Life Betterment Through God

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul provides valuable insights on the principles of handling money within the context of the church. Pastors can draw upon these teachings to guide their congregations in responsible stewardship. We explore Paul's perspectives on money and offers pastoral guidance on teaching stewardship within the church. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

PSALMS 1-36 I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the mountains shook; they quaked because of his anger. Smoke poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth. Glowing coals blazed forth from him. He opened the heavens and came down; dark storm clouds were beneath his feet. Mounted on a mighty angelic being, he flew, soaring on the wings of the wind. He shrouded himself in darkness, veiling his approach with dark rain clouds. Thick clouds shielded the brightness around him and rained down hail and burning coals. The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded amid the hail and burning coals. He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies; his lightning flashed, and they were greatly confused. Then at your command, O Lord, at the blast of your breath, the bottom of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were laid bare. He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the Lord supported me. He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me. The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he restored me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. I have followed all his regulations; I have never abandoned his decrees. I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right. He has seen my innocence. To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. You rescue the humble, but you humiliate the proud. You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great. You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping. I chased my enemies and caught them; I did not stop until they were conquered. I struck them down so they could not get up; they fell beneath my feet. You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued my enemies under my feet. You placed my foot on their necks. I have destroyed all who hated me. They called for help, but no one came to their rescue. They even cried to the Lord, but he refused to answer. I ground them as fine as dust in the wind. I swept them into the gutter like dirt. You gave me victory over my accusers. You appointed me ruler over nations; people I don’t even know now serve me. As soon as they hear of me, they submit; foreign nations cringe before me. They all lose their courage and come trembling from their strongholds. The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted! He is the God who pays back those who harm me; he subdues the nations under me and rescues me from my...

I am asking you share this episode with your networks. It is relevant to what is happening in people’s lives. ~Alexia As shepherds of the flock, pastors are entrusted with the care and protection of their congregations. Addressing domestic abuse requires a compassionate and strategic response. This tutorial aims to guide pastors in assisting abuse victims to safely escape their abusive situations, rooted in biblical principles. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

In the realm of spiritual leadership and congregational life, the metaphorical concept of "wolves in sheep's clothing" has been a recurring theme. This notion is rooted in biblical teachings that warn believers about deceptive individuals who disguise themselves as genuine members of the flock but harbor ulterior motives. Let's explore how to identify these wolves, understand their tactics, and learn from the wisdom of scripture on this matter. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians Follow along with me as I read these four letters written by Paul to the Gentile Church This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

In the complex tapestry of human relationships, the ability to say "no" is a formidable force, serving as both a protective boundary and a revealing litmus test of character. Happy individuals navigate the delicate balance of asserting their limits gracefully, while those struggling with unhappiness often find it challenging to accept and respect these boundaries. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Source: Bible Gateway 1 Peter 1-5 New Living Translation Greetings from Peter 1 This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.[a] 2 God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace. The Hope of Eternal Life 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. 6 So be truly glad.[b] There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. 10 This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 11 They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward. 12 They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. A Call to Holy Living 13 So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”[c] 17 And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.” 18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20 God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake. 21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. 22 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters.[d] Love each other deeply with all your heart.[e] 23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 24 As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field.The grass...

Pastors play a pivotal role in fostering the spiritual well-being of their congregations. However, the alarming issue of burnout among pastors has raised concerns about its potential threat to local church health and ministry vitality. We delve into a comprehensive study that explores the intricate relationships between pastor job burnout and crucial measures of church organizational health. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

1 This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the “twelve tribes”—Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings! Faith and Endurance 2 Dear brothers and sisters,[a] when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. 9 Believers who are[b] poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. 10 And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. 11 The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements. 12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong,[c] and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. 16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens.[d] He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.[e] 18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.[f] Listening and Doing 19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger[g] does not produce the righteousness[h] God desires. 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. 22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. 26 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. 27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. 2 My dear brothers and sisters,[a] how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? 2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting[b] dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? 5 Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love...

In a world that often challenges our faith, Christians are called to be both the salt and light. Embracing the light means shining brightly even in the face of persecution, for it is through our steadfastness that others may come to know the love and truth found in Christ. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

In the realm of ministry, where faith and service intersect, the challenges faced by pastors often go unspoken. The study, "Despite Stresses, Few Pastors Give Up on Ministry," conducted by Lifeway Research, provides a revealing glimpse into the pressures pastors confront. We summarize key findings from the study, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and support within the pastoral community. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

In a world where the digital spotlight illuminates every aspect of our lives, pastoral leadership faces new challenges and opportunities. This article explores the intersection of ministry and social media, guiding pastors through the complexities of comparison culture, authenticity, and the quest for reverence in the digital realm. Drawing inspiration from the timeless wisdom of Jesus, we delve into practical steps for navigating today's social landscape while staying true to the essence of genuine, transformative leadership. Join us on a journey to redefine success, foster meaningful connections, and lead with authenticity in the age of constant comparison. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

In the ever-evolving landscape of generational dynamics, connecting with Generation Z, born 1996-2010, requires a nuanced understanding of their values, concerns, and aspirations. As pastors and spiritual leaders, fostering meaningful connections with this generation involves embracing authenticity, inclusivity, and a keen awareness of their unique characteristics. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

In real-life events, coping with challenges often requires a strong support system. This system consists of people who genuinely listen and stand by you during difficult times. Family, friends, and colleagues can be crucial components, offering both emotional and practical support. To build a culture of love, pastors can draw inspiration from studies like the "Love at Work" research by Sigal Barsade. Implementing this in a church involves fostering an environment where members genuinely care for one another, creating a sense of belonging and support. To build a culture of love in the church inspired by Sigal Barsade's "Love at Work" research, pastors can focus on fostering an environment where members genuinely care for one another, creating a sense of belonging and support. Life Skills for Leadership is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Living a holy life, as advocated by Paul in his teachings throughout the scriptures, is a profound and transformative journey for believers. The apostle Paul, in various letters to early Christian communities, emphasizes the significance of holy living as an integral aspect of the Christian faith. This essay explores Paul's teachings on holy living and delves into the pastoral call for goal setting to promote a holy life within the congregation. Ephesians 4:22-24 from the New Living Translation (NLT): "throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy." Paul's letters, such as those to the Corinthians, Ephesians, and Colossians, provide valuable insights into the principles of holy living. He often underscores the importance of personal righteousness, ethical conduct, and spiritual discipline. For instance, in Ephesians 4:22-24, Paul urges believers to "put off the old self" and to be renewed in the spirit of their minds, putting on the new self created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

In a society dominated by digital connectivity, the prevalence and impact of pornography have become pervasive, making it a critical topic for open and honest discussion. We aim to shed light on key findings surrounding pornography within our community and proposes a thoughtful plan for moving forward. By addressing this sensitive subject, we hope to foster understanding, provide support, and initiate meaningful change. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (New Living Translation) "Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body." This scripture from 1 Corinthians emphasizes the importance of living a pure and honorable life, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. It encourages believers to flee from sexual immorality, understanding the sacredness of the body as a dwelling place for God's Spirit. The Porn Phenomenon: The Impact of Pornography in the Digital Age, is a study conducted by Barna. The study sheds light on the intricate dynamics of pornography in the digital age, urging a thoughtful and proactive response within the Christian community. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Pastors play a crucial role in guiding and supporting their communities, often putting the needs of others before their own. However, it's essential for pastors to prioritize self-care to maintain their well-being and continue their vital work. Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT) "Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.'" This passage encourages individuals to seek rest in Christ, emphasizing the idea of finding solace and relief from life's burdens. It serves as a reminder that self-care, including seeking spiritual renewal and rest, is aligned with the teachings of Jesus. We explore the significance of positive relationships and support in self-care, offering a step-by-step guide to achieving a healthy work-life balance. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

DARVO stands for Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender. It's a defense mechanism used by individuals, often in response to being confronted with their wrongdoing. This strategy involves denying the accusations, attacking the accuser, and reversing the roles, portraying the offender as the victim. A 2017 study that when victims are DARVOed, it is more likely they’ll blame themselves, which in turn, “leads to self-silencing.” Here are examples of each stage: Deny: Example: A congregant is accused of spreading false rumors about another member. Instead of acknowledging the behavior, they adamantly deny any involvement, insisting they would never engage in such actions. Attack: Example: When confronted about financial mismanagement, a person responds by attacking the accuser's credibility or character. They might say, "You're always looking for faults in others, and you have no idea how hard it is to manage finances!" Reverse Victim and Offender: Example: A congregant is confronted about consistently being late for volunteer commitments. Instead of taking responsibility, they reverse the roles, stating, "I'm always there for everyone, and now you're making me the bad guy for being a few minutes late? I'm the victim here." Recognizing these patterns can help navigate conversations with empathy and understanding, fostering a more constructive dialogue for resolution and personal growth. Proverbs 15:1 (NLT): "A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare." This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Self-awareness includes identifying our personality, those aspects that may not be the norm, and working on them. What is important is to learn, grow and develop areas. The way we are perceived is a great place to begin. It is difficult to hear a consistent perception of ourselves, when we cannot see our blind spots. This leads us to recognize how our behaviors affect others, giving us motivation for change. Understanding other’s emotions and how our words impact them, is a part of emotional intelligence. Self-awareness helps us manage our behaviors with others. The way leaders manage and recognize their quirks, & weaknesses contributes to their overall effectiveness This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe

Start by grounding your guidance in the unchanging truths of Scripture. Emphasize passages like 1 Peter 1:15-16, where believers are called to be holy as God is holy. Provide a biblical basis for the significance of holy living and debunk the notion that one can live without regard to God's standards. 1 Peter 1:15-16 in the New Living Translation (NLT) reads: "But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, 'You must be holy because I am holy.'" This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe