[Alec Cross]

I have found both journaling in prayer and reading scripture while journalling has been helpful practices in my faith walk. I used to journal a lot, but now it is more simple. I also have found going on prayer walks helps my mind focus and heart be free from distractions and worries at busy or stressful times of my life. These things remind me to slow down, remember, listen to God, and step into my day with peace and hope.

[Alec Cross]

We see how there are different practices of spiritual formation and communication throughout the Bible. God’s Word is a story that speaks to us about who God is, humanity’s purpose and nature, and how that comes together in our lives today as we walk with Jesus. Fellowship with other believers is mentioned throughout the themes of the Israelite communities and in Acts as the early church forms and flourishes. Scripture is clear that we are not intended to grow in faith and walk with God alone but in community with others. Prayer has various forms that we also see in Scripture and different traditions, especially various forms that new believers can grow through, and others that more mature christians can grow through as well. All of these practices can be different for each of us, as God has wired us uniquely to connect with him as well.

[Alec Cross]

This is significant in understanding who God is, and God’s heart and nature. If we don’t realize that this is God’s approach to humanity’s mistakes and neglecting of God’s design and words, then we don’t realize that in our own lives when we neglect God’s design and words. God’s nature and character are the greatest things revealed through the story of the Old Testament.

[Alec Cross]

I think that while God has created and designed us for love and community, we always have a choice, so when we choose selfishly in a moment, this can result in things being unfair or unjust for others. I think we have all been treated unfairly because those around us have chosen to be selfish in different moments. In the same way, when we are selfish in a moment those around us suffer for it and are treated unfairly.

[Alec Cross]

The most wild and specific evidence I see of God’s involvement in Creation and its design is all of the science for the earth’s distance from the sun and meeting all the requirements of sustaining life here on earth amidst the vast list of things that are needed to be a specific way for that to happen. Ecosystems are another thing pointing to God’s creative design and how all things are made to function in the community as well. The fact that things within an ecosystem can’t be disrupted in certain ways otherwise it will change and even fail as an environment is evidence that God created and designed the cosmos.