SIDE BY SIDE

Shannon Hepner • March 21, 2024

It’s been a “funny” couple of months.


And when I say funny I don't necessarily mean "haha" funny. More like weird-funny.


The year started pretty well, then got a little interesting when I picked up pink eye in both eyes. Not a big deal. Lots of people get it. It's usually just a major inconvenience. Well, major inconvenience was a nice way to describe this pink eye bout. It would not clear up or improve and I had to go on two rounds of antibiotics over the course of a couple weeks! I spent a lot of time at home. I wasn't contagious, but I wasn't up for being out and about with the beady, little red eyes I was sporting. So I enjoyed the pared down social life and spent time crocheting, enjoying some solitude, and time with the Lord. It was really nice. I was content to sit quietly and enjoy His peace.


However, I spent so much time crocheting and being peaceful that my back stiffened up and I threw it out somehow. I still managed to get to meetings and to church but no sooner was I able to get back to normal life, then I was forced to slow down again. And the only position I was truly comfortable to be in was flat on my back. It was not only painful but a total bummer because, as you can imagine, it's very hard to crochet laying down... just sayin'. 


Understanding that this wasn't a major health crisis, though certainly not fun, I began thinking and wondering “what is God showing me right now and what is He saying to me?". So I began asking Him. And do you know what He said? 


Nothing.


Like, really nothing.


I heard “crickets” as the saying goes. I realize this doesn't really make for interesting reading up to this point but stay with me... 


After about a week I was feeling much better and back to normal life, when I notice a little bump in my hairline. Within about six hours, I notice another one. I thought “how strange” and my hubby offered, "maybe something bit you". Then a troubling thought entered my mind, “could it be shingles”?


The answer is "yes," it could be.


And it was shingles.


I got in right away to see a doctor and started on medication immediately. 


I will spare you all the not-so-interesting details about how things went with the shingles virus, except to share that the biggest concern and challenge was that the nerve band affected had my right eye in its path. The pain and blisters continued to pop up around my right eye but gratefully I never got a blister on my eye, which could have been dangerous.


So once again, I was back at home with lots of balls of yarn and zero plans to go anywhere.


I began to resume my question, "Lord, what do you want to say to me or show me right now?" I didn't hear anything audible or even receive words or thoughts but I continued to feel peace, warmth and the sense that I needed to be still and quiet. So that's exactly what I did. 


Collectively, it had been about 6 or 7 seven weeks of quiet time with God. My shingles had cleared, my back was much better, and my eyes were white again. Understanding I was likely on the other side of this “streak", I found myself at a good place to pause and look back on it all. There was no giant download or big ‘AHA moment”, (as Oprah used to say in the 90’s), but I wanted to reflect back on that time and give it my best hindsight analysis. 


Here is what I realized...


That season was a much needed side-by-side time with God.


There was no major activity that took place or long conversation that unveiled a mysterious truth about who I am to Him or who I am for others. So to many of you it might sound really boring and uneventful. You may even be thinking “why am I still reading this and why does this matter?” But bear with me a little longer.


I think it's possible that for men, this kind of side by side time together feels more natural. Ladies, I think we may tend to want to sit quietly with “others," even the Lord, so long as it's somewhat productive and something has been accomplished, learned, or gained at the end of it. Guys are more likely to accept it for what it is and not pressure themselves to produce, but rather just be there, in the moment. But being a woman, it's tough for me to just sit without expectations--I want to produce.


Not this time though!


I sat quietly and obediently, often with long periods of nothingness. Or so it seemed.   


And why does this matter?


Because sitting side-by-side with the Lord is precisely what He calls us to!


The verse Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know I am God'' comes to mind. God loves it when we still ourselves and fully consider who He is.


Or another of my favorite verses, James 4:8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”. 


During that quiet time of intentionally drawing near to God, I often looked out my windows and looked at God's creation. I always admire his handy work and marvel at all the ways that all the creatures and creation are so different, and yet the same. We are all absolutely dependent on God and one another.


Another activity I engaged in during this time was watching the cars drive up and down my street, wondering where they were going and what they were doing. Who are they? What are their lives like? What joys and challenges are they facing? Before you label me a nosy-neighbor, know that I thought those things without judgment. It was with interest and intrigue at all the different lives around me and the dynamics within them. "Do they know God loves them?" was a question that came to mind often.


I had no interest in thinking about who I was or the meaning of my life.


I just sat side by side with the Lord and enjoyed who He is and thought about His kingdom here on earth.


It made me remember that my street is part of the kingdom. My backyard is part of the kingdom. My grocery store. The Caribou I frequent. And, of course nobody had to tell me what I already knew, that even Home Goods (my absolute favorite) is in fact the Promised Land, and definitely part of the kingdom! 


But it isn't the stuff we get from those places that matters, is it? Just like God did with me, so He wants to do with you, and with all those people in all those places.


He wants you, me and them to “be still and know He is God.”


He wants us to stop and “draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us”.


He loves to have side-by-side time with us, where we just dwell with Him, abide in Him and simply be with Him -- no agenda, no "what’s going to be my big takeaway". It's better than that! It's bigger than that! Its presence with the Lord, and you cannot be the same after knowing and experiencing it. 


Now to clarify, since this experience, I in no way feel that I can climb tall buildings in a single bound. And I certainly don't feel more powerful than a locomotive, like Superman. I feel absolutely the same as I did, albeit a bit more rested. What is different goes far beyond feelings.


The shift that took place was in “the knowing."


Knowing is 1000 times better than feeling. I no longer need to “feel” God's presence to “know” He is present. What I have come to know, in a way that I will never be able to un-know, is that God is at my side and He loves it there! That's not a small thing, it's huge. Most of us, including myself, often don't feel worthy of God's love,  let alone to sit in His presence.


Anytime that I want, I can do just as James suggested in James 4:8 I can “draw near to Him and He will draw near to me”.


I have noticed that I can come to that place of stillness so quickly now and know that I am in the presence of God.


No sunset required. No cathedral with stained glass as the backdrop. No powerful worship song invoking my natural instinct to stop and praise Him.


Those things are great and I have felt God's presence in those kinds of situations, but this is different. It's so much better than that -- it is wherever I am, He is too. He does go before me, as it says in Deuteronomy 31:8, but he also loves to sit side-by-side in the “no places” and the “no where's" of life. 


So, I’m encouraging you: the next time you’ve been taken out of the game, so to speak, do your best to not fret about it. Instead, try asking God "what should we do today?" Chances are He would love some side-by-side time with you. 


Stay there!


Resist the temptation to move on too quickly. Ask Him what He wants to show you, then wait. It might take weeks, potentially. Maybe even months. And while I certainly don't wish a string of little ailments to accompany you, the reality is, that's life. Chances are you're in the midst of all sorts of things, and maybe far worse than what I have just experienced. It may even leave you to wonder where He is and when He will free you from this place you're in. 


That may make what I’m about to say may sound cliche, but its true. And here it is…


God is with you.


And the biblical call over your life is to “be still and know that He is God.”


“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”. It's really not harder than that. 


Oh yeah, and that deep question we all struggle with, “who am I?” That's not hard either, "I am a child of God!" 


With that simple truth, known beyond all feelings and doubt, that question can be laid to rest leaving you and me with so many other more useful questions to ask. Questions like “how can I be of help?” or “how can I be useful in this situation?” Those are the questions that make sense to ask when you just know that God goes before you, and behind you, and is always at your side. 


As I wrap this up, in my imagination I’m picturing God sitting next me. He’s looking over at me while patting my knee with his hand. He has a smile on His face and he says “you got it kid.” He rises slowly and kisses the top of my head. There is nothing sweeter, there is nothing more full or more peaceful than being with Him, and never in my life have I been less worried about how it all makes me feel.


I know the presence of God, and it's so good.


I'm praying that you, and so many more, will experience the same when your season of stillness begins.


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!
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