Weekday Devotionals - Steve
Healthy Relationships
Verse: Psalm 22:1
“(Eloi, Eloi, lama Sabachthani.) My God, My God. Why have you turned your back on me? Your ears are deaf to my groan.”
If you have ever felt like crying out those words, a healthy relationship with God, and with fellow believers helps to overcome this feeling of being abandoned.
I can only echo what Pastor Pete said throughout his message Sunday. Words like “Healthy” relationships, introspection, authenticity and accountability, genuine, sincere, and in person; jumped out at me. My experience in the Men’s One Year Bible study has been all of these key points in the pastor’s message.
It all started when Pastor Pete invited me to Men’s One Year Bible, 9 years ago. He said that the group would read the Bible throughout the week, and then, come together to discuss “What God had said to us”. Looking back over the years, it is not like a Sunday school class. It relies upon “introspection” from each of those in attendance. One person’s introspection leads into others opening up about their understanding of God’s word, a sharing of faith, or a personal experiences. This brings growth both spiritually and relationally.
A few of us have been together for the several years, some only a year or so. Not everyone attends Thrive. Some are retired, our ages vary, and our walks with the Lord began in a variety of ways. What we do share is “authenticity and accountability”. First off, our biggest rule is that what is said in the group stays in the group. This is an important trust issue, a relational issue between brothers in the Lord. Without trust none of the deep spiritual concerns can be shared. If we cannot share, how can we be authentic? How can we hold each other accountable in our walk with the Lord?
As men learn to trust, to be authentic, and to be accountable with each other, there is growth. I have watched men, myself included, develop a stronger, more sincere heart for the Lord and his word. Proverbs has a lot to say about seeking wisdom. That is what I see my brothers doing as they read their Bibles daily. Tough conversations, in person, yes, we have had some. They can be difficult, but wrapped in love and God’s word the outcome can be positive. Remember that after Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, Jesus restored him. “Feed my sheep”
So here is your challenge. Find a fellow believer or group of believers to develop a relationship with. It may not be easy, but they may need you as much as you need them to grow healthy relationships. It may be a long slow progress, but it is better to move forward slowly than to not move at all. When the difficult times pop up, remember to wrap the conversations in love and God’s word. God’s word states that if two are together and one stumbles, the other can help the other back up.
I believe that developing a healthy relationship with others will help your relationship with God grow. No more “My God, My God. Why have you forsaken me.” You begin to realize that He is Jehovah Shammah – The LORD is there. The LORD is present.
Always!
Steve G.
If you have ever felt like crying out those words, a healthy relationship with God, and with fellow believers helps to overcome this feeling of being abandoned.
I can only echo what Pastor Pete said throughout his message Sunday. Words like “Healthy” relationships, introspection, authenticity and accountability, genuine, sincere, and in person; jumped out at me. My experience in the Men’s One Year Bible study has been all of these key points in the pastor’s message.
It all started when Pastor Pete invited me to Men’s One Year Bible, 9 years ago. He said that the group would read the Bible throughout the week, and then, come together to discuss “What God had said to us”. Looking back over the years, it is not like a Sunday school class. It relies upon “introspection” from each of those in attendance. One person’s introspection leads into others opening up about their understanding of God’s word, a sharing of faith, or a personal experiences. This brings growth both spiritually and relationally.
A few of us have been together for the several years, some only a year or so. Not everyone attends Thrive. Some are retired, our ages vary, and our walks with the Lord began in a variety of ways. What we do share is “authenticity and accountability”. First off, our biggest rule is that what is said in the group stays in the group. This is an important trust issue, a relational issue between brothers in the Lord. Without trust none of the deep spiritual concerns can be shared. If we cannot share, how can we be authentic? How can we hold each other accountable in our walk with the Lord?
As men learn to trust, to be authentic, and to be accountable with each other, there is growth. I have watched men, myself included, develop a stronger, more sincere heart for the Lord and his word. Proverbs has a lot to say about seeking wisdom. That is what I see my brothers doing as they read their Bibles daily. Tough conversations, in person, yes, we have had some. They can be difficult, but wrapped in love and God’s word the outcome can be positive. Remember that after Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, Jesus restored him. “Feed my sheep”
So here is your challenge. Find a fellow believer or group of believers to develop a relationship with. It may not be easy, but they may need you as much as you need them to grow healthy relationships. It may be a long slow progress, but it is better to move forward slowly than to not move at all. When the difficult times pop up, remember to wrap the conversations in love and God’s word. God’s word states that if two are together and one stumbles, the other can help the other back up.
I believe that developing a healthy relationship with others will help your relationship with God grow. No more “My God, My God. Why have you forsaken me.” You begin to realize that He is Jehovah Shammah – The LORD is there. The LORD is present.
Always!
Steve G.
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