This is my calendar in my kitchen, and I love being reminded that God will NEVER leave me nor forsake me.❤️ Sometimes we need reminders of this when we feel low, when we feel far away from Him. I am so grateful for the love & meaning He has brought into my life! 🙏❤️ #Church #Ministering #ChurchTrauma #ReligiousTrauma #AutisticChristian #ChristianAutistic #AutismInTheChurch #InclusiveChurch #DisabilityTheology #Trauma #Confusion #Relationships #Friendship #Friendships #ActuallyAutistic #autism #Autistic #ASD #Love #ChristianLove #AutisticChristians #SmallGroup #SmallGroups #AutisticSmallGroups #AutisticSmallGroup #AutisticGroup
It’s time for Monday PRAYER! It’s easy to remember to pray for the needs right in front of us, or for those we care about. But God calls us to pray about other things, too. One of the most beautiful moments of my day is when I lift someone before the throne of Heaven, wondering if anyone has ever prayed for that person – or that situation – before. Will you join me in praying for those who are often overlooked? - - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #relationshipwithgod #chatswithsandi #prayer #quiettimes #devotions #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #lordsprayer #intercession #prayfortheworld #prayforyourcity #pray
Finally it's here. Welcome to Infinitus! 💻 www.infinitusministries.net (this redirects to readthedocs where we keep our info!) #autisticchristian #spiritualdirection #spiritualdirectionandsoulcare #churchplant #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #neurodivergentchristian #actuallyautistic #postevangelical
There is always HOPE, whatever this year brings. “Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.” (Ephesians 2:20, TPT) - - - - - #hope #chatswithsandi #thereishope #hopeingod #Jesus #God #disciple #growingwithgod #GrowingWithGod #mentalhealth #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian
The @ChatsWithSandi Discipleship Series launches 1 June with the first book in the series: 'Let's Chat About BLESSING!' Available on Amazon. - - - #discipleship #KnowingGod #GrowingWithGod #autisticchristian #neurodivergentchristian #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #growingingod #disciple #God #relationshipwithgod #worship #prayer #quiettimes #devotions #Biblestudy #homegroup #housegroup #discipleshipguides
Application: Masking 2. We talked about “masking” as “going cross-cultural” which is quite a different way of explaining it to what I have often read. But I know that adapting our behaviours and the way we speak is hard work – exhausting, in fact! Particularly if we never get the opportunity to relax, and revert back to our own “culture.” We might learn from the attitudes and actions of others that our way of doing things is not acceptable, so we start to adapt ourselves. We have to keep up an act, holding the mask tightly to our whole bodies, in order to conform. Eventually, we start to believe what others seem to say about us, and believe that it’s not just what we do but our very being that is WRONG. I know that I lived in this for a long time. This feeling has a name: shame. Shame says it’s not just what we do that’s wrong, but there is something innately wrong with US and we must hide it from others. When our masking reaches this state, it is no longer helpful but harmful to us. Loving others shouldn’t cause us harm. - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #whatisgodlike #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #godofrelationship #loveoneanother #relationships #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #relationships #loveoneanother #LoveOneAnother #understandingothers #masking #fruitofthespirit
Application: Masking 1. I’ve heard the word “masking” used as a negative term many times recently. “Masking” is when we disguise our own natural behaviour or way of communicating to make it more like those around us. As a missionary, I tend to look at it as “going cross-cultural.” When I go to another country or try to build relationships with people from another culture, there will be differences in the way that we act, the way that we speak, and the way that we understand the world around us. When I went to Albania, I had to get used to the fact that shaking the head side-to-side meant “yes” and nodding the head up and down meant “no” and that if I crossed my legs and my shoe faced someone, it was offensive. It really helped if the Albanians remembered that I was a foreigner, giving me grace when I got it wrong. In the same way, when I relate to the neurotypical world, I am “going cross-cultural.” The way many people communicate, behave and see the world is different to the way I do. As a Christian, I choose to make the effort to go cross-cultural to my neurotypical neighbours, just like I hope they will with me. “Masking” can be a helpful tool in relating to the neurotypical world around me. BUT DO READ TOMORROW'S POST! Loving others means making the effort. - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #whatisgodlike #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #godofrelationship #loveoneanother #relationships #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #relationships #loveoneanother #LoveOneAnother #understandingothers #masking #fruitofthespirit
This post from @elizafricker_missingthemark made me cry. I think all the things that have been hard for so long are coming to a head. At the same time, it’s so abundantly clear that we are living a life full of answered prayers. But that’s how it is, isn’t it? Just perpetually holding the tension between seemingly contrasting things.
Application: Going Crosscultural 2 Have you ever heard about “love languages”? The idea comes from a book by Gary Chapman, who says there are 5 “love languages” and more recently by Mary Owens who believes there are 7! The basic concept is that something that may be meaningful and loving to me may not mean the same thing to you. It’s all part of the creativity of God that he made each one of us so different, but it’s also a challenge to understand one another. What is it that makes you feel the most loved? Is it spending time with you, talking about deep things, or is it wanting to do an activity together? Is it being given a gift or helping you? Is it being complimented or encouraged about something? Our culture and our values affect this, as well as our family, but there are also innate things in the wiring of our brains which mean certain behaviours and experiences mean different things to us that they mean to others. As we build relationships with other people, in order to really love them, we need to know how they best understand that they are loved, and to do this, even if it isn’t what comes natural to us. And, of course, we then help them to understand what makes us feel loved. Loving others means loving their way. - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #whatisgodlike #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #godofrelationship #loveoneanother #relationships #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #relationships #loveoneanother #LoveOneAnother #understandingothers #masking #fruitofthespirit
Firstly, no judgment if you have NOT read the whole Bible, I’m just curious! In my experience, Autistic Christians tend to have read the entire Bible more often than neurotypicals. I’m curious to see if this is the case? My brain likes the ‘feel’ of reading large chunks of scripture, it gives me such a wonderful closeness to God. …although ADHD makes it difficult to stay on track, my ‘1 year Bible’ may take 18 months to 2 years 😆 Intensively studying one part of the Bible is also wonderful, but it’s reading through the Bible that really works for me. I did get judgment for this when I first got saved. It was getting the same treatment as you do when you’re a ‘teacher’s pet’ so I stopped talking about it. But I wasn’t bragging, I was just excited! 🙏❤️📖 How do you read the Bible? #Church #Ministering #ChurchTrauma #ReligiousTrauma #AutisticChristian #ChristianAutistic #AutismInTheChurch #InclusiveChurch #DisabilityTheology #Trauma #Confusion #Relationships #Friendship #Friendships #ActuallyAutistic #autism #Autistic #ASD #Love #ChristianLove #AutisticChristians #SmallGroup #SmallGroups #AutisticSmallGroups #AutisticSmallGroup #AutisticGroup Have you read the Bible, cover to cover?
I got a haircut this weekend. And I batch scheduled the rest of my haircuts for the year with @lesslerlee because she’s a boss. Self-care is REALLY hard for me - especially right now. So this is something to celebrate. When I say self-care, I don’t mean spa days or mani/pedis, either. I mean the basics- showering, skincare, etc. We can blame the adhd, but I’m trying to think of it as just needing to develop different skills—better tools—so that it stops feeling untenable. Because life has felt really heavy and chaotic lately. We keep getting sick. I keep falling behind. Keep feeling overwhelmed. Writing often helps. Sitting in the sun like a cat fills my soul a bit. Praying, crying, snuggling my family all help. It’s hard to stay hopeful on hard days, especially after what feels like weeks of hard days, but I am. I remain hopeful. And I’m thankful to at least have that.
Application: Going Cross-Cultural 1. Sometimes, loving others, blessing others, can be difficult. Communication is not as easy as it sounds! We mean one thing, but the other person takes it in a different way and gets hurt or offended by it, and the result is the opposite to what we intended. In order for understanding to happen, I have to be able to put into words the intention that in my mind, which is actually deeper than words. Words need to be spoken or written, and they are then read or heard by the other person. This person will then interpret these words according to their own experience and understanding, which may mean something different entirely! Then they try to respond to what they heard, even though it’s not what we meant, and we end up in a big mess. The more we try to understand how the other person sees the world, the better we will be at understanding what they say. And the less we decide to take others’ words personally – the more we discuss it with them to find out wheat they really mean - the more able we are to work toward understanding one another. This is where we need to put that “fruit” we talked about into practice. Loving others means trusting motives. - - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #whatisgodlike #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #godofrelationship #loveoneanother #relationships #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #relationships #loveoneanother #LoveOneAnother #understandingothers #masking #fruitofthespirit
Russell Brand, the English comedian recently became a Christian and has just been baptised by Bear Grylls in the River Thames (which flows through London). Russell Brand was previously associated with things that are the ‘opposite’ of Christianity so I thank God that Russell has seen the truth, and has been welcomed into the Church! “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:7 ESV But, there has been controversy as Russell has very publicly been exploring his new found faith, on social media. Some people say he is not saved, that it is a PR stunt, whilst others welcome him as a brother in Christ. I don’t think God is calling us to judge the veracity of a fellow Christian’s faith. Judgment is so crushing. But He does call us to love one another. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” John 15:12 ESV So I say, welcome Russell, our brother-in-Christ! 🙏 #AutisticChristian #ChristianAutistic #AutismInTheChurch #InclusiveChurch #DisabilityTheology #Trauma #Confusion #Relationships #ActuallyAutistic #autism #Autistic #ASD #Love #ChristianLove #AutisticChristians #SmallGroup #SmallGroups #AutisticSmallGroups #AutisticSmallGroup #AutisticGroup #RussellBrand #BearGrylls #Christian #Church #ReligiousTrauma
The @ChatsWithSandi Discipleship Series launches 1 June with the first book in the seried: 'Let's Chat About BLESSING!' Availalbe on Amazon. - - - #discipleship #KnowingGod #GrowingWithGod #autisticchristian #neurodivergentchristian #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #growingingod #disciple #God #relationshipwithgod #worship #prayer #quiettimes #devotions #Biblestudy #homegroup #housegroup #discipleshipguides
Coming Soon! The @ChatsWithSandi Discipleship Guides! Not just your ordinary Bible study guide - these will lead you to a deeper walk with God. Designed for individual or small group settings, each chapter has something to read, Scriptures to ponder, and application questions. These Discipleship Guides will encourage and empower you to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love your neighbour as yourself. - - - - - #chatswithsandi #growingwithgod #GrowingWithGod #discipleship #letschat #god #prayer #letstalk #thinkaboutit #outreach #mercyministries #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #relationshipwithgod #worship #prayer #quiettimes #devotions #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian
It’s time for Monday PRAYER! It’s easy to remember to pray for the needs right in front of us, or for those we care about. But God calls us to pray about other things, too. One of the most beautiful moments of my day is when I lift someone before the throne of Heaven, wondering if anyone has ever prayed for that person – or that situation – before. Will you join me in praying for those who are often overlooked? - - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #relationshipwithgod #chatswithsandi #prayer #quiettimes #devotions #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #lordsprayer #intercession #prayfortheworld #prayforyourcity #pray
Did anyone else miss it!? #aurora #ChristianCommunity #JesusLovesUs #Church #Ministering #ChurchTrauma #ReligiousTrauma #AutisticChristian #ChristianAutistic #AutismInTheChurch #InclusiveChurch #DisabilityTheology #Trauma #Confusion #Relationships #Friendship #Friendships #ActuallyAutistic #autism #Autistic #ASD #Love #ChristianLove #AutisticChristians #SmallGroup #SmallGroups #AutisticSmallGroups #AutisticSmallGroup #AutisticGroup
Forgive us our trespasses We said last time that our most important need is our relationship with him. But there are things that we do that block that relationship. Since Adam and Eve met that serpent, human nature has been to hide or blame-shift when we know we have done something wrong. God calls us to be honest with him. He has paid the price for our sin through Jesus, so we don’t need to go through every single thing we think we might have gotten wrong. We don’t need to do heart surgery every time we meet with him. We need to trust the Holy Spirit to show us if there is anything we need to confess to him. It’s a humble heart he’s after, not self-degradation. We can sometimes be much pickier about our behaviour and attitudes than he is! Notice that this is just a small part of the prayer, not even a whole sentence. If we are listening, he will bring the conviction that leads us to make things right with him. What worries you about how God sees your sin? - - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #relationshipwithgod #chatswithsandi #prayer #quiettimes #devotions #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #lordsprayer #intercession #pray
There is always HOPE, whatever this year brings. “Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.” (Ephesians 2:20, TPT) - - - - - #hope #chatswithsandi #thereishope #hopeingod #Jesus #God #disciple #growingwithgod #GrowingWithGod #mentalhealth #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian
As an Autistic person, what would help you to integrate into a Church? What strategies can you think of that could help our community to feel like they belong, in Church? Remember, this quote from Brene Brown: “Fitting in is about assessing a situation and becoming who you need to be to be accepted. Belonging, on the other hand, doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are.” We want to BELONG in Church! 🙏💗😁 #ChristianCommunity #JesusLovesYou #Church #Ministering #ChurchTrauma #ReligiousTrauma #AutisticChristian #ChristianAutistic #AutismInTheChurch #InclusiveChurch #DisabilityTheology #Trauma #ActuallyAutistic #autism #Autistic #ASD #Love #ChristianLove #ASD #Asc #AutisticChristians #SmallGroup #SmallGroups #spectrum #AutisticSmallGroups #AutisticSmallGroup #AutisticGroup
It’s been a busy season with sickness, wrapping up the school year, and work. Reflecting on some of that in my latest rambling on Substack. Read it at sunitatheiss.substack.com 💙
The Love Chapter. I’m sure that Paul never intended 1 Cor 13:4-8 to be only applied to marriages and only read at weddings! He wrote it to describe how Christians should show love to one another in the midst of using our spiritual gifts. Much of what he says echoes what we have already looked at, but also looks at what love doesn’t look like. Remember, “agapao” means preferring others, so if we are preferring someone, besides exhibiting the “fruit” we have been talking about, we will not be envious of them, or build ourselves up at their expense. We won’t be easily angered at them, trusting their motives, having hope that they are trying to do the right thing. We will be filled with hope for their growth and we will walk alongside them, not in a sprint but a marathon. Isn’t that the way God loves us? Loving others looks like how God treats us. - - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #whatisgodlike #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #godofrelationship #loveoneanother #relationships #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #relationships #loveoneanother #LoveOneAnother #understandingothers #masking #fruitofthespirit
Love Looks Like Gentleness. Gentleness doesn’t get a good rap these days. Our culture is all about assertiveness and getting our own way. But Jesus tells us in Sermon on the Mount “blessed are the meek” or “gentle. In Greek, this is “prautēs/praeis”. While the precise meaning in Greek is a bit uncertain, Aramaic translations at the time (Jesus probably preached it in Aramaic) use a word which means being humble, pliable or even flexible. Society today calls us to take a stand for or against something, and to stand firm. But a skyscraper that stands firm will fall in an earthquake, which is why modern buildings are made to sway with the wind. It makes them resilient, flexing with the movement. Loving like this isn’t about being passive, but about not having to be right, not making everyone else have to agree with us. We can love people we don’t agree with – Jesus did, and died for them. Being too rigid in our beliefs and behaviours can cause harm to those we love. Loving others means we don’t have to have our own way. - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #whatisgodlike #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #godofrelationship #loveoneanother #relationships #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #relationsihps #loveoneanother #LoveOneAnother #understandingothers #masking #fruitofthespirit
I recently had the opportunity to write for Christianity Today about our experience with gentle parenting—and specifically how this resonates with my faith. It’s a tender topic, and it was so thoughtfully handled from pitch to publication. The full article is linked in my bio. ❤️ #neurodivergent #neurodiverse #neurodiversefamily #neurodivergentchristian #neurodiversechristians #autisticchristian #christianautistic #adhdchristian #christianadhd #specialneedsparenting #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsministry #disabilityministry #disabledchristian #childrensministry #christiangentleparenting #gentleparenting #christianparenting #christianparents
Love Looks Like Faithfulness. The divorce rate is at an epidemic rate these days, even amongst Christians. Traditional wedding vows are often replaced with “as long as life and love shall last” and pre-nuptial agreements are becoming the norm. The idea of faithfulness is becoming old-fashioned and left behind. However, Paul says that love is “faithful”. In Greek, “pistis” has to do with being convincing. It’s not about loving one day and walking away the next, but proving our love day in, day out, through easy times and hard times. Of course, this doesn’t just apply to weddings, but to all our relationships. Do we act in a way that is trustworthy, persuading them that we are alongside them for the long haul, or do our actions leave them wondering? Loving others is consistent. - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #whatisgodlike #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #godofrelationship #loveoneanother #relationships #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #relationsihps #loveoneanother #LoveOneAnother #understandingothers #masking #fruitofthespirit
It’s time for Monday PRAYER! It’s easy to remember to pray for the needs right in front of us, or for those we care about. But God calls us to pray about other things, too. One of the most beautiful moments of my day is when I lift someone before the throne of Heaven, wondering if anyone has ever prayed for that person – or that situation – before. Will you join me in praying for those who are often overlooked? - - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #relationshipwithgod #chatswithsandi #prayer #quiettimes #devotions #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #lordsprayer #intercession #prayfortheworld #prayforyourcity #pray
Give us today our daily bread Once we’re “grounded” in him, it’s time to look at what’s worrying us – our needs. “Bread” is symbolic for all our daily needs: thirst, hunger, sleep, safety, love, worth, relationship, strength, resilience, healing, accomplishment. The good thing is that God already knows what we need, and he wants to provide. However, because our biggest need is relationship with him, he wants us to talk to him about our needs. Our loving and powerful God is very good at providing for us when we ask him, although he doesn’t always do this in our timing, now does he do it in the way we expect our prayers to be answered. Sometimes, he makes us stronger instead of rescuing us. Other times he provides the thing we need rather than the money to buy it. Often, he does this just in time, not ahead of time. Like the manna in the desert, God often gives us enough for the day, not what we need for tomorrow. What needs are hardest for you to trust God for? - - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #relationshipwithgod #chatswithsandi #prayer #quiettimes #devotions #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #lordsprayer #intercession #pray
There is always HOPE, whatever this year brings. “Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.” (Ephesians 2:20, TPT) - - - - - #hope #chatswithsandi #thereishope #hopeingod #Jesus #God #disciple #growingwithgod #GrowingWithGod #mentalhealth #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian
Some things to keep in mind ✨ (inb4 I just noticed the last one was added twice 🥴) #autism #autisticadults #autismtraits #autismacceptance #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #disability #executivedysfunction #autismhelp #authorsofinstagram #autisticchristian
Bible verse of the day ”But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.“ 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV HAPPY FRIDAY! 🌻🫶🏻🤍 #newpost #bibleverseoftheday #dailybibleverse #dailyinspiration #dailychristianinspiration #dailychristianmotivation #dailychristianencouragement #dailychristianposts #christianinstagram #christianpictures #bibleversepictures #spreadgodsword #spreadthegospel #hisgraceissufficient #hisgraceisenoughforme #justagirlwholovesjesus #childofgod #autisticchristian #visuallyimpairedchristian #womanoffaith #womanofchrist #spreadingthegospel #spreadingthesunshine
Love Looks Like Goodness Have you ever been given a gift only to find out there were "strings attached"? It doesn’t always feel good in the long run. The Greek word for goodness, “agathōsunē” is all about this. It means something similar to kindness, but takes it a step further, meaning that it is intrinsically good, not having mixed motives. It’s easy to do good things if we will get a benefit as well, but doing good things for others when we will never be rewarded is more costly. Jesus gives many examples of something looking good on the surface, but actually being bad in the inside. Our motives matter. It’s the difference between lending something and giving it instead. Goodness is not self-seeking. It’s not about us, it’s about what’s best for them. Loving others looks for their best interests, not ours. - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #whatisgodlike #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #godofrelationship #loveoneanother #relationships #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #relationsihps #loveoneanother #LoveOneAnother #understandingothers #masking #fruitofthespirit
Bible verse of the day ”Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.“ Colossians 4:2 NIV Good morning! 💛🌻💛 #newpost #bibleverseoftheday #dailybibleverse #dailyinspiration #dailychristianinspiration #dailychristianmotivation #dailychristianencouragement #dailychristianposts #christianpictures #christianinstagram #bibleversepictures #devoteyourselftoprayer #devoteyourselftogod #praisegodanywhere #praisegodeveryday #prayeveryday #justagirlwholovesjesus #childofgod #christianwoman #autisticchristian #visuallyimpairedchristian #womanoffaith #womanofchrist #alwayspraisegod #spreadgodsword #spreadthegospel #bringthesunshine #spreadthesunshine #bethesunshine
Love Looks Like Kindness. My mother used to say, “Kindness doesn’t cost anything,” although I would disagree. In this selfish world, the concepts of “random acts of kindness” and “paying it forward” have developed in recent years. Kindness isn’t just saying nice things, it is doing them. Kindness, “chrēstotēs” in Greek, implies being useful or of practical good in someone’s life. Again, it is an action. James 2 tells us that it is not enough to speak a wish for someone’s well-being, but we have to actually get involved to help them. If someone is hungry, we don’t just say, “bon appétit” and walk away – kindness feeds them. Like the Samaritan in Jesus’ parable, kindness cares for those in need. Loving others means generosity and action. - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #whatisgodlike #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #godofrelationship #loveoneanother #relationships #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #relationsihps #loveoneanother #LoveOneAnother #understandingothers #masking #fruitofthespirit
Love Looks Like Patience Being patient is the opposite to the world around us, with fast foods, streaming music and videos, and credit cards to buy what we want when we want it. In relationships, as well, if some don’t feel an instant “vibe” they move on to someone else, or taking offence if a wrong word is spoken. But the Greek word “makrothumia” is not about how we feel, but how we act. It is going the distance with someone without showing anger. Remember when Jesus told his disciples not to forgive people 7 times, but 70 X 7 times? Patience is not reacting until we know the whole story; allowing others to have bad days. Patience means not expecting them to trust you right away if they may have been hurt in the past. Parents don’t expect their children to act like adults = they are patient for them to grow up. God expects us to love others the same way. Loving others is not judging them in anger. - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #whatisgodlike #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #godofrelationship #loveoneanother #relationships #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #relationsihps #loveoneanother #LoveOneAnother #understandingothers #masking #fruitofthespirit
Bible verse of the day ”Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.“ John 14:27 NIV Good morning! 💛🌻🫶🏻 #newpost #bibleverseoftheday #dailybibleverse #dailyinspiration #dailychristianinspiration #dailychristianmotivation #dailychristianencouragement #dailychristianposts #christianinstagram #christianpictures #bibleversepictures #donotletyourheartsbetroubled #justagirlwholovesjesus #childofgod #autisticchristian #visuallyimpairedchristian #womanoffaith #womanofchrist #spreadgodsword #spreadthegospel #bringthesunshine #spreadthesunshine #bethesunshine
Bible verse of the day ”His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.“ 2 Peter 1:3 NIV Good morning! 💕🤍💓 #newpost #bibleverseoftheday #dailyinspiration #dailychristianinspiration #dailychristianmotivation #dailychristianposts #christianinstagram #christianpictures #bibleversepictures #justagirlwholovesjesus #christianwoman #autisticchristian #visuallyimpairedchristian #womanoffaith #womanofchrist #childofgod #spreadthegospel #spreadthesunshine #bringthesunshine #bethesunshine #spreadgodsword
Poslední dobou jsem se hoodne ztratila ve víře, ale dnes jdu na zpověď, tak mi držte palce... #aspiecatholic #aspiegirl #christian #catholic #jesus #jesuslovesyou #jesussaves #autisticchristian
Love Looks Like Peace A number of times, I have stood next to an anxious person and ended up feeling uncomfortable myself, even though I was fine before. In the same way, peace is contagious! The Greek word used is “eirene”, representing the Hebrew word “shalom”. This “peace” doesn’t just mean the absence of conflict, but the presence of everything good that we need. Many cultures greet one another with a form of this word, speaking “peace” on one another – a wish for harmony with God and others, wellness in mind and body and provision of everything they need. Of course, sometimes saying it means that God will ask us to get involved to make it happen, becoming the answer to our prayer of “peace” into their lives. How do we approach the people we meet – by reproducing our own anxieties in them, or choosing to be a catalyst for this godly, loving peace? Loving others is being a source of blessing. - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #whatisgodlike #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #godofrelationship #loveoneanother #relationships #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #relationsihps #loveoneanother #LoveOneAnother #understandingothers #masking #fruitofthespirit
Bible verse of the day ”The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”“ Zephaniah 3:17 NIV Good morning! 🤍🎶🌻 #newpost #bibleverseoftheday #dailybibleverse #dailyinspiration #dailychristianinspiration #dailychristianmotivation #dailychristianphoto #dailychristianposts #christianinstagram #christianpictures #christianity #bibleversepictures #sunflowerbibleversepicture #justagirlwholovesjesus #christianwoman #autisticchristian #visuallyimpairedchristian #womanoffaith #womanofchrist #childofgod #thelordiswithus #godwatchesoverus #spreadthesunshine #bethesunshine #spreadthegospel #spreadgodsword
Coming Soon! The @ChatsWithSandi Discipleship Guides! Not just your ordinary Bible study guide - these will lead you to a deeper walk with God. Designed for individual or small group settings, each chapter has something to read, Scriptures to ponder, and application questions. These Discipleship Guides will encourage and empower you to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love your neighbour as yourself. - - - - - #chatswithsandi #growingwithgod #GrowingWithGod #discipleship #letschat #god #prayer #letstalk #thinkaboutit #outreach #mercyministries #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #relationshipwithgod #worship #prayer #quiettimes #devotions #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian
It’s time for Monday PRAYER! It’s easy to remember to pray for the needs right in front of us, or for those we care about. But God calls us to pray about other things, too. One of the most beautiful moments of my day is when I lift someone before the throne of Heaven, wondering if anyone has ever prayed for that person – or that situation – before. Will you join me in praying for those who are often overlooked? - - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #relationshipwithgod #chatswithsandi #prayer #quiettimes #devotions #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #lordsprayer #intercession #prayfortheworld #prayforyourcity #pray
Bible verse of the day ”Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.“ James 3:13 NIV HAPPY SUNDAY! 🫶🏻💛🌻 #newpost #bibleverseoftheday #dailybibleverse #dailyinspiration #dailychristianinspiration #dailychristianmotivation #dailychristianposts #christianinstagram #christianpictures #bibleversepictures #justagirlwholovesjesus #autisticchristian #partiallyblindchristian #womanofchrist #childofgod #spreadalittkesunshine #spreadgodsword #spreadpositivity #spreadthegospel #spreadthegoodness #bethesunshine #bewhogodcreatedyoutobe
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. We all like to have our own way, but this line is about giving up our rights to have it our way, and let God have it his way instead. Letting God do things his way is hard, but ultimately the best. No one is better at understanding how something is designed to work than its creator. God created the heavens and the earth, and he created us. So who better is there to give something to that needs fixing? When we pray this, we are saying that we want God to take charge of the way things work, both in our lives and in the world around us. God created the world and said that it is “good” and created human beings and declared that is was “very good.” But our world is fallen, and we need the help of the Creator to restore our broken world and heal our broken hearts. Are we willing to give God free reign in our lives? What things do you struggle to give God permission to do his way? - - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #relationshipwithgod #chatswithsandi #prayer #quiettimes #devotions #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #lordsprayer #intercession #pray
There is always HOPE, whatever this year brings. “Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.” (Ephesians 2:20, TPT) - - - - - #hope #chatswithsandi #thereishope #hopeingod #Jesus #God #disciple #growingwithgod #GrowingWithGod #mentalhealth #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian
Bible verse of the day ”The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.“ Proverbs 9:10 NIV HAPPY SATURDAY! 💛🌻💕 #newpost #bibleverseoftheday #dailybibleverse #dailyinspiration #dailychristianinspiration #dailychristianmotivation #dailychristianposts #christianinstagram #christianpictures #bibleversepictures #justagirlwholovesjesus #autisticchristian #visuallyimpairedchristian #womanofchrist #daughterofgod
Bible verse of the day ”Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.“ Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV HAPPY FRIDAY! 🤍🌻🫶🏻 #newpost #bibleverseoftheday #favoritebibleverse #dailybibleverse #dailyinspiration #dailychristianinspiration #dailychristianmotivation #dailychristianposts #christianinstagram #christianpictures #bibleversepictures #sunflowerbibleversepicture #christiangirl #christianblogger #autisticchristian #womanoffaith #womanofchrist #trustinthelordwithallyourheart #hewillmakeyourpathstraight
Love Looks Like Joy Have you ever spent time around someone who complains all the time? It can end up making us feel depressed! The first description Paul uses of this fruit called “love” is Joy. Joy isn’t the same as happiness. It isn’t looking at a bad situation and pretending it is wonderful, doing the “fake it til you make it” or the “in faith everything is wonderful” thing. Joy is knowing that no matter how bad it gets, God loves us. Joy is knowing God is strong enough to help us through the other side. We don’t need to complain about our situation to others because “God’s got this.” When I’m having a bad day, I aim for expressing joy by not taking my own frustration out on others, but instead to show them the joy beneath the temporary emotions I am feeling. Yes, emotions are temporary, a bit like the weather, and we don’t always have control over them. Joy is more like the climate, much bigger, much stronger, and longer-lasting than the storms that pass through. It’s not about “spiritually by-passing” our emotions; we can be honest with God and ourselves about the hard emotions, and still remind ourselves – and others – that these are temporary, and we will get through it. Loving others is making our joy contagious. - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #whatisgodlike #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #godofrelationship #loveoneanother #relationships #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #relationsihps #loveoneanother #LoveOneAnother #understandingothers #masking #fruitofthespirit
Love is Fruit Jesus uses the metaphor of “fruit” a number of times to describe how we can know what a person is really like. (John 15, Matthew 7, Matthew 15, Luke 6.) It’s not whether someone calls themselves a good person, but the “fruit” we see through how they treat others in their words or deeds. In Galatians 5, Paul uses the same image. He first warns against living in selfish ways, doing things to look good on the outside, or to feel good on the inside, at the expense of others. If God is in our lives, then his presence should be evident by the “fruit” that we bear. This word “fruit” is singular – so the list Paul gives isn’t a bowl of different types of fruit, but describing what this “fruit” – which he calls “love” – looks like from different angles, when we are in different situations. If we are doing “agapao” (loving, preferring) others, these descriptions are what it should look like in action. Loving others looks different in different situations. - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #whatisgodlike #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #godofrelationship #loveoneanother #relationships #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #relationsihps #loveoneanother #LoveOneAnother #understandingothers #masking #fruitofthespirit
Going for my evening walk listening to a podcast about autism and faith. Fascinating stuff. But feeling very seen when an autistic mum shared her story. And busy following the lines in the pavement as I walk. And when sorting m and ms by colour before eating is used as an example of systematic behaviours at the same time as I'm eating smarties which I would always when possible sort then eat in a particular order... Thank you @faithinkids for such a great series on Autism in our churches and spiritual lives. #feelingseen #autisticchristian #myautistictraitsareshowing #faithandautism #uniqueperspectives #autisticadults #audhd #latediagnosis #learningaboutmyselfeveryday
Blessed To Be a Blessing. As we said last time, God doesn’t want his people to be like the Dead Sea, but like the Sea of Galilee, people who receive from him, and then give to others. In Genesis 12, God tells Abram that he will bless him and his family, and that through them all nations will be blessed! What does this word “blessing” mean? In the original Hebrew, the word “baruch” means something like “to increase wellbeing in all areas of life: physically, spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and any other way you can think of! God wants to bless us – increase our wellbeing in every way possible – so that we will be in the place to do the same to others. Of course, if we don’t allow him to “bless” us, i.e., meet our needs (rest, restoration, food, love…) we will have nothing to “bless” others with. It is so important to remember that balance – receiving what we need, and using it to “bless” others by helping meet their needs. Loving others is making their lives better. - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #whatisgodlike #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #godofrelationship #loveoneanother #relationships #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #relationsihps #loveoneanother #LoveOneAnother #understandingothers #masking #fruitofthespirit
Two Seas Loving others like Jesus told us to do can be tricky. We’ve seen that if we only give out, we will end up empty; but if we only meet our own needs, that’s not healthy, either. Two seas (or lakes) in Israel are a good example of this. The River Jordan flows into the Sea of Galilee, bringing fresh water and nutrients, and then flows out the other side. The Sea of Galilee is full of life, with an abundance of fish and plant-life. The River Jordan later flows into the Dead Sea, bringing fresh water and nutrients … but there is no outlet. Despite life-giving fresh water and nutrients, the Dead Sea is just that – dead. Because of the build-up of salts, nothing can live there except for a bit of algae and a handful of microorganisms! I’ve met a number of “toxic” people who live this way, taking what they can and not giving out anything but harm. It has been said that the Kingdom of God is about giving and receiving, not about buying and selling. We are meant to use what we have been given to “love” others in practical ways. Loving others is being a channel, not a cistern. - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #whatisgodlike #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #godofrelationship #loveoneanother #relationships #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #relationsihps #loveoneanother #LoveOneAnother #understandingothers #masking #fruitofthespirit
🩵🧩💛 Just An Autistic Girl Who Loves Jesus 🩵🧩💛 April is Autism Awareness Month and I would love to share a little bit about me on my Christian blog. Some of you might or might not know that I am autistic, I was diagnosed when I was a toddler. I didn’t really talk much as a toddler but one day I started to talk more. I did speech therapy in school until I was in seventh grade. I have overcome a lot of obstacles in my life, especially with God on my side. I know that God is putting the puzzle in my life together. I know that God has a plan for me in my life. Ephesians 2:10 says “We are God’s masterpiece.” I think that is a beautiful bible verse, especially for Autism Month. 🫶🏻 There are things that I love to do that help me during hard times. I love to talk to God and read my bible. I love to sing and play the guitar. I started during guitar lessons in the beginning of 2023. I really enjoyed them and I have an amazing teacher. I enjoy singing, it helps me with my anxiety also. I love to sing Christian and gospel songs. I know that nothing can stop me from doing what God wants me to do in life. I know that God has a plan for me and I know that God is always with me. 🫶🏻 Life with autism has its ups and downs and sometimes it’s not easy but I have God by my side and I know He won’t abandon me. 🫶🏻 I just want to let other autistic people know that they are not alone and that God will help us get through the hardest times. I also want to let other autistic people like me know that they are loved and they are not broken. Remember that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you and you can do anything you set your mind to. 🫶🏻 #newpost #actuallyautistic #autismacceptance #autisticchristian #autismandfaith #autismmounth #autismisnotatragedy #autismisnotabadthing #autismdoesnotmeanbroken #autismjourney #lifewithautism #lifewithlesus #livinginfaith
…I kept thinking about Jesus in this passage—still presenting with such profound injuries, even in his resurrected and redeemed body. He didn’t say to Thomas, “Look at my scars, just see how I’ve been healed.” He said, “Put out your hand and place it in my side.” I noticed that this didn’t align with how I’d always pictured and reflected on this verse. I began to wonder if I’d misunderstood the entire concept of resurrection and redemption since becoming a Christian more than a decade ago. Jesus said IN, I kept thinking. Continue reading at sunitatheiss.substack.com
Coming Soon! The @ChatsWithSandi Discipleship Guides! Not just your ordinary Bible study guide - these will lead you to a deeper walk with God. Designed for individual or small group settings, each chapter has something to read, Scriptures to ponder, and application questions. These Discipleship Guides will encourage and empower you to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love your neighbour as yourself. - - - - - #chatswithsandi #growingwithgod #GrowingWithGod #discipleship #letschat #god #prayer #letstalk #thinkaboutit #outreach #mercyministries #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #relationshipwithgod #worship #prayer #quiettimes #devotions #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian
It’s time for Monday PRAYER! It’s easy to remember to pray for the needs right in front of us, or for those we care about. But God calls us to pray about other things, too. One of the most beautiful moments of my day is when I lift someone before the throne of Heaven, wondering if anyone has ever prayed for that person – or that situation – before. Will you join me in praying for those who are often overlooked? - - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #relationshipwithgod #chatswithsandi #prayer #quiettimes #devotions #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #lordsprayer #intercession #prayfortheworld #prayforyourcity #pray
The shortest verse in the Bible- one of the most powerful and one of my favorites. This verse comes from the story of the death (and resurrection) of Lazarus. Jesus arrived four days after the death of his friend to a scene of mourning. Jesus knew he had power over death. Jesus had planned to resurrect Lazarus before he even arrived in Bethany. Jesus saw Lazarus’ family and friends in their grief and wept with them. Jesus sees us in our pain and grief and sorrow and he weeps with us. He is here with us. He sees us. Another part of this story discusses that Jesus was “deeply troubled” and “angry” when he heard of Lazarus’ death. When I first read this I was puzzled because I couldn’t understand why Jesus was angry. Was he angry at the mourners? No. His anger was directed toward the devil and death. You see, back in the garden of Eden when the world was created death was never part of God’s plan. The concept of death began when sin entered the world. Jesus was angry and deeply troubled because he witnessed first hand the effects of sin/death on the people that he loved dearly. I love this story because it depicts Jesus’ humanity. He was sad, he was angry, and he never sinned. It shows that all emotions are good. Somewhere along the way we warped God’s beautiful design for emotions. We labeled some as “good” and some as “bad”. Then we entered the endless pursuit to never experience the “bad”. This was never the design. Our emotions are meant only to be signals pointing us back to God. Co-regulation has been a buzzword lately. A regulated adult comes along side a disregulated child and helps them process their emotional state through relationship. God is the ultimate co-regulator. Our emotions are there to show us that we need to lean into relationship. #christian #autisticchristian #faith
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed by your name. Anxiety is as much of a pandemic as Covid-19 was. We are so good at telling ourselves everything that is wrong, or that can go wrong. When we are anxious, a good way to deal with it is “grounding” and this is where the Lord’s Prayer starts. The way Jesus taught us to pray is not to start with the problem, but to start with WHO GOD IS! We start by remembering that God is our parent, who loves us. When we were young, our parents provided for us, protected us, and helped us grow. The word used is that very close name a child uses for his father. This is who God is to us. And he is “holy” – different from anything else in the universe he created, all the things we talked about in the unit on “What Is God Like?” What better grounding can we have for our anxieties than remembering the Creator of the universe is our Daddy? - - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #relationshipwithgod #chatswithsandi #prayer #quiettimes #devotions #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #lordsprayer #intercession #pray
There is always HOPE, whatever this year brings. “Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.” (Ephesians 2:20, TPT) - - - - - #hope #chatswithsandi #thereishope #hopeingod #Jesus #God #disciple #growingwithgod #GrowingWithGod #mentalhealth #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian
Loving Others 3. Last time, we looked at a definition of love, that it is all about others. But have you ever tried to get ketchup out of a nearly empty bottle? Not much comes out! It’s the same with us. We can only give out when we have enough to give. There are a number of times where those serving God have reached the point of exhaustion. Elijah, after his amazing victory for God against the prophets of Baal ended up exhausted, depressed and suicidal. God basically gave him 2 good sleeps, 2 good meals, and a journey on his own before talking with him, helping him reframe his perspective, and giving him a new mission. (1 Kings 19.) It’s hard to underestimate the value of a nap, a snack, and a good chat with God in our own lives. The Creation story and the 10 Commandments both include a “sabbath” or day of rest (not a day to go to a church service and be busy serving all day, it was a day of rest!) As an autistic woman, I know that if my week is going to include meeting lots of people, I will also need to plan in time alone, or by the end of the week, I will be no good at helping others. It’s all about finding the balance – working out how I can be the best person I can be, loving others while ensuring I actually have something left to give. Loving others includes pacing ourselves. - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #whatisgodlike #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #godofrelationship #loveoneanother #relationships #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #relationsihps #loveoneanother #LoveOneAnother #understandingothers #masking #fruitofthespirit
Several weeks ago, I had a lovely conversation with my friends at @journeys_with_pda for their Coffee Chat Podcast. It’s live now and you can find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & YouTube! I’ll share a link in my bio/stories, too. Looking forward to seeing y’all at the retreat in October!
Loving Others 2. Western culture these days seems to be all about avoid feeling bad emotionally. Buy these things, do these things, and you will be happy. Relationships are meant to feel good, or we are told to leave them. The Bible, however, tells us something completely different. We are to “agapao” – love, prefer – others, giving up our own rights to care for those around us. It’s not about us being happy, but about helping others be happier. Philippians 2:3-4 says “… be humble and consider others more important than yourselves. Care about them as much as you care about yourselves.” I was in a Bible study group once that came up with this definition of “agapao”: anything we say or do in the best interest of another person, regardless of the personal cost. It’s not about how we feel, but what we do, and it’s always focussed on the other person, not ourselves. This doesn’t mean that we DON’T care about ourselves and our needs, but that we consider others’ needs first. Isn’t that what Jesus did, giving up heaven to be born as a baby, and eventually giving up his comfort, even his life, by dying on the cross for us? Loving others is sacrificial, not selfish. - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #whatisgodlike #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #godofrelationship #loveoneanother #relationships #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #relationsihps #loveoneanother #LoveOneAnother #understandingothers #masking #fruitofthespirit
Where I find my peace, my center, myself. Out in God‘s green earth. Because I am his. A piece of his creation. And I’ve always connected with the other pieces of it so intensely. #Christian #AutisticChristian #AutisticFemale #DisabledChristian #Creation #Nature #NatureLover
Loving Others. The single most important thing that Jesus said about relationships is what he said was the 2nd Commandment: love others as we love ourselves. What does love actually mean? Have you ever been told by someone else to just “cheer up” or “calm down”? It doesn’t work, does it? You can’t command an emotion. In the same way, this “love” has to be something that we can choose to do, otherwise he wouldn’t have “commanded” us to do it! The Greek word used here, “agapao” is not about the emotion we call love. It is an action word, actually meaning to show someone else “preference” – showing love by preferring the needs and desires of someone else. Here, Jesus was referencing the teaching of a Jewish rabbi they would have been familiar with, named Hillel, who said, “What is hateful to yourself, do not do to your fellow man. That is the whole Torah; the rest is just commentary.” (Talmud Shabbat 31a.) Loving others is practical, not theoretical or emotional. - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #whatisgodlike #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #godofrelationship #loveoneanother #relationships #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #relationsihps #loveoneanother #LoveOneAnother #understandingothers #masking #fruitofthespirit
Introduction. This unit is all about relationships. The phrase “one another” occurs in the New Testament about 100 times, and when God repeats himself, we need to pay attention. One of the most common problems Christians have to deal with is a breakdown in relationship with others. But Jesus prayed for the unity of his people and said that others would know we belong to him by how we love “one another.” Building and maintaining good relationships can be hard for anyone, but it can be harder for those who are neurodivergent in one way or another, because our brains work differently, causing communication differences with those around us. In these posts, my aim is to take what the Bible says on this topic and apply it to our lives as neurodiverse Christians. One day’s reading builds on the next, though, so please don’t take just 1 day in isolation and think I’ve lost the plot! Also, I don’t claim to be an expert – I am someone who is still on the journey, hoping that as an autistic person myself, I can pass on what God has taught me, and continue to learn myself, too. - - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #whatisgodlike #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #godofrelationship #loveoneanother #relationships #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #relationsihps #loveoneanother #LoveOneAnother #understandingothers #masking #fruitofthespirit
Zoom Groups Update! All zoom groups ‘Women Only’, will now be on the Bible Study app where we can gather and study plans together ❤️ If you search me up, [email protected] on the Bible app, I’ll add you and then you’ll be able to find all the other Autistic Christians. #ChristianCommunity #JesusLovesUs #Church #Ministering #ChurchTrauma #ReligiousTrauma #AutisticChristian #ChristianAutistic #AutismInTheChurch #InclusiveChurch #DisabilityTheology #Trauma #Confusion #Relationships #Friendship #Friendships #ActuallyAutistic #autism #Autistic #ASD #Love #ChristianLove #AutisticChristians #SmallGroup #SmallGroups #AutisticSmallGroups #AutisticSmallGroup #AutisticGroup #TheBibleApp
It’s time for Monday PRAYER! It’s easy to remember to pray for the needs right in front of us, or for those we care about. But God calls us to pray about other things, too. One of the most beautiful moments of my day is when I lift someone before the throne of Heaven, wondering if anyone has ever prayed for that person – or that situation – before. Will you join me in praying for those who are often overlooked? - - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #relationshipwithgod #chatswithsandi #prayer #quiettimes #devotions #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #lordsprayer #intercession #prayfortheworld #prayforyourcity #pray
Lord’s prayer– Template. You would think that Jesus’ disciples would have worked out how to prayer – after all, they were living alongside the Son of God himself! But, like me, they worried, so they asked him how to pray. In response, he gave them a template to follow, which today we call “The Lord’s Prayer” or the “Our Father.” But when he gave this to his disciples, he didn’t say “pray these words” – in fact, in Matthew 6:7-8, he even said NOT to be like those who think they will be heard by praying the same thing over and over again! Not that it’s bad to pray the Lord’s Prayer, but it’s not meant to be a script – it’s a template. He didn’t say “Pray this” but “Pray LIKE this.” The prayer he put together includes lines from a number of the rote prayers they would have already been familiar with, pulling out the most important bits, piecing them together into something they could remember. We’ll take a deeper look at this famous prayer template over the next days. - - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #relationshipwithgod #chatswithsandi #prayer #quiettimes #devotions #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #lordsprayer #intercession #pray
There is always HOPE, whatever this year brings. “Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.” (Ephesians 2:20, TPT) - - - - - #hope #chatswithsandi #thereishope #hopeingod #Jesus #God #disciple #growingwithgod #GrowingWithGod #mentalhealth #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian
But it doesn’t make sense! A missionary to a certain tribe hit a problem. How could he translate Isaiah 1:18b, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” in a way that made sense? They had never seen snow. And on their black skin, being white meant they were dusty and dirty, the exact opposite of what the verse meant? When Jesus taught, he often used parables, using common items and situations that everyone understood as illustrations and symbols. Scripture uses loads of idioms, which made perfect sense at the time, such as the symbolism in Daniel and Revelation. Many of these were not to be taken literally, just like many English idioms. And the people of Jesus time wouldn’t understand what we mean by a “wild goose chase’ or “elbow room” (both were coined by Shakespeare!) But the world has changed, and those things no longer mean what they used to. How would Jesus have told his parables today? In the ancient world, it was common to teach by showing different sides of an issue to help someone understand. It was like handing people the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle to assemble, gradually revealing the picture. Teaching today is very different. There are times when we need to preach the heart of the message rather than the words. Sometimes we need to adapt our presentation so that people will understand not just the words but the heart of the Good News. How can you explain the Good News in a way this generation would understand? - - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #relationshipwithgod #chatswithsandi #prayer #quiettimes #devotions #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #lordsprayer #evangelism #evangelist #goodnews #GoodNews #Gospel #gospel
How do we share the Good News? Love Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35) He showed that God’s Kingdom was “at hand” not only through signs and wonders, but through his love and compassion. And he told us to do the same. Loving one another is counter-culture. The world is all about caring for the needs of ourselves, our loved ones, our tribe. It’s us against them, however ‘us’ and ‘them’ get divided up depending on the situation. But Jesus called his people to something different. Jesus called us to love one another. Full stop. Jesus told this to Simon the Zealot, who had been fighting against Roman rule, and to Matthew the tax collector, who had been employed by the Romans to take exorbitant taxes from the Jews. He said this to those who had been poor fishermen, who had probably handed their taxes over to Matthew! These disciples weren’t naturally friends – they probably saw one another as enemies! Yet Jesus called them to love each other. Several times, I’ve heard someone say, “I’ve seen a lot of groups, but yours if different. You act like you actually love each other. Why is that?” What a witness to the power of God, that even people so different could love one another! How have you seen loving one another get the attention of non-Christians? - - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #relationshipwithgod #chatswithsandi #prayer #quiettimes #devotions #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #lordsprayer #evangelism #evangelist #goodnews #GoodNews #Gospel #gospel
How do we share the message? Power One of the ways that Jesus demonstrated his authority and compassion was through miracles. He healed the sick. He fixed disabilities. He cast out demons. He provided food. And the crowds loved it! A number of times, Jesus commanded those he healed not to tell anyone. He was dealing with them one on one, and not ready for the mass engagement yet. But word did get out, and before long, crowds gathered around Jesus, seeking healing. Scripture says he healed all kinds of diseases. Some healings were dramatic spectacles, like sending demons into a herd of suicidal pigs. Others were more private affairs, like bringing a dead little girl back to life in the privacy of her bedroom. In a time when there was no ‘disability living allowance’ or sick pay, he wasn’t just healing them physically, but giving them hope. Jesus displayed God’s kindness and power. And he called us to do the same thing! The people watching Jesus knew this Scripture: “Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love.” Ps 62:11-12 How could they not recognise God’s presence in the miracles Jesus did? How have you experienced miracles in your own life? - - - - - #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #discipleship #growingingod #disciple #God #relationshipwithgod #chatswithsandi #prayer #quiettimes #devotions #neurodivergantchristian #autisticchristian #lordsprayer #evangelism #evangelist #goodnews #GoodNews #Gospel #gospel