STEPPING HEAVENWARD

Well, we've made it to the second week of 2023 now. How are y'all doing? I'm having a hard time with the weather in my neck of the woods. It's cold and rainy every day. I feel like I'm back in Everett, WA again and I've been craving some crappy Starbucks coffee. Oof. I'd better stay away from it, though. It's more like Five Bucks and never worth the calories or the money. 

In terms of New Year's goals, I've been a bit lax on them.  I spent a big chunk of last week and the beginning of this week with my right foot propped up due to plantar fasciitis. It was not fun, and for someone with a goal-oriented personality, it was very difficult. As far as getting into a Bible study routine, I have surpassed my goal - so far. I can't get cocky, though. This is the slow season. Time to keep plugging away! 

Last week, I really struggled with an old issue - pride, jealousy, and unforgiveness. All toward one person in particular. I put out a call to prayer to some friends from church and asked that they join me in prayer. I was deep in sin and I wanted out ASAP! Two days later, I had a breakdown which lead to a breakthrough. I needed to stop looking at the sins of the other person so much and start praying for God to soften my heart so I can forgive them. 

Shortly after becoming a Christian, I was lent a book by my Pastor's wife. It's called Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss. I used to read it at least once a year. It's one of those books that is rife with wisdom that cuts right to your soul and convicts you, gently. One of my favorite parts of the book is when her father-in-law passes away and she's saddened by it. She says she wishes she had spent more time simply loving him, instead of trying to work out why he was so cruel to her. That part always convicts me. When you read the book, I hope it touches you as well. 

People will always be cruel. We're human. We hurt. We get jealous. We get tired and cranky. Sometimes we get hangry. Hurt people hurt people and misery loves company. Sometimes we simply do things because we're weak in the spirit and that makes us more susceptible to believing the lies that Satan whispers into our ears. We have to learn to turn away from the lies and turn toward Christ. We can do that by developing a strong relationship with Christ through

• Daily time in the Word
• Attending church weekly
• Prayer without ceasing - when we're happy, sad, mad, grateful, depressed, scared, in need...
• Going to Him as a child would and trusting Him to provide all that we need
• Fellowship with other believers
• Being doers of the Word and not merely hearers
• Sitting with God and working through big feelings and hard choices

If you're a parent, think about all the times your child comes to you and what their intent is when they do so. Now repeat that with Jesus in your own life. That's exactly what that relationship is supposed to look like. God is a God of absolutes. Remember - He never leaves us, never forsakes us, and always loves us. You can trust Him. 

Go to Jesus like a little child

Stay tuned for another episode. See you next time! And remember, if you or a loved one is in danger, get help immediately, and don't stop talking until someone acts on your words.

National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-7233 Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service. SMS: Text START to 88788

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Hours: Available 24 hours. https://www.rainn.org/

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. https://988lifeline.org/

In Christ alone our hope is found

Run, don't walk for help! You're worth it.