COUNSELOR’S CORNER #1
Written By: Counselor Monica Langenberg
In this world, you will have trouble but take heart. I have overcome the world. John 16:33b
We live in a broken world. Trouble finds us. Evil comes for us. One theme I often see in the counseling room is people diminishing the suffering and hardships they experience. Many have thoughts like no one cares, it was not that bad, other people have it worse off than me, or I’m fine. Others believe that if they admit their suffering, it means they are failing to trust God.
Many believe that bad things should not happen since they are following God. Thus they must be doing something wrong. How should we think Biblically about the suffering and the trouble we face? In John 16, Jesus gave some final instructions to his disciples before he left them, and he told them to expect trouble. His teaching is to us as well. He does not want us to be shocked when trouble comes.
Yet, he did not give them a step-by-step plan on what to do when it does. Instead, he directs them to their heart. His instruction is to “take heart.” In other words, be comforted, do not fear, be courageous, be confident, cheer up and have hope.
First, he speaks words of comfort and encouragement to their heart. Then He speaks truth to them by reminding them that he has overcome the world. Even though we will face trouble in this world, trouble does not have the final say over us.
Because of Jesus, we gain victory and power over evil. Jesus reminds us that he conquered sin and death on our behalf. Practically how does knowing this help when we face trouble? First, the Lord invites us to“ pour out our hearts before Him.” (Psalm 62:8). Invite him into your troubles by speaking them to him. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” This is the place we find comfort. It is also the place where we are reminded of the truth. The truth about who it is that we follow and who it is we have placed our confidence and hope.
Where do you tend to go with your troubleswhen things are hard?
Read more...
THE FIRST STEP
Written By: Judy Cintron Director of Restoration at Real Life Ministries Texas
That first step into the unknown is the hardest part. It can be hard walking through the door to Re:generation, signing up for re|engage or a Marriage Workshop, asking someone to disciple you, or committing to volunteer in a
ministry.
ministry.
Real Life Ministries wants to make that first step easier. By sharing our stories and giving you the information you
need, we want you to feel comfortable the moment you take that first step. Familiar faces and their stories make a
world of difference.
need, we want you to feel comfortable the moment you take that first step. Familiar faces and their stories make a
world of difference.
We believe that deep authentic relationships using Jesus’ discipleship method builds a sense of community. In
turn, that community develops an openness for desiring change, which moves people towards healthy responses and choices. That is the driving force behind our restoration ministry.
turn, that community develops an openness for desiring change, which moves people towards healthy responses and choices. That is the driving force behind our restoration ministry.
I hope these pages inspire you to be an advocate, admit you need help, or to use your talents to volunteer in Restoration.one.
If you have any questions reach out to us at: restoration.one@reallifetexas.org
Read more...
A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND OTHERS
Written by: Robert Garcia Associate Pastor of Restoration at Real Life Ministries Texas
Here at Real Life Ministries Texas, we have a restoration ministry that includes re:generation, re|engage, counseling, workshops, veterans, and benevolence. Some might say we are a “recovery” church, but that’s not true, we are a church that believes in making disciples that make disciples. We all experience brokenness in life, whether it’s in our marriage, a past hurt, or a current struggle. Restoration.one is a safe, healthy place to get tools to help navigate life’s difficult challenges.
If we are honest with God and ourselves, then wewould see that we are all in need of restoration. Titus 3:3-7 ESV “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and lovingkindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through
Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Restoration.one is a safe place to be restored to ahealthier relationship with God and others.
Read more...
04
Jul '17
Our Lifer Women Went Into Action
04
Jul '17
Panic ensued when the word “PANDEMIC” flooded social media posts, news stations, and conversations. During the same time one of our Embrace Grace girls gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. The amount of baby formula dwindled as people frantically cleared retail shelves. Our new mother left the hospital with her bundle of joy. While the aisles were rapidly declining in every day basics this new mother grew anxious of finding the formula her newborn needed. Our Lifer Women rallied together to be the church. Within hours women shopped a handful of grocery stores to find the needed formula. By the end of the day five large cans of formula were delivered to this new mother’s home. While the world went in to crisis mode, our Lifers went into action and our sweet momma was able to rest.
Read more...
