January 6, 2021 / Sandra Bivens Smith / Edit

I am pleased to announce the new study being offered by Heart2Heart Women. No matter where you live or what your schedule, there is almost certainly a session for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of this exciting study – registration closes January 14, 2021.

Our desire to grow runs deep. Yet the issues in our lives and relationships that we wish would change often stay the same, even with our best efforts at spiritual growth. What does it take to experience increasing strength and depth in our spiritual walk, our marriages and family lives and friendships, our personal development–in everything life is about? And how can we help others move into growth that is profound and lasting?

Unpacking the practical and passionate theology that forms the backbone of their counseling, Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend shatter popular misconceptions about how God operates to reveal how growth really happens.

Shinning focused light on the great doctrines and themes of Christianity, How People Grow helps you understand the Bible in a way that will help you head with confidence down the high road to growth in Christ.

You’ll discover:

• What the essential processes are that make people grow.
• How those processes fit into a biblical understanding of spiritual growth and theology.
• How spiritual growth and real-life issues are one and the same.
• What the responsibilities are of pastors, counselors, and others who assist people in growing.
• What your own responsibilities are in your personal growth. 

Join Live Study Group via Zoom

Each Wednesday @ 11:00 AM

January 20 – March 3

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Each Saturday @10:00 AM

January 23 – March 6

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In his book “The Holiness of God” R. C. Sproul writes “He [Jesus] made people uncomfortable”. As I read that line I began to think about the modern church and the emphasis on the seeker friendly approach in which many churches take great pride. It is such a tragic situation: so called pastors, in the name of friendliness and sensitivity, are leading people straight to the gates of hell!

Unless you are living in a cave (in which case you would not be reading this anyway), you could not help but notice that political correctness has gone amuck, it has invaded pretty much every area of our lives.

The Bible tells us a lot about truth. We are told for example that: Truth sets people free. Truth sanctifies. Truth delights the Lord. Worship can only come from a spirit of Truth. And, as if all that were not enough to convince us, we are commanded to speak Truth in love.

I opened this post talking about church leaders but even we, as individuals, tend to avoid any conversation that might make someone uncomfortable; and so we choose not to say anything at all. And so I would ask, to whom are you willing to speak truth? (Perhaps it is even yourself). Who do you love enough to make uncomfortable? Something to think about.

~Sandra

I don’t do resolutions. However, in each of the past few years I have noted one area in my life where I would like to grow. To help me stay focused, I choose a word that is relative to my determined goal.

As I considered what my word for 2021 might be, I reflected on 2020; my “successes” and “failures”. In the end, the word I landed on was PERSEVERANCE.

As I studied the meaning of the word, as looked at some of its antonyms, an old poem came to mind that perfectly captures the spirit of perseverance. I hope you enjoy.

How about you? Do you have a word, goal, or objective for 2021 year? If so, would love for you to share.