Loving God | AGW MINISTRIES

What Does the Bible Say About Taking Care of Your Body?

January 1, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

Bible Verses: John 21:12-15, 1 Kings 19:4-9

Life is exhausting, especially when we are seeking to please the Lord and we have failed. Nothing wears us out like our own sin. In times of failure and exhaustion, we know we need a touch from God, but sometimes we can’t hear him. So what should we do?

While there are many spiritual answers that would be appropriate (read the word, pray, fellowship with other believers, resist the devil), the Bible often points to one aspect of our life that we frequently devalue: taking care of our bodies.

Is Solitude Good or Bad?

December 24, 2015 by Mark Ballenger

Is solitude good or bad? Does solitude help or hurt our Christianity? Is solitude an ingredient for hearing God?

Yesterday, I was doing some cardio on the treadmill in my basement while listening to an audio format of the Bible. I was tracking pretty well with what was being read to me, but then the heater came on. I could still hear the words quite clearly, but I could also hear the heater. I only realized my mind was drifting into the worthless space of “lala land” when the heater finally clicked off. Suddenly it was much easier to simply hone in on the words being read.

3 Reasons to be Thankful for the Gospel

November 26, 2015 by Mark Ballenger

It’s Thanksgiving and there is so many reasons to be thankful. James 1:16-18 states, “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”

It’s so easy to “be deceived” in thinking that we should accredit God’s blessings to other sources. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,” therefore God is the primary one who deserves our thankfulness.

Above all God’s gifts is the gospel of Jesus Christ, for “Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” The gospel gives us endless and countless blessings. Here are at least 3 reasons Christians can be thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

What Should I Do When I Am Struggling to Pray?

May 10, 2016November 20, 2015 by Mark Ballenger

Struggling to pray? All true Christians want to pray more than they do. But all Christians, if they are being honest, go through seasons where praying is a challenge. To help overcome this barrier to prayer, it helps to ask, “How did Jesus pray?”

By studying Jesus prayer time in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:39-46), we can discover at least four practical things Jesus did in prayer.

Part 3: Keeping a Biblical Perspective in Pain

November 5, 2015 by Mark Ballenger

Every great story must go lower before it goes higher. To feel the joy, exuberance, and utter relief that all turned out beautifully in the end, you will have to go through the scenes that make you feel this could never turn out for good.

Part 2: Keeping a Biblical Perspective in Pain

November 4, 2015 by Mark Ballenger

Bible Verses: “So the sisters [Mary and Martha] sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.” (John 11:3-6)

Part 1: Keeping a Biblical Perspective in Pain

November 4, 2015November 2, 2015 by Mark Ballenger

Sometimes Jesus shows his love for us by doing exactly what we asked. Sometimes he shows his love by healing our sickness or by protecting us from danger. Sometimes he shows his love by sparing us of pain. But sometimes . . . sometimes Jesus shows his love through the pain he allowed to happen in our lives.

What Does the Bible Say About Enduring Pain

July 28, 2016October 27, 2015 by Mark Ballenger

Whether it’s the common cold or a deadly cancer, physical pain is something every human will deal with. We all will be sick and we all will know people with a sickness. Sadly, enduring pain is just a part of living on this planet. Thankfully the Bible gives us specific counsel on how to endure seasons of pain and sickness.

The Bible explains that the only way to endure pain well is through Jesus Christ. Perfect health is not an option for ourselves or for those we love. Therefore, we must seek our satisfaction in Christ to get through physical sickness and pains of all sorts.

Answered Through Questions

October 19, 2015October 14, 2015 by Mark Ballenger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y22zdBmZkaE

Why Did God Love/Bless King David So Much?

July 5, 2022October 3, 2015 by Mark Ballenger

In the Scriptures, there is no king who was the apple of God’s eye like David. The heart of God had a special affection for the man who was later described by the Lord as, “a man after my heart, who will do all my will.” (Acts 13:22). A Bible study on the life of David, however, would not reveal a perfect man, but rather a man who failed and sinned in many ways. So the questions must be asked, Why did God love and bless David so much?