READY & WAITING: WEEK 2 DEVOTIONS

MARI KEISLING • March 4, 2023

DAY 1

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:10

I’ve heard it said that humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. And while that might be true in part, I would say it’s also about having a right thinking of ourselves because we have a right thinking of God.

When I first recognized that God knew me and cared about me, that He was blessing me in various ways, I thought, “Why me? What’s so special about me?”

And then as I grew in my understanding and knowledge of God, I realized there was nothing special about me.

The same blessings were available to every person, if only they would realize it was God and accept it. And while I may not be special, I am unique. We are each uniquely made by God with specific work – things to do and contribute to this world, our communities, and families – that He has designed and equipped us to do.

We cannot compare ourselves to one another because how do you compare two unique things?

You understand similarities and differences, but even in those, one is not better or worse than another. We are all the same and yet all different and that’s a good thing. It’s how God has designed us. We can relate enough to meet the needs, but not so much that we can judge the need.

At the end of the day, the desire of every human heart is to be acknowledged, accepted, and appreciated for what we bring to the table. We want to know we matter, that what we do makes a difference. That our work is good; that we are good. We want to know we are not alone, that we are loved and there is someone who has our back. We are not beyond receiving what we really need.

We will seek to satisfy these desires one way or another.

Without God, the satisfaction is short lived. With it will come quarrels and fights. There will always be someone who we must pull down, climb over, and rise above. There will always be more that we must do to prove we have achieved anything of importance. But the only thing we end up proving is our need for Him.

When we submit to God and humble ourselves to Him, we will receive what we really need. As we lay it all out before Him, He will show us the right perspective and use of the desires and gifts He’s given us. Every teaching and correction will be an encouragement that God has our back.

He will lift us up on the last day, acknowledged and accepted. Loved. He will not leave one of His children behind.

DAY 2

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24‬

As we come to know God, we realize He already knows us.

He knows what we’ve done, left undone and refused to do.

He knows what we’ve said, left unsaid and refused to say.

He knows what we’ve thought, what we’ve allowed ourselves to think and what we think about Him and others right now.

He knows the patterns of our life and our perspectives on the issues and events of the day. God has made each person on purpose with a purpose. He has created each person with reverence and respect and delights in who we are. His thoughts about us are too wonderful to fathom and too numerous to count.

No accidents. No mistakes.

In front of Him, we’re vulnerable and exposed. Nothing is hidden from His sight. And as we come to know Him and understand His love for us, we can allow ourselves to be searched. We welcome it.

We ask, Lord, what in my life is opposed to you?

What heart desires, thoughts, and motivations are not aligned with your ways?

Search me, God, and show me so I may turn from my own wicked ways and follow you wholeheartedly.

DAY 3

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

“What the world needs right now is love, sweet love.”

We also need kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, joy, peace, patience … lots of patience, a whole lotta self-control mixed in with mercy, compassion, and God’s grace.

We know this is true, so why don’t we do it?

Because sin is ever before us. Tempting us. Luring us into its web.

Because the desires of our hearts are strong. And while at the core those desires may be good, we don’t understand how sacrificing and surrendering those desires will bring about the true fulfilling of every good thing we could hope for or imagine.

We know there are things we should’ve done differently. We recognize the things we’ve done that were not kind, where we were impatient, showed no self-control, and did not offer grace and compassion.

As it feels like our hearts are being peeled back, cut open, or even broken into pieces, we remember that Jesus has come to bind up the broken hearted. This is His specialty. He is an expert at healing hearts and changing lives.

So, we come to Him and ask.

Purify my heart, O God. Renew my spirit so I may be sure-footed in my following. So that in all

I do, my life will praise you. In all I say, my words will tell others of your great love.

DAY 4

(Jesus prayed) “For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.” John 17:19

When a debt is paid, it’s gone. You don’t hold onto the invoice or statement showing all you owe, but rather hold onto the copy stamped PAID IN FULL. In case anyone should ask. In case you need a reminder.

Or maybe you have a burning party. You watch the document go up in smoke. It has no hold or say or requirement any longer. You are free from what you owed.

To sanctify is to purify or set free from sin. Jesus was pure in thoughts toward God and others. He lived a sinless life. He was the perfect sacrifice for sins; the only sacrifice needed for all people for all time. Because Jesus sanctified Himself living a pure life devoted to God, free from sin, we too can live a pure life when we accept and believe God’s word, God’s truth about Jesus.

As Paul says in Ephesians, we are already blessed with every spiritual blessing and seated with Jesus in heaven. In Him we are already sanctified. And yet, we are still being sanctified as we work out our salvation, as we grow in knowledge and understanding.

This happens over time as we come face-to-face with new challenges to our understanding of sin and what it means to live differently. As we allow ourselves to be purified, we realize how old wounds have affected our willingness to release others from a debt they could never repay. We give up our seat of judgement and entrust them and ourselves to the mercy of God.

Jesus paid the debt we could never pay on our own. It’s gone. It’s been satisfied. And there is freedom. He has done the work for us, bringing us into a right relationship with God. We have been called into God’s own family and can live a life worthy of that calling.

DAY 5

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

1 Peter 1:15-16

‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Holy is one of those churchy words. When we hear it, thoughts and judgements might fill our minds based on past experiences. To me, it sounds like a concept or idea that can’t be truly grasped. It’s out there somewhere. Maybe, possibly, someday I will understand.

But if God says it, we can understand it, at least in the way we need to understand, and it would be good for that to be our desire: to understand what God says can be and is true of us. And Peter gives us an understanding, at least in part, of what it means to be holy.

First, he says to be obedient to God as Father. (1 Peter 1:14)

We are members of God’s family. Holiness is His legacy and inheritance. God is holy. He is spiritually pure in the sense that there is no evil in Him. There is nothing in God that contaminates His goodness. And as we respond in agreement with God, not just with our understanding, but with both our words and actions, we honor Him as holy.

Second, he says that we are to love one another from the heart. (1 Peter 1:22)

There are times when we fake it until we make it. We do because we know we should or because it’s what’s right, but we don’t want to. Something in us fights against the love of God for the good of those He has called us to serve, care for and care about. Our love for others is meant to not just be an outflow of God’s love for others, but also an outflow of love from our own hearts in agreement with God’s love.

Last, he says we need to have a willingness to rid ourselves of every evil desire opposed to God.

(1 Peter 2:1)

When we recognize what it is within our hearts that is fighting against the love of God for others, we need to get rid of it. Just as Jesus heals us, binding up our broken hearts, we are called to be proactive in ridding our hearts of the malignant desires that cause rot and decay.

Malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander sound like harsh words. They are BIG words, but little white lies aren’t so bad. I don’t want someone to get hurt; I just want them to get what they deserve. And who are they to get what I deserve? What good have they really done? What have they contributed? I mean really, they aren’t living for God. Not like I am…

These are the ways, thinking, understanding, and responding that are common to man, but when one of these bitter roots shows itself, we are called to root it out, not give in to it. We desire hearts set apart for God that listen to Him and love others, and in so doing, become holy in our desire to truly love, live for, and honor Him.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

DON'T LET YOUR FAITH TAKE A VACATION (EVEN IF YOU DO)

June 12, 2025

It’s summer! The days are longer, the grills are fired up, and calendars are sprinkled with road trips, weddings, beach days, and family reunions. After a long winter (and a chaotic spring), we all need a little rest. But here’s a gentle reminder: while you might take a break from your routine, don’t take a break from your faith. Vacations are great for the soul, but so is staying connected to the One who made your soul. Faith isn’t a To-Do List, but it should also never be “Out of Office.” When life slows down, it’s tempting to press pause on spiritual habits: church attendance, devotional time, small groups, even prayer. But God doesn’t need you to perform for Him—He just wants to stay close. Whether you’re watching the sunset at the lake, standing in line at Disney, or sitting on your front porch with a cold lemonade— God is already there. 3 Easy Ways to Keep Your Faith in Gear This Summer You don’t have to do anything complicated to stay spiritually grounded while you're on the go. Here are a few simple ideas: 1. Make Worship Part of the Road Trip Create a playlist of worship songs or podcasts and press play between destinations. Turn the car into a moving sanctuary. Northgate Live Streams every service and has a huge archive of music and messages, too! 2. Bring Scripture with You (Digitally or Old-School) Download a Bible app, pack a pocket devotional, or screenshot a verse each week. The goal isn’t to be impressive, it’s to stay connected. 3. Use Nature as a Reminder The lakes, the trees, even your neighbor’s backyard flowers—creation speaks! Let the beauty around you nudge you to say thanks and talk to the creator. God Doesn’t Clock Out. One of the best parts about our relationship with Jesus is that it’s not confined to a location, schedule, or season. He doesn’t need you to be “at home” with your regular routine to be present in your activities. He’s walking with you through every vacation photo, every quiet moment, and every family memory you’re making. So go ahead— rest, relax, recharge. Just don’t forget to bring Jesus with you.

TRUSTING GOD AS SOVEREIGN

April 10, 2025

“For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.” As we come to the final line of the Lord’s Prayer on this Palm Sunday , we are reminded that Jesus didn’t enter Jerusalem with the might of a warrior, but with the humility of a servant. The crowds shouted “Hosanna!” expecting a political revolution, but Jesus came to establish a far greater kingdom—one that would rule hearts, not just nations. This final phrase of the Lord’s Prayer isn’t just a cap on a beautiful prayer, or simply a sentiment of respect. It’s a declaration of trust: God is sovereign. The kingdom belongs to Him. The power is His. The glory is His—forever. Even now, Jesus reigns. And though we live in the tension of the “already, but not yet,” we can be certain: God is completing what He began. As citizens of His kingdom, we’re called to reflect His rule—marked by peace, justice, grace, and truth. C.S. Lewis said it well: “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal… It is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit.” We live in light of eternity, under the rule of an eternal King. So as we wave our palm branches and lift our prayers this weekend, let’s do it with full confidence that Jesus is King, and He is worthy of our trust. Reflection Questions: What does Palm Sunday reveal to you about the kind of King Jesus is? How can you reflect His kingdom, His power, and His glory in your own life this week? Amen. Let it be so.

TRUSTING GOD AS DELIVERER

April 2, 2025

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” – Matthew 6:13 Life is full of trials, moments when we feel tested, tempted, and even attacked. Every hardship comes with a choice—will we turn toward God in trust, or will we rely on our own understanding? The truth is, God is not just our protector; He is our Deliverer. He doesn’t just remove us from danger—He brings us to Himself. C.S. Lewis once said, “Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.” We may believe in God’s goodness, but when the weight of life presses in, do we truly trust Him? The Reality of Temptation Temptation isn't just about avoiding obvious sins. It’s the subtle pull to rely on ourselves instead of God, to give in to fear, pride, or control rather than faith. James 1 reminds us, “ Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” We are most vulnerable when we think we can handle things on our own. Even Jesus was tempted. After fasting for 40 days in the wilderness, the devil tried to lure Him away from trusting the Father. But Jesus remained faithful, showing us that temptation is not just something to resist—it’s an opportunity to deepen our dependence on God. More Than Rescue When we pray, “deliver us from the evil one,” we are asking for more than escape. We are inviting God to transform us. He delivers us not only from external dangers but also from the sin within us—the fears, habits, and desires that keep us from fully embracing His love and purpose. God’s deliverance is not passive. He strengthens us, refines us, and shapes us to become more like Jesus. Every test we face reveals our weaknesses but also invites us to grow. Romans 8:28 reminds us, “In all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” Even in hardship, God is at work. A Question for Reflection Where do you feel most tempted to rely on yourself instead of God? How might today’s challenges be an opportunity to trust Him more deeply? God is faithful! He is our Deliverer—not just pulling us out of trouble, but drawing us closer to Himself. Will you trust Him today?

TRUSTING GOD AS GRACIOUS

March 27, 2025

Have you ever struggled to forgive someone who hurt you? Maybe they never apologized, never acknowledged the damage they caused, and you’re left holding onto the weight of that wound. It’s easy to believe that time will heal it or that ignoring it will make it go away. But deep down, unforgiveness festers like an untreated wound, leading to bitterness, resentment, and distance from God’s peace. The good news? God offers a different way—a way of grace and freedom. God’s Grace IS More Than We Deserve Romans 5:8 reminds us, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Before we acknowledged our sin, before we even knew we needed forgiveness, God made a way for us to be reconciled to Him through Jesus. His grace is not conditional, temporary, or dependent on our actions. It is freely given, unearned, and overflowing. But what about the sins committed against us? Just as we have sinned against God and others, others have sinned against us. And just as we need God’s forgiveness, so do they. Forgiveness IS The Bridge to Healing Nothing destroys relationships faster than unforgiveness. Holding onto offense builds walls, isolates hearts, and prevents healing. C.S. Lewis once said, “ To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” That’s a hard truth. But it’s also a freeing one. Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing the wrong or pretending it didn’t hurt. It means releasing the debt, just as God has released ours. When we pray, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12), we are asking God to help us reflect His grace—to let go, to heal, and to trust Him with the justice and restoration we long for. A Permanent Grace The world often sees grace as temporary , something that must be earned back over time. But God’s grace is permanent. He doesn’t keep a record of wrongs or wait for us to prove ourselves worthy. Psalm 103:12 tells us, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." If we trust in Jesus, our forgiveness is secure. The same is true for those we struggle to forgive. We forgive not because they deserve it, but because God calls us to. And in doing so, we experience the freedom of living in His grace rather than being bound by pain. Reflection Questions: Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? What’s holding you back? How has God’s grace personally impacted your life? How can you extend that grace to others? Do you truly trust that God’s way of forgiveness is for your good? Why or why not? God’s grace is good. It is undeserved. It is limitless. And it is meant to flow through us to others. Will you trust Him enough to extend it? Come to church this weekend as we learn how to do this together!

TRUSTING GOD AS PROVIDER

March 20, 2025

"He who provides for this life but takes no care for eternity is wise for a moment but a fool forever." — John Tillotson Every day, we find ourselves in need—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Some days, those needs feel small: a little extra patience, clarity on a decision, or a peaceful moment amid chaos. Other days, they feel overwhelming: financial struggles, a heavy heart, or a battle we never saw coming. Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). What may sound like a simple request, actually reveals so much more. It’s an acknowledgment that we rely on God not just for survival, but for everything we need to truly live and flourish. God’s Daily Provision Jesus reassures us in Matthew 7:7-11 that God, as a good Father, delights in providing for His children. But His provision isn’t always what we expect. He doesn’t just give us what we ask for—He gives us what we need . And sometimes, that means trusting Him when His answer doesn’t match our request. Daily bread isn’t just food on the table. It’s peace when our thoughts are restless, strength when we feel weak, wisdom when we’re confused, and grace when we’ve fallen short. It’s the presence of God in the details of our lives, shaping us for something greater than we can see. Living in Trust, Not Worry We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow. Trusting God as Provider means living with open hands—bringing our needs to Him daily, believing He will supply exactly what is necessary. It means shifting our focus from scarcity to abundance, from fear to faith. A Moment of Reflection What is something you’ve been holding onto in worry instead of trusting God to provide? How has God provided for you in ways you didn’t expect but later realized were exactly what you needed? Take a moment today to bring your needs before God. He sees you. He knows. And He provides. Come to church this weekend to be encouraged!

TRUSTING GOD AS GOOD

March 13, 2025

We say it in church. We read it in scripture. But do we really mean it? "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) This is more than a hopeful wish—it’s a declaration of surrender. A Kingdom with a King God is not just a distant deity; He is a King with a kingdom. His rule is just, His ways are good, and His will is perfect. In His kingdom, the broken are restored, the weak are strengthened, and justice prevails. But here’s the challenge: if we want His kingdom to come, we have to let go of our own. The Prayer of Exchange When Jesus teaches us to pray, He invites us to an exchange. The word for “pray” in this passage means to trade our desires for God’s. That means we’re not just asking for good things to happen—we’re surrendering our will for His. C.S. Lewis put it this way: “There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘All right, then, have it your way.’” The question is, which one are we? What’s Holding Us Back? Sometimes, we resist because we don’t fully trust that God’s way is best. We want Him to fix things from a distance, but He chooses to work through His people—through us. Other times, we misunderstand what “good” really means. We think of good as second-best, the bare minimum to get by. But God’s goodness is not mediocre. It is full, abundant, and exactly what we need! An Invitation to Trust Praying “Your kingdom come, your will be done” is a call to action. It means living in a way that reflects heaven’s reality here on earth. It means trusting that God is working, even when we don’t understand. So, take a moment to reflect: What areas of your life are hardest to surrender to God? Do you truly believe that God’s will for you is better than your own? God is bringing His kingdom to earth. The question is—are we willing to be part of it? Come this weekend for part two of our study! And -- it's not too late to join a small group!

TRUSTING GOD AS WORTHY

March 6, 2025

Most of us know The Lord's Prayer by heart. We pray it regularly. Maybe even religiously. But we should ask ourselves: Do we speak these words because we think this is what we’re "supposed" to say? Or are we praying with the purpose of these words becoming our hearts desire? Do we really know what were declaring about God and His kingdom? Do we know what we’re asking God to do in our lives? This week, we begin a brand new sermon series, and churchwide study, for the 40 days leading to Easter. We'll be diving deep into The Lord's Prayer and shaping our hearts around his kingdom and his will, deciding that we truly want life on earth to be as it is in heaven. Here's just a tiny sneak peek at this week... When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He started with "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name." Those words set the stage for everything else that follows! They remind us who God is, how close He is, and why He’s worth trusting with our lives. God as Our Father God isn’t some distant, disconnected force. He calls Himself our Father—the one who creates, cares for, and walks with us. He brings us into His family, making us part of something bigger than ourselves. No matter where we come from or what we’ve been through, we belong to Him and to one another. Life can be messy, and relationships can be hard. We hurt each other, we struggle, and sometimes we feel alone. But God designed us for community. He never meant for us to do life on our own. When Jesus says, "Where two or more are gathered in My name, I am there," He’s reminding us that we’re never alone. A Name Set Apart When we say "hallowed be Your name," we’re saying that God is set apart—holy, different from everything else. His name carries His character, authority, and reputation. He’s not like anyone or anything else. He’s above it all, and yet, He invites us to know Him personally. We put our trust in all kinds of things—careers, relationships, causes, even our own abilities. But are they truly worthy of our devotion? Do they hold up when life gets hard? God does. He’s been faithful since the beginning, and He won’t fail us now. What Are You Living For? We all chase after something. Maybe it’s success, security, or a dream we’ve had for years. But at the end of the day, the question is: is it worth it? Will it last? God’s kingdom is the one thing that will never fade. When we put Him first, everything else falls into place. He gives us wisdom to balance our work, relationships, and passions in a way that brings real peace and purpose - because they are centered on him. Life throws challenges our way, but when we trust God as worthy—of our time, our trust, and our whole hearts—we find strength that lasts. Whatever comes next, we can face it knowing He is more than enough. CONSIDER THIS: As you get ready for this week's study, here are some questions connected to the content, that can serve as a primer to the weekend teaching and group discussion. What are some things in your life that you tend to put your trust in over God? Does knowing God as your Father change the way you view yourself and others? What definitions, pictures, thoughts, or feelings pop up when you hear the word "holy"?

THANK YOU NANCY!

November 14, 2024

Nancy Grams. For over a decade, Nancy has poured her heart and energy into serving on Northgate's Board of Directors, always with a spirit of gratitude, humility, and a strong sense of purpose. As she transitions from this role, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on her invaluable contributions and hear from Nancy herself about her journey with us!

ORCHARDS + PATCHES: OUR FAVORITE FALL DESTINATIONS

September 30, 2024

It's fall, y'all! As the leaves all change and the crisp air rolls in, fall offers us a beautiful reminder of God’s creation and the simple joys of the season. From picking apples to finding the perfect pumpkin, local orchards and patches around the Twin Cities provide the perfect opportunity to slow down, connect with the fam, and embrace the beauty of fall. Whether you're savoring a warm apple cider or wandering through a corn maze, these experiences are a wonderful way to experience community and gratitude for the season's blessings. Here are a few of Northgate Staff's favorite spots to explore...

INFLUENCED? OR INFLUENCER?

September 26, 2024

What a difference one letter can make! To be influenced means to be affected or changed in how one behaves, thinks, and develops. To be an influencer is to be someone who affects how others behave, think, and develop. Which one does God want believers to be? Does He want them to be influenced? Or to be an influencer? The answer is: both. When someone first comes to the Lord, they need Godly influence in their life. Mature Christians are needed to come alongside them, helping them understand what "being a Christian" is all about—showing them how to live out their faith and discover their purpose in God's kingdom, as well as how to live out that purpose. However, as believers grow in faith and maturity, they become the influencers to those who are young in the faith. They help others find their purpose in God's kingdom and guide them in walking the faith life they have entered into. So, what does all this have to do with cell phones, social media, and overbooked schedules? Quite a lot, actually. Many would agree that cell phones and social media are two of the biggest influences in today's culture. Consider how different things were just sixty-three years ago. Phones hung on the wall in homes, and wealthier households might have had more than one. Then came portable phones, which operated within a limited range, but they allowed freedom to move around the house while talking. If no one was available to answer the phone, the caller left a message on an answering machine. Home computers didn’t hit the market until 1977, and they were large, expensive, slow, and less functional than modern cell phones. In 1983, the internet was born, making information accessible at the touch of a few keys. In 1997, social media made its debut with Six Degrees, starting a race that led to platforms like Friendster, MySpace, LinkedIn, YouTube, WordPress, and Instagram. These advances, driven by the space race and technological breakthroughs, have undeniably transformed the world in every aspect, from medicine to manufacturing, education, air travel, and even warfare. But at what cost to society, culture, and individuals? Many of us have grown reliant on modern technologies, so much so that if they were to disappear, we might find ourselves unsure of how to navigate daily life without them. Additionally, while these advancements have brought convenience, they’ve also contributed to a shift in how we connect with one another. Amid the hustle of work, family, church, sports, and countless other commitments, finding time for genuine human interaction has become more challenging. Relaxation now often involves screens—whether it's laptops, cell phones, or TVs—rather than gathering around the table for meals or engaging in meaningful conversations. Social media, though it can keep us connected, sometimes takes the place of in-person fellowship, with virtual interactions becoming more common than face-to-face time with friends. But real relationships were the very reason God created humankind! He desired a relationship with people who would worship Him out of free will, not coercion. And in Genesis, God created Eve because it was not good for man to be alone. This craving we have for relationships is exactly what draws us to social media and shows about characters we identify with. So where's the balance? How can we be certain we are more heavily influenced by God, than by media? And is it possible to use those same tools to help influence others to grow in relationship with Him? In our "Over the Influence" teaching series, Pastor Steve shared some valuable insights on how to manage our screens and social accounts wisely, in an increasingly digitally-dictated culture. Here are a few more: TRACKING YOUR TIME: Personal reflection and change can lead to a healthier relationship with technology. Track and inventory your screen time, then determine if you need to be more intentional. One can decide, in advance, not to be too heavily influenced, but instead to become the influencer. PLAY THE ALGORITHMS: By unfollowing those who post content that conflicts with one’s beliefs, and scrolling past unwelcome material, a person can reduce negative influences without completely cutting off communication. Quick searches on scripture, apologetics, Christian authors, and other edifying subjects will also positively inform what's on your feed. YouTube, for example, offers a treasure trove of worship music, any by watching those videos, more of that nature will be suggested to you. It’s about controlling what is seen rather than being passively influenced by it. SHINE A LIGHT: Posting content that builds others up, strengthens them, or glorifies God also changes the way social media is used. Do you have a story to tell? Love a certain scripture passage, worship song, or church event? Use your platform! Share something good and engage healthy conversations in the name of Jesus. CONSIDER QUITTING: While it's unlikely that any of us are abandoning our phones for good, each of us probably has one game, streaming app, or social account that isn't helpful or necessary. Consider which one you might want to quit and get rid of it. In doing so, you might reclaim 2 minutes or even 2 hours back each week! Try making a small change this week, and let us know how it goes!