Mark's Journey

Want to change? (2)

Another aspect of changing something about ourselves is rooted in our relationship with God.  Here is something I think is the honest truth about this...I am not strong enough, smart enough, or disciplined enough by myself to make some changes in my life.  I'm just not.  I sometimes think I can, but then later fall short again or mess up.  We need God.  Someone who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and always in control.

June 15 talks about how we can be connected to Jesus.  It is like he is a vine and we are the branches that grow out from the vine.  If we are cut off from the vine we will die.  We won't be any good.  For us to have real life and bear fruit in this life, we have to stay connected to Jesus.

If you have never read this, go read it.  It says we are to remain in Jesus, or abide in him.  True, deep, long lasting change happens when we are connected to Jesus.

Want to change? (1)

In the last few months we've been asking the question "How do people change?"  If people want to make some changes in their life, how can we help them do that?  I think several people would have opinions on that.  But here are a few thoughts I have learned as I have asked that from some who I trust and have great insight.

When we hear the stories of others who have changed and have gone through something similar it can be just the thing we need.  I think that is why in the Bible God talks about doing life with others and learning from one another.  He never intended that we do life alone...and one of the reasons for that is we need to be close enough to some other people to hear how they have changed.  It can motivate and inspire us.  It helps us to think..." if they can do it maybe I can too."

This is why our Sunday Gatherings at The Journey are important to regularly attend.  We are around others.  But this is also why we do Journey Groups and we are launching community based Networks in the next year...to do life with others.  So we can learn and grow together.

Are you married...or want to be?

In my Journey Group, we have been discussing how to develop a stronger marriage that lasts a lifetime.  We kind of hit a different aspect every time we meet.  Last night we talked about the importance of having a genuine friendship in your marriage.  And actually, that our spouse should be our best friend.  If you are married, or want to be some day, here are some thoughts that we covered that you need to consider:

• Your spouse should be your best friend, not someone else.  If they are not, begin to work toward that.  And if you are not married, don't unless that person is your best friend.
• Don't have conversations with other people that you wouldn't with your spouse.  The deepest talks should be with your spouse.
• Don't rip on your spouse to other people.  Don't bash them to others.  That is not how you love and honor your spouse.
• Three aspects of a  genuine friendship include effort, depth, and support.

Friendship is huge in a marriage.  Take time today to develop that even more.