June 1

In God’s Hands
Bible in a Year:
2 Chronicles 15–16
John 12:27–50
The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

Today's Scripture & Insight:

1 Thessalonians 5:12–28
Turning eighteen ushered in a new era in my daughter’s life: legally an adult, she now had the right to vote in future elections and would soon embark on life after graduating from high school. This shift had instilled in me a sense of urgency—I would have precious little time with her under my roof to impart to her the wisdom she’d need to face the world on her own: how to manage finances, stay alert to world issues, and make sound decisions.

My sense of duty to equip my daughter to handle her life was understandable. After all, I loved her and desired for her to flourish. But I realized that while I had an important role, it wasn’t solely—or even primarily—my job. In Paul’s words to the Thessalonians—a group of people he considered his children in the faith because he’d taught them about Jesus—he urged them to help one another (1 Thessalonians 5:14–15), but ultimately he trusted their growth to God. He acknowledged that God would “sanctify [them] through and through” (v. 23).

Paul trusted God to do what he couldn’t: prepare them—“spirit, soul and body”—for the eventual return of Jesus (v. 23). Though his letters to the Thessalonians contained instructions, his trust in God for their well-being and preparedness teaches us that growth in the lives of those we care for is ultimately in His hands (1 Corinthians 3:6).

By: Kirsten Holmberg

Father, thank You for being the initiator and finisher of my spiritual growth. Please help me to trust You for that good work. Amen.

The Power of Personal Growth and Spiritual Connection: Cultivating a Better Society

Personal growth, well-being, and spiritual connection are essential aspects of human existence that contribute to the cultivation of a better society. These elements are not only significant in our individual lives, but also have a cumulative impact on society at large. In this blog post, we will explore why prioritizing personal development matters, the benefits of focusing on personal growth and well-being, and the role of spiritual connection in our lives. We will also examine the impact of personal growth on society and why investing in these aspects is essential for a better tomorrow.

Importance of Prioritizing Personal Growth:

Inner Strength and Resilience:

Prioritizing personal growth helps us equip ourselves with the tools necessary to face difficult situations and navigate through them successfully. When we focus on expanding our skills, knowledge, and emotional intelligence, we are better equipped to handle life’s adversities. This growth leads to inner strength and resilience, enabling us to rebound from setbacks quickly.

Better Mental and Emotional Health:

Investing in personal growth leads to better mental and emotional health. It helps us develop awareness and emotional regulation skills, allowing us to manage negative thoughts and emotions efficiently. In turn, this leads to reduced stress and anxiety, better sleep quality, and better overall well-being.

Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem:

Personal growth also leads to increased confidence and self-esteem. We become aware of our strengths and weaknesses, allowing us to create a positive self-image. We are then confident in our abilities and commit to achieving our goals without limiting beliefs holding us back.

Benefits of Focusing on Well-being:

Better Physical Health:

Improving our well-being has a direct impact on our physical health. A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, good nutrition, and adequate sleep is crucial in disease prevention, reduced risk of chronic illnesses, and longevity.

Improved Relationships with Others:

Our well-being also impacts our relationships with others. When we prioritize our physical and mental health, we are better equipped to communicate and connect with others. This leads to improved relationships, increased social support, and a heightened sense of community.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety:

Focusing on well-being also leads to reduced stress and anxiety. When we feel physically and mentally well, we are better equipped to handle stressors in our environment. We can then approach situations with a clear and calm state of mind, making it easier to manage stressors successfully.

Role of Spiritual Connection in Personal Development:

Increased Wisdom and Insight:

Spiritual connection refers to the sense of a deeper purpose, meaning and value of life. It enhances our wisdom and insights, allowing us to reflect on life’s big questions and discover a sense of purpose that goes beyond our daily routines.

Greater Purpose and Meaning in Life:

When we have a spiritual connection, we are better equipped to find meaning and purpose in our lives. We are then able to approach our goals with a sense of direction, knowing that our actions align with our values and beliefs. This leads to increased satisfaction and fulfillment in our lives.

Enhanced Compassion and Empathy:

Spiritual connection also enhances our compassion and empathy for others. When we feel connected to a higher power or the universe, we become more aware of our connectedness and value the well-being of others. This enhances our relationships, making us more empathic and compassionate.

Impact of Personal Growth on Society:

Contribution to a Positive and Productive Community:

Personal development leads to a positive impact on society. When we prioritize our personal growth and well-being, we are better equipped to contribute positively to our communities. We become committed to creating a better tomorrow, making us invested in the success of our community.

Pursuit of Shared Goals:

Successful personal development also leads to the pursuit of shared goals. By investing in our personal growth, we develop skills that allow us to work collaboratively towards shared objectives. This leads to a sense of unity in society, where we work together to achieve collective success.

Investment in Individual Success for the Collective Success:

Personal growth also leads to investment in individual success for the collective success. When we prioritize our personal growth, we become more aware of our unique talents, strengths, and capabilities. We then channel our efforts in contributing to society in ways that align with our strengths, making us more productive and committed to achieving collective success.

Prioritizing personal growth, well-being, and spiritual connection is crucial in cultivating a better society. By investing in these aspects, we develop the skills, insights, and awareness necessary to navigate life’s challenges successfully. We also become better equipped to contribute positively to our communities, creating a positive impact that goes beyond our individual lives. It is therefore essential to incorporate these aspects into our daily routines and make them a priority for a better tomorrow. Start investing in your personal growth and spiritual connection today, and let's create a better society together.

Do you want to learn more about what you can do to act NOW! and save our Constitution.
https://www.thefifthprinciple.coop/wcid.html

✍️ Join our course on faith here.
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✍️Learn about historical events that shape our future. Flashback to a Fabulous Future.
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✍️ Join us on our learning Journey to Plymouth, MA on August 30, 2023 – September 4, 2023. Learn more here.
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Awakening Grace

May 30, 2023
by Pastor Chuck Swindoll
Scriptures: Philippians 1:6

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (Philippians 1:6)
Want a boost of encouragement? Our God is working toward that end in all of His children. It is His constant pursuit, His daily agenda, as He points us toward our final destination, "the Celestial City," as Bunyan calls it. Having cleansed our hearts of the debris of inward corruptions and the dust of sin's domination, God is now daily at work awakening grace within us, perfecting our character and bringing it to completion.

As I think about our becoming people of awakening grace, I believe at least three things are involved in the process:

First, it takes time. Learning anything takes time. Becoming good models of grace, it seems, takes years! Like wisdom, it comes slowly. But God is in no hurry as He purges graceless characteristics from us. But we can count on this, for sure: He is persistent.

Second, it requires pain. The "dust" in our room doesn't settle easily. I know of no one who has adopted a "grace state of mind" painlessly. Hurt is part of the curriculum in God's schoolroom.

Third, it means change. Being "graceless" by nature, we find it difficult to be anything different. We lack it, we resist it, we fail to show it, but God never stops His relentless working. He is committed to our becoming more like His Son. Remember? "He who began a good work . . . will carry it on to completion" (NIV).

Welcome To Proverbs Club.
Detestable Prayers.
Proverbs 28:9 (NIV).
9) If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction,
even their prayers are detestable.
Proverbs Club Commentary.
Ignored Wisdom spawns ignored prayers.
Grow in Wisdom and draw nearer to God.
https://pc1.tiny.us/53x3ythd
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Agreeing about Disagreements, Part Two

May 28, 2023
by Pastor Chuck Swindoll
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12:12
The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12)
As much as we may pursue peace, and as positive and tactful as we may be, there will still be occasions when disagreements arise. As one wag put it, "Life ain't no exact science," which brings me to the last two of four facts with which everyone (well, most of us) would agree. (I shared the first two facts yesterday.)

In every disagreement there are the same two ingredients: (a) an issue and (b) various viewpoints. The issue is usually objective and involves principles. The viewpoints are subjective and involve personalities. And therein lies the sum and substance of a clash, which could be defined as a disagreement over an issue because of opposing points of view. I will be candid with you: Every time I have remembered those two basic ingredients in the midst of a disagreement, I have been able to keep calm and think clearly. When I have forgotten them, almost without exception I have failed to negotiate my way through the clash with wisdom. Furthermore, I have regretted something I said in the heat of verbal exchange. Those two simple ingredients have never failed to help me keep cool. Why? The next fact will explain.

In many disagreements each side is valid. As "liberal" as you may think that sounds, chew on it before you toss it aside. On numerous occasions when I have encountered a brother or sister who felt as strongly as I about the other side of the argument, I came to realize it was not so much an I-am-right-and-you-are-wrong matter as it was an I-see-it-from-this-perspective-and-you-from-that-perspective matter. Both sides of most disagreements have strengths and weaknesses, which means neither side is an airtight slam dunk. Nevertheless, any disagreement can lead to a serious, permanent rift in a relationship . . . and sometimes (this may surprise you) that is God's will. There are times God chooses to spread the good news of His Son rapidly in different directions by having two capable servants of His have a major disagreement. As they separate and minister effectively in two different locations, He accomplishes a greater objective than if they were in agreement.