
Dependency: A Life with the Holy Spirit
One tendency that we have as human beings is to live in independence. We’re taught in society that being independent, doing life alone and apart from community is the better option! We’re taught that asking for help is a weakness, but that’s not actually how the Father created us to live. A life of isolation is not His best for us. He gave us the Holy Spirit, the ultimate Helper, to guide us through a life He knew we couldn’t live alone.

Managing Yourself Well
In a society buzzing with productivity and busyness, it can be easy to forget ourselves in the process. We can become so consumed with what we’re doing that we don’t stop to take inventory of what’s happening within ourselves.
Healthy self-management is a lost art form, but it’s time for it to make a comeback! Let’s look at what self-management truly is and some tips to help us practice it in our daily lives.

Head to Heart
Knowing and believing are 2 different places that we can live from. Often, we can know the truth with everything in our minds. We know what scripture says and what ought to be true about the Lord and who we are…but do we actually believe it?
Are the words of God branded on our hearts like a seal? Have we been marked by the overwhelming and unshakeable belief in the truth of God’s word about Himself, ourselves, and the world around us? How do we close the gap between our heads and hearts to walk in true belief once and for all?

Success is in the Eye of the Beholder
Have you ever noticed that everyone measures success differently? What may look like a win to one is definitely not a win for another. This reality can cause a lot of tension and strife in our lives. We may think we’re crushing it and then someone comes along and tells us that wasn’t exactly right. It can be so discouraging!
What would it look like to measure our success not based on what the world is telling us, or even what we tell ourselves, but by the eyes of the Father?

A New Year and a Free You
It’s a new year and with a new year comes new goals and dreams. But, did you know that only 9% of us who set New Year’s goals will actually follow through with them? That’s a shockingly low number!
While there are several reasons why we may not follow through with our goals, one big reason is self-sabotage. Many of us are self-sabotaging without even realizing it. But, with the help of Jesus and others and with self-awareness, you can overcome self-sabotage and succeed in reaching your New Year’s goals.

God and Pain
It’s really easy to believe that our big emotions, like sadness, anger, or fear are too much for God. We can believe that when we experience negative emotions it’s bad so we should just avoid it. This could be because of the way we grew up or because of what people have taught us along the way.
The truth is that God is not afraid of your pain. He doesn’t hold you at arm's length when things get messy. He is close to the brokenhearted.

To React or Respond?
What do you think when you hear the words “react” and “respond”? Do you treat them like they’re the same thing? Do they have the same definition? Most of us would say yes!
The truth is that reacting and responding are 2 quite different things. We are called to be people who respond, rather than react. Learning to respond well in challenging moments is key when building strong emotional and relational health.

Peace is a Person
Did you know that peace is a Person?
When Jesus went back to be with the Father after His resurrection, He didn’t leave us alone on earth to fend for ourselves! He knew that we would need help. He left us the Holy Spirit to be our Helper and Comforter.

Triggers: How, What, When, and Why?
We’ve all heard the word “trigger” before. It’s become sort of a buzzword in today’s world. But, do we actually know what a trigger is and what actually takes place within us when we become triggered?
Being triggered is much more than just being offended or upset by something. It goes much deeper than that. But, through learning how to identify and process our triggers, we can walk into greater freedom forever.

Choose Celebration
Comparison is something that we begin to experience at such a young age. We compare the toys we have, the food we eat, and the clothes we wear. Then, as we grow up, we begin to look at relationships, jobs, financial status…you get the idea.
But, we were never meant to measure ourselves against someone else. We weren’t made in the image of man, we were made in the image of God. If we want to break partnership with comparison and shift our perspectives, we can choose to celebrate ourselves and the people around us.

The Ministry of Reconciliation
The ministry of reconciliation is a big part of the Christian walk, but so many of us don’t actually have the understanding of what it is or the awareness of its work in our lives. What does it look like to receive this ministry and live it out in everyday life?

An Attitude of Gratitude
“An attitude of gratitude.” It’s a common phrase most of us have heard. But, what does that truly mean? Ephesians 5:20 tells us to, “Give thanks always and for everything.”
"An attitude of gratitude" is a phrase that encourages us to adopt a mindset of thankfulness and appreciation for what we have in life, rather than what we lack. It cultivates a sense of contentment and appreciation for the blessings and opportunities we’ve been given

A Culture of Honor
“Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other.” -Romans 12:10
To honor someone is to hold them in high respect or great esteem. We are called to be people who give and display honor to others. We don’t give honor necessarily because people deserve it, but because we are honorable people!
One of Bethel’s Core Values is, “Honor Affirms Value.” Honor recognizes the best in others despite any differences. Everyone has been made by God and in His image. Honor affirms this value and identity in those around us.

The Journey Toward Wholeness
“It’s for freedom’s sake that Christ has set us free…” -Galatians 5:1
We all want to be free and whole people. We desire to be healed of past pain and trauma, walking confidently in breakthrough. However, taking the first step can be easier said than done. What does it ACTUALLY look like to pursue inner healing? Let’s dive in and find out.

Who Am I?
“Who am I?” Most likely that’s a question we’ve all asked at some point in our life. At our core, who are we really and truly? What is our purpose? What were we made for?
Identity is a core value that needs to be fulfilled in every human. We’re born searching for our identity. It’s innately in us to want to be known! The Father has given us the answer to the most asked question.

Vulnerability vs Transparency
Vulnerability and transparency are words that are often used interchangeably but actually have different meanings. What does it mean to live vulnerably and not just transparently?
Think of it like a glass house. Transparency gives someone the ability to see inside of the house and everything that’s in it. Vulnerability invites someone and lets them move the furniture around. If we want to live in true healthy connection, we must live vulnerably.

The Leader Within You
You are by design and DNA a leader. Whether you’re leading yourself, your family, a business, or a ministry, you were MADE to be a leader!
Like most things in life, leadership is a skill! It’s something that develops as we learn and grow as an individual. What does it look like to walk in the leadership call on our lives in health and strength?

Boundaries: An Act of Love
Did you know that the purpose of boundaries is to protect, not punish?
We want to debunk the myths and lies surrounding boundaries. They’re created not to push people away, but to actually draw them closer and strengthen connections. How do healthy boundaries enable us to love ourselves and the people around us better? Learning what good boundaries look like and how to set them can help us to better sustain and grow the relationships in our lives.

The Power of Love
Love is the ONE thing that can affect the heart of any and every person no matter what. Whatever season of life you’re in, no matter how old you are, your relationship status, or where you live, love is essential.
Everyone longs to love and be loved. It’s hardwired in our DNA. We are saved, healed, and delivered through the power of God’s love toward us.

The Effects of Trauma
Trauma is a buzzword in today’s society. It’s a topic that hasn’t always been highly discussed but is gaining popularity and awareness with the rise of mental and emotional health conversations. Trauma comes in all shapes and sizes and affects everyone uniquely.
Jesus paved the way for us to walk in wholeness in all ways; body, soul, and spirit. He already paid the price for our healing and it’s a gift He offers to us freely. It is possible to live in full health and healing.