My husband and I had some issues with the church we both grew up in, and last year we finally stopped going. Now, I feel our faith is slipping away, but I don't know how to stop it. I know you'll probably tell us to go back to our church, but we've burned our bridges there. Any suggestions? — Mrs. L.B.

The most obvious solution would be for you and your husband to seek out another church—and I urge you to do so, because otherwise your faith may continue to fade.

But let me suggest that you need to ask yourselves a deeper question: What does God want to do in your lives? God loves you, and He has a plan for you that is far greater than simply going to church or vaguely hoping your faith may grow. His will is for you to know Him in a personal way, walking with Him and letting Him enter your lives and change you every day.

How does this happen? The first step is turning in faith to Jesus Christ and asking Him to come into our lives, repenting of our sins and trusting Him alone to save us. Have you and your husband taken this step? If not, begin your spiritual journey with Christ today by committing your lives to Him. The Bible says, "To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12).

The second step is learning to walk with Christ every day. This includes fellowship with other believers, which is why it's important for you to get into a church where Christ is preached and lived. In addition, make prayer and the Bible part of your daily life. Make it your goal to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).