At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, ‘O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way’” (Luke 10:21 NLT).

A Shift in Structure 

Out of college I joined the staff of Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ). My director taught our team a simple way to study the scripture. He said to dedicate a notebook for Bible study. He then explained the method he used to process the Bible.

3 Questions to Transform Your Bible Reading

1. “What does it say?” (Factual)

Notice the context of a passage. Who’s the author, the audience, the circumstances? If we aren’t clear on this, we can draw wrong interpretations and applications.

For example, are believers or unbelievers being addressed? Israel or the church? When Paul addressed slaves and masters, some applications can apply to the employer/employee relationship. But those relationships are not equal.

• “What does it mean?” (Spiritual)

Look for timeless lessons that apply to any culture and era. For example, in 2 Timothy 4:13, Paul wrote Timothy, “When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments” (NIV).

The imprisoned apostle literally needs his cloak and parchments. A spiritual lesson might be spiritual leaders have practical needs. Another lesson might be it’s appropriate to ask for help from those who can aid us with our practical needs. A third lesson might be, we should be available to assist a saint in need.

• “How does this apply to me, my situation, or culture?” (Practical)

Get practical. What changes does this passage prompt you to make in your outlook, attitude, or actions?

From the above example you might write, what Christian leader or fellow believer has a practical need I can meet? Or who can I ask to help me with my need? Or I want to bring Aunt Judy a meal.

An optional step is to illustrate what you received from you study. Doing so helps me remember my study better.

After I made these shifts in my Bible reading, I stumbled across my little notepad of questions, the ones too deep to be answered. I chuckled. They weren’t deep at all. And I rejoiced. No longer was the Bible a confusing book of riddles. It was my lifeline. I hope this is true for you. If not, review the changes I made to see which ones might help you.

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LINKUP is open. Join my friend @debbieWwilson and refresh your Bible reading. Share your blog! #RechargeWednesday
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The post 3 Shifts to Enhance Your Bible Reading {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS BLOG!

We are in the process of rebranding Soaring with Him Ministries and all Patricia Holbrook’s blog posts, columns and podcasts are now available on her new website. The Soaring with Him website will serve solely to host the ministry’s outreach programs and conference and blogs related to this ministry.

If you wish to continue receiving Patricia’s blog posts and columns, please sign up at: https://patriciaholbrook.com/blog/ – scroll down to sign up and receive a FREE gift – The mini-course: 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SPIRITUAL ATTACKS.

What if we set our hearts on getting back to the basics of Christianity and not letting anyone soften the gospel message?

Google defines basics, “the essential facts or principles of a subject.” Synonyms include: fundamentals, foundations, and groundwork.

So, what are the fundamentals of Christianity?

According to the Bible, the gospel message is the foundation with these main essentials:

Jesus, the Savior who loves and takes away the sins of the world.

Salvation, eternal life provided through the bloodshed of Jesus.

Eternity, spiritual life after this physical life in either heaven or hell.

Jesus never preached a feel-good message about eternity. Christ taught God’s truth in relation to eternal life and death. And when we know the truth, we also know that no one would want to go to Hell—a place void of God’s lovely, powerful, and holy presence. 

God’s people, let’s stop letting culture sugarcoat Christianity. And let’s get back to the basics of our faith.

Everyone’s born broken and a sinner. 

We need a Savior. 

JESUS saves. 

Accepting Christ as Lord gives us eternal life and abundant life NOW.

God’s people, let’s stop letting culture sugarcoat Christianity. And let’s get back to the basics of our faith. We need a Savior. JESUS saves. Accepting Christ as Lord gives us eternal life and abundant life NOW. @FridayKaren
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Back to the Basics Scripture

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 (ESV)

Romans describes every person’s condition and need for saving. Some call these next five verses the Romans Road. They are great to commit to memory for when you are discussing salvation with someone.

 “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (ESV)

 “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (ESV)

 “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (ESV)

 “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 (ESV)

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 (ESV) @FridayKaren
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More Scripture on the Basics

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (ESV)

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (ESV)

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (ESV)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

Salvation Prayer: 

God, I’m a sinner in need of a Savior. Please forgive me for my sins. I believe Jesus Christ died to give me eternal life. Thank You for Your mercy and grace, and for the gift salvation. I accept Jesus as Lord and invite Him to live and reign in my heart and life. In the name of Jesus, Amen. 

Have you made this decision, prayed a similar prayer? If not, contact Patricia at Soaring With Him Ministries to find out more.

Let’s go back to the basics.

Heaven is real. And Hell is real.

But there’s a real Savior who holds the power of eternity in His hand. Jesus. This is Christianity.

Featured image used from filming for Karen’s YouTube Channel, Friday’s Forever.

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Join @FridayKaren as we go back to the basics of #Christianity to remember: Heaven is real and Hell is real, but there's a real Savior who holds the power of eternity in His hand. Jesus. Share your blog! #blog #eternity
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The post Back to the Basics of Christianity {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS BLOG!

We are in the process of rebranding Soaring with Him Ministries and all Patricia Holbrook’s blog posts, columns and podcasts will start being posted on her new website going forward. The Soaring with Him website will serve solely to host the ministry’s outreach programs and conference.

If you wish to continue receiving Patricia’s blog posts and columns, please sign up at: https://patriciaholbrook.com/blog/ – scroll down to sign up and receive a FREE gift – The mini-course: 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SPIRITUAL ATTACKS.

“Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,”he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31

It was the miracles of miracles.  

The first mass miracle took place in Decapolis, where between ten to fifteen thousand people were fed with two only fish and five loaves of bread.

I can only imagine the excitement as the multitudes watched the fish and bread multiply before their eyes. Yahweh Jireh, their Provider, fed the hungry in an unprecedented display of His glorious provision to the masses.

The disciples’ hearts must have overflowed with joy… and Pride.

After all, they were His selected men. The ones who were chosen to walk alongside the Christ.

As we read the text, it’s interesting to realize that, instead of allowing them to remain with the crowd a little longer, Jesus immediately “made” His disciples get into the boat, cross the sea and go to the other side ahead of Him, while He dismissed the crowd (v. 22).

I believe Jesus knew their hearts were swelling with pride for being part of Messiah’s inner circle. They needed to withdraw, get away from the accolades of men and the material substance of the miracle, regroup, and realize that He had come to give them much more than just daily bread.

He knew their faith needed more testing and they were about to get it.

Success and popularity have the power to excite us and make us start hoping for great things. The problem is that, though we hardly ever realize it, our hopes for spiritual victories too often include hopes for our own advancement. Therefore, after a season of miracles and supernatural blessings, God often pulls us out of the hype and excitement and sends us on to the next journey of testing, where we will realize that our faith must grow in the same proportion as our humility and dependence upon God and God alone.

After a season of miracles and supernatural blessings, God often pulls us out of the hype and excitement and sends us on to the next journey of testing, where we will realize that our faith must grow in the same proportion as our…
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It’s true – We see the bread before our eyes, and our faith grows within us. After all, we can touch it, taste it, feel it. The provision and deliverance are real. We can boldly shout to the world: He provides! He heals! He reigns!

But then, just as He did to the disciples, He takes us out of the material and sends us into the sea of the Unknown. In the dark hour, storms rise, and our boat tosses about.

Fear rises within us… And we forget.

The eyes which have seen the miracle are suddenly blinded by the darkness around.

The hands which touched Provision become restless.

The tongue which proclaimed the miracle can’t even pray.

We watch the winds and the waves raging at us, and we forget the grand miracle we just witnessed ashore.

In our distress, we see a ‘Ghost’ walking on the water, and we don’t even realize that it is He.

The One who just broke the bread and multiplied the fish… walks towards our situation and we don’t identify Him. The one who heard our heart’s cry… comes to our rescue in the night and we can’t recognize Him past the storm.

The One who just broke the bread and multiplied the fish… walks towards our situation and we don’t identify Him. The one who heard our heart’s cry… comes to our rescue in the night and we can’t recognize Him past the storm.
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Oh, how my heart understands Peter as he realizes it is Jesus who has come to their rescue.

How much I understand his reason to say, “Tell me to come to you on the water!”

He knows Jesus is his safety. He’s eager to believe. He thinks his faith to be strong. He trusts his heart not to wave.

So do we, Peter. So do we.

And yet, as our eyes veer from the Savior’s face and focus on the raging sea, our faith is tested once again; we forget the bread and the fish. The storm reveals our weakness…

And we sink.

And yet, as our eyes veer from the Savior’s face and focus on the raging sea, our faith tested once again; we forget the bread and the fish. The storm reveals our weakness… And we sink.
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Oh, Lord, my God, how I truly understand, that it doesn’t matter how many times we’ve watched you act, our feeble hearts so often betray what we know:

That even when You seem to have left us alone, You’re always there…

That all we have to do is call Your name… “LORD! Save me”

And hear You say:

“Take courage! It is I.

Don’t be afraid.

You can walk on water.

You can face the storm.

Because it is My omnipotent hand that calls you out of a life of little faith, to one that watches Me deliver, again and again.

Don’t trust your heart, child.

Just trust My hand.

I’ll pull you out of the icy, stormy waters.

And make them solid ground.

Because wherever I stand… you cannot sink.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” Isaiah 43:2

LINKUP PARTY opens on May 24 at 6 am!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

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2. Visit the blogger before or after and encourage them with a comment.

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LINKUP is open! This week – an encouragement to those who feel the waters of trials taking over their lives. If Jesus is standing near, you are safe! Join us and share your blog!
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Hi, everyone!

Thanks for stopping by to read my blogs!

My blog posts and columns have been hosted on the Soaring with Him website for 12 years, but, after months of preparation, I am very excited to announce that we are launching my new website – Patriciaholbrook.com. The new website will host my writing ministry, courses and products, blog, podcast and ministry consulting services going forward.

Going forward, if you enjoy my writing, please subscribe to receive my blogs on this new website because as of this week, my blogs will not be hosted on the Soaring with Him website anymore.

We will continue to use the Soaring with Him blog to host blogs about our ministry programs and other ministry-related information.

FREE GIFT! If you subscribe to the new blog on patriciaholbrook.com, you will receive a FREE GIFT – the mini-course: Five things you need to know about Spiritual attacks.

The Soaring with Him website that you visit today is being redesigned and will continue to host our non-profit outreach ministry initiatives – our Agape Shelter ministry, free bible distribution and literacy program and the She Soars conference. This new SWH website will be launched soon!

PS: NOW BOTH SITES HAVE TRANSLATIONS TO SEVERAL LANGUAGES AVAILABLE!

Go ahead and subscribe at https://patriciaholbrook.com/, and don’t miss any of my blogs, columns and podcasts!

Thank you for being a faithful reader!

With blessings,

Patricia

The post How to keep receiving Patricia Holbrook’s blog posts and columns appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS BLOG!

We are in the process of rebranding Soaring with Him Ministries and all Patricia Holbrook’s blog posts, columns and podcasts will start being posted on her new website going forward. The Soaring with Him website will serve solely to host the ministry’s outreach programs and conference. Please sign up to receive newsletters and blog posts on Patricia’s new distribution list on this link: https://patriciaholbrook.com/blog/ – scroll down to sign up and receive a FREE gift – The mini-course: 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SPIRITUAL ATTACKS.

An incest victim sat before me, extolling the wonderful man her father was. She paused, and I asked, “If I brought before you a ten-year-old girl and told you that every night her daddy did the same thing to her that your father did to you, would you describe her daddy as a wonderful man?”

Tears filled her eyes. “How else can I love him?”

How do we love the unlovely and forgive the unpardonable? It is not by creating a fantasy or by deceiving ourselves into believing a lie, even a pretty lie.  

Jesus didn’t look down on humankind and say, “Oh, they really mean well, I’ll die for them.”  

No, He said, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you and put up with you?” (Luke 9:41 NASB). Then He healed them. Then He gave His life for them.

Jesus said, when we love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, we show ourselves to be children of God, because He gives sunshine and rain to both the evil and the good (Matthew 5:43-46). Jesus didn’t candy-coat evil to make it easier to forgive. 

Biblical love isn’t about feeling warm and close. It’s treating a person with their eternal good in mind.  

Some people fear forgiveness means tolerating sinful behavior. Beginning with Genesis and God’s removal of Adam and Eve from Eden to the end of the Bible, God demonstrates forgiveness and boundary setting. We must forgive sin, but we are not to enable people to continue in sin by rescuing them from the consequences of their choices or candy-coating sin. 

Paul wrote, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9 NASB). 

Evil here means that which has a detrimental effect, not necessarily evil in essence. The video game, credit card, or habit that harms one may not affect someone else. 

The Greek word translated abhor is “apostugeo.” “Apo” usually denotes “separation, departure, cessation.” “Stuqnetos” means “to hate.”

Real love separates from or ceases involvement with that which causes harm.

Forgiving is often painful. If something hurt when it happened, it hurts when we let it go. Remember how much Jesus suffered to forgive us (Matthew 26:37- 27:50). But forgiving is also the most healing thing we can do.

But They Don’t Deserve to Be Forgiven

We don’t forgive because the person deserves it. No one deserves salvation. We forgive because God forgave us more than another human will ever owe us.  Unforgiveness torments the one who holds it in her heart, and it poisons those around us (Hebrews 12:15).  

Maybe a name has come to mind as you’ve read this of someone you need to forgive. Because God has forgiven you and you want to be recognized as His child, turn those who’ve wronged you over to God, the official bill collector. He knows how to deal with them. Give up having to collect the love, respect, admission of guilt, restitution or whatever you feel you need from that person. 

Open your heart to receive your heavenly Father’s perfect love. Let Him wash away the pain and stain. Trust Him to take the evil that was done and use it for your eternal good (Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20). 

When my client told the truth about her father, she was finally able to really forgive him and deal with him wisely. Truth is our friend. Because God is bigger than our worst wounds. 

LINKUP PARTY opens on May 17 at 6 am!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

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LINKUP is open. Join my friend @debbieWwilson as we find the grace to #forgive the unpardonable. Share your blog! #RechargeWednesday 
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A couple rushes to the altar after a short-term courtship. A spouse gives in to lust and commits adultery. A wife spouts off insults against her husband. A mother lashes out at her children with no regard for the damage thoughtless words will cause.

Impulsivity is perhaps one of the most primal instincts known to men, and most everyone is guilty of acting impulsively at least once in their lifetime. A common mark of youth, lack of self-control and restraint often bears consequences that can irreparably impact a young person’s future.

Unfortunately, many individuals never outgrow this trait, struggling with self-control throughout their adult life. This type of behavior is known in psychology as “dysfunctional impulsivity,” and the name translates it perfectly. People who constantly act on impulse come across as out of control, erratic, unstable, and angry, often allowing desires, fear or anger to steer them down a path of destruction and isolation.

The offspring of impulsivity are usually regret and loss. #rechargewednesday
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For certain people, impulsive acts are just that: actions preceded by no regard for consequence. For others, however, impulsivity has broader roots, and their actions are a consequence of deep-set fear, insecurities or jealousy.

Saul’s Jealousy

In my recent study of the book of Psalms, I came across a number of songs written by David when hiding from King Saul, who sought to kill the young man when feeling threatened by his growing popularity among the Jews. As we read the parallel passages in the book of 1 Samuel, we find Saul’s insecurities growing at the same rate as David’s accomplishments. When David entered Jerusalem after slaying Goliath and ending Israel’s war against the Philistines, women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with dancing and singing. While dancing, they sang a song that spurred Saul into a jealous fit: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” (1 Samuel 18)

Saul’s proud smile disappeared. The song infuriated him. His anger bore a new giant within his heart, a threat mightier than the 9-foot slain Philistine: burning jealousy.
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The Hebrew word used in this passage for the kind of anger Saul experienced is revealing. It is “charah,” which, according to the Hebrew Lexicon, means “to burn, be kindled, be incensed, glow with anger, grow indignant; to act zealously.” Charah is not just any type of anger. Its deeper meaning conveys the fire of anger that burns right after it is ignited. In other words, it conveys the type of anger followed by an impulsive response. Charah portrays Saul exploding with anger –a reaction before any sense of self-control or restraint could be processed.

I understand King Saul too well.

When I was younger, fear and insecurity brought about many impulsive actions and decisions. As I’ve grown older, however, self-awareness and God’s wisdom in Scriptures have helped me strike the right balance between not acting at all and acting impulsively, repeatedly.

But how can we master our impulses? I don’t believe we can do it on our own. We can start by asking God to reveal what triggers our responses and help us heal. We must also seek to know ourselves better, thus developing awareness of what generates our anger, lust, fear, or pride and deliberately dealing with it. That means we turn from whatever tempts us or seek to find our heart’s motives behind our anger.

I have also learned to take self-imposed time-outs… and pray before acting. When something or someone angers me, I silence, sometimes leave the room, and postpone the discussion. I then ask God for his wisdom and grace. It’s not that I never say anything in anger anymore; however, thankfully, moderation and self-control have become more prevalent than impulsive, regretful words or actions.

Saul had been chosen by God to be king, but we will never know the greatness destined for his reign because of bad decisions and reckless responses resulting from pride, insecurity, and fear.

Instead of a beacon of light to follow, Israel’s first king bore a series of character flaws to be avoided.

May it be a lesson for us all, lest we allow our passions, fear and pride to become the very instruments that forge our shackles … and ruin our future.

LINKUP PARTY opens on May 10 at 6 am!

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LINKUP is open! This week, @patholbrook shares a strong message about the dangers of allowing impulsiveness, fear and pride to take over our decision-making. Joins us and share your blog!
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The post When Impulsiveness Generates Regret & Loss {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

If you are viewing this post in your email, click HERE to access the podcast.

This interview is also available on Patricia’s YouTube channel: Click HERE.

My guest today is the president of Summit Ministries, Dr. Jeff Myers Myers. Dr. Myers has become one of America’s most respected youth development and apologetics authorities.

In his new book, Truth Changes Everything, Dr. Myers challenges the idea that all hope to find Truth is lost in our culture. The book is filled with fascinating stories about Jesus’ followers who lived for truth and transformed the world in times of crisis.

Don’t miss this challenging conversation and read the column below – Will you stand for Truth (Capital “T”)?

What Is Truth? The Rise of Relativism {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Column}

“What might a person write if they knew it might be the last thing they could say this side of eternity?”

That was the question in Dr. Jeff Myers’ mind during a recent battle with an aggressive type of cancer. While going through the harsh treatment and its devastating effects, Myers battled the natural hopelessness and despair that only those who have gone through such valleys can fully understand.

During that time, Myers could do little except read and write. To keep his heart grounded and nurture his faith, he studied the stories of brave heroes in the Old Testament who persevered through trials and delayed promises, as well as the stories of men and women of the Christian faith who rose to change the world during some of history’s darkest moments.

The result of his findings during that pivotal point in Myers’ life is his new book, “Truth Changes Everything – How People of Faith Can Transform the World in Times of Crisis.”

Myers is president of Summit Ministries, a renowned authority in apologetics, and a prolific author of 14 books, some of which were used as Bible curriculum at my children’s high school.

An eye-opening research

While writing his new book, Myers came across research by Dr. George Barna about millennials that shed light on the spiritual/religious makeup of this generation of growing influence, their social-economic priorities and mental health, among other topics.

Myers writes, “Seventy-five percent of young adults say they are unsure of their purpose in life. Nearly half are counted as having one or more types of mental illness (such as anxiety or depression). Fully half of young adults say that there is ‘no absolute value associated with human life.”

What Is Truth? The Rise of Relativism – Don't miss this great book by Dr. Jeff Myers @drjeffmyers @summitmn @ajc @MatthewFaraci #truthchangeseverything #truth
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Myers proposes that these issues are the tip of the iceberg, the real foundation being the loss of absolute Truth (capital “T”).

A different poll from Summit Ministries/McLaughlin and Associates supports the claim. According to this poll, 55% of young American voters between 18-29 believe that there is no absolute truth; rather, “it is up to each individual to define their own truth.”

The results also expose that many American voters embrace moral relativism – 40% of the polled individuals believe “each person determines their own version of truth.”

Quid est veritas?

In the 18th chapter of the Gospel of John, we find Jesus before Pilate, the Roman governor of Judah. He had been arrested and taken to Caiaphas, Israel’s High Priest, who, seeking the approval of Rome to crucify Jesus, deferred the questioning to Rome’s high official.

Pilate questioned Jesus, who said: “(…) the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the Truth. Everyone on the side of Truth listens to me.”

Pilate quickly ended his conversation with Jesus with the infamous words “Qui est Veritas?” – What is truth?

Jesus did not reply, perhaps because, according to Scriptures, Pilate “went out again” before giving Him a chance to.

But Jesus answered Pilate’s question numerous times throughout His time on earth. As He did in Gethsemane when he asked the Father to protect His disciples: “Sanctify them by the Truth; Your word is Truth.”

“The” Truth

As we dig into the original New Testament Greek text, we can translate Jesus’ prayer as follows: Lord, consecrate (set apart) my followers by the knowledge of Your Word – because Your Word (Your principles, teachings, guidance) is the Truth.

Lord, consecrate (set apart) my followers by the knowledge of Your Word – because Your Word (Your principles, teachings, guidance) is the Truth. @drjeffmyers @summitmn @ajc @MatthewFaraci truthchangeseverything #truth
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This (absolute) truth has guided believers throughout the centuries to change society during times of great darkness and despair. This truth has speared believers to live out their faith by following Christ’s example of righteousness and unconditional love.

It’s not a popular belief, and I certainly respect differing points of view. Still, as I think about the mental and emotional state of our young adults and teenagers as presented by numerous recent research data and polls, it seems like if we ever needed this Truth to guide us; we need it now.

For more about Myers and his new book, visit www.summit.org/. Listen to Patricia’s interview with Myers in God-Sized Stories with Patricia Holbrook on YouTube and via Podcast.

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, May 6th, 2023. Click HERE to find it on the AJC’s website.

The post What Is Truth? The Rise of Relativism {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Knowing and embracing facts about God:

• Strengthens our heart.
• Gives understanding and peace to our minds.
• And keeps us focused on spiritual things.

So I believe all the Lord’s children benefit from these absolutes that remind our hearts and minds who God is and what God does. 

Facts To Know About God

(1.) The One true God. Oh, there are other gods. But there’s no other god like our God. “For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9b (ESV)

(2.) Living. Jeremiah compares man-made idols to the living God. “But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God.” Jeremiah 10:10 (ESV) How sad and foolish when we bow to idols without breath or believe in gods who are dead.

(3.) Creator. Genesis 1:1 tells us in the beginning God created…. God existed first. Then He created everything else, all of creation, and humans in His image. 

(4.) Holy. The Blue Letter Bible shares, “God is holy means there is no trace of evil in his character. Only God is holy.” Further, “There is no one holy like the LORD.” 1 Samuel 2:2a (ESV)

(5.) Sovereign. God rules as the supreme authority, doing what pleases Him (Psalm 115:3), His kingdom rules over all (Psalm 103:19). 

(6.) In control. “For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?” Isaiah 14:27 (ESV)

(7.) Majestic. “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:9 (ESV)

(8.) Almighty. “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’” Revelation 1:8 (ESV)

Absolutes That Make God, God

(9.) Love. “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8 (ESV)

(10.) Judge. God judges righteously, tests hearts, repays evil, and holds vengeance. (Jeremiah 11:20)

(11.) Most high. In Psalm 83:18, Asaph petitions God not to be silent against enemies, “That they may know that you alone, whose name is the LORD, Are the Most High over all the earth.” (ESV)

(12.) Reigning King. The Lord reigns over all (Psalm 47:8), reigns forever (Exodus 15:18), and sits as King forever (Psalm 29:10). 

(13.) Light. “God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5b (ESV)

(14.) Magnificent. Impressively beautiful, elaborate, or extravagant; striking (Google). “God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness.” Psalm 145:3 (MSG)

(15.) Good. God is good and does good (Psalm 119:68); He is good and ready to forgive and abundant in lovingkindness (Psalm 86:5).

All the Lord’s children benefit from these absolutes that remind our hearts and minds who God is and what God does. #blog #GodIsGood @FridayKaren
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Facts About God to Celebrate

(16.) Merciful. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Psalm 103:8 (ESV) 

(17.) Faithful. “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9 (ESV)

(18.) I AM. “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM’; and He said, Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14 (ESV). I AM comes from the Hebrew word (hayah) meaning “to be” or “exist” (Blue Letter Bible).

(19.) Omnipresent. “‘Can a man hide himself in hiding places So I do not see him?’ declares the LORD ‘Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?’ declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:24 (ESV)

(20.) All-knowing. Omniscient. God knows the number of hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30), counts and names the stars (Psalm 147:4), and knows all things (1 John 3:20).

(21.) Eternal. “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17 (ESV)

(22.) Able. God “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” Ephesians 2:20 (ESV)

(23.) Unchanging. “For I the Lord do not change.” Malachi 3:6a (ESV)

Facts to Remind Us Who God Is

(24.) Father. “And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 (ESV)

(25.) Provider. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (ESV)

(26.) Shepherd. Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (ESV) God as Shepherd makes me lie down in green pastures, leads me beside still waters, and restores my soul. (Verses 2-3)

(27.) Worthy. “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power.” Revelation 4:11 (ESV)

(28.) Warrior. “The LORD is a warrior; The LORD is His name.” Exodus 15:3 (ESV) 

(29.) Salvation. “Behold, God is my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2a (ESV)

(30.) Peace. “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” Romans 15:33 (ESV)

(31.) Refuge. “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (ESV)

(32.) Never fails. “Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.” Joshua 21:45 (ESV)

Read through these facts from 1-32, saying the fact (in bold only) and out loud. It does a soul good.

Also see, Know Jesus and Make Him Known.

LINKUP PARTY opens on May 3 at 6 am!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

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2. Visit the blogger before or after and encourage them with a comment.

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Join @FridayKaren as we embrace facts about God that strengthen our hearts, give understanding and peace to our minds, and help us focus on spiritual things. Share your blog! #blog #GodIsGood
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