Where do you go to get advice? Perhaps you ask a godly friend, a spiritual leader, or a person at the local church’s prison ministries. Hopefully, you open up your Bible and look for God’s wisdom. Our Bibles are packed with life-changing wisdom on living our best lives. Not sure where to start? The book of Proverbs has an incredible amount of wisdom in 31 short chapters. Let’s look at a few principles from Proverbs today.

Here are 5 practical ways to live by God’s wisdom.
 

1. Be slow to get angry.

“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
Proverbs 16:32
 
Have you ever misunderstood a situation and angrily said things you later regretted? If so, you can understand how important this principle is. God instructs us to be slow to anger because quick anger usually leads to sin. We might say wrong things, do wrong things, and hurt important relationships. You’ll never regretting taking the time to think beforeyou allow yourself to get angry.
 

2. Avoid getting into debt.

“The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”
Proverbs 22:7
 
Unfortunately, many Canadians are up to their ears in debt. It’s culturally acceptable to have massive car loans, student loans, maxed out credit cards, and more! Although these things promise convenience and a better standard of living, they actually enslave you to debt. This verse from Proverbs means that, if you owe something, you are a “servant” to your lender. You have to work to pay back the money you borrowed. And that debt will prevent you from spending money on other things—even good things! 
 
If you have a problem with debt, check out the free resources available on Dave Ramsey’s website. He has a lot of Biblical wisdom on money management and has helped thousands of people get out of debt.
 

3. Be kind to animals.

“A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.”
Proverbs 12:10
 
One thing our culture does right is promote kindness to animals. As you can see from this verse, this is a Biblical principle. God wants His people to show mercy and compassion toward their animals. If you have pets, treat them well and be patient with them. If you find your neighbour’s lost dog or cat, bring it home. Don’t turn a blind eye if you see an animal in distress. Instead, help the animal (and get professional help, if necessary). God wants us to be kind to people and to animals! 

4. Listen to your parents’ advice.

“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be a ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.”
Proverbs 1:8-9
 
If you’re over 25, you can probably appreciate this quote (attributed to Mark Twain), “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years."
 
Teenagers and young adults often (mistakenly) think that they know better than their parents. However, they usually realize their mistake as they grow into adulthood. If you have godly parents, you should always listen to and follow their advice. They may have different strengths and weakness than you, but they have one key thing that you don’t have…experience. Learn from their mistakes and successes! It will save you a lot of trouble.
 

5. Speak encouraging words to others.

“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”
Proverbs 12:25
 
When was the last time you told someone what a great job they were doing? People need to be encouraged. They are hungry for affirmation and acceptance. And this cold, competitive world often ignores their hard work and says nothing. You will be amazed at how people react when you speak an encouraging word to them! Start today by looking for the good in others. Thank them for their efforts. Praise their successes. This will strengthen your relationships + make you feel good, too!
 

Let’s Chat:

Which of these five tips was your favourite? And which one are you going to apply today? Join us at the local church’s prison ministries to learn more!
________________________________________________________________
Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!

For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com

One of the most blatant evils of our culture is abortion. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, there were a total of 97,764 reported abortions across Canada. That means tens of thousands of unborn babies who never saw the light of day. Instead, their lives were cruelly snuffed out. As Christians, we need to stand up for what is right. According to the Bible, abortion is clearly wrong. Let’s take a closer look at why.

What does the Bible say about unborn babies?
 

1. The unborn baby is a human being.

“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.”
Psalm 139:13
 
If you read the whole chapter of Psalm 139, you’ll see that God considers the unborn child to be a human being. He carefully forms each part according to its DNA. And He looks on the child in her mother’s womb with love and compassion. At the local church’s prison ministries, we’re grateful for God’s love for each person…no matter how small.
 

2. The unborn baby has an individual personality.

“For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.”
Luke 1:44
 
When Mary visited her pregnant cousin, the infant in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy. He recognized the presence of baby Jesus in Mary’s womb, and he was overjoyed. This couldn’t have been a response to his mother’s emotions because Mary had not even shared the news yet. If he did not have the capacity for thought, will, and emotions, baby John could not do this. Evidently, babies have a unique personality even before birth.
 

3. The unborn baby is equal to all other humans. 

“If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,”
Exodus 21:22, 23
 
In this passage from the Mosaic law, God prescribed the death penalty for anyone who would accidentally hurt a pregnant woman or her unborn baby. With the phrase “life for life,” we understand that the baby’s life is equal to the attacker’s life. Both babies and adults have equal rights in God’s eyes.
 

4. The unborn baby should not be killed for a parent’s sin.

“The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.”
Deut. 24:16
 
One common pro-choice argument is the following, “This baby was conceived out of rape or other sexual sin. Therefore, the mother should not have to suffer through this pregnancy.” In this situation, abortion would mean carrying out the death penalty on the baby—who hadn’t even committed a crime! According to this verse from God’s Word, children should not be killed for their parents’ sin….no matter how serious.
 

5. The unborn baby is precious in God’s sight.

“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
Psalm 127:3
 
Often, advocates of abortion portray babies as an inconvenient nuisance. They discourage women from carrying their children to term. Instead of calling the baby “a baby,” they use derogatory names to diminish the baby’s personhood. 
 
But, the Bible tells us that each child is precious in God’s sight. They are a special blessing from Him. Even if they were conceived in less than ideal circumstances, God has a wonderful plan for each one.
 

Will you stand up for life?

At the local church’s prison ministries, we believe that Christians have a responsibility to stand up for life. We need to, “defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.” (Psalm 82:3) How could God use you to share the truth about abortion with others? Pray for opportunities, and ask for His wisdom to guide you.
________________________________________________________________
Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!

For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com
 

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us,” wrote the great theologian A. W. Tozer. When we understand Who God is, then we cannot help but love and obey Him. Today, we’re diving into one of God’s key attributes…omnipresence. Omnipresence means that God is present everywhere at all times. How does this impact our lives?

Here are 4 truths about how God’s omnipresence transforms our lives.
 

1. He exists throughout the universe.

“Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.”
Jeremiah 23:24
 
As humans, it’s hard to us to understand how God could be present in both the North Pole and Tel Aviv, Israel at the same time. Even more difficult is understanding how He fills the entire universe. Jupiter, Saturn, and the entire solar system are mere dust under His feet.
 
Though many people go through life blinded to His presence, He fills Heaven and Earth. Nothing happens without His knowledge or presence. For the Christian, this is a comforting truth!
 

2. He will not leave us or forsake us.

“If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.”
Psalm 139:9-10
 
In Psalm 139, David poetically describes God’s omnipresence. He realized that God was always present with him. Even in the most remote corners of the planet, God’s hand would lead him and protect him.
 
If you have believed in Jesus as your Saviour, know that He will always be with you. You can trust Him. At the local church’s prison ministries in Saskatchewan, we are glad that God will always be with us!
 

3. He may feel distant if we have unconfessed sin.

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:”
Psalm 66:18
 
But what if you are a Christian and feel like God seems far away? According to this verse, you will not be close to God if you have unconfessed sin in your life. Sin drives a wedge between you and God. 
 
If you want to be close to God, learn to confess sin as soon as you feel the Holy Spirit’s conviction. He will forgive you, and you can enjoy fellowship with Him again!
 

4. He knows us better than we know ourselves. 

“For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.”
Psalm 139:4
 
Sometimes even we don’t understand why we do what we do. But, we can take heart in the fact that God understands us. He knows how we are feeling and understands our challenges. Hebrews 4:15 explains, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Jesus knows us fully, and He is right by our side to help us each day.
 

Let’s Chat:

Have you heard of God’s omnipresence before? And which of these truths was your favourite? Join us at the local church’s prison ministries in Saskatchewan to learn more!
_______________________________________________________________
Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!

For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com
 

Have you ever had a witnessing conversation with an atheist? As Christians, it’s important that we be ready to give an answer for our faith (1 Peter 3:15). However, most atheists have several arguments they will use to explain their position. How should we defend our faith when we talk to atheists? We need to study basic apologetics, which means defending the faith with arguments and discourse.

Here are 4 proofs of the existence of God that you should know.
 

1. The Kalam cosmological argument

In the 3rd and 4th century B.C., philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato argued that everything that happens or exists that must have a cause. If you looked far back enough into history, you would find that cause. As a deist, Aristotle argued that the First Cause was God. 
 
In the Middle Ages, Muslim philosophers developed a similar argument called the Kalam Cosmological Argument. The basic premises are as follows.
 
Whatever begins to exist has a cause of its existence.
The universe began to exist.
Therefore, the universe has a cause of its existence.
 
Scientists agree that the universe cannot be eternal. It must have had a beginning at some point in the past. According to William Craig’s website, in 2003, three scientists named Alan Guth, Arvind Borde, and Alexander Vilenkin proved that any universe which was constantly expanding could not be eternal. It required an absolute beginning. As Christians, we would point to God as the Cause of the universe’s existence.

2. The genetic variety of life forms on earth

If a biologist were to list all the different species on earth, it would take him or her a very long time! Even with one genus, such as the dog family, there is a remarkable variety of species. 
 
Where did all these species come from? According to evolutionary philosophy, they developed over millions of years as creatures gradually changed into different species and types. Evolutionists point to examples of simple genetic variation (a bird changing its beak or feather colour) and propose that, with enough time, these changes could add up to a bird changing into a fish.
 
God did place an incredible amount of genetic information into each creature’s genome. From generation to generation, a creature can have genes turned on or off, lose genetic information, display previously hidden genetic information, and exhibit “new” traits. However, mutations can also cause disease and loss of function.
 
Creation scientists tell us that genetic changes in an organism are simply not capable of producing large-scale evolution. Birds cannot turn into fishes. And monkeys cannot turn into men. For more resources on this topic, contact us at the local church’s prison ministry.

3. The laws of nature

If you’ve ever taken a physics or chemistry course, you understand some of the laws of nature. For example, gravity pulls things toward the centre of the earth. According to the second law of thermodynamics, the entropy (or disorder) of any isolated system will always increase.

This explains why old barns decay, walls fall down, and organized systems get messed up. Also, the sun, moon, and stars operate on observable laws and principles. The earth rotates at a constant rate, which gives us predictable day, night, and seasons.
 
Why does the universe operate according to laws? Blind chance could not produce the intelligence necessary for these laws. As Christians, we point to an intelligent Designer- God. 
 

4. The uniqueness of Jesus

If you study the historical person of Jesus, you will find that He is unlike any other founder of a religion. Only He claimed to be God Himself. Only He rose from the dead. You can visit the tombs of Mohammed, Confucius, or Buddha. But only Jesus’ tomb is empty!
 
In addition, both the New Testament and contemporary secular accounts provide historical proof for Jesus’ existence. His miracles were well documented—healing the sick, raising the dead to life, giving sight to the blind. Over 500 people were eyewitnesses of the resurrected Christ. 
 
One of the best proofs for the existence of God is the historical Christ. 

Let’s Chat:

Which of these proofs is your favourite? Do you feel better equipped now to share your faith with atheists and searching people? Contact us at the local church’s prison ministry for even more resources on sharing your faith.
________________________________________________________________
Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!

For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com
 

Do you want to have good friends? Are you looking for friends who will encourage you, pray for you, and stand by you in trials? If so, you need to start by being a godly friend. It takes hard work and dedication, but you can do it!

Here are 5 Biblical tips on how to be a godly friend.
 

1. Be faithful to your friend.

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17
 
One of the greatest tests of a true friend is their faithfulness. When your friend goes through a trial, are you there for them? Does God hear your voice pleading for them in prayer? Are you the kind of friend who shows up on their doorstep with food? Or do you walk away in search of more convenient friends? Don’t be a fair-weather friend who disappears when hard times come. Instead, be faithful to your friends.
 

2. Forgive their mistakes.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:32
 
We all make mistakes. And, the better you know someone, the more likely they will sin against you. How should you respond when your friend breaks a commitment? Or what should you say when they hurt your feelings?
 
According to God’s Word, you should forgive them…just as God forgave you. Their sins against you are nothing compared to your sins against God. With God’s help, you can forgive them! Don’t let unforgiveness break up your friendships.
 

3. Give them sharpening advice.

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
Proverbs 27:17
 
Have you ever had a godly friend give you advice? Or maybe point out something you were doing wrong? One of the biggest benefits of Christian friends is that they can point out blind spots. Maybe you didn’t even realize you had a problem with anger…but they gently told you about it. Or maybe they challenged you to be more faithful in your Bible reading. 
 
To be a godly friend, you’ll need to give sharpening advice sometimes. Make sure you always pray for God’s wisdom and the right words. Seek to speak the truth in love, and show them that you care. At the local church’s prison ministry, this is how we want to give advice.
 

4. Don’t be a backstabber. 

“Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.”
James 4:11
 
Nothing stings quite as much as having a backstabbing friend—someone who speaks sweetly to your face but gossips about you to others. If you’ve ever had this happen to you, you know how bad it feels. When a person starts talking negatively about someone else, it can be hard to know what to say. You can simply say, “Let’s not talk about _____ when he’s not here to defend himself.” That will help discourage others from backstabbing people. And make sure that you’re not speaking evil of others, either.
 

5. Help carry their burdens.

“Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2
 
Some burdens are too heavy for one person to bear alone. To be a godly friend, be sensitive to your friend’s burdens. Does she seem distracted, sad, or exhausted? You can offer a listening ear and maybe even a shoulder to cry on. Your friend may need godly advice, or she may just need words of comfort and reassurance.

Look for practical ways to help, as well. When you help carry a friend’s burden, you are loving your neighbour as yourself. And God will reward you for it! At the local church’s prison ministry, we seek to help lift burdens, too. 
 

Let’s Chat:

Which of these tips do you most need to work on? And what habits of a godly friend would you add to our list? Let us know in the comments!
________________________________________________________________
Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!

For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com 

Where do you go to get advice? Perhaps you ask a godly friend, a spiritual leader, or a person at the local church’s prison ministries. Hopefully, you open up your Bible and look for God’s wisdom. Our Bibles are packed with life-changing wisdom on living our best lives. Not sure where to start? The book of Proverbs has an incredible amount of wisdom in 31 short chapters. Let’s look at a few principles from Proverbs today.

Here are 5 practical ways to live by God’s wisdom.
 

1. Be slow to get angry.

“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
Proverbs 16:32
 
Have you ever misunderstood a situation and angrily said things you later regretted? If so, you can understand how important this principle is. God instructs us to be slow to anger because quick anger usually leads to sin. We might say wrong things, do wrong things, and hurt important relationships. You’ll never regretting taking the time to think beforeyou allow yourself to get angry.
 

2. Avoid getting into debt.

“The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”
Proverbs 22:7
 
Unfortunately, many Canadians are up to their ears in debt. It’s culturally acceptable to have massive car loans, student loans, maxed out credit cards, and more! Although these things promise convenience and a better standard of living, they actually enslave you to debt. This verse from Proverbs means that, if you owe something, you are a “servant” to your lender. You have to work to pay back the money you borrowed. And that debt will prevent you from spending money on other things—even good things! 
 
If you have a problem with debt, check out the free resources available on Dave Ramsey’s website. He has a lot of Biblical wisdom on money management and has helped thousands of people get out of debt.
 

3. Be kind to animals.

“A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.”
Proverbs 12:10
 
One thing our culture does right is promote kindness to animals. As you can see from this verse, this is a Biblical principle. God wants His people to show mercy and compassion toward their animals. If you have pets, treat them well and be patient with them. If you find your neighbour’s lost dog or cat, bring it home. Don’t turn a blind eye if you see an animal in distress. Instead, help the animal (and get professional help, if necessary). God wants us to be kind to people and to animals! 

4. Listen to your parents’ advice.

“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be a ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.”
Proverbs 1:8-9
 
If you’re over 25, you can probably appreciate this quote (attributed to Mark Twain), “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years."
 
Teenagers and young adults often (mistakenly) think that they know better than their parents. However, they usually realize their mistake as they grow into adulthood. If you have godly parents, you should always listen to and follow their advice. They may have different strengths and weakness than you, but they have one key thing that you don’t have…experience. Learn from their mistakes and successes! It will save you a lot of trouble.
 

5. Speak encouraging words to others.

“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”
Proverbs 12:25
 
When was the last time you told someone what a great job they were doing? People need to be encouraged. They are hungry for affirmation and acceptance. And this cold, competitive world often ignores their hard work and says nothing. You will be amazed at how people react when you speak an encouraging word to them! Start today by looking for the good in others. Thank them for their efforts. Praise their successes. This will strengthen your relationships + make you feel good, too!
 

Let’s Chat:

Which of these five tips was your favourite? And which one are you going to apply today? Join us at the local church’s prison ministries to learn more!
________________________________________________________________
Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!

For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com

One of the most blatant evils of our culture is abortion. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, there were a total of 97,764 reported abortions across Canada. That means tens of thousands of unborn babies who never saw the light of day. Instead, their lives were cruelly snuffed out. As Christians, we need to stand up for what is right. According to the Bible, abortion is clearly wrong. Let’s take a closer look at why.

What does the Bible say about unborn babies?
 

1. The unborn baby is a human being.

“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.”
Psalm 139:13
 
If you read the whole chapter of Psalm 139, you’ll see that God considers the unborn child to be a human being. He carefully forms each part according to its DNA. And He looks on the child in her mother’s womb with love and compassion. At the local church’s prison ministries, we’re grateful for God’s love for each person…no matter how small.
 

2. The unborn baby has an individual personality.

“For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.”
Luke 1:44
 
When Mary visited her pregnant cousin, the infant in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy. He recognized the presence of baby Jesus in Mary’s womb, and he was overjoyed. This couldn’t have been a response to his mother’s emotions because Mary had not even shared the news yet. If he did not have the capacity for thought, will, and emotions, baby John could not do this. Evidently, babies have a unique personality even before birth.
 

3. The unborn baby is equal to all other humans. 

“If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,”
Exodus 21:22, 23
 
In this passage from the Mosaic law, God prescribed the death penalty for anyone who would accidentally hurt a pregnant woman or her unborn baby. With the phrase “life for life,” we understand that the baby’s life is equal to the attacker’s life. Both babies and adults have equal rights in God’s eyes.
 

4. The unborn baby should not be killed for a parent’s sin.

“The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.”
Deut. 24:16
 
One common pro-choice argument is the following, “This baby was conceived out of rape or other sexual sin. Therefore, the mother should not have to suffer through this pregnancy.” In this situation, abortion would mean carrying out the death penalty on the baby—who hadn’t even committed a crime! According to this verse from God’s Word, children should not be killed for their parents’ sin….no matter how serious.
 

5. The unborn baby is precious in God’s sight.

“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
Psalm 127:3
 
Often, advocates of abortion portray babies as an inconvenient nuisance. They discourage women from carrying their children to term. Instead of calling the baby “a baby,” they use derogatory names to diminish the baby’s personhood. 
 
But, the Bible tells us that each child is precious in God’s sight. They are a special blessing from Him. Even if they were conceived in less than ideal circumstances, God has a wonderful plan for each one.
 

Will you stand up for life?

At the local church’s prison ministries, we believe that Christians have a responsibility to stand up for life. We need to, “defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.” (Psalm 82:3) How could God use you to share the truth about abortion with others? Pray for opportunities, and ask for His wisdom to guide you.
________________________________________________________________
Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!

For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com
 

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us,” wrote the great theologian A. W. Tozer. When we understand Who God is, then we cannot help but love and obey Him. Today, we’re diving into one of God’s key attributes…omnipresence. Omnipresence means that God is present everywhere at all times. How does this impact our lives?

Here are 4 truths about how God’s omnipresence transforms our lives.
 

1. He exists throughout the universe.

“Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.”
Jeremiah 23:24
 
As humans, it’s hard to us to understand how God could be present in both the North Pole and Tel Aviv, Israel at the same time. Even more difficult is understanding how He fills the entire universe. Jupiter, Saturn, and the entire solar system are mere dust under His feet.
 
Though many people go through life blinded to His presence, He fills Heaven and Earth. Nothing happens without His knowledge or presence. For the Christian, this is a comforting truth!
 

2. He will not leave us or forsake us.

“If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.”
Psalm 139:9-10
 
In Psalm 139, David poetically describes God’s omnipresence. He realized that God was always present with him. Even in the most remote corners of the planet, God’s hand would lead him and protect him.
 
If you have believed in Jesus as your Saviour, know that He will always be with you. You can trust Him. At the local church’s prison ministries in Saskatchewan, we are glad that God will always be with us!
 

3. He may feel distant if we have unconfessed sin.

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:”
Psalm 66:18
 
But what if you are a Christian and feel like God seems far away? According to this verse, you will not be close to God if you have unconfessed sin in your life. Sin drives a wedge between you and God. 
 
If you want to be close to God, learn to confess sin as soon as you feel the Holy Spirit’s conviction. He will forgive you, and you can enjoy fellowship with Him again!
 

4. He knows us better than we know ourselves. 

“For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.”
Psalm 139:4
 
Sometimes even we don’t understand why we do what we do. But, we can take heart in the fact that God understands us. He knows how we are feeling and understands our challenges. Hebrews 4:15 explains, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Jesus knows us fully, and He is right by our side to help us each day.
 

Let’s Chat:

Have you heard of God’s omnipresence before? And which of these truths was your favourite? Join us at the local church’s prison ministries in Saskatchewan to learn more!
_______________________________________________________________
Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!

For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com
 

Have you ever had a witnessing conversation with an atheist? As Christians, it’s important that we be ready to give an answer for our faith (1 Peter 3:15). However, most atheists have several arguments they will use to explain their position. How should we defend our faith when we talk to atheists? We need to study basic apologetics, which means defending the faith with arguments and discourse.

Here are 4 proofs of the existence of God that you should know.
 

1. The Kalam cosmological argument

In the 3rd and 4th century B.C., philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato argued that everything that happens or exists that must have a cause. If you looked far back enough into history, you would find that cause. As a deist, Aristotle argued that the First Cause was God. 
 
In the Middle Ages, Muslim philosophers developed a similar argument called the Kalam Cosmological Argument. The basic premises are as follows.
 
Whatever begins to exist has a cause of its existence.
The universe began to exist.
Therefore, the universe has a cause of its existence.
 
Scientists agree that the universe cannot be eternal. It must have had a beginning at some point in the past. According to William Craig’s website, in 2003, three scientists named Alan Guth, Arvind Borde, and Alexander Vilenkin proved that any universe which was constantly expanding could not be eternal. It required an absolute beginning. As Christians, we would point to God as the Cause of the universe’s existence.

2. The genetic variety of life forms on earth

If a biologist were to list all the different species on earth, it would take him or her a very long time! Even with one genus, such as the dog family, there is a remarkable variety of species. 
 
Where did all these species come from? According to evolutionary philosophy, they developed over millions of years as creatures gradually changed into different species and types. Evolutionists point to examples of simple genetic variation (a bird changing its beak or feather colour) and propose that, with enough time, these changes could add up to a bird changing into a fish.
 
God did place an incredible amount of genetic information into each creature’s genome. From generation to generation, a creature can have genes turned on or off, lose genetic information, display previously hidden genetic information, and exhibit “new” traits. However, mutations can also cause disease and loss of function.
 
Creation scientists tell us that genetic changes in an organism are simply not capable of producing large-scale evolution. Birds cannot turn into fishes. And monkeys cannot turn into men. For more resources on this topic, contact us at the local church’s prison ministry.

3. The laws of nature

If you’ve ever taken a physics or chemistry course, you understand some of the laws of nature. For example, gravity pulls things toward the centre of the earth. According to the second law of thermodynamics, the entropy (or disorder) of any isolated system will always increase.

This explains why old barns decay, walls fall down, and organized systems get messed up. Also, the sun, moon, and stars operate on observable laws and principles. The earth rotates at a constant rate, which gives us predictable day, night, and seasons.
 
Why does the universe operate according to laws? Blind chance could not produce the intelligence necessary for these laws. As Christians, we point to an intelligent Designer- God. 
 

4. The uniqueness of Jesus

If you study the historical person of Jesus, you will find that He is unlike any other founder of a religion. Only He claimed to be God Himself. Only He rose from the dead. You can visit the tombs of Mohammed, Confucius, or Buddha. But only Jesus’ tomb is empty!
 
In addition, both the New Testament and contemporary secular accounts provide historical proof for Jesus’ existence. His miracles were well documented—healing the sick, raising the dead to life, giving sight to the blind. Over 500 people were eyewitnesses of the resurrected Christ. 
 
One of the best proofs for the existence of God is the historical Christ. 

Let’s Chat:

Which of these proofs is your favourite? Do you feel better equipped now to share your faith with atheists and searching people? Contact us at the local church’s prison ministry for even more resources on sharing your faith.
________________________________________________________________
Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!

For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com
 

Do you want to have good friends? Are you looking for friends who will encourage you, pray for you, and stand by you in trials? If so, you need to start by being a godly friend. It takes hard work and dedication, but you can do it!

Here are 5 Biblical tips on how to be a godly friend.
 

1. Be faithful to your friend.

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17
 
One of the greatest tests of a true friend is their faithfulness. When your friend goes through a trial, are you there for them? Does God hear your voice pleading for them in prayer? Are you the kind of friend who shows up on their doorstep with food? Or do you walk away in search of more convenient friends? Don’t be a fair-weather friend who disappears when hard times come. Instead, be faithful to your friends.
 

2. Forgive their mistakes.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:32
 
We all make mistakes. And, the better you know someone, the more likely they will sin against you. How should you respond when your friend breaks a commitment? Or what should you say when they hurt your feelings?
 
According to God’s Word, you should forgive them…just as God forgave you. Their sins against you are nothing compared to your sins against God. With God’s help, you can forgive them! Don’t let unforgiveness break up your friendships.
 

3. Give them sharpening advice.

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
Proverbs 27:17
 
Have you ever had a godly friend give you advice? Or maybe point out something you were doing wrong? One of the biggest benefits of Christian friends is that they can point out blind spots. Maybe you didn’t even realize you had a problem with anger…but they gently told you about it. Or maybe they challenged you to be more faithful in your Bible reading. 
 
To be a godly friend, you’ll need to give sharpening advice sometimes. Make sure you always pray for God’s wisdom and the right words. Seek to speak the truth in love, and show them that you care. At the local church’s prison ministry, this is how we want to give advice.
 

4. Don’t be a backstabber. 

“Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.”
James 4:11
 
Nothing stings quite as much as having a backstabbing friend—someone who speaks sweetly to your face but gossips about you to others. If you’ve ever had this happen to you, you know how bad it feels. When a person starts talking negatively about someone else, it can be hard to know what to say. You can simply say, “Let’s not talk about _____ when he’s not here to defend himself.” That will help discourage others from backstabbing people. And make sure that you’re not speaking evil of others, either.
 

5. Help carry their burdens.

“Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2
 
Some burdens are too heavy for one person to bear alone. To be a godly friend, be sensitive to your friend’s burdens. Does she seem distracted, sad, or exhausted? You can offer a listening ear and maybe even a shoulder to cry on. Your friend may need godly advice, or she may just need words of comfort and reassurance.

Look for practical ways to help, as well. When you help carry a friend’s burden, you are loving your neighbour as yourself. And God will reward you for it! At the local church’s prison ministry, we seek to help lift burdens, too. 
 

Let’s Chat:

Which of these tips do you most need to work on? And what habits of a godly friend would you add to our list? Let us know in the comments!
________________________________________________________________
Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!

For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com 

Where do you go to get advice? Perhaps you ask a godly friend, a spiritual leader, or a person at the local church’s prison ministries. Hopefully, you open up your Bible and look for God’s wisdom. Our Bibles are packed with life-changing wisdom on living our best lives. Not sure where to start? The book of Proverbs has an incredible amount of wisdom in 31 short chapters. Let’s look at a few principles from Proverbs today.

Here are 5 practical ways to live by God’s wisdom.
 

1. Be slow to get angry.

“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
Proverbs 16:32
 
Have you ever misunderstood a situation and angrily said things you later regretted? If so, you can understand how important this principle is. God instructs us to be slow to anger because quick anger usually leads to sin. We might say wrong things, do wrong things, and hurt important relationships. You’ll never regretting taking the time to think beforeyou allow yourself to get angry.
 

2. Avoid getting into debt.

“The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”
Proverbs 22:7
 
Unfortunately, many Canadians are up to their ears in debt. It’s culturally acceptable to have massive car loans, student loans, maxed out credit cards, and more! Although these things promise convenience and a better standard of living, they actually enslave you to debt. This verse from Proverbs means that, if you owe something, you are a “servant” to your lender. You have to work to pay back the money you borrowed. And that debt will prevent you from spending money on other things—even good things! 
 
If you have a problem with debt, check out the free resources available on Dave Ramsey’s website. He has a lot of Biblical wisdom on money management and has helped thousands of people get out of debt.
 

3. Be kind to animals.

“A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.”
Proverbs 12:10
 
One thing our culture does right is promote kindness to animals. As you can see from this verse, this is a Biblical principle. God wants His people to show mercy and compassion toward their animals. If you have pets, treat them well and be patient with them. If you find your neighbour’s lost dog or cat, bring it home. Don’t turn a blind eye if you see an animal in distress. Instead, help the animal (and get professional help, if necessary). God wants us to be kind to people and to animals! 

4. Listen to your parents’ advice.

“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be a ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.”
Proverbs 1:8-9
 
If you’re over 25, you can probably appreciate this quote (attributed to Mark Twain), “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years."
 
Teenagers and young adults often (mistakenly) think that they know better than their parents. However, they usually realize their mistake as they grow into adulthood. If you have godly parents, you should always listen to and follow their advice. They may have different strengths and weakness than you, but they have one key thing that you don’t have…experience. Learn from their mistakes and successes! It will save you a lot of trouble.
 

5. Speak encouraging words to others.

“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”
Proverbs 12:25
 
When was the last time you told someone what a great job they were doing? People need to be encouraged. They are hungry for affirmation and acceptance. And this cold, competitive world often ignores their hard work and says nothing. You will be amazed at how people react when you speak an encouraging word to them! Start today by looking for the good in others. Thank them for their efforts. Praise their successes. This will strengthen your relationships + make you feel good, too!
 

Let’s Chat:

Which of these five tips was your favourite? And which one are you going to apply today? Join us at the local church’s prison ministries to learn more!
________________________________________________________________
Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!

For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com

One of the most blatant evils of our culture is abortion. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, there were a total of 97,764 reported abortions across Canada. That means tens of thousands of unborn babies who never saw the light of day. Instead, their lives were cruelly snuffed out. As Christians, we need to stand up for what is right. According to the Bible, abortion is clearly wrong. Let’s take a closer look at why.

What does the Bible say about unborn babies?
 

1. The unborn baby is a human being.

“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.”
Psalm 139:13
 
If you read the whole chapter of Psalm 139, you’ll see that God considers the unborn child to be a human being. He carefully forms each part according to its DNA. And He looks on the child in her mother’s womb with love and compassion. At the local church’s prison ministries, we’re grateful for God’s love for each person…no matter how small.
 

2. The unborn baby has an individual personality.

“For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.”
Luke 1:44
 
When Mary visited her pregnant cousin, the infant in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy. He recognized the presence of baby Jesus in Mary’s womb, and he was overjoyed. This couldn’t have been a response to his mother’s emotions because Mary had not even shared the news yet. If he did not have the capacity for thought, will, and emotions, baby John could not do this. Evidently, babies have a unique personality even before birth.
 

3. The unborn baby is equal to all other humans. 

“If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,”
Exodus 21:22, 23
 
In this passage from the Mosaic law, God prescribed the death penalty for anyone who would accidentally hurt a pregnant woman or her unborn baby. With the phrase “life for life,” we understand that the baby’s life is equal to the attacker’s life. Both babies and adults have equal rights in God’s eyes.
 

4. The unborn baby should not be killed for a parent’s sin.

“The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.”
Deut. 24:16
 
One common pro-choice argument is the following, “This baby was conceived out of rape or other sexual sin. Therefore, the mother should not have to suffer through this pregnancy.” In this situation, abortion would mean carrying out the death penalty on the baby—who hadn’t even committed a crime! According to this verse from God’s Word, children should not be killed for their parents’ sin….no matter how serious.
 

5. The unborn baby is precious in God’s sight.

“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
Psalm 127:3
 
Often, advocates of abortion portray babies as an inconvenient nuisance. They discourage women from carrying their children to term. Instead of calling the baby “a baby,” they use derogatory names to diminish the baby’s personhood. 
 
But, the Bible tells us that each child is precious in God’s sight. They are a special blessing from Him. Even if they were conceived in less than ideal circumstances, God has a wonderful plan for each one.
 

Will you stand up for life?

At the local church’s prison ministries, we believe that Christians have a responsibility to stand up for life. We need to, “defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.” (Psalm 82:3) How could God use you to share the truth about abortion with others? Pray for opportunities, and ask for His wisdom to guide you.
________________________________________________________________
Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!

For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com
 

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us,” wrote the great theologian A. W. Tozer. When we understand Who God is, then we cannot help but love and obey Him. Today, we’re diving into one of God’s key attributes…omnipresence. Omnipresence means that God is present everywhere at all times. How does this impact our lives?

Here are 4 truths about how God’s omnipresence transforms our lives.
 

1. He exists throughout the universe.

“Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.”
Jeremiah 23:24
 
As humans, it’s hard to us to understand how God could be present in both the North Pole and Tel Aviv, Israel at the same time. Even more difficult is understanding how He fills the entire universe. Jupiter, Saturn, and the entire solar system are mere dust under His feet.
 
Though many people go through life blinded to His presence, He fills Heaven and Earth. Nothing happens without His knowledge or presence. For the Christian, this is a comforting truth!
 

2. He will not leave us or forsake us.

“If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.”
Psalm 139:9-10
 
In Psalm 139, David poetically describes God’s omnipresence. He realized that God was always present with him. Even in the most remote corners of the planet, God’s hand would lead him and protect him.
 
If you have believed in Jesus as your Saviour, know that He will always be with you. You can trust Him. At the local church’s prison ministries in Saskatchewan, we are glad that God will always be with us!
 

3. He may feel distant if we have unconfessed sin.

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:”
Psalm 66:18
 
But what if you are a Christian and feel like God seems far away? According to this verse, you will not be close to God if you have unconfessed sin in your life. Sin drives a wedge between you and God. 
 
If you want to be close to God, learn to confess sin as soon as you feel the Holy Spirit’s conviction. He will forgive you, and you can enjoy fellowship with Him again!
 

4. He knows us better than we know ourselves. 

“For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.”
Psalm 139:4
 
Sometimes even we don’t understand why we do what we do. But, we can take heart in the fact that God understands us. He knows how we are feeling and understands our challenges. Hebrews 4:15 explains, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Jesus knows us fully, and He is right by our side to help us each day.
 

Let’s Chat:

Have you heard of God’s omnipresence before? And which of these truths was your favourite? Join us at the local church’s prison ministries in Saskatchewan to learn more!
_______________________________________________________________
Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!

For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com
 

Have you ever had a witnessing conversation with an atheist? As Christians, it’s important that we be ready to give an answer for our faith (1 Peter 3:15). However, most atheists have several arguments they will use to explain their position. How should we defend our faith when we talk to atheists? We need to study basic apologetics, which means defending the faith with arguments and discourse.

Here are 4 proofs of the existence of God that you should know.
 

1. The Kalam cosmological argument

In the 3rd and 4th century B.C., philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato argued that everything that happens or exists that must have a cause. If you looked far back enough into history, you would find that cause. As a deist, Aristotle argued that the First Cause was God. 
 
In the Middle Ages, Muslim philosophers developed a similar argument called the Kalam Cosmological Argument. The basic premises are as follows.
 
Whatever begins to exist has a cause of its existence.
The universe began to exist.
Therefore, the universe has a cause of its existence.
 
Scientists agree that the universe cannot be eternal. It must have had a beginning at some point in the past. According to William Craig’s website, in 2003, three scientists named Alan Guth, Arvind Borde, and Alexander Vilenkin proved that any universe which was constantly expanding could not be eternal. It required an absolute beginning. As Christians, we would point to God as the Cause of the universe’s existence.

2. The genetic variety of life forms on earth

If a biologist were to list all the different species on earth, it would take him or her a very long time! Even with one genus, such as the dog family, there is a remarkable variety of species. 
 
Where did all these species come from? According to evolutionary philosophy, they developed over millions of years as creatures gradually changed into different species and types. Evolutionists point to examples of simple genetic variation (a bird changing its beak or feather colour) and propose that, with enough time, these changes could add up to a bird changing into a fish.
 
God did place an incredible amount of genetic information into each creature’s genome. From generation to generation, a creature can have genes turned on or off, lose genetic information, display previously hidden genetic information, and exhibit “new” traits. However, mutations can also cause disease and loss of function.
 
Creation scientists tell us that genetic changes in an organism are simply not capable of producing large-scale evolution. Birds cannot turn into fishes. And monkeys cannot turn into men. For more resources on this topic, contact us at the local church’s prison ministry.

3. The laws of nature

If you’ve ever taken a physics or chemistry course, you understand some of the laws of nature. For example, gravity pulls things toward the centre of the earth. According to the second law of thermodynamics, the entropy (or disorder) of any isolated system will always increase.

This explains why old barns decay, walls fall down, and organized systems get messed up. Also, the sun, moon, and stars operate on observable laws and principles. The earth rotates at a constant rate, which gives us predictable day, night, and seasons.
 
Why does the universe operate according to laws? Blind chance could not produce the intelligence necessary for these laws. As Christians, we point to an intelligent Designer- God. 
 

4. The uniqueness of Jesus

If you study the historical person of Jesus, you will find that He is unlike any other founder of a religion. Only He claimed to be God Himself. Only He rose from the dead. You can visit the tombs of Mohammed, Confucius, or Buddha. But only Jesus’ tomb is empty!
 
In addition, both the New Testament and contemporary secular accounts provide historical proof for Jesus’ existence. His miracles were well documented—healing the sick, raising the dead to life, giving sight to the blind. Over 500 people were eyewitnesses of the resurrected Christ. 
 
One of the best proofs for the existence of God is the historical Christ. 

Let’s Chat:

Which of these proofs is your favourite? Do you feel better equipped now to share your faith with atheists and searching people? Contact us at the local church’s prison ministry for even more resources on sharing your faith.
________________________________________________________________
Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!

For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com
 

Do you want to have good friends? Are you looking for friends who will encourage you, pray for you, and stand by you in trials? If so, you need to start by being a godly friend. It takes hard work and dedication, but you can do it!

Here are 5 Biblical tips on how to be a godly friend.
 

1. Be faithful to your friend.

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17
 
One of the greatest tests of a true friend is their faithfulness. When your friend goes through a trial, are you there for them? Does God hear your voice pleading for them in prayer? Are you the kind of friend who shows up on their doorstep with food? Or do you walk away in search of more convenient friends? Don’t be a fair-weather friend who disappears when hard times come. Instead, be faithful to your friends.
 

2. Forgive their mistakes.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:32
 
We all make mistakes. And, the better you know someone, the more likely they will sin against you. How should you respond when your friend breaks a commitment? Or what should you say when they hurt your feelings?
 
According to God’s Word, you should forgive them…just as God forgave you. Their sins against you are nothing compared to your sins against God. With God’s help, you can forgive them! Don’t let unforgiveness break up your friendships.
 

3. Give them sharpening advice.

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
Proverbs 27:17
 
Have you ever had a godly friend give you advice? Or maybe point out something you were doing wrong? One of the biggest benefits of Christian friends is that they can point out blind spots. Maybe you didn’t even realize you had a problem with anger…but they gently told you about it. Or maybe they challenged you to be more faithful in your Bible reading. 
 
To be a godly friend, you’ll need to give sharpening advice sometimes. Make sure you always pray for God’s wisdom and the right words. Seek to speak the truth in love, and show them that you care. At the local church’s prison ministry, this is how we want to give advice.
 

4. Don’t be a backstabber. 

“Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.”
James 4:11
 
Nothing stings quite as much as having a backstabbing friend—someone who speaks sweetly to your face but gossips about you to others. If you’ve ever had this happen to you, you know how bad it feels. When a person starts talking negatively about someone else, it can be hard to know what to say. You can simply say, “Let’s not talk about _____ when he’s not here to defend himself.” That will help discourage others from backstabbing people. And make sure that you’re not speaking evil of others, either.
 

5. Help carry their burdens.

“Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2
 
Some burdens are too heavy for one person to bear alone. To be a godly friend, be sensitive to your friend’s burdens. Does she seem distracted, sad, or exhausted? You can offer a listening ear and maybe even a shoulder to cry on. Your friend may need godly advice, or she may just need words of comfort and reassurance.

Look for practical ways to help, as well. When you help carry a friend’s burden, you are loving your neighbour as yourself. And God will reward you for it! At the local church’s prison ministry, we seek to help lift burdens, too. 
 

Let’s Chat:

Which of these tips do you most need to work on? And what habits of a godly friend would you add to our list? Let us know in the comments!
________________________________________________________________
Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!

For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com