A Surrendered Life
Help for Difficult Times
SUMMARY: Being Real in Tough Times - How often do we greet those around us with smiles and handshakes as if all is well and then find out that there is significant pain in their life? We in the church have sometimes developed patterns of displaying a façade that “all is well”, when really it is not. The brother or sister sitting next to you in church or work may be significantly hurting and they have no answer to the dilemma. How can you encourage them to keep pressing on in the faith? (Open access. Go [Here] to read more.)

The Month's Life Plans
Teaching Children to Handle Disappointments
SUMMARY: Elementary Truths for Parents - When comparing yourself to your parents, which generation has had the more challenging time? What is the outcome? Which generation is more solid in their faith? So what about your children? When things get tough, can you teach your children to stand in their Christian faith? How are you preparing them for problems and difficult times? How can you teach them to have hope in our Lord Jesus Christ no matter what they face? (Open access. Go [Here] to read more.)

Disciplines of Life
Testimony of God's Faithfulness
SUMMARY: $5,500 in Answer to Prayer - I am involved with a special group of ladies for weekly Bible Study. We come together in my home to encourage and strengthen each other with God's Word and fellowship. As daughters of the King of kings, each of us desires the Lord's faithful touch. Because we sometimes think that this life should be an easy walk with no problems, enjoy this wonderful testimony of the Lord's marvelous and miraculous provision. Even though life has its challenges, the Lord God Almighty is faithful beyond compare! (Open access. Go [Here] to read more.)

MarketLife Evangelism
See Christ in Change
SUMMARY: Embrace Change! - Change is a constant. To some, change is bad; while to others change is good. But “bad” and “good” aren’t definitions of change; they are merely reactions to change. People fear and avoid change. The speed, constancy, scope and complexity of change seem to make the impact of change amplified. I’d like to share from my heart on change and how we are to see “Christ in Change”. May the Lord encourage you today to run to Him in the midst of change and see His victory in your life. (Open access. Go [Here] to read more.)

Lifestyle Mentoring
Coaching a Friend Through Difficult Times
SUMMARY: Gaining the Strength of an Oak Tree - There are various ways to approach and coach a friend going through difficult times. The approach one takes will likely have a lasting impression upon one’s friend and perhaps even be a defining moment as to whether there will be an ongoing relationship. During difficult times, just like a strong, tall oak tree is tested and becomes strong through winds of adversity, so our faith will increase and result in a better, stronger, and more complete person in Christ. (Open access. Go [Here] to read more.)

Lessons for Life from the Past
Jonathan Goforth (1859-1936)
SUMMARY:  A Man of Steadfast Perseverance - Although coming from a poor farming family, Jonathan Goforth, a young man from Canada, became a tremendous influence in the Kingdom of God. Through great adversity this man persevered and served faithfully for 50 years in China. He miraculously survived great danger and personal injury when escaping his beloved homeland during the brutal Boxer Rebellion. Obviously, this man’s life impacted thousands of Chinese Christians and helped to establish them in their faith. What a testimony! (Open access. Go [Here] to read more.)

Bible Challenge with Life Application
Dig Deeper and Reflect
SUMMARY: Take Time for Application! A series of simple questions have been created to accompany some of this month's articles. These were developed to encourage you to "dig deeper" into God's Word and then apply them to your life. May the Lord Jesus guide you today as you study! (Open access. Go [Here] to read more.)

The Lord Jesus Christ has a marvelous plan for you and wants to encourage you in all aspects of your life. Believe Him for mighty breakthroughs! As you surrender to Christ you will be given new avenues for greater Christian impact in your spheres of influence. Grow deeper, stronger, and higher in Christ! Enjoy this year and the opportunities before you!

This ministry offers help for those needing maturity, direction and healing. Under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, SFI offers the body of Christ: 1) Prayer, 2) Preaching/Teaching and
3) Discipleship/Mentoring. Workshops and materials are focused on today's challenges and solutions found in the Word of God. [See Bio] Email Ernie today.