Some years ago I was at the front end of dealing with a history of childhood sexual abuse. I was seeing a counselor and getting support from friends, but I still felt lost and defiled. This was the issue that plagued my mind each day as I spent time in prayer and Bible study.

“You won’t believe what happened this week!” Carmen said as she entered our sharing time beaming with enthusiasm. “A friend at work came up to me and asked, ‘What’s been so different about you these last few weeks? Something’s going on—your face is so much brighter and you’re smiling a lot!’”

Healthy human life is fruitful life. We sense this at a deep level. For instance, the desire for abundance can bring forth a home with children, a bountiful flower garden, a farm flourishing with crops, a job with creative opportunities, a business with steady growth, an expanding role in public leadership, or simply the sharing of wisdom with others.

Couples should use speech that builds up. In Ephesians, Paul describes language that edifies the person we’re speaking with. Edification includes constructive criticism given in humility, allowing the person receiving those words to correct behavior not conducive for togetherness.

Don’t let anyone put you down because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching.

What would it look like if we reformed ourselves to look like the Kingdom Jesus spoke about, if we lived the pure, undefiled religion James wrote about? How could we reshape our churches into real communities of faith in which Beatitudes people were viewed as the treasure of the church?

The Bible has much to say about the power of God’s Word in helping us grow and stand against temptation. In fact, Jesus quoted scripture when Satan tempted him in the desert.

If we are Christ followers, we’re not raising mere dependents—we’re raising up disciples! Our children will do what we say for only a little while; soon they will begin doing what we do.

Nature has a profound effect on our perception of God. People of different nations seeing the same beautiful night sky and being moved to prayer in many different languages. One particular Psalm expresses the awe and wonder of God’s greatness.

Live the life of a disciple maker. The joy that comes from being a Christ follower is fully realized when we are sharing the Gospel and pouring our lives into others, the way Jesus designed. After all, Jesus gave us the Great Commission not the Great Suggestion.