Don't Let It Beat You | Learning to say No

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In life, we all have those little things that add up that can get us down. But when we think about it, why do we let those things beat us? As children of the King, we have the Holy Spirit living inside us and we can say no. No to the bad thoughts, no to the temptation, no to Satan. We have the power to not give in to temptation and take a higher stand.

So sibling in Christ, Don't let it beat ya. Don't let things get you down, discouraged or make you feel like quitting or get you angry. Quote scripture, sing scripture songs and think on the Lord. Just don't let the devil in. Learn to say No.

James. 1:13, 16

King James Version (KJV) - "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:"

{16} "Do not err, my beloved brethren."

Philippians. 4:8

King James Version (KJV) - "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Philippians. 4:13 

King James Version (KJV)

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Your Perspective | Keepin' it Positive

How you see things determine how you'll act on a day-to-day basis.

If you have "Stinkin' Thinkin'", then you'll look at the negative in most situations. Oh we all know that if we look for negative we will find it. And we have those who say, "Well what if the negative is "Just Obvious"? Then train your brain to search for the Positive in all situations! It takes work and a LOT of effort cause our flesh (The Old Man, that old nature inside of us) is naturally bent to the negative. 

Ephesians 4:22-24 
King James Version (KJV) - "That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
{23} And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
{24} And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."

You see how I bolded that phrase in verse 23 "be renewed in the spirit of your mind"? I think that it is important to have a positive mind-set cause it affects how you are! 

In my devotion book, I was reading this story and I think it'll go Perfectly with this blog-post. Here it is.

Two girls moved to a new city from two different towns. When they arrived at their new school, they were both curious about what the other kids were like in that school. The first girl asked the teacher about the other students, and the teacher asked her, "What kind of kids went to your old school?" The first girl said, "They were all rude, jealous, & mean." The teacher then told her that she would probably find the kids at this new school to be like the kids at her old school.
   Later, the second girl approached the teacher and asked the same question: "What are the kids like here at this school?" The teacher replied, "What were the kids like at your old school?" The girl said, "They were really, nice, fun, & friendly". The teacher said, "Well I'm sure that's what kind of kids you'll see here."


Do you see this? Beautiful eyes look for the best. Change your perspective on how you view people, situations, things, etc. This is something I think we could ALL work on (Myself included, yes!)

Pray and ask God to give you HIS point of view and expect to see some great people in the world around you.

May God bless you! I hope this was helpful to you.

Photo Credit : Holly Doss | Photographer and Graphic Designer

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To the People of the Church.

You are important! You are very important. 

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To the Usher, You have a big job! You are basically the face of the church. You are the first person the visitors see. 

To the Church-Cleaners, You are needed! Without you, God's house wouldn't be tidy!

To the Secretary, Without you, Pastor would be a lot busier than what he already is!

To the Nursery-workers, Without you, The services might have disruptions by those adorable, little ones! 

To the Sunday School teachers, Without you, The smaller children wouldn't have a foundation built on their level sort-of-speak, 

To the Members, Without you there would be no one for the preacher to preach to!

We ALL have our part in being members of the church. Never degrade yourself in thinking that you are not as significant as the other! We all need each other. We all have gifts in different areas that the Lord can use, if we let Him. 

1, Corinthians. 12:6
King James Version (KJV) - "And they're diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all"

The church needs every member to do his part!

1, Corinthians. 12:14-27
King James Version (KJV) - "For the body is not one member, but many.

{15} If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

{16} And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

{17} If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

{18} But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

God loves us all. We are very significant to Him and to His work.

{19} And if they were all one member, where were the body?

{20} But now are they many members, yet but one body.

{21} And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

{22}  Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

All of us are needed.

{23} And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

{24} For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.

{25} That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

There shouldn't be gossiping, anger, or hatred in the church! We all need each other. The Lord hates discord. ESPECIALLY by the brethren...

{26} And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

Always be there for eachother especially during times of trial or test. But never try to decipher why one is having a hard time. Cause You do NOT know. Never assume anything. Do not assume that there could be sin in their life... Look at Job. Was there sin in his life? No. And yet look at all the trials / tests he went through!

{27} Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

Through reading these verses we see that we are all needed in God's work in the church. Never think otherwise.

Never get discouraged brethren. We're all needed for the Master's use! 

2, Timothy. 2:21

King James Version (KJV) - "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

May God Bless you Siblings in Christ! Continue Serving Him! If that is your calling to be in the ministry, you won't be happier doing anything else!

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Finish Well for God!

Great Devotion By Paul Chappell - A must read!

This came right from my “Rooted” Devotion Book" I bought in

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California. Written by Paul Chappell. It is really good and I want to share it with you.

The devotion is called, 

"Finishing Kick"

Hebrews 10:24-25

King James Version  (KJV) - "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 

In 1954, Roger Bannister became the 1st person in history to run a mile in under 4 minutes, breaking a barrier that had withstood challenges for years. Other runners soon began to match his feat, and an Australian runner named John Landry actually broke Bannister’s new world time later that summer. In August, the two met at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver. Though Landry let for most of the race, Bannister surged ahead on the final turn and passed him with a strong finishing kick to win the race.

  Just as on the track, there is enormous value to finishing well in life. The temptation is to let up and coast as we near the end. Society promotes this concept with the view of retirement as a time to sit back and take it easy. Yet the Bible instructs us to do more. Of course there may be physical limitations as we age that will restrict what we can do, but there is no reason for a believer not to continue to grow and mature in spiritual matters throughout life.

(Here is the last paragraph  I have it bolded because it refers to my age group and to the younger generation. Well said Bro. Chappell!) 

It is a tragedy when people make the decision to cut back on their involvement with church, with witnessing, with giving, or with being a help and encouragement to others so they can “enjoy more leisure time”. This robs the church of what is meant to be a great source of wisdom and godly leadership. Those who have walked with God for many years have learned things which they can and SHOULD pass on to others. Rather then looking forward to the day when We can sit back and do nothing, we should be doing ALL WE CAN TO FINISH WELL.

(End Of Devotion)

     I thought that was so good and true! Wow, Sobering as well. Thinking how 80% of young people leave the church after age 18. We DO need to finish well, Not just because in Heaven we'll be rewarded for the work we've done here on earth for God's Glory but also cause the world is watching us. Wanting to see if we're real or not. Show them we are. Remember, We are a Bible the Lost are reading. 

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Are you a TRUE Friend? Pt. 2

Be a true friend. Here are some more tips.      

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"12 characteristics or things that a True friend has and does."

1. Don't talk bad about Anyone! Period.
2. Stand up for someone who is being talked bad about,
3. Share,
4. Don't get jealous and Never assume,
5. Stay confident and uplift others by doing so,
6. Always have a good attitude. Just because you’re having a bad day doesn't mean people should be able to tell by how you act…
7. Laugh and having a happy time with whoever you're with. Don’t be dull or boring.
8. Keep that friends secrets. They’re putting their confidence in you. Never take that for granted.
   
    (Of course if they’re having thoughts about committing suicide or something bad that they’re going to do. Don’t hide it! Being a true friend is also doing the right thing for the other person. Think about if what they’re doing is wrong or bad… )
   
9. Don’t be negative towards what others like. Show some interest and phrase how you feel in a kind manner.
10. Think before you speak. 
    Is it True?
    Is it helpful?
    Is it inspiring?
    Is it necessary?
    Is it kind?
11. Be there for your friends no matter what. No one wants a friend that is always in a shell or seems to be like you’re ignoring them all the time.
12. Be honest yet Kind. I mean, Just say what you mean, but don’t say it mean. 
    
    And then here is one more for good measure.
13. Always smile. Don’t look down. Your smile boosts your scale of attractiveness and gives other people a signal that you’re not a “Down person” cause no one likes a down, dreary person. The main people that people love are the funny, kind, helpful, happy spirited kinds. I mean don’t go all hiper on us (hehe) but be happy. Don’t be a dud.

I hope these tips were some eye-openers on whether or not you're a true friend. We all need a true friend. Are you one to somebody else?

Love is an Action

...not a feeling. 

How can we be sure that love isn't a feeling? 

It's Simple.

God commands you to love. 

1, John. 4:7
King James Version (KJV) - "Beloved, let us love one another: ..."

And because feelings can not be commanded, Love can not be a feeling. See, I can't order you to be giddy right now, it's not possible to force those kind of feelings. But actions can be commanded. I can command you to stand on one foot, and you could easily do it. At least I hope. 

So, if God is commanding us to love, He isn't talking about how you FEEL about someone but what you DO for them. Love is an action. not a feeling. 

Little things can be done to let someone know you care and love for someone. 

How to Show your Love for Someone

For family you can say I love you and show them by hugs or making a family member's bed for them. Something unexpected is a joyous surprise that proves your love instead of "Just saying It".

For friends you can say I love you, also, or when you see them, Say hello, offer a smile, Give 'em a hug, or a nod recognizing their presence.... Just something to show you're their friend and you care and love them. You could get them an unexpected gift, too.

Acts of kindness for a friend shows your love for  them.

For the Christian, Everything you do reflects God. You're a Bible the Lost are reading. For God's children, God shining through you is never more evident than when you are with Strangers especially, because it is in those moments when your kindness and concern for people who can do nothing for you can be seen based on what you do. 

It's easy to say that he is nice to his friends because his friends

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know him and he knows them or to his family because they're family... But when he is loving a stranger something magical happens. Those who are watching are intrigued and those whom he loves, become encouraged. Loving people we don't know reminds us that we are all part of the same human race. It gives hope to the lost and offers a small glimpse of the love of God. Remember that You're a Bible the Lost are reading. See not a stranger, but a Valuable Soul that's going somewhere. 

Don't ignore the people around you as if they're just "extras" in a Movie and You're the Star! I mean we don't like it when people aren't nice or kind or they ignore you...  So don't do it to others. 

Luke 6:31 

King James Version (KJV) - "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."

Everyone has feelings and you only get one chance to make a First Impression. Connect with them somehow...

For strangers, with eye-contact and a friendly smile. You can show love and kindness. Because see not a stranger but a Valuable soul!

When you get onto an elevator, make small talk. When you sit down next to someone in a Waiting Room, say hello. When being waited on by a server, talk to them like a person, not like a servant. People remember kindness. Make genuine interest in the souls around you. Whether they are beautiful or not. And in doing that you can be the sweet aroma of God to the souls you encounter throughout your week.

If you don't care for your family, friends and the strangers around you like you should, you could miss out on the call of your life - God's call to love others as yourself!

Mark 12:31

King James Version (KJV)  - "...Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these."

Have you been "Christian Cursing?"

Have you been "Christian Cursing"? We all have and sometimes,

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Not even knowing it! We need to try to speak in a "Christ-Like" manner. We are Christians. Read on for the much-needed info. 

Matthew. 12:36 & 37 

King James Version (KJV) - "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. {37} For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." 

Titus. 2:7 & 8 

King James Version (KJV) - " In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity," {8} Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you."

According, to the scriptures typed out above, as Christians, (Which  means Christ-Like) We need to be very careful with our mouths because we will one day give an account to God. Most Christians are aware of the fact that God expects them to live holy lives. Likewise, most God-fearing Christians have learned to abstain from swearing and from the use of common profanity. I haven't met many faithful Christians who have a problem with worldly cursing. However, I have met MANY Christians who have stumbled into the Devil's trap and taken up a whole different kind of cursing. Keep reading, friend, because you just might need to "tune up" your vocabulary! Are You Taking God's Name in Vain? You say, "Oh my word. I wouldn't take God's name in vain!" You just did, though. John 1:1 says that "the Word" was GOD! John 1:1  King James Version (KJV) - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." So It's like you were saying Oh My God. Which is using GOD's name in a slang way.  Satan tricked you, didn't he? We've all done it and we need to stay accountable and try not to do it anymore! "Oh my goodness!" you say. If you are saved then your "goodness" is none other than God Himself.  Psalm. 144:2  King James Version (KJV) - "My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me." The Bible says that All of Our goodness is as Filthy rags.  Isaiah 64:6 King James Version (KJV) - "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;..." You just took His name in vain again. We have no goodness of our own. Our lives are given by Christ. He is Good. We are not.  Romans. 3:23 King James Version (KJV) - "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Psalm. 39:5 King James Version (KJV) - "Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah." So "my goodness" is a reference to God! "Good grief. I had no idea!" That's actually "Christian Cursing" too... Jesus Christ was a man of sorrows and acquainted with GRIEF. Isaiah. 53:3 King James Version (KJV) - "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not." His grief was "good" grief because He bore your sins and mine! We together need to show more reverence and respect for our Saviour, brethren and quit throwing God's word around too loosely. Once again, I'm still learning this and I have done some of my own "Christian Cursing" but now that I've learned these things, I want to share them with you too. Together we can learn and try to show more reverence towards God the Almighty.  You could say "For crying out loud! Can't I say anything?"  How about reading your Bible because that's slang as well... Matthew 27:46 King James Version (KJV) - "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? May I ask, What's your logic in using such speech? Could it be that Satan is just having a good laugh at our ignorance and disrespect of God's word? We have to be careful with our words! "Well, geeeeeeee!"  Hmmmm, Did you say "G", as in "GOD"? You may not have known it, but that is using God's name in a slang manner too. You've probably also said "Gosh" or "Good Golly", You might also have said "Jeepers Creepers" when you really wanted to say "Jesus Christ" (JC!).  When I first realized that I was taking my Lord's name in vain often I was very sad and I have since then tried to work on it so I wouldn't continue saying "Idle Words" as the Bible calls it.... You might have played around with the letters "G" and "D" together. You said "dad gum", "dang gum", "dog gone" or "Dang gummit", when your flesh really wanted to say "God" and then follow with the word "damn". I was unaware of all these "New ways" of taking God's name in vain.. I mean Think about it, Christian... Is God pleased with this kind of speech? Those Four-Letter Words... You probably wouldn't think of using the word "damn" too loosely, but what about "darn" and "dang"? Do they not serve the same purpose? Is Satan not pleased to fill your mouth with such speech? "Why, heck!" -Look out, friend! God knows your heart, and he knows your flesh is using heck in a slang way instead of just saying "hell". Down south folks could say, "Ah, shoot!" This is nothing more than a cheap way of saying the four letter 'S' word... Again I ask, is God pleased with this sort of speech? Is this "sound speech, that cannot be condemned"? I think not. Be careful what you say. Think about what you say before you say it... You might find out that you were about to take God's name in vain. We ALL need to work on it.. No one is perfect. But we can try for perfection like how the Bible talks about. (Matthew. 5:48 KJV) Swear Not. Matthew. 5:34 King James Version (KJV) - "But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Jesus said "swear not," yet God's people swear very often, and sadly, Sometimes we don't even realize we're doing it. Such expressions as "for Heaven's sake", or "for Pete's sake", and "Heavens to Betsy" are attempts to swear by Bible subjects, which shows disrespect toward God. God's word is PURE and HOLY. We should honor His words, not throw them around. We all need to work on this, friend.  Truth Is All the Authority You Need Why do people curse and swear? There's only one reason: Authority. People want to sound more forceful and authoritative when they speak, so they spice their speech up with all sorts of catchy little "powerful words". Sadly, such words often dishonor God, the Bible, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Friend, Truth is all the authority you need. Just speak the truth as it is revealed in God's word and you'll have no use for "Christian cursing". Remember this verse as you go about your day seeking to please the Savior.  Matthew. 12:36 King James Version (KJV) - "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.