Finding YOUR Faith
If you are new to this faith thing, or you flat out don't know where you stand with God, this is a great post for you! I highly encourage you to find out for yourself what YOU believe in.
This is a simple road map to discover YOUR beliefs:
You need people. Having community is crucial to growing in your faith. You need people that you can be real and honest with, that you can learn from, and that you can lean on. If this is something you desire, church is a great place to look. But you can't sneak in and out on Sunday morning, and expect to get connected. Make the effort to step out of your comfort zone - introduce yourself, ask about their small groups, and volunteer opportunities. That is where communities are formed. You will only get out as much as you put in.
I can not emphasis this enough... Choose your friends wisely.
Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Proverbs 13:20
That is clear, simple truth right there. Here is The Message translation: Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.
If you are looking for a church in your area, ask friends and neighbors where they go. Try different places out until you find one that is a good fit for you. This website does not include all churches, but it may be a starting place for you to look.
Pick up the Bible. Reading the Bible IS intimidating and overwhelming. Do not feel bad if that is how you feel, you are not alone!
Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice.
Keep my message in plain view at all times.
Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
Those who discover these words live, really live;
body and soul, they’re bursting with health.
Proverbs 4:20-22
Raise your hand if you want to LIVE, really live, body and soul, bursting with health! I know I do! This book is where that is found.
If you are just starting to read the Bible, I would suggest one of these:
This is a simple road map to discover YOUR beliefs:
You need people. Having community is crucial to growing in your faith. You need people that you can be real and honest with, that you can learn from, and that you can lean on. If this is something you desire, church is a great place to look. But you can't sneak in and out on Sunday morning, and expect to get connected. Make the effort to step out of your comfort zone - introduce yourself, ask about their small groups, and volunteer opportunities. That is where communities are formed. You will only get out as much as you put in.
Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Proverbs 13:20
That is clear, simple truth right there. Here is The Message translation: Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.
If you are looking for a church in your area, ask friends and neighbors where they go. Try different places out until you find one that is a good fit for you. This website does not include all churches, but it may be a starting place for you to look.
Pick up the Bible. Reading the Bible IS intimidating and overwhelming. Do not feel bad if that is how you feel, you are not alone!
Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice.
Keep my message in plain view at all times.
Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
Those who discover these words live, really live;
body and soul, they’re bursting with health.
Proverbs 4:20-22
Raise your hand if you want to LIVE, really live, body and soul, bursting with health! I know I do! This book is where that is found.
If you are just starting to read the Bible, I would suggest one of these:
Women's Sanctuary Devotional Bible NLT
NIV, Women's Devotional Bible
Every Man's Bible NLT
There isn't a "wrong" choice when it comes to the translation or type of Bible you pick, it is simply personal preference. This NIV version is the Bible I started with. I liked the devotions because they gave me some practical takeaways each day.
I use this Bible App on my phone. It has GREAT reading plans, which provides structure, so you are not overwhelmed about what to read every day. Some plans are short and specific, others will give you a reading plan for the entire year. Try a few out until you find one that is a good fit for you.
The number one excuse I hear for not reading the Bible is "I am too busy". I say this with love, not judgement... We all have 24 hours in a day. You choose your priorities. If finding your faith is important to you, make time for it.
Pray. I found praying to be one of the most frustrating aspects of faith in the beginning. I felt like a crazy person talking to myself. I had no clue how I was suppose to pray - on my knees, knelt beside my bed, with hands crossed? Was I suppose to talk out loud? Was there a correct way to start? This is what prayer is: a conversation between you and God. So talk out loud, in your head, on paper, in the car, in your closet... it doesn't matter. Just talk to Him. He wants to hear your voice.
Here are some final words of encouragement...
• Find good people to do life with. Not only will they help your faith grow, but they make life FUN!
• Be patient with yourself and with God. He will teach you at the pace that is right for you.
• Learning to hear God's voice takes time. I will write a blog post on that next ;)
Other related posts: The Right Key • Growing in My Faith.
NIV, Women's Devotional Bible
Every Man's Bible NLT
There isn't a "wrong" choice when it comes to the translation or type of Bible you pick, it is simply personal preference. This NIV version is the Bible I started with. I liked the devotions because they gave me some practical takeaways each day.
I use this Bible App on my phone. It has GREAT reading plans, which provides structure, so you are not overwhelmed about what to read every day. Some plans are short and specific, others will give you a reading plan for the entire year. Try a few out until you find one that is a good fit for you.
The number one excuse I hear for not reading the Bible is "I am too busy". I say this with love, not judgement... We all have 24 hours in a day. You choose your priorities. If finding your faith is important to you, make time for it.
Pray. I found praying to be one of the most frustrating aspects of faith in the beginning. I felt like a crazy person talking to myself. I had no clue how I was suppose to pray - on my knees, knelt beside my bed, with hands crossed? Was I suppose to talk out loud? Was there a correct way to start? This is what prayer is: a conversation between you and God. So talk out loud, in your head, on paper, in the car, in your closet... it doesn't matter. Just talk to Him. He wants to hear your voice.
Here are some final words of encouragement...
• Find good people to do life with. Not only will they help your faith grow, but they make life FUN!
• Be patient with yourself and with God. He will teach you at the pace that is right for you.
• Learning to hear God's voice takes time. I will write a blog post on that next ;)
Other related posts: The Right Key • Growing in My Faith.
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| Oh if only I could have this view every day... I miss Newfoundland. |
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