Seven Steps to Permanent Change

Applying the following seven basic steps will help you overcome problems that you face. They represent principles that will work in the process of overcoming no matter the size of the problem or problems that you face.
If you diligently apply them, they will be a formula that will help you to permanently overcome in your life.(1) Honestly face the problem. Many people will not honestly face their problems. They hide their eyes from reality. Jeremiah 17:9 declares, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Most people willingly deceive themselves about their problems. Honestly face your problems. Look them right in the eye and see them for what they are.(2) Do not get discouraged. It is very easy to get discouraged now that you have acknowledged your problems. It is easy to be disheartened. This is natural. Be ready for this feeling to possibly strike you, after you have honestly faced the weakness, sin or fault that you are now ready to tackle. Paul wrote of those who are “troubled on every side, yet not distressed…perplexed, but not in despair” (II Cor. 4:8-9). You may feel this way as you face your problems, but do not get discouraged. Move on to the next step.

To the Overcomer

Through the apostle John, Christ said, “And he that overcomes, and keeps My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron…” (Rev. 2:26-27).
In His instruction to Laodicea, He adds, “To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne” (Rev. 3:21).These verses picture Christ re-establishing God’s government over all nations of the earth. Christians will receive real power to rule. But first they must overcome.Christians are those who follow—who copy—Christ (I Pet. 2:21). Then what is the pattern Christ established for us to follow? Did He overcome?

You Can Overcome and Prevent Sin

by David C. Pack

So many seem trapped, unable to overcome—to grow in areas of weakness, fault and sin. Instead of overcoming their problems, most are overcome by their problems. This should not be—and need not be! You can overcome. Here is how.

Through the years, I have pastored thousands who have been called to God’s way. All have struggled against the pulls of the flesh and the temptations of Satan and his world. Some overcome. Others do not.Christ said, “Enter you in at the strait [difficult] gate: for wide is the gate, and broad [easy] is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait [difficult] is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt. 7:13-14). Most seek the easy, “broad” path.

Hope of Eternal Life and Salvation Scriptures

The greatest hope in the Christian faith is that of eternal life. This hope is based on Jesus Christ and your relationship with Him. Write down one of these verses to reflect on in times of need.

Titus 1:1-2 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies,promised before the ages began

Titus 3:7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Hope of A Future Bible Verses

There are times in life that it feels like the future looks bleak. These are great passages on hope to read from the Old Testament to lift you up and encouraged you today.

Proverbs 24:20 for the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

Proverbs 24:14 Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Developing a Godly Lifestyle

Romans 12:2
Today's verse outlines the commitment and steps necessary in developing a godly lifestyle. Paul was urgently warning believers not to be conformed to the world. Our susceptibility to compromise is one of the greatest dangers in the church today.

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Through ungodly relationships and the impact of media, we're being influenced by people who are not following God's ways. Our society tells us to to put self first, take what we want, protect our rights, and

10 Opportunities for Building Adult Faith Formation

To make adult catechesis a priority, look at what is already happening in your parish and then at ways to enhance or expand formation, starting with these 10 opportunities for building adult faith formation.

1. Sunday liturgy
   Sunday liturgy is the center of our Church’s life. It is the place where the largest number of people is catechized regularly—through communal prayer, homilies, music, hospitality, the environment, and even the bulletin! Work in conjunction with priests, the liturgy committee, and others to build a variety of ways to help your parishioners look more deeply at liturgy.
2. RCIA
   While the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is focused on those who are joining the Church, it reaches well beyond. Recruiting and training team members and sponsors is one way to bring others into this process. Using the process as a model for a separate formation opportunity for parishioners has been used in many parishes with great success.
3. Parent sacramental sessions

Adult Faith Formation

Adult faith formation requires a unique approach, so that it can address the needs of those who are new to the Catholic faith as well as those Catholics who are seeking to deepen their faith. In this section you will find tips and ideas for making your adult faith formation ministry a success.

 

10 Interesting Facts about St. Paul

1. Paul was from the Roman city of Tarsus, located in what is today southern Turkey. (Acts of the Apostles 21:39)
   
2. Paul was not physically impressive, nor was he a very good speaker. (1 Corinthians 2:1 and 2 Corinthians 10:10; 11:6)
   
3. Paul had a sister and a nephew. (Acts of the Apostles 23:16)
   
4. Paul was educated in Jerusalem under the famous Jewish teacher Gamaliel. (Acts of the Apostles 22:3)
   

This month’s theme is It’s Up to You.

The desire for happiness is a universal one. Within every one of us there exists an inherent yearning to know its source and assure that it is constantly on tap in our lives. In fact, most of us invest our hearts, minds and spirits in going about accomplishing this. This month’s Talks will provide the inner spiritual technology for understanding that running up against our doubts, fears, and insecurities doesn’t have to prevent us from arriving at happiness. Listen every week as we explore how incorporating all the facets of our lives in our practice contributes to harmonizing mind, body, and spirit.

Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you ...

Paul the Apostle

 

Paul the Apostle (Greek: Παῦλος Paulos; c. 5 – c. 67), originally known as Saul of Tarsus (Hebrew: שאול התרסי‎; Greek: Σαῦλος Ταρσεύς Saulos Tarseus), was an apostle (though not one of the Twelve Apostles) who taught the gospel of Christ to the first-century world. He is generally considered one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age. In the mid-30s to the mid-50s, he founded several churches in Asia Minor and Europe. Paul used his status as both a Jew and a Roman citizen to advantage in his ministry to both Jewish and Roman audiences.