Keep Christ In The Picture

It was Christmas and the judge was in a merry mood as he asked the prisoner, ”What are you charged with?” “Doing my Christmas shopping early”, replied the defendant. “That’s no offense”,said the judge.“How early were you doing this shopping?” “Before the store opened.”

”And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” .Matt 1:21(KJV)

A picture is worth a thousand words. Did you notice that in some cases Jesus is missing from the Christmas story? Could this be due to the fact that he was taken out of the picture? As you know once you are out of the picture then you’re out of the story. As they say “out of sight out of mind“.

Are you worrying more about what you are getting for Christmas rather than WHO was given to start Christmas. Shouldn’t you be more concerned about giving God the praise and glory for his Son that he allowed to come into the world that you may be saved from your sins?

When the subject of a story is removed from the picture then a different story is told. As you may not like to hear, but Christmas has become more commercialized that our focus has shifted from the Creator to the creature. Yes, we tend to be more concerned about celebrating with one another than celebrating with Christ.

In some places, you will see the nativity scene as a reminder of Christ birth but let me just say he is no longer in the manger but on the throne. Yes, seated at the right hand of the Father continually making intercession on our behalf.

As you go on with your celebration this Christmas let us make a greater effort to keeep Christ in the picture that we may uphold the true meaning of the Christmas story. Remember, God is depending on me and you to lift up his Son. “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me”. John 12:32 (KJV)

Please feel free to share you view on this.


Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/
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Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:

Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen. Read more!

It’s Time For Your Baby

Man's main task in life is to give birth to himself, to become what he potentially is.
Erich Fromm

Have you been experiencing any pains and discomfort in your life? I know this may sound crazy, but I really hope you do. This is a really important announcement that I have to remind you about. You are about to give birth. Just in case you thought I made an error when I was writing this I’ll do it again, “YOU are about to give birth.”

I know for a long time you have been experiencing some difficulties that you really wondered what was going on. Well there was something that was growing inside of you. This will explain the discomfort you’ve been having.

Yes God put it inside you and it can’t help but to grow, because of its origin. Be very careful what you do in this season cause one bad move can cause a whole lot of complications. With the value of what you carry inside you cannot afford to have a miscarriage.

Labor pains and giving birth go together. Even though you hated being in this position you will understand and be much happier when this phase is over. As many times it felt like the whole world was caving in on you, but don’t be discouraged.


The end of your trial is soon over and you will be rejoicing with child. “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world” John 16:21 (NIV). You will be able to show the fruit from the seed that has been deposited in you. If you just hold on a little bit longer then you will see what I am talking about.

So my prayer for you is that God would give you the strength to P.U.S.H and keep pushing. What do I mean? Let me put it like this Pray Until Something Happens. You are now in the birth position and the quicker you deliver the quicker you can celebrate your breakthrough.

Of course you will have opposition. Tell me what, whatever came to success without opposition?

Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/
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Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:

Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen. Read more!

Are You Putting Faith in the Wrong Promise?

Faith in the wrong thing is like living in a fairy tale. The sad thing about it is, that you often find yourself never wanting to come out and face reality.

Donnetta Cole
Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer

I confess. I've done it. More than once I've done it. I believed. I believed with all of my heart that God would spare me of a painful situation. I was sure things would be as I envisioned, as I believed. The problem was, I believed the wrong promise.

Why is it that as Christians, as humans, we seem to think tough things shouldn't come our way? Why do we think we should be protected, shielded, untouched? Where did this belief come from? How is it that we latch on to this as the promise to cling to?

There are many verses that lead us to see otherwise. "In this world you will have troubles" (Jn. 16:33). "When you pass through the waters... When you pass through the rivers... When you walk through the fire" (Is. 43:2). "We are hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down" (II Cor. 4: 8-9).

I don't notice a maybe, perhaps, if, or possibly in these verses. No, instead, I see words like will, are and when. I've had it wrong so many times. I've wanted the promise to be that "it" would not, could not, happen. I was believing the wrong promise.

But even if the dreaded "it" happens, we have promises we can rely on. "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." (II Cor 4:17)

In his book It's Not About Me, Max Lucado says the following of Paul's words to the Corinthians:

The words 'weight of glory' conjure up images of the ancient pan scale. Remember, two pans, one on either side of the needle. The weight of a purchase would be determined by placing weights on one side and the purchase on the other.

God does the same with your struggles. On one side he stacks all your burdens. Stack them up, and watch one side of the pan scale plummet.

Now witness God's response. Does he remove them? Eliminate the burdens? No, rather than take them, he offsets them. He places an eternal weight of glory on the other side. Endless joy. Measureless peace. An eternity of him. Watch what happens as he sets eternity on your scale.

Everything changes! The burdens lift. The heavy becomes light when weighed against eternity.

If you look back at each of those verses, he offsets each of those situations with Himself. "You will have peace. Take heart! I have overcome the world"(Jn 16:33). "I will be with you. The rivers will not sweep over you. You will not be burned" (Is. 43:2). "We are not crushed, not in despair, not abandoned, not destroyed" (II Cor. 4: 8-9). These are just a sampling of the promises found throughout Scripture.

We are not promised a life of ease and comfort. We are not promised escape, rescue, tearless, pain-free living. We are guaranteed quite the opposite. BUT, we are promised, beyond the shadow of a doubt, God's presence, peace, joy... His very self through it all. We are promised the heavy will become light when weighed against eternity.

So often I find myself believing the wrong promise. But as Natalie Grant stated so well in her song Held: "The promise was... when everything fell... we'd be held".

That is the promise. It is one worth clinging to. That is the promise to clasp for dear life. The promise that when everything feels as if it is crashing around you, that you will not survive, that it so very dark and more than you can take... you will be held. Held in the very palm of the Heavenly Father's hand. Now that is a promise worth believing!

Friend, what promise are you believing today? Are you believing the wrong promise? Or are you believing, in the midst of it all, that you are being Held? Are you believing that regardless of what is yet to come, you will be Held?

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Donnetta Cole has learned that if life's "mountain" doesn't move, then God helps us to climb it. She is a wife, mother of 2 and works part time as a registered nurse. She also serves in various ministries of her church from working with the youth, ministering to young moms, leading the music and being a girl's soccer coach for the Upward Soccer league through the church. Sharing Christ through friendship and relationships is a highlight for her. You can visit Donnetta's blog, "My Quiet Corner," at www.momrn2.blogspot.com
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Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/

Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:

Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Read more!

All the Time, God is Good

There were two choices you had this morning, either to go to work happy or to go to work sad. I don’t know which one you chose but isn’t it good to have the opportunity to work? As you reflect on that I want you to always remember the message in the following article:

Cinde Lucas
Overflow Ministries

There's a popular chorus that is sung throughout the Christian Community that goes like this: God is good ALL THE TIME; All the time GOD IS GOOD. It sounds so wonderful when you hear an entire audience declare God's goodness. But what about when there's not a crowd around? What are we declaring then?

When the chips are down and the enemy is hot on our heels, that's when what we really believe comes out. In the middle of the night when your child is sick with a fever or when you have more bills than money at the end of the month, it may be more difficult to recall God's goodness. In those times we have to reach down into what we know, not what we feel, and on purpose declare that no matter what, GOD IS GOOD.

Jesus promised in Matthew 28:20 that He is with us always. Romans 8:28 says that God works all things to good for those who love Him. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that He has a good plan for us to give us a hope and a future. He is on our side and His power in us is greater than the powers of darkness that try to come against us.

Whatever you're facing today, I pray that you will remember that God is good ALL THE TIME. There is no in-between. He is always working for our good. His goodness surrounds us like a shield. He always has a good plan for us. He is abounding in grace towards us and He is committed to finishing all the good things that He has started in us. So may the words of our mouth boldly declare today and everyday that God is Good,

ALL THE TIME!

Dear Lord it seems at times that I am blinded to Your goodness. Help me to look past my circumstances and remember that You are with me. Unveil my eyes to SEE Your goodness and Your salvation. You alone know the Truth that can set me free from the darkness that tries to invade my life. You have promised that You will never leave or forsake me and so I stand on the Truth of Your Word because You are Good all the time and Your mercy endures forever. You are my Help, my Deliver, and my Strong Tower. Thank You for Your goodness Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Cinde Lucas is an ordinary person, who happens to LOVE to encourage and motivate people! She has a passion to share the Love of God with people and to let them know that God is GOOD and He has an AWESOME plan for their lives! Cinde truly desires to lead people into a closer relationship with God through music; her prayer is that the ministry we share will uplift and encourage people to be all that God created them to be. Visit Overflow Ministries at www.CindeLucas.com.
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Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/

Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:

Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen. Read more!

A Word of Encouragement for a Season of Doubt

There is nothing better than the encouragement of a good friend.
Katharine Butler Hathaway

A Word of Encouragement for a Season of Doubt
Bayless Conley
Answers with Bayless Conley

Being a Christian doesn't mean you won't have doubts. In fact, some of the greatest heroes of the Christian faith had doubts and crises of faith, one of which we find recorded in Luke chapter 7.

In this chapter, we find John the Baptist in an intense season of doubt and fear. He was in prison after being arrested by King Herod, and in his struggle of faith he asked of Jesus, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"

That's right… the same John who had been there on the Jordan River when the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove… the same John who heard the voice of God say, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased"… the same John who had publicly testified that Jesus was the Son of God, saying, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"… doubted that Jesus was whom He said He was.
John… the great sage, prophet, and spiritual leader… struggled with doubt!

Yet through his struggle we learn two lessons that can encourage us when we find ourselves in a season of doubt.

The first lesson is to go to the right place with our doubts and fears—which is straight to the Lord.

What I love about John is that he didn't let pride keep him from going to the Lord about his doubts and fears. He could have thought, "Hey, I told everybody He's the One! What will my disciples think if I let them know I'm doubting? I'm going to look really stupid if it looks like I doubt the very things I've preached and proclaimed myself."

Yet John went straight to the Lord… and so must we!

If you're grappling with doubt, tell the Lord. He knows anyway. The worst thing you can do when you're having a crisis of faith is to allow yourself to become isolated, because Satan knows that isolation is where you are most vulnerable. When you doubt, you must draw close to God and to friends of faith who can encourage you!

The second lesson we can learn from John's crisis of faith is that in the eyes of the Lord, it's the whole journey that defines us—not just a single event.

You know, when John's disciples left and Jesus began talking to the multitude, He could have said, "John is such a disappointment! I can't believe it. He was there at the Jordan River at My baptism… God has dealt with him like no other man of this generation… he has more knowledge than a hundred men put together. He's My cousin, for goodness sake! I can't believe he's asking Me if I am the One!"

But Jesus didn't say that. Instead, He said, "Among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist."

Even though John doubted, Jesus didn't condemn him!

And when you stumble, Jesus won't condemn you because of that one misstep. Even though some people may define who you are by one stupid mistake you've made, God doesn't. He's looking at the whole journey… and your journey isn't done.

So, my friend, no matter what doubt you may be facing today, be encouraged. Jesus is always there for you… ready for you to come to Him. And don't worry if you've messed up. He won't condemn you, but instead, He looks at the whole of your life!

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For more from Bayless Conley, check out the Answers for Each Day devotional, or click here for the Answers with Bayless Conley broadcast at OnePlace.com
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Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/

Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:

Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen. Read more!

The Spirituality of Work

"The world is full of willing people, some willing to work, the rest willing to let them"
Robert Frost

The Spirituality of Work
Don Whitney
Baptist Press

Bill often wonders whether he is a second-class Christian because of the less-than-Christian atmosphere where he works. His occupation is good and necessary for society, but it’s also one in which liars, cheats and thieves seem to flourish. Vulgar and blasphemous language typically fills the air of Bill’s workplace.

For other believers, the problem at work is not a godless environment; it’s the gnawing lack of meaning to their labor. They trudge through tedious days on a job that often feels intolerably unimportant.

Can followers of Jesus work in these conditions and still maintain a close relationship with Him? Or is the Lord somewhat disappointed in them because of where they work or what they do?

God ordained work. Before sin entered the world, “the Lord God took the man [Adam] and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). All kinds of work - paid and unpaid - are necessary in the world for us “to subdue it” according to God’s will (Genesis 1:28). People must grow food, care for children, make clothes, tend the sick, construct buildings and roads, transport goods, govern the cities and so forth.

Obviously, therefore, God intends for most people to devote themselves to what’s often called "secular" employment. Only a small percentage should be vocational pastors, church-planting missionaries and the like (even though more are needed). Otherwise, who'd work the fields, deliver the mail, build ships and cars, develop water systems, and make medicines?

Because God has ordained it, all work has a spiritual dimension. The Bible repeatedly commends useful, honest labor (see Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:10), which shows God's intense interest in it. When we actively recognize His presence in our workplace, we acknowledge His sovereignty over all of life. And that’s basic to true spirituality.

Even if your daily responsibilities may seem dull and unimportant or cause you to associate with worldly, God-hating people, remember that “the Lord takes pleasure in His people” (Psalm 149:4). And He takes pleasure in us not just at church, but at work as well. He’s as attentive to us in our work routines as He was to Joseph in his service as Potiphar’s slave, to Jesus in the carpentry shop and to the Apostle Paul when he was making tents.

Work is not a hindrance to spirituality; it is a part of it. Even slaves were instructed by Paul not to fear that their awful condition in any way diminished their spiritual standing with God (see 1 Corinthians 7:22). Our spirituality depends upon who we are in Christ, not the circumstances of our workplace. God’s presence and favor are not limited by co-workers or job descriptions.

Enlarge your vision of your spiritual life to include your daily work. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24). Present your work to God. You are working for Him.

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Don Whitney is associate professor of spiritual formation at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Mo. He is the author of several books, including "Simplify Your Spiritual Life" (NavPress, 2003). This article and many others can be downloaded as free bulletin inserts at his website, www.BiblicalSpirituality.org.
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Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/

Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:

Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen.

Read more!

Investing Wisdom From a Master

"An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest"
Benjamin Franklin

Investing Wisdom From a Master
Austin Pryor
Sound Mind Investing

There is probably no one more respected among investment professionals than Warren Buffett, yet he remains relatively unknown to millions of investors.

Although he does appear on news programs from time to time, Buffett prefers to keep a low profile by living in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, away from Wall Street's hectic pace. He's never written a book on investing. He rarely gives newspaper interviews or talks to market analysts.

But at a time when investors are desperate for timeless advice from those few who have lived through these types of markets before, his investing philosophy is especially worth considering. It might be summed up as follows:

1. Buy for value. Buffett views the business world as being divided into two groups. In group one are a small number of wonderful businesses to own. They can be counted on to provide excellent returns to their owners for years to come, regardless of what the economic environment may look like. In group two is a huge number of average businesses that are not attractive as long-term investments, and in which Buffett would have no interest at any price.

On rare occasions, such as we're experiencing now, the stock market becomes preoccupied with the negatives dominating the news. As a result, the stock prices of even the wonderful businesses drop sharply. When such stocks are unpopular and bargain-priced, that is the time to buy them boldly. Buffett pays no attention to current gloomy economic and stock market forecasts.

He made a rare public comment to this effect in a New York Times last October. Was he a tad early? Sure, but when your investment time frame is measured in decades, you don't worry too much about being a few months early or late.

2. Buy with patience. Obviously, if you're willing to go shopping only when there's a big clearance sale, you might have to wait awhile between purchases. The advantage the stock market offers is that the investor can wait indefinitely until the right opportunity comes along.

As Buffett tells it, using a metaphor from baseball: "Every day you literally have thousands of major American corporations offered to you at a price, and nothing is forced upon you. There are no ‘called strikes' in this business. The pitcher just stands there and throws balls to you and you can let as many go by as you want without penalty. They may be wonderful pitches, but if you don't know enough, you don't have to swing at any of them. Finally, you get one right where you want it, something that you understand and is priced right, and then you swing."

Unfortunately, the media (along with well-intentioned friends) is like a huge crowd of bystanders yelling "Swing!" on every pitch. Buffett recognizes this with his comment: "You get overstimulated on Wall Street and you have lots of things that shorten your focus. A short focus is not conducive to long profits. What you need is patience."

3. Buy with confidence. It's vital to have the self-confidence that comes from preparedness and knowledge. The fact that other people might agree or disagree with you makes you neither right nor wrong. You will be right if your facts and reasoning are correct.

If you lack confidence, fear will control your decision-making. Rather than thinking "Buy" as the market falls, you may instead find yourself screaming, "Sell!"
Buffett's entire philosophy makes clear that some stock purchases may take years to reach their potential. While you're waiting, you don't want to be forced out of your position because you need the money for something else.

This is why it's essential that you invest only from your surplus (with funds you can afford to risk) — as we advise via our Four Levels approach. If you haven't yet paid off your consumer debts (Level 1) and established an adequate emergency-savings reserve (Level 2), you're not quite ready to be risking money in the markets here at Level 3 (unless, of course, you already have money invested via a retirement plan at work or something similar).

You can learn more about the investing philosophy and strategies of Warren Buffett by reading the annual letters he has sent his fellow shareholders in recent years. Among the exhibits included in his February 2009 letter is his track record dating back to 1965: average annual gains of 20.3% compared to 8.9% for the S&P 500 — with only two losing years in the process. (Yes, he is human. As was true for most investors, 2008 was Buffett's worst year ever, though he was able to limit losses to -9.6%.)

A final thought: When you think of Wall Street, do you think: excitable, loud, fast paced, emotional, faddish, short-term, in-on-the-action, buy-sell, in-out, get-rich-quick? Then you'll be interested to know that Buffett's approach is calm, soft-spoken, patient, thoughtful, purposeful, long-term oriented, remote-from-the-action, stay-invested, get-rich-slowly.

What does that tell you?

© Sound Mind Investing
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Published since 1990, Sound Mind Investing is America's best-selling financial newsletter written from a biblical perspective. Visit the Sound Mind Investing website .
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Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/

Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:

Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen.

Read more!

Kneeling in Prayer instead of Needling and Nagging

"One single grateful thought raised to heaven is the most perfect prayer"
G. E. Lessing

Kneeling in Prayer instead of Needling and Nagging
April Motl
In His Eyes Ministries

The two of us had very different financial upbringings. My husband, Eric grew up with many of the frills of life even though his single mother often couldn’t really afford the luxuries they enjoyed. Yet, he knew how to go without just fine too. The thing he hadn’t really practiced was saving money. He could go with or without it, but if he had it, that cash would burn a hole in his pocket and escape.

I, on the other hand, had lived with very a frugal family. My parents had their sights set on buying a house and saved every penny in that endeavor. So, I saved too. And I figured we would skip eating out, movies and pretty much every luxury in our attempt to finance college expenses and saving for a house.

Boy, was I wrong!

Eric wanted to enjoy our marriage and celebrate life. Somehow, that equated spending money. Nearly every time we would walk into a store together I would hold my breath, cringing over the things he would want to buy. As I look back on it, he didn’t want any thing all that extravagant; it was just that I had expected something different than he did when it came to handling our money.

The real heartburn came when I would try to convince him that he shouldn’t buy something. I hate to see wives nagging their husbands, and I didn’t want to join the ranks of hen peckers. But I was the one who balanced the checkbook and tracked our available funds. So sometimes I was just operating out of my save, save, SAVE mentality and other times there really was no money for the item he wanted.

If I forced my opinion in the matter, Eric would relent, but I felt guilty. I felt unsubmissive and out of order. Besides, my husband was incredibly generous with me, and I wasn’t as generous with him. We needed someone bigger than us to fix this problem.

I began praying over the issue, my attitude included. The Lord began to show me that neither one of us was right. As flawed people we often don’t have God’s perspective on the issues of life that snag us. It isn’t a matter of he’s right and she’s wrong. The Lord showed me how I felt that life was more manageable, more in control, my control, if there was money in the bank. If control was my motive for saving, it was wrong. If good stewardship was my motive for saving, that was right. But a right action with wrong motive is still wrong!

A good friend and I began praying Scripture over our husbands together. Finances were an issue for both of our marriages. We began to pray that God’s truth would wash clean all of our notions about handling money so that we would be united in His truth rather than divided by our own opinions. My friend, Lisa, also held me accountable to letting God do the work instead of me doing the nagging. When Eric would want something I didn’t think we could afford, I would simply pray that God would lead Eric to be a good steward of His money. I might share my opinion but would let him and God make the final decision. I prayed that God’s Word would ring louder in my husband’s ears than my words.

Today, things are different. Eric balances the checkbook so he always knows how much cash is available, and I don’t have to convince him of what we do or don’t have. He seeks the Lord’s counsel on even relatively small purchases in his endeavor to honor the Lord with all that He has given us. Eric has taken godly leadership of our finances and that friction that existed before has dissipated.

I have changed too. I don’t need that control and my faith has grown. I have learned to trust that God is working inside Eric, I don’t have to play the role of his conscience. Even when I feel like I can’t trust Eric to make the right decision and I am tempted push my “right” opinion on him, I can be quiet and patient, trusting God to work in both of us, even in our mistakes- mine included!

We don’t have a perfect perspective on money matters. We are still learning a lot. But we are learning together and are drawn closer as we search out God’s opinions rather than pushing our own.

Just the other day Eric told me the Lord had been teaching and changing him in regard to money matters. It wasn’t something he had sought out, but something the Lord had just done in his heart. He said he knew it was because Lisa and I had been praying for him. Whose words do you want ringing in your spouse’s ears, yours or God’s?

Contact the ministry office for a list of Scripture prayers to get you started praying over your marriage: mailto:info@InHisEyesMinistries.com

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April Motl and her husband, Eric, minister at their church in Southern California where he is a pastor on staff. April is the founder of In His Eyes Ministries; a teaching ministry devoted to helping women see their life from God’s perspective. For more information about the ministry visit www.InHisEyesMinistries.com. For a list of ideas to help your marriage through these four “full plate” issues, contact info@InHisEyesMinistries.com. Also, for the ladies out there, check out the new Bible study My Reflection In His Eyes: Seeing Yourself as God Sees You to dig deeper into understanding the Lord’s love for you.
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Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/

Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:

Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen.

Read more!

Networking Your Way to a Better Job

Have you noticed that getting a job in today’s world is becoming more difficult each day. I am not saying that it is impossible but you have to put a little more effort into it if you are going to get ahead and land the job you desire. See how the strategy in this article can help you or someone you know:

Networking Your Way to a Better Job
Kevin Brennfleck and Kay Marie Brennfleck
National Certified Career Counselors and Life Calling CoachesSM

Almost every job search book or article stresses the importance of networking. For example, career strategist Sharon Reed Abboud says, "You need to be an active networker.... By networking, you can potentially set yourself apart from the scores of other applicants who apply for every job vacancy. In today's economy, employers are inundated with job applications. The best way to have your resume considered is by networking actively and trying to find people who can possibly recommend you for a job opportunity."

Experts estimate that only 15 to 25% of jobs are advertised on the Internet. The majority of available positions exist in the "hidden" job market. Networking is a key way to find those "hidden" job openings. Yet, while many job hunters recognize that networking is important, they will admit that they're not doing it because they're not sure what to do. Since networking is such an important job search strategy, let's look at what it is, what it's not, and some tips for doing it effectively.

What is networking? Simply stated, networking is building mutually beneficial alliances, or connections, with other people. Networking, at its best, is not a formal, contrived process. Instead, networking is talking to people whom you already know (or are willing to get to know), and having them help you expand your network of information and contacts.

Tips for Expanding Your Network

If you are looking for a new job or would like to find a better job, here are some important tips for networking. Following these suggestions can help you land a job faster:

- Define your job target (that is, the job title---such as accountant, customer service rep, etc.-you are going after). Other people can be of most assistance when they know what specific type of job you are seeking.

-Practice communicating clearly what skills and experience you have that qualifies you for that type of position. People will be more comfortable referring you to someone they know if they believe you are qualified for the job.

-Make a list of the people you already know (friends, relatives, coworkers, parents of your children's friends, former classmates, people from church, etc.). Reminding yourself who you already know is a great way to begin your networking.
-Expand your network by joining a professional association. This is a great place to meet people who work in your field of interest. Do an internet search to find the key associations for your field.

-Develop an online profile at Linkedin.com, and take advantage of the opportunity to join LinkedIn's alumni and professional groups to make new connections.

-Volunteer. In a survey volunteering was listed as the second best way to network. Also, and perhaps more importantly volunteering your time and skills will give you joy and energy as you focus on helping others. You can search for volunteer opportunities at http://christiancareercenter.christianvolunteering.org/

Be Prepared

You never know when you will meet someone who could help you connect with just the right job! Here are some ways you can be prepared: stay well-groomed (even if you are just running errands); have extra copies of your resume or business cards available wherever you go ("just in case"); set goals for how many people you are going to contact each day; and, make it a habit to strike up conversations with new people while standing in line, at parties, your kids' sporting events, in the church pew, etc.

Also, remember that networking is reciprocal: seek to provide some type of assistance to at least one person each day. The Bible tells us that we are to be servants, and that we will reap what we sow!

Networking can not only speed up the process of finding your next job, but it can also enrich your life with new relationships and opportunities both to give and to receive. Start today-your next job may just be a conversation away!
August 17, 2009
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Kevin Brennfleck and Kay Marie Brennfleck are the authors of Live Your Calling: A Practical Guide to Finding and Fulfilling Your Mission in Life. As National Certified Career Counselors and Life Calling Coaches, they are recognized experts in helping people identify their giftedness and find their purpose in life. If you are interested in career coaching and testing to discover work that fits your God-given design; or would like assistance with writing a powerful resume, interviewing effectively, finding job openings, or other aspects of a successful job search, you can schedule a free consultation session at http://www.christiancareercenter.com/.
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Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/

Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:

Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen. Read more!

A Happy, Healthy You

“A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones.” Proverbs (17:22). It turns out that happiness may in fact be one of the most important keys to good health.

A Happy, Healthy You
By Dr. Reginald B. Cherry, M.D.
Christian Post Contributor

It’s a big, happy cycle… Healthy people might be happier, and people who are happy and satisfied with their lives might be healthier.

On a number of varied and important indicators, happy people have better physical health than their less cheerful counterparts.

Happy people have younger hearts, younger arteries, lower blood pressure, a greater tolerance for better pain, and recover more quickly from surgery. Their immune systems are even more resistant stronger immune systems - happy people are less likely to get colds and flu viruses, and when they do, their symptoms tend to be mild. Happiness appears to protect against falling ill in general.

But the best indicator of all may be longevity: happy people have a longer life expectancy than unhappy people. In a broad-based study of adults aged 65 and older, the happy people in the study were half as likely to die and half as likely to become disabled as compared to people who were generally sad.

Not surprisingly, happy people are better at looking after their health, too. When people's happiness levels improve, so do their health behaviors. They exercise more, wear sunscreen, and go for regular checkups.

But does your current health affect your happiness? Actually, there seems to be little correlation between a person's objective health-as defined by medical assessment-and happiness. It's our subjective health-how we view our health-that affects our well-being.

Of course, poor health does have the potential to negatively affect almost every aspect of our lives. So it's no surprise that when your health takes a hit, your happiness does, as well. But that effect seems to be temporary; within a month or two of an adverse health event, most people have gravitated back toward the level of happiness they enjoyed before their health took a turn for the worse.

When the change in health status is severe, however-for example, involving chronic pain or multiple disabilities-the impact on happiness can be long-lasting. And both physical health and emotional health influence happiness. Mood disorders diminish quality of life even more than chronic physical ailments, such as arthritis, heart disease, or diabetes.

Other than health, what influences your happiness? While as much as 40-50% of a person's capacity for happiness may be genetically predetermined, the rest is up to you.

Here are a few ways to up your daily happiness quotient:

Stay optimistic: Happy people experience about the same amounts of negative and positive life events as sad people. But studies show that happy people dwelled on the positive more often. People who are positive remember the good events in their lives more readily, while they tend to remember fewer of the unhappy times. Similarly, when confronted with a problem, happy people believe they will soon regain control of their lives while unhappy people are more skeptical.

Research shows that life satisfaction trickles up from tiny, positive events that occur every day-not down from what you have or what you think you need. Ultimately, positive emotions predict your satisfaction with life, not the other way around. So rather than focus on the things you think should improve your quality of life, cultivate the tiniest of moments that make you feel good

Exercise: Exercise not only helps keep you healthy, it also keeps you happy. In general, increasing the amount of physical activity in your life increases well-being. Moderate exercise offers the biggest boost in happiness. In fact studies show that jogging for 30 minutes three times a week can be as good as psychotherapy in treating depression; but if jogging isn’t for you, any type of exercise can reduce depressive symptoms.

Volunteer: People who volunteer reported higher levels of happiness. As the saying goes, “If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.”
Maintain relationships. Having a strong support system made up of healthy relationships and friendships promotes happiness.

Nurture your faith: Religious faith is one of the most important factors in predicting life satisfaction. You surely know this from your own life, but study after study confirms that actively religious people are happier, and that they cope better with crises and stress.

So live your life with a cheerful heart – it really is good medicine.
www.thepathwaytohealing.com
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Dr. Reginald B. Cherry (drcherry.org) is a member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, Harris County Medical Society, and the American College of Preventive Medicine. Dr. Cherry has authored numerous articles on Preventive Medicine, emphasizing nutrition and exercise. He also speaks extensively on these topics nationwide and conducts numerous seminars for various groups and organizations. Currently, his weekly television program reaches 80 million homes. www.thepathwaytohealing.com
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Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/

Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:

Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen.

Read more!

Be Careful Cause You Never Know

Imagine that I told you that whatever you needed that you can have it right now? What if I also added that you can be whatever you wanted to be and I will make sure it happens. How far will you stretch your imagination?Now what if I reverse all that and told you no, would your feelings toward me change knowing that I could have done it?

Now, let me ask you when was the last time you carried out an act of kindness for someone else? Regardless of how great and important you believe that your need is there is always someone that is in a worse condition than you.

Even though it may feel as though the little you may give may not be much, just ask the individual being helped . For some it made them smile, eased the pain, lifted a burden, satisfied their hunger, gave them new hope or even helped them find their purpose in life. You never know how much impact you will make in someone’s life, but do whatever is in your power to do. Let me share this excerpt I read a few weeks ago based on a true life’s story:

“There was this young man that went to our church when I was a kid. He wrote plays. They were sort of unorthodox in their approach. They dealt with some crazy issues and had a little profanity in them. This guy would often ask my father for help and my dad chose to support him, probably not even totally understanding him.

I believe it was because my dad was spiritual and didn’t just look at the exterior presentation. Well, this young man turned out to be Tyler Perry. If my father hadn’t supported him in those early years of creativity, maybe he wouldn’t have had confidence to take his gift further. Not only that, maybe he would have even rejected my father, now that he has gotten to the point of success and fame that he has now.

Ironically, the tables turned after Hurricane Katrina. My father then needed his help, and Tyler was the one that was there to help us rebuild after that tragedy. You just never know!” (Taken from the book “Why Can’t I Sing About Love” by PJ Morton)

Because of those acts of kindness and granted opportunity of BPM we know who Tyler Perry is today. Even though worth millions today, I’m sure Tyler Perry cannot begin to put a monetary value on the opportunity granted to him because of someone who reached out to give him a chance.

I’m sure you would agree that we hear an enormous amount of no’s in life. If this is the case then imagine the thrill that ignites in the heart of someone you say “Yes I will help you” to.

I know you have to go right now but before you go, be very careful how you handle the people that needs your help cause you never know.

“So then, whatever you desire that others would do to and for you, even so do also to and for them, for this is (sums up) the Law and the Prophets“. Matthew 7:12 (Amplified Bible)
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Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/

Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:

Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen.

Read more!

Having God’s “More-Than-Enough”

“I need this and that, oh and one of them” . Have you ever came to this place that you are consumed by things that you need ?Is it possible to be at the place when you are content with what you have?

Having God’s “More-Than-Enough”
Cindi McMenamin
Author of When God Pursues a Woman’s Heart

As we drove home from a store, my teenage daughter was complaining to me about all the things her friends had that she didn’t – new cars driven by her friends who just got their driver’s licenses, expensive homes with more rooms than their families needed, the latest electronic gadgets, the fanciest clothes, the highest-priced handbags.

Weary of constantly being reminded of what we didn’t have that her friends’ families did, I finally blew!

“Do you realize what we do have?” I snapped. “You have a roof over your head and these days, that should be enough!”

I didn’t know I had just struck a chord with her. Her face fell and she sadly told me of another one of her friends who was losing her home due to debt and a parent’s job loss.

Immediately my tone softened as I realized my daughter had already been convicted by her own words. We prayed for the family that was losing their home and then I silently prayed for wisdom to turn that topic into a teaching moment.

“You know, Sweetie,” I told her softly, as I continued to drive: “a lot of people around us are losing their homes. That’s why it’s important for us to not only think about what we have and be grateful for it, but to focus on what we have that we will never lose.”

She looked at me for a moment. And then she got it.

We took turns recounting all that we have that can never be taken from us:

-The love we have from one another in our family
-The memories we’ve had in our small, three-bedroom condo
-The vacations we’ve been able to take because of God’s grace and provision
-The gift of our salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9)
-The unconditional love of God (Romans 5:8)
-A promised mansion in Eternity that will outdo anything we could ever buy on this earth! (John 14:2-3)

I realized that day that my daughter is not the only one who often wishes she had more. It’s easy for me, at times, to look at what others have and be envious. It’s natural for me to sometimes wish I had a little more extra money to indulge in my desires. But so often I forget all I do have…and that it is more than enough.

So often we go through life looking at what others have and wondering when our ship will come in. Then we remember we have a God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10), a God who promises to supply all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19), and a God who has gone to prepare an unfathomable place for us to live with Him someday (John 14:3).

In Psalm 4, David the Psalmist was asking God for relief from his distresses. Life looked bleak for Him and He was, like we often do, questioning if God noticed and would respond. But then David must have remembered all that he had in his relationship with God, because he finished his prayer with a song of perspective and joy:

“You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:7-8)

In another translation, that verse sounds like a song I should be singing every day that I begin to forget my blessings and long for more:

“I have God’s more-than-enough, more joy in one ordinary day than they get in all their shopping sprees.

At days’ end I’m ready for sound sleep. For you, God, have put my life back together.” (The Message)

God is the true source of security in an insecure world…and He is the Only One who satisfies in a world where we can never seem to get enough. And when we have Him – along with His promises for provision, protection and peace – we have “more than enough.”

Can you draw strength from knowing that you have God’s more-than-enough even if at times it doesn’t look like quite enough? Thank Him today for all that you have, as well as for the blessings that you don’t yet see. The Bible says if we belong to Christ, God has blessed us in the heavenly realm with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

And if we “share in His sufferings” we are “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). Joint heirs with God! Think about that. We are heirs of all that is His. Now that’s an inheritance. That’s a future. That is more than enough.

To have more joy in one ordinary day than the rest of the world has in all their shopping sprees is priceless. It’s something money can’t buy. And it’s something that can never be taken away from us.

Live in the joy and freedom of God’s priceless gifts rather than the bondage of the world’s debts. And your children may learn to rejoice with you, too!


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Cindi McMenamin is a national speaker and author of several books, including ‘When Women Walk Alone’ (more than 100,000 copies sold), ‘Letting God Meet Your Emotional Needs,’ and ‘When God Pursues a Woman’s Heart.’ This article is adapted from her most recent book, ‘When Women Walk Alone: A 31-Day Devotional Companion.’ For more on her Southern California-based ministry, or to order her books, see her website: www.StrengthForTheSoul.com. _____________________________________________

Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/

Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:

Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen. Read more!

5 Smooth Stones to Defeat Cardiovascular Disease

Before David faced Goliath, he went to a brook and found five smooth stones rounded over time by water. No matter how old you are, now is the time to address the Goliath of cardiovascular disease.

5 Smooth Stones to Defeat Cardiovascular Disease
By Dr. Reginald B. Cherry, M.D.
Christian Post Contributor

Cardiovascular disease, or CVD, includes coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and heart failure. Together, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, accounting for more than one in three deaths annually. In addition, more than 80 million Americans live with some form of CVD and its often debilitating effects, with stroke being the leading cause of serious, long-term disability.

But CVD is largely preventable. You can lower your blood pressure, reduce your risk of stroke, and prevent a heart attack, naturally.

So gather your five smooth stones for slaying the giant that is cardiovascular disease. The stones are smooth because they may take a period of time to work; they are part of long-term lifestyle, not a one-time fix. However, unlike David, you will need most, if not all of the stones to protect yourself against CVD

FIVE STONES

1. Stop Smoking And Avoid Second-Hand Smoke
Smoking is a primary indicator of CVD. It increases bad cholesterol, heart rate and blood pressure; damages blood vessels, increases and constricts the arteries; creates free radicals; and hampers the flow of oxygen and other nutrients throughout the body. Consistent exposure to smoke can have equally devastating effects.

2. Exercise and Control Weight
Being overweight contributes to high blood pressure and atherosclerosis as well as to diabetes – in itself a risk factor for heart disease. Lack of exercise over time weakens the heart and other muscles, allows the blood vessel lining to harden, weakens blood flow, and contributes to obesity.

On the other hand, cardiovascular exercise builds the aerobic capacity of your heart and lungs, and returns elasticity to arterial walls. It spurs your body to produce more antioxidants, and increases your ability to use them to combat free radicals. Exercise also helps in coping with stress, another CVD risk factor.

Walking, swimming, biking, tennis, running or any aerobic exercise for 30 minutes at least five days a week will bring about cardiovascular benefits. See Be Active Your Way for more on exercise guidelines.

3. Adopt the Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean Diet is low in red meat, hydrogenated oils, sodium and processed foods, and high in fiber, nuts, fish, fruits, vegetables and olive oil. It features foods mentioned in the Bible that are staples in countries such as Israel, Greece and Italy. See Dr. Cherry’s Mediterranean Diet video for more guidelines on following this healthy way of eating.

In addition to the foods in the Mediterranean Diet, adding soy to your diet has several benefits. It can substitute for red meats (often high in fat) because it is a complete protein, and is has plant antioxidants that appear to slow the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and reduces the chance of blood clot formation.

Switching from the typical American diet of processed, starchy and fatty foods to one made up of whole grains, fruits and vegetables may be the hardest of the five steps, but it could also be the difference between being satisfied with a long life and suffering at the hands of cardiovascular disease.

4. Begin a Daily Nutritional Supplement Program
While eating right is a major key to preventing CVD, it is important to realize that due to modern farming and food production techniques, the nutritional value of our foods is not what it used to be. Even those who eat a healthy diet are not getting optimal levels of all the nutrients, and those whose diets are not as wholesome are at even more of a nutritional deficit.

An article in the Journal of the American Medical Association stated, “Insufficient vitamin intake is the cause of chronic disease…Evidence shows that suboptimal levels, even those well above levels for sufficiency syndromes, are risk factors for chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis….A large portion of the general population is at increased risk for this reason.”

It goes onto say, “We recommend that all adults take a multivitamin daily. This practice is justified mainly by the known and suspected benefits of supplemental folate, vitamins B6 and B12 and vitamin D in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoporosis, and because multi-vitamins at that dose are safe and inexpensive.” In addition, the American Heart Association suggests that those who have had coronary heart disease events should take essential fatty acids daily.

See Dr. Cherry’s Importance of Supplements video for more on why you should supplement.

A complete “basic” program should include a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals; fruit, vegetable and herbal extracts; digestive enzymes; omega-3 fatty acids; flavonoids and enhanced levels of antioxidants. Basic Nutrient Support provides all of these and more in its seven nutrient complexes.

5. Use Other Natural Compounds That Specifically Address Cardiovascular Disease
There are also specific natural compounds that address cardiovascular health that can be taken in addition to a basic nutritional program. As well, certain nutrients contained in a daily supplement, such as vitamins B6, B 12 and folate, can be taken in higher amounts when there is a risk of cardiovascular disease.

These compounds will be looked at in more detail in the next article, Nutrients Your Heart Will Love.

Because of the awareness focused on heart health, death rates from CVD have actually declined in the past decade. By combining the “five stones” on this list, you can protect your heart as well. God’s guidelines for healthy eating, exercise and the compounds God provided for our health in His natural creation are all signposts on the way to the fulfillment of /his promises for a long and satisfying full life.
www.thepathwaytohealing.com
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Dr. Reginald B. Cherry (drcherry.org) is a member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, Harris County Medical Society, and the American College of Preventive Medicine. Dr. Cherry has authored numerous articles on Preventive Medicine, emphasizing nutrition and exercise. He also speaks extensively on these topics nationwide and conducts numerous seminars for various groups and organizations. Currently, his weekly television program reaches 80 million homes. www.thepathwaytohealing.com
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Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/

Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:

Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen. Read more!

Finance Q&A: How Can I Control My Spending?

Dear Deborah,

I’m 27 and single. I struggle every month to pay my bills. I’m finding that my impulse buying is getting out of hand. I owe $6,000 on my credit cards, and I’m only making minimum monthly payments. I want to pay off my cards and start saving. What can I do to help control my spending? -- Eric

Finance Q&A: How Can I Control My Spending?
Deborah Nayrocker
Crosswalk.com Contributor

You’re off to a great start by realizing you need to make changes in your spending. The first thing to do is stop charging on your credit cards. If you pay more than the minimum amount and yet continue to make purchases on credit, you’re not moving forward at all.

Would you like to pay off your debts within a short time and get more joy into your life? Do you want to be a wiser shopper, spending only what is necessary?

Just ask yourself three simple questions before making your purchases. And you’ll be surprised at how much easier it will be to control your spending.

Three questions to ask before spending your hard-earned money:

Is what I want to buy a need, a want, or a luxury?

Decide into which category your purchase fits. Be honest with yourself. It is easy to talk ourselves into buying something by saying that it is a need, but is it really? Why not pass up a frivolous purchase, and save the money instead?

Tip: When we develop an awareness of our purchasing choices, we spend our money more wisely.

Am I following through with my goals by buying this item?

Once we have set clear goals of what we want for our life now and in the future, it becomes easier every day to make buying decisions. We can be focused and deliberate about paying off our credit cards, saving for an emergency fund, and saving for the things we value even more.

Tip: We can learn to align our purchases with our personal goals. It will be worth it.

How many hours of my life is this purchase worth?

Let’s say you’re thinking about buying a new car for $20,000. You make ten dollars an hour. Is the car really worth 2,000 hours of your life? And remember that your actual working hours will be more than 2,000 hours if you buy that car on credit. You could find yourself paying for your new car and thousands of dollars of interest besides.

Tip: We can’t get the time back that we spent earning our money. Our time is finite.

Eric, you’ve made a smart decision to put a halt to impulse buying. Carefully record your purchases every month, observing where you tend to spend frivolously. Pay off credit card bills as quickly as you can. Then watch your dollars grow in your savings accounts!
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Deborah Nayrocker is the author of The Art of Debt-Free Living – Living Large on Less than You Earn and Living a Balanced Financial Life. Her Web site is http://www.artofdebt-freeliving.com/.
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Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/

Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:

Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen. Read more!

Are You Missing Your Life?

The hardest thing to learn in life is which bridge to cross and which to burn.
David Russell

Are You Missing Your Life?
Whitney Hopler
Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer

Are you missing your own life? If you’re too busy to savor the moments that can become memories to treasure, you’re missing out on the life God wants you to enjoy.
But if you capture the moments of your life, you can use the memories of them as springboards to living to the fullest. Recognizing God at work in your life will give you the freedom you need to enjoy new experiences that will create even more cherished memories.

Here’s how you can mine your memories to find valuable freedom:

Ask God to illuminate your memories. Reflect on the memories that stand out in your mind from your life so far – from happy childhood experiences to traumatic events. Pray about them, asking God to help you learn what He would like to teach you through them.

Wake up. Don’t let the busy pace of your life cause you to zone out so you can’t fully absorb your experiences. Whenever something serious happens to you (such as losing your job or having a loved one pass away), don’t just carry on with your life as usual; stop to deal with it emotionally. Do the same whenever something particularly exciting happens to you (such as having a baby or getting a promotion). Whether you need to cry and scream or give thanks and celebrate, take time to do so. Wake up to the value of each moment you’re living, since it will never come again.

Listen to your friends. Recall the times you’ve spent with close friends and reflect on what they’ve revealed to you about who you are as a person. What qualities have they most admired and enjoyed about you? What ways have they challenged you to grow? How have they encouraged you to serve God and other people, to use your gifts and talents to help make the world a better place? What can you and your current friends do together to help each other fulfill God’s purposes for your lives?

Find the humor. Be willing to laugh at yourself when you remember your mistakes and failures from the past. Aim to create new memories of times when you enjoy laughing with others. Don’t overbook your schedule; plan time to take regular breaks from your responsibilities to have fun. Give yourself permission to play. Get enough sleep each night. Avoid negative people as much as possible and surround yourself with positive people. Set boundaries with people so they don’t deplete your time and energy. Even if your family doesn’t usually laugh much, learn how to enjoy humor yourself. Limit the amount of bad news you take in from the media each day. Let go of bitterness that prevents you from enjoying life by following God’s command to forgive people who have hurt or offended you; trust Him to help you through the process.

Question your assumptions. Since mistaken assumptions based on inaccurate facts create fear in your life, always question your assumptions when you’re reflecting on your memories. Think and pray before reaching conclusions.

Get over it. If you’re reliving certain negative experiences from your past that have long been over because you’re getting attention for doing so, make up your mind to move on with your life. Stop complaining and lean into the goodness that’s a part of your life right now.

Take a break. You can’t learn from your memories if you’re too burned out to reflect on them coherently. So let other people who care about you help you take a time-out from some of your responsibilities to refresh your mind. Get some childcare, delegate house hold chores and errands, and do whatever else you need to do to take a break.

Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Stop negative thinking that keeps you stuck focused on your shortcomings when you reflect on your life. Instead, ask God to help you turn each negative thought about yourself into a positive thought that emphasizes your opportunities to grow as a person. Rather than wasting your energy lamenting your past, trust God and cooperate with Him as He transforms you so you can look forward to a better future.

Ask hard questions. When reflecting on your troubling and challenging memories, don’t hesitate to ask God hard questions that will help you deal with the issues involved. God can handle whatever you need to ask Him about – from doubt to anger. Trust God to reach out to you with grace and mercy as you approach Him with hard questions.

Awaken your senses. Notice what’s around you through your senses (looking, hearing, tasting, touching, and smelling) and find some touchstones to your past – items that can serve as tangible reminders of memories you treasure. Then say a prayer of thanks for each memory represented by those touchstones.

Take a leap of faith. Don’t let your memories of past failures stop you from taking more risks in your life from now on. Learn from your failures and keep moving forward toward achieving your goals. When you encounter new opportunities (a possible business venture, a way to meet a potential mate, a vacation that offers adventure, etc.), pray for the faith you need to overcome your fear and follow your dreams.

Imagine new possibilities. As you pray about your memories, invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you through your imagination about how they can spur you on to explore new possibilities in your life. Approach changing circumstances with curiosity and faith, looking forward to what God will teach you as you go through them. Imagine yourself fulfilling God’s purposes for your life in exciting ways.

Expect the unexpected. Don’t despair when you recall situations that haven’t gone as you expected. Roll with the punches in life and seek to learn all you can from unexpected circumstances.

Fight for what’s worth fighting for and let the rest go. When your memories reveal parts of your life that you wish you could change, pray for the ability to discern what you can do something about and what is out of your control. Stop wasting time and energy fighting against what you can’t change. Turn those situations over to God and trust Him to do what’s best. Let your gratitude for how God has forgiven you motivate you to forgive others who have hurt or offended you rather than trying to fight them.

Be still. Whether you’re grieving or celebrating a particular memory, be still and know that God is in ultimate control of your life. Let that knowledge comfort you.

Become like a reed. Let your memories of God’s faithfulness to you inspire you to become like a reed – available to God completely, inviting Him to blow through you with His breath of life to empower you to serve Him and help make the world a better place.
August 11, 2009

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Adapted from Don’t Miss Your Life! An Uncommon Guide to Living with Freedom, Laugher, and Grace, copyright 2009 by Charlene Ann Baumbich. Published by Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, West Monroe, La., http://www.christian.simonandschuster.com/.
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Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/

Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:

Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen. Read more!

Why Potential Doesn't Equal Success

Do you often find yourself thinking about all the potential you have in life? How many disappointments have you experienced inyour life even though had great potential? You may have an advantage with your potential but is your success guaranteed?


Why Potential Doesn't Equal Success
Daniel Darling

I had a friend who hated to hear the dreaded, "P-word." To him, "potential" meant one thing: You're messing your life up, why won’t you get it in line?

He would say to me, "I’m tired of people saying I have potential and that I can do better. It would be so much easier if I didn't have any potential. There would be no pressure."

My friend, who later exceeded expectations by becoming a dynamic pastor of a large suburban church, hit the nail on the head.

With potential comes enormous pressure. Ask Solomon. Talk about potential; he was swimming in the stuff. His father, David, set up the nation of Israel in such a way that Solomon couldn't possibly fail. Then, the Lord made Solomon the wisest and richest man who ever lived.

Who could fail with that kind of a start?

Well, sadly, Solomon did fail. Sure, he built Israel into a superpower, he grew his wealth, he expanded the kingdom.

But as a spiritual and moral leader, he was an abysmal failure. As a result of his serial adultery, God eventually divided Israel into two kingdoms.

The question people ask is this. "How could someone like Solomon, who was given so much, fail?"

The answer? Potential doesn't equal success.

This is a pattern that's repeated today in Christian homes and schools across the country. Research indicates that somewhere around 80 percent of evangelical teens walk away from the faith when they get to college.

How can teens—who have been given so much from their Christian parents, good churches, and godly examples—chuck it all in favor of the temporary pleasures of sin?

The answer? Potential doesn't equal success.

What plagued Solomon—and what plagues Christian young people—is a failure to internalize faith, to make it their own. Instead, they are content to rest on the fervency of their parents or their pastor or their church. But this kind of hand-me-down experience won't survive the rigors of college, the workforce, and marriage.

The key to success in the Christian life is not what you've been given, but what you do with the opportunities God offers you. Solomon had a lot going for him and failed.

Contrast that with Joseph, who grew up in a dysfunctional family, was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and was falsely accused of rape.

Joseph had very little potential, and yet he succeeded.

Our all-powerful God has blessed each one of us differently. We all possess different gifts, talents, and passions. We all have different backgrounds, family situations, and heritages. These are things you cannot control. These are advantages or disadvantages you did not choose.

What you can control is how you choose to live your life. Will you squander what God has given you, or will you use it for His glory? Will you lament your station in life or will you make the most of every situation?

You can have potential without any success. You can have success without any potential. You can also have potential and success.
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Daniel Darling is the author of Teen People of the Bible. Visit him at danieldarling.com.
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Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/

Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:

Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen. Read more!

More Green Tea Benefits

More and more we are being made aware of the benefits of drinking tea. Do you know the benefit’s that you may be missing from not drinking this type of tea?

More Green Tea Benefits
By Dr. Reginald B. Cherry, M.D.
Christian Post Contributor

On this website, we have mentioned some of the wonderful benefits of green tea, such as its role in weight loss (particularly abdominal fat); reducing blood pressure and cholesterol; and protection against breast and prostate cancer. Now, there are more benefits to add to the list.

Lowering Stroke Risk
New research from UCLA reports that drinking three or more cups of green or black tea a day may reduce the risk of stroke by 21%. And, the more you drink, the greater the cuts in stroke risk. "What we saw was that there was a consistency of effect of appreciable magnitude," said lead author Lenore Arab.

While both teas were used, green tea is said to contain over four times the concentration of antioxidant catechins than black tea (green tea leaves that have been oxidized by fermentation).

Protecting Gums
Consuming green tea may offer protection against gum disease, a condition that may affect up to 80% of the population, according to a new study. Men who regularly drank green tea had superior periodontal health (based on three clinical indicators) than their peers who drank less green tea.

Researchers suggest that the antioxidant catechins may be responsible for the protective effects. Previous research has indicated that the green tea has anti-inflammatory effects, and gum disease has been linked to an inflammatory response to periodontal bacteria in the mouth. Periodontal disease has also been linked to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke and difficulty controlling blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Additional Potential Against Prostate CancerConsuming green tea may reduce levels of compounds that are linked to prostate cancer progression. In a small study of men with prostate cancer. those who drank the equivalent of 12 cups of green tea showed a significant reduction (up to 30%) in blood levels of HGF, VEGF and PSA, all markers that predict the progression of prostate cancer.

Promise Against Alzheimer’s
Senior citizens that drink green tea have demonstrated increased mental abilities. In addition, green tea catechins may help prevent the loss of reference and working memory that is linked to plaque formation in the brain. An animal study found that green tea’s antioxidants could counteract the oxidative stress brought on by a build-up of beta-amyloid protein.

The build-up of plaque from beta-amyloid deposits is associated with an increase in brain cell damage and death from oxidative stress, which can lead to a loss of cognitive function and an increased risk of Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia and currently affects over 13 million people worldwide.

More on Green Tea
• Fresh brewed green tea from tea bags or loose leaf tea has more catechins than the bottled kind in grocery stores.
• Combine green tea and lemon for an even more powerful punch. Adding citrus juice to the antioxidant-rich tea led to a fourfold increase in disease-fighting catechins. Lemon juice is most effective, but orange and lime also work.
• Taking green tea extract is a very effective and convenient way to obtain the beneficial catechins on a daily basis. Green tea extract is one of the specialized nutrients in the Super Antioxidants Complex in our Basic Nutrient Support, and can also be found in Cardiovascular Support, Liver Support and the Weight Management Program.
www.thepathwaytohealing.com
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Dr. Reginald B. Cherry (drcherry.org) is a member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, Harris County Medical Society, and the American College of Preventive Medicine. Dr. Cherry has authored numerous articles on Preventive Medicine, emphasizing nutrition and exercise. He also speaks extensively on these topics nationwide and conducts numerous seminars for various groups and organizations. Currently, his weekly television program reaches 80 million homes. www.thepathwaytohealing.com
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Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/

Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:

Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen. Read more!

Does Your Spending Reflect Your Values?

Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want.
Anna Lappe

Does Your Spending Reflect Your Values?
Jay Peroni
Author, The Faith-Based Millionaire

Recently, US retail giant Wal-Mart made a big announcement relating to its plans to create a database which would reveal how environmental friendly its suppliers, manufacturers, and their products are. According to Wal-Mart they would create what is called a sustainability index that would be implemented over a series of three phases.

This would include analyzing over 100,000 of its suppliers and understanding how they operate, where a product is made, and its environmental policies (such as greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and solid waste disposal).

This is a huge step in what ultimately may influence how people shop and what brands and products they support. Over the past few years, I have been a huge advocate of knowing what you own in your portfolio as well as the products and services you buy.

Every day you vote with your wallet. Where you work, where you spend, donate and even invest is a reflection of your values. With this comes a huge moral responsibility. Just because you turn a blind eye to where your money is going doesn’t mean you are not supporting companies that contradict your value system. Hosea 4:6 reads, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (niv). It is often are lack of knowledge that destroys our ability to create change in our society.

Who is the Owner?
What we possess is not ours. The Bible tells us God created everything between heaven and earth. He owns everything. We are responsible for managing our lives, our money, and our possessions on God’s behalf. Because everything we possess is ultimately His, we are essentially God’s managers. Many believe that only the first 10 percent belongs to God (a tithe), but in reality, He owns the other 90 percent as well. He graciously loans us resources based on our ability to manage. Will you become a faithful manager? Will you seek to better understand where your money is going and what your money is voting for?

The parable of the talents (see Matthew 25:14–30) illustrates the power of being a faithful manager. With each level of responsibility, the amounts given to the servants differed, but each was entrusted with something. The rewards were not based on the amounts given, but rather on the increase that resulted from the amount given. God gives you responsibility based on what you can handle. You have been given something that is important to God; you can please Him through being faithful with what He has provided and called you to do.

Being a faithful manager encompasses more than money. It involves management of every single area of our daily lives. Do you believe you or God is the owner of everything? Your belief is illustrated each time you make a decision. Are you in control or is God? Either we attempt to take God out of the picture (the reason for the fall of Adam in the garden), or we seek to move closer to God (the triumph of Jesus).

It goes Beyond Spending…
There are many companies that produce products and services that blatantly oppose what you believe in. You may be knowingly or unknowingly investing in companies that are fighting against moral issues, social issues and causes dear to you. You may not even realize that you have a choice as to where you invest and that you can avoid investing in companies that contradict your belief system.

The following is a list of causes and concerns that may affect your moral decisions. These hot buttons are the most common examples of issues that generate strong emotional responses. If any of these issues are of concern to you, I strongly advise that you begin to consider the implications of investing in companies that violate your internal moral compass. There are tools and research available to help you eliminate or minimize your involvement in these hot buttons.

Moral Issues
Abortion
Homosexuality
Pornography
Human Rights of the Poor
Embryonic Stem-Cell Research
Social Issues
Alcohol
Antifamily Entertainment
Gambling
Poor Environmental Record
Tobacco

Here is a question to ponder: Would you purposely invest money in companies involved in any of the areas listed above? After taking some time to examine this list, what issues, if any, most resonated with you? Are there any areas in which you wish to avoid investing in your financial life? If any of these issues ignite strong emotional responses, is your passion strong enough that you want to do something about it?

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Jay Peroni, CFP® is a renowned financial advisor and author of The Faith-Based Millionaire (foreword by Dan Miller, author of 48 Days To the Work You Love) and The Faith-Based Investor, and is considered an expert authority on the subject of "Faith-Based Investing. He is the founder of www.faithbasedinvestor.com, a faith-based investing newsletter and the founder of Values First Advisers, Inc. a firm dedicated to faith-based financial planning and money management.


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Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/

Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:

Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen. Read more!

Change the Way You Talk to Yourself

Often times you would find the need to talk to yourself. Ok, relax, this is a normal thing despite what others say. The only thing about this is that there are some thoughts that go through your mind that aren’t beneficial for your life. So what do you do?

Change the Way You Talk to Yourself
Whitney Hopler
Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer

Editor's Note: The following is a report on the practical applications of Shelly Beach's new book, The Silent Seduction of Self-Talk: Conforming Deadly Thought Patterns to the Word of God, (Moody Publishers, 2009).

You constantly carry on conversations with yourself in your mind, and studies show that this self-talk occurs at a rapid rate of about 1,300 words per minute. But does what you're telling yourself reflect the truth?

Too often, your self-talk reveals a twisted view of yourself and selfish motives that conflict with the way God thinks about you and your life. But if you change the way you talk to yourself – conforming wrong thought patterns to biblical truth – you’ll see more clearly who you really are and what purposes God has for you.

Here’s how you can change the way you talk to yourself:

Listen to yourself. Pay closer attention to what you’re saying in your mind throughout each day and evening. Cut down on busyness that interferes with you hearing your own thoughts well. Ask God to reveal the ugly parts of yourself that you’ve worked to hide with deceptive self-talk. Listen to what you’re telling yourself about your own attitudes and actions, and consider how you might be trying to justify or rationalize sin in your life. Then pray for God to help you change from the inside out.

Recognize the voice of seduction calling you. A battle between good and evil rages in your mind regularly because you live in a fallen world. Satan’s goal in that battle is to shift your focus from God and onto yourself. Pray for the discernment you need to recognize evil trying to seduce you: critical thoughts telling you that you’re no good as a person, bitter thoughts urging you to take revenge on someone who has hurt you, lustful thoughts telling you that you deserve to take whatever you want even if doing so would hurt others, etc. Ask God to open your eyes to the lies that you’ve believed, and to renew your mind through His Holy Spirit so you can replace those lies with truth.

Confess and repent of unhealthy self-talk. Read, study, and reflect on Bible passages regularly, so its truth will soak into your soul and transform the way you think. When you notice that your self-talk conflicts with biblical truth, confess and repent of the wrong thoughts. Ask God to help you kill whatever wrong thoughts are passing through your mind, from pride and greed to anger and fear. Admit how you’ve been following your own plans rather than God’s plans for various areas of your life, from your relationships and health to your work and finances. Take an honest look at the motives you have for what you choose to say and do each day. Let the gratitude you feel for all God has done for you motivate you to submit your will to His in fresh ways daily.

Ask God to help you see yourself as He sees you. Pray for God to help you view yourself as His beloved child, and let God’s view of you give you the comfort and encouragement you need to focus on pleasing God alone rather than trying to please other people. Don’t waste time and energy worrying about what others may think of you. Instead, let the knowledge of God’s love for you free you to serve as He leads you, using the gifts and talents He has given you to fulfill great purposes for your life.

Pray about your self-talk as it occurs. Pray about the thoughts that concern you as they go through your mind. As soon as you become aware of something disturbing like a flash of guilt or pride, confess it and take advantage of the opportunity to have God immediately restore your mind. Catch yourself when you’re lying to yourself or running from God. Then invite God to transform your thinking in that moment. Ask God to help you trust Him to help you with whatever situation you’re thinking about at the time. Then thank Him for His constant presence with you. Make a habit of evaluating your self-talk and praying about it moment-by-moment so you can experience God’s peace whenever you need it.

Replace lies with the truth. Be alert to the lies your self-talk reveals about yourself, other people, and God. Pray for the discernment you need to have an accurate perspective on yourself, others, and God. Tune out the clamor you hear from life’s chaos around you and proactively turn your heart to God so you can tune into His voice above all the noise. Listen to the truth the God speaks to you through His Holy Spirit and let that overcome the lies you’ve been telling yourself. Each time the Holy Spirit reveals a lie and nudges you to pray about it, follow a healthy cycle: sensitivity to the Spirit, conviction of sin, conversation with God, freedom and renewal, and changed behavior.

Write to yourself in a journal. Record the details of your self-talk in a journal so you can study them and ask yourself where your thoughts are coming from and what God wants you to do about them.

Enlist help from other people. Ask a few friends you trust to encourage you, hold you accountable, pray for you, and give you advice as you try to change the way you talk to yourself.

Turn your self-talk into God-talk. Once you’ve learned how to focus on God’s voice speaking to you, invite Him to use your private thoughts to help you love Him and others in deeper ways. Pray for more and more insights to help you love God and other people with greater passion. Ask God to fill your mind with thoughts that will lead you to live the best life possible.

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Adapted from The Silent Seduction of Self-Talk: Conforming Deadly Thought Patterns to the Word of God, copyright 2009 by Shelly Beach. Published by Moody Publishers, Chicago, Ill., www.moodypublishers.com.

Shelly Beach is founder and director of the Cedar Falls Christian Writers’ Workshop in Iowa and cofounder of the Breathe Christian Writers’ Workshop in Michigan. She is the author of two previous books. She and her husband Dan reside in Rockford, Michigan.
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Take care until…......and God Bless ya
http://jamesedgecombe2.blogspot.com/

Are you ready to face eternity? If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of your life and desire to make that commitment now please repeat the following prayer:

Lord Jesus be merciful to me a sinner. I realize that I have sinned against you and come short of your glory. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and I believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead. I pray for your forgiveness and ask that you save me now and accept me into your kingdom. Give me eternal life today.
In Jesus Name, Amen. Read more!