As noted last week, the mind is primarily responsible for stress levels, which means our thoughts and emotions tend to control our stress level. Life is full of problems, hurtful experiences, and disappointments. These things create powerful emotions with the resulting high stress. With physical stress the body can use the extra energy, but with […]

Stress is the body’s heightened reaction to a change that requires physical and mental adjustments. It is a form of pressure (the need for extra ability) in the face of a perceived danger or special need. Some stress is a normal part of life and essential for well being. The stress of an exam can […]

Comfort and encouragement are much alike. When we encourage another person, we give them a pat on the back and offer them praise. This can help someone know it is worthwhile to keep doing the right thing; otherwise they may get discouraged. Just as each of us needs encouragement, we also need comfort. Comfort basically […]

The subject of encouragement is a very important topic in the Bible. The actual word “encourage” is rarely used, but many New Testament words present the idea of encouragement. The words beseech, urge, edify, and exhort relate to the topic of encouragement; for example, “…but we urge (encourage) you…” (1 Thes. 4:10, parenthesis added). The […]

Being misunderstood hurts, but there are things you can do to help make it less of a problem in your life, especially in the teen years. As we continue our study of “Being Misunderstood,” we will consider another biblical example. Then we will learn more about how to handle the unfair treatments that occur in […]

Have you ever tried your very best, even prayed for the Lord’s help to do the right thing, only to be criticized and misunderstood? Unfortunately, it happens to us all. Life seems so unfair. What we often do not realize is that we inadvertently hurt others also and do not even know it. Have you […]

It is often said the teen years are the best years of a person’s life. These years can be a time of great fun, exciting friendships, and adventure. However, most teens also experience another side of life with complications, misunderstandings, rejection, and hurtful events. In the transition from childhood to adulthood, there is much that […]

A pastor held up an orange and asked some young boys and girls, “If I squeezed this orange, what will come out?” They all said, “Orange juice.” “But I want apple juice,” he replied. “If I pray sincerely and really believe with all my heart, then I will get apple juice. Right?” he responded. The […]

Salvation begins a new, personal relationship with God (all three persons of the Godhead). This lesson presents the next step after placing our faith in Him. The next step is realizing each of us needs to mature spiritually. Just as our human relationships have to mature and grow, so does our relationship with the Almighty. […]