Do not underestimate the impact you have on those around you. Even if they say nothing, people are noticing how you move through the storm. Live in such a way that people can see the God in you -- hold your head high, keep a smile on your face & speak life into others. The Christ Within is not just your birthright; it is your legacy...

Jesus

In our life's journey, it is natural to feel a little lost at times... That's okay... This means you are at a crossroads and aren't sure which direction to turn. This is when you look up for direction. The answers are in your heart. The answers will appear when they are supposed to. it's our job to have faith, enjoy the moments of life and continue to do the next right thing.

A wise man was asked what is anger?

He gave a beautiful answer. It is a punishment we give to ourself, for somebody else's mistake 

Patience

 God placed difficult people in your life for a reason: For you to practice what you say you believe. Without obnoxious people, how would you practice patience? Without mean people, how could you develop unconditional love? Without those who needlessly wrong you, how would you master forgiveness?

1 Thing

 What Really Matters . . .

One day when I get to heaven I may find out I was wrong about the age of the Earth, the manifestation of the sign gifts, the mode of baptism, the timing of the Parousia, or a host of other secondary issues. But you know what? I will still get there because none of those issues determine a person’s salvation.

Friends we can differ and be wrong on many non-essentials. I have my convictions, and you may have yours. I have Scripture to back mine up and I’m sure you do too. I am not saying these things don’t matter, doctrine always matters. But before you spend your life arguing about these topics, make sure you have settled in your heart the essentials that you cannot afford to be wrong on. That salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. That He is the virgin-born sinless Son of God who’s substitutionary atonement paid the penalty for sin, and by His bodily resurrection, He forever defeated death, hell, and the grave granting forgiveness of sin and eternal life to all who believe. Without Christ, you will never get there to find out if all the other things you were so passionate about were right or wrong and frankly you won’t care at that point for it will be too late. Tell others about Jesus and how they can know Him personally before debating with them over the other things. 

Lessons of life

AN OLD WOMAN WALKED UP AND TIED HER OLD MULE TO THE HITCHING POST.
AS SHE STOOD THERE, BRUSHING SOME OF THE DUST FROM HER FACE AND CLOTHES, A YOUNG GUNSLINGER STEPPED OUT OF THE SALOON WITH A GUN IN ONE HAND AND A BOTTLE OF WHISKEY IN THE OTHER. THE YOUNG GUNSLINGER LOOKED AT THE OLD WOMAN AND LAUGHED, “HEY OLD WOMAN, HAVE YOU EVER DANCED?”

THE OLD WOMAN LOOKED UP AT THE GUNSLINGER AND SAID, “NO,… I NEVER DID DANCE… NEVER REALLY WANTED TO.”

A CROWD HAD GATHERED AS THE GUNSLINGER GRINNED AND SAID “WELL, YOU OLD BAG, YOU’RE GONNA DANCE NOW,” AND STARTED SHOOTING AT THE OLD WOMAN’S FEET.

THE OLD WOMAN PROSPECTOR — NOT WANTING TO GET HER TOE BLOWN OFF –STARTED HOPPING AROUND. EVERYBODY WAS LAUGHING. WHEN HIS LAST BULLET HAD BEEN FIRED, THE YOUNG GUNSLINGER, STILL LAUGHING, HOLSTERED HIS GUN AND TURNED AROUND TO GO BACK INTO THE SALOON.

THE OLD WOMAN TURNED TO HER PACK MULE, PULLED OUT A DOUBLE-BARRELED SHOTGUN, AND COCKED BOTH HAMMERS.
THE LOUD CLICKS CARRIED CLEARLY THROUGH THE DESERT AIR, AND THE CROWD STOPPED LAUGHING IMMEDIATELY.

THE YOUNG GUNSLINGER HEARD THE SOUNDS, TOO, AND HE TURNED AROUND VERY SLOWLY. THE SILENCE WAS ALMOST DEAFENING. THE CROWD WATCHED AS THE YOUNG GUNMAN STARED AT THE OLD WOMAN AND THE LARGE GAPING HOLES OF THOSE TWIN BARRELS.

THE BARRELS OF THE SHOTGUN NEVER WAVERED IN THE OLD WOMAN’S HANDS, AS SHE QUIETLY SAID, “SON, HAVE YOU EVER KISSED A MULE’S ASS?”

THE GUNSLINGER SWALLOWED HARD AND SAID, “NO M’AM… BUT I’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO.

THERE ARE FIVE LESSONS HERE FOR ALL OF US:

1 – Never be arrogant.
2 – Don’t waste ammunition.
3 – Whiskey makes you think you’re smarter than you are.
4 – Always make sure you know who has the power.
5 – Don’t mess with old people; they didn’t get old by being stupid.

Share this:

 I asked a friend who has crossed 70 & is heading towards 80 what sort of changes he is feeling in himself? He sent me the following:

1 After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children and my friends, I have now started loving myself.

2 I have realized that I am not “Atlas”. The world does not rest on my shoulders.

3 I have stopped bargaining with vegetable & fruit vendors. A few pennies more is not going to break me, but it might help the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school fees.

4 I leave my waitress a big tip. The extra money might bring a smile to her face. She is toiling much harder for a living than I am.

5 I stopped telling the elderly that they've already narrated that story many times. The story makes them walk down memory lane & relive their past.

6 I have learned not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. The onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.

7 I give compliments freely & generously. Compliments are a mood enhancer not only for the recipient, but also for me. And a small tip for the recipient of a compliment, never, NEVER turn it down, just say "Thank You.”

8 I have learned not to bother about a crease or a spot on my shirt. Personality speaks louder than appearances.

9 I walk away from people who don't value me. They might not know my worth, but I do.

10 I remain cool when someone plays dirty to outrun me in the rat race. I am not a rat & neither am I in any race.

11 I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. It’s my emotions that make me human.

12 I have learned that it's better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. My ego will keep me aloof, whereas with relationships, I will never be alone.

13 I have learned to live each day as if it's the last. After all, it might be the last.

14 I am doing what makes me happy. I am responsible for my happiness, and I owe it to myself. Happiness is a choice. You can be happy at any time, just choose to be!

I

It is well

 Did you know, the song "It Is Well With My Soul" was written by a successful Christian lawyer Heratio Spafford. His only son died at age 4 in 1871. In 1872, the great Chicago fire wiped out his vast estate, made from a successful legal career. In 1873 he sent his wife and four daughters over to Europe on a summer trip on the ill fated SS Ville du Havre. Since he had a lot of work to do, he planned to follow them later. The ship sank and he lost his four daughters with the wife being the only survivor. She sent him a famous telegram which simply read, "SAVED ALONE......" On his return home, his Law firm was burned down and the insurance company refused to pay him. They said, iIt's an act of God." He had no money to pay for his house and no work, he also lost his house. Then while sitting and thinking what's happening to him, being a spiritual person, he wrote a song - "Whatever, my Lord, You have taught me to say - It is well, it is well with my soul." My dear friend, a good attitude will determine your altitude. When you look at your life, career, job or family life, what do you say? Do you praise God? Do you blame the devil? A good attitude towards God makes Him move on your behalf. Just sit down and say, "Today, God, it is well with my soul, I am thankful I had a peaceful sleep, I am thankful I am alive with possibilities, I am thankful I have a roof over me, I am thankful I have a job, I am thankful that I have family and friends. Above all, I am thankful that I have the Lord Jesus Christ on my side." Be blessed and don't be envious or shocked when others are prospering because you don't know what they have been through to get there (test, trials and tribulation) so thank God for what you have. "Little is much when God is in it. It is well With my soul!" Touch someone's life with this message. If God is for us, who can be against us? God bless y'all

Trust

Trust is foundational to human relationship, but not all people are trustworthy. So how can we know whom to trust and with what? The Bible gives us advice. 

We must first acknowledge that all humans are sinful (Romans 3:23). More than likely our trust will be broken at some point in several relationships. Perhaps even more sobering to realize, we will hurt others in our relationships and prove ourselves unworthy of their complete trust. But this is not a reason to avoid relationship or decide to never trust. Rather, this understanding helps us reset our expectations. Sometimes we feel betrayed or as if our trust is broken simply because we expected the other person to be and do what only God is and does. Any time we put our trust in another human to be our God, we will be disappointed, and rightly so. At the same time, we may expect another person to be honest or to act with integrity or to fulfill a promise and still find our trust broken. But, again, the answer is not to avoid relationship all together. Rather, we must rely on God first and put our trust ultimately in Him. 

Psalm 118:8–9 says, "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes." Proverbs 3:5–6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." When our trust is first in God—not in others or in ourselves—we are free to trust others. An understanding that God is sovereign and that He works on behalf of His children (Romans 8:28–29) removes much of our fear in relating to others. We know that even if we are betrayed, God will never forsake us. Hebrews 13 gives some instructions for Christian living. In part, it reminds followers of Jesus that God has said, "'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'" (Hebrews 13:5–6). 

That our trust is ultimately in God instead of others does not mean that we blindly trust everyone with everything. Jesus warned His disciples, "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). It is good to recognize that not all people have pure motives and to temper our trust accordingly. Proverbs 13:20 says, "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." First Corinthians 15:33 says, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.'" Proverbs 22:24–25 says, "Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare." Second Corinthians 6:14 cautions believers from being unequally yoked with other believers in close relationships such as marriage. We must be discerning about our relationships and the people to whom we give our trust. 

Equally important is discernment about the institutions or societal influencers we trust. First John 4:1 says, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." Just because a particular teaching appears to have authority or popular acceptance does not mean it is biblically sound. While we should submit to our leaders (Romans 13:1–7), we cannot blindly trust everything we hear from sources of supposed authority. We should be especially skeptical of institutions with worldly motives. 

While caution is advised in giving trust, engaging in trusting relationships with others is rewarding and biblical. Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 talks about the ways in which "two are better than one." Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:5–6 says, "Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy." Hebrews 10:24–25 talks about the importance of believers gathering together and stirring one another up to love and good works. Ephesians 4:15 talks about speaking truth to one another in love. Real trust includes willingness to be honest with one another, even if that honesty feels awkward or potentially painful. There is no substitute for faithful friends and vibrant Christian community. When we can live in trusting relationships with one another, we edify and encourage one another. 

One practical way to go about learning to trust others is to focus on being trustworthy yourself. Being a person others can trust involves honesty and integrity. It means keeping your word, not belittling others, admitting when you are wrong, seeking forgiveness, being willing to forgive as you have been forgiven in Christ, and having the courage to share the truths of God's Word and to strive to live them out. 

Psalm 1 declares that the man who delights in the law of the Lord is blessed. When we seek God's kingdom and His ways first, we will draw closer to Him and our trust in Him will increase. We will also learn to be trustworthy people ourselves. As we do these things, we can learn to more freely trust others. We can ask God for discernment in whom to trust and with what things, and ultimately trust Him with the results. 

Prayer

Gracious Lord, You are merciful, kind, humble, gentle, patient, and never think evil. I wish that I could say that I was the same, but as You know, merciful Father, I am weak and have trespassed against You and my fellow man. I ask Your forgiveness for my sins and implore You to aid me in my path to righteousness. I shall devote my energy to committing acts of kindness and humility, and do them in honor of my service to You and Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Wisdom, knowledge and understanding

Wisdom is the ability to have good judgment based on knowledge. Knowledge is the information, skills, and facts gained by someone through life experience or education. Understanding is the ability to decide. Understanding is knowledge put into action. 

If knowledge is power, and wisdom is your choice to use that power, then understanding would be executing your choice to use that power.

Knowledge, wisdom, and understanding are all noble qualities to have and all humans should seek to possess them. 

Testimony

My name is Steve until the Lord takes me home and gives me a new name. I am a believer in, and a lover of, Jesus Christ. Although I am human and I fail Him every day, I believe that Jesus is the Son of God; He was born of a virgin, was crucified on a cross, died for our sins and rose again on the third day to give us salvation! He loves me dearly (far more than I deserve) and forgives my sins. His Word (The Holy Bible) says if we deny Him before men He will deny us before His Father in Heaven.

The man doesn’t know that there is a snake underneath. The woman doesn’t know that there is a stone crushing the man. The woman thinks: “I will fall! And I can’t climb because the snake will bite me! Why can’t the man use a little more strength and pull me up!” The man thinks, “I am in so much pain! Yet I’m still pulling you as much as I can you try to climb a little harder?”

The moral is—you can’t see the pressure the other person is under, and the other person can’t see the pain you’re in. This is life, whether it’s with work, family, feelings or friends, we should try to understand each other. Learn to think differently, perhaps more clearly and communicate better. A little thought and patience will go a long way.

Be kind to people. Everyone we meet is fighting their own battle.

Is it better to be 'right' or 'kind'?

Is it better to be 'right' or

'kind'?: Is it better to say what is right or to save feelings and, in kindness, fudge the truth a little? What if the two weren't mutually exclusive?

Did a lightbulb just go off for this nice young lady?

‘Right & Wrong’ – A Clue to the Meaning of the Universe by C.S. Lewis Do...

What does the Bible say about manipulation / being manipulative? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about manipulation / being manipulative? | GotQuestions.org

Why does obedience to God matter?

Why does obedience to God matter?

Narcissists

Passive-aggressive narcissists will tell a different lie about the same topic each day of the week and cry foul at you for stressing them with the truth

. They will also gladly kill the messenger of any information that provides evidence contrary to their black and white social view on others in their lives. They have no grey areas for people and thrive on slander, gossip, smearing reputations and doing it all covertly.

Rember when