We’ve all heard the expressions, “You know what they say... everything happens for a reason” or “You know what they say…. God won’t give you more than you can handle.” No one knows who they are, but they seem to be well-informed and have a good understanding of God. It may surprise you, but these phrases are actually not found in the Bible.
In this series, we debunk 3 common expressions and teach what God really has to say about them.
Watch the series on YouTube here.
READING PLANS
Beauty in My Brokenness (5 Day)
It's amazing how the pains you experience from the obstacles you face in life are all a part of your process. The process includes the shaping and molding of your character. There is a purpose for your process! God uses every painful situation you face to prepare you for your purpose.
Jesus Changes Everything (5 Day)
Who do you say Jesus is? Who do you believe, deep in your heart, He really is? In this 5-day devotional centered on Christ, author Randy Alcorn shares his own story of coming to know our Savior, and invites you to also “come and see” Jesus and find joy in knowing Him better. Life will never be the same once you start the lifelong adventure of following Jesus!
Missing Peace (7 Days)
Is it really possible to experience peace when life is painful? The short answer: yes, but not in our own power. In a year that has left us feeling overwhelmed, many of us are left with questions. In this 7-day Bible Plan, accompanying Pastor Craig Groeschel’s message series, we’ll discover how to find the Missing Peace we all crave.
Seven Keys to Emotional Wholeness (7 Days)
There are at least seven major aspects of wholeness involved in seeking God’s best for your emotional life. You don’t need to take these in sequence. Rather, they’re like having a ring of keys—all of which need to be inserted and turned simultaneously. Join Dr. Charles Stanley as he helps you build key habits into your life that will help you become increasingly whole in your spirit and emotions.
BOOKS
Boundaries: When to Say Yes When to Say No To Take Control of Your Life
By Henry Cloud and John Townsend
Having clear boundaries is essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. A boundary is a personal property line that marks those things for which we are responsible. In other words, boundaries define who we are and who we are not.
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
By Peter Scazzero
Can Christians grow spiritually while remaining emotionally immature? Scazzero believes the answer is no---our souls and psyches are inextricably linked! Readers will find seasoned advice on how to slow down and develop a truly transformational relationship with Christ. You'll learn to identify unhealthy spirituality, grow through grief and loss, and more.
ARTICLES AND VIDEOS
How Does Knowing God Help Us? (video)
Michael Frost asserts that human brokenness can be traced to fear and/or laziness. How do we move forward, and can God help us?
What To Do When God Feels Far (article)
It’s pretty normal for all of us to have seasons when we don’t feel particularly “plugged in” with God. So what should we do when we feel distant from God for days, months, or even years?
Why Doesn't God Get Rid of Evil Now? (article)
Why Doesn’t God Get Rid of Evil Now? You don’t have to live for long to know that evil is a part of this world. From North Korea’s nuclear threats to the F5 tornado that decimated Oklahoma to the rising incidents of cancer globally, there seems to be a tidal wave of bad circumstances out there just waiting to crash down upon us. Many seek God in such times, believing he has the power – the compassion – to combat these forces of email. But this raises a pressing question: If God is loving and all-powerful, then why doesn’t he just get rid of evil now?
What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus? (article)
Jesus frequently encountered people with spiritual questions. They wanted to know how to live life more fully. They wanted to connect with God. They wanted to love others more deeply and authentically. They wanted to know about death and eternal life. They wanted to experience God’s forgiveness for the failures and sin. They wanted to understand how to pray, how to worship, how to understand the words of Scripture. To such people Jesus frequently offered a simple invitation, “Follow me.”
What Makes Christianity Different? (article)
The primary difference between Christianity and all other religions is rooted in the differences between Jesus and other religious leaders.
PARENT RESOURCES
4 Steps to Teaching Your Child Emotional Control
With your guidance and practice, your kids can learn to control their emotions. Here are four steps for helping your children regain the upper hand when intense emotions threaten to spiral out of control.
Raising Healthy, Resilient Kids
Raising healthy, resilient kids takes time and sensitivity to their needs. Sometimes, parents need help to be able to understand how to interact with them in a way that encourages resilience.
DID YOU MAKE A DECISION TO FOLLOW JESUS?
If you made a decision to follow Jesus, text the word Jesus to 414-509-0339. The Ridge will text you a daily note of encouragement for 14 days.
Are you ready to take the step and get baptized? Click here to sign-up for baptism.
Use this 14-day guide to help you continue on your faith journey:
Week 1
DAY 1 | DAY 2 | DAY 3 | DAY 4 | DAY 5 | DAY 6 | DAY 7