Your Words Have Power!

Since it’s April 15, I was tempted to post a subtly snarky comment about government overreach and our flawed tax system...

But then I read Proverbs 15—and realized much of it is focused on how we use our words.

So instead of tearing down, I’m choosing to build up.

Here are seven nuggets of communication gold from Proverbs 15:

💬 “A soft answer turns away wrath.”
Your words can either escalate or de-escalate conflict. Calm is strength.

💬 “A gentle tongue is a tree of life.”
The right words can breathe life into someone. Use them generously.

💬 “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge.”
Celebrate what’s good in others. Reinforce what’s working.

💬 “The lips of the wise spread knowledge.”
Share what you’ve learned. Don’t hoard wisdom—pass it on.

💬 “He who is slow to answer quiets contention.”
Thoughtfulness beats impulsiveness. Pause before you speak.

💬 “An apt answer is a joy to a man.”
Don’t interrupt or assume. Listen first—then answer well.

💬 “Gracious words are pure.”
The best words flow from the best intentions. Stay kind.

Your words shape your influence. Choose grace. Choose wisdom.

What’s one phrase someone spoke to you that changed everything? Drop it below—I’d love to read it.

When Life Feels Out Of Control, Remember This...

Sometimes life takes turns we didn’t expect—painful ones. People betray us. Plans fall apart. The path gets dark and confusing. In those moments, it’s tempting to wonder, Where is God in all of this?

The story of Joseph in Genesis 50 reminds us that God is never absent—He’s always working, even when we can’t see it. Joseph experienced rejection, slavery, and injustice, but he looked back and saw God’s hand in all of it. What others meant to harm him, God used to bless not only Joseph, but countless others.

That’s the power of God's perspective. While we focus on what’s right in front of us, He sees the whole picture. He’s not just fixing today’s problems—He’s preparing something far greater for tomorrow.

Maybe what you’re facing isn’t good right now. But that doesn’t mean God has stopped being good. The delay, the difficulty, the detour—it may be the very thing God is using to position you for what’s next.

You don’t have to understand everything to trust Him in anything. Keep going. Keep believing. Your story isn’t over—and the God who’s writing it is faithful, wise, and good through it all.

DON'T WASTE YOUR WAIT!

Waiting can feel like a waste of time, but Joseph’s story in Genesis 40 reminds us that waiting is an opportunity. Even in prison, unsure of his future, Joseph didn’t wallow in self-pity—he served. Instead of obsessing over his own injustice, he noticed the pain of others. When Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker were troubled by their dreams, Joseph cared enough to ask, “Why do you look so sad today?” (Genesis 40:7).

Like Joseph, we often don’t know what God is doing in our waiting seasons. But we do know this: focusing on people rather than problems keeps our hearts soft and our faith strong. Instead of getting stuck in frustration, look for ways to encourage someone, pray for a friend, or serve where you are. You may not see the full picture yet, but God is working. Don’t waste your wait—use it to bless others.

Gratitude Is The Path to Happiness

 Are you unhappy? How much time do you spend thinking about how unhappy you are? The more you focus on your discontent, the more it will grow. If you want to change your unhappiness, you need to change your focus. 

Gratitude shifts your attention from what’s wrong to what’s right. People who practice gratitude feel better about life. They sleep better, their mental health is better, their relationships are better. They are happier, more content, and more fun to be around. Science demonstrates this to be true as does Scripture.

Philippians 4:6 tells us to pray with thanksgiving. Gratitude isn’t just a polite habit—it’s a spiritual weapon against anxiety and discontent. Jesus Himself gave thanks even when facing death. If He could do that, we can give thanks in all circumstances.

Make gratitude a daily practice. Begin and end each day with the words THANK YOU. It’s a habit that will change your life.

Make Better Decisions By Learning From Ant Man

I try to read a chapter from Proverbs every day. Today is March 6, so I was in Proverbs 6 this morning. I came across a verse I’ve read many times before, but today noticed a powerful decision-making process that can be helpful in any situation.

Proverbs 6:6 says, “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.” That tiny creature has a lot to teach us about decision-making.

1️⃣ OBSERVE – “Go to the ant.” Before making any decision, observe. Gather information. Too often, we rush into choices without seeing the full picture. Wisdom starts with awareness.

2️⃣ CONSIDER – “Consider her ways.” Take some time to think about and sort your observations. Ask “why?” and then ask “why?” again. Think about the details and think about the big picture. Think about the outcomes in 5 minutes, 5 days, 5 months, and 5 years.

3️⃣ ACT – “Be wise.” The process must move past consideration. Too many people get stuck in analysis paralysis. Wisdom isn’t just knowing what’s right; it’s doing it. Make a decision and then act on it with confidence.

Whether it’s career moves, relationships, or faith, the Antman approach works. Observe. Contemplate. Act. Small steps of wisdom lead to big outcomes. 🐜 #DecisionMaking #Wisdom #Leadership

DISTRACTIONS ARE WRONG-WAY ATTRACTIONS

Tucked into the middle of one of Jesus' most popular parables is a powerful teaching about distraction. In Matthew 13, Jesus told and explained the Parable of the Sower (sometimes call the Parable of the Four Soils). In verse 22, Jesus was explaining the meaning of His parable and said:

As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

This verse seems to describe a person who is unable to fully accept the gospel of grace because they are distracted. Distractions are wrong-way attractions. Those who are attracted to what the world offers will always struggle to be attracted to what Christ offers.

The cares of the world often seem very important at the moment, but when we view them with the proper perspective, we discover they are not nearly as important as initially thought.

A great exercise to evaluate potential distractions is to use the 5x5 method (5 questions with the number 5) to determine whether something is BETTER or whether it is LESSER:

--> How much will it matter in 5 minutes?

--> How much will it matter in 5 days?

--> How much will it matter in 5 months?

--> How much will it matter in 5 years?

--> How much will it matter to the 5 people closest to me?

Don't let distractions derail your life. Learn to focus on the better thing instead of the lesser thing.

Check out this 4 week devotional about distractions

10 Sermon Leftovers From The Life Of Samson (Judges 13-14)

Some have said that Samson was a He-Man with a She-Weakness. We might also say that he was someone with Dynamite Potential but was derailed by a Distraction Problem. Here are 10 Leftovers from my recent sermon on Judges 13-14.

1. Samson was a shadow of Jesus. His miraculous birth was foreshadowed by an angel and he was born specifically to deliver his people.

2. God's purpose for Samson was empowered by the gifts He gave to Samson. In the same way God has empowered the church to accomplish the purpose He gave them (Matthew 28 & 1 Corinthians 13)

3. Why was God willing to consistently punish the Canaanites?

• His original desire was to bless them through Abraham (Genesis 12:3).
• He patiently waited for them to repent (Genesis 15:16, 2 Peter 3:9)
• Even in the midst of judgment, He extended grace to those who came to him. (Rahab - Hebrews 11:31)

4. EVERYTHING in the Samson story needs to be viewed through this lens: The Philistines were the enemies of God and God's people. God's intention was to remove their evil from the earth (something we all appreciate)

5. Some degree of Samson's failure can be attached to his parent's weakness. They did not need to affirm Samson's sin (marriage to Philistine), but they chose to facilitate it and participate in it. Permissive parenting is always easier but never better.

6. Samson and his parents were all terribly flawed. God still used them in unexpected ways. God uses flawed people!

7. Samson's purpose was to begin saving Israel from the Philistines. David finished the job. David's job was to begin the royal line of the Messiah. Jesus finished the job. Samson was to David as David was to Jesus.

8. Distractions are wrong way attractions.

9. To avoid a distracted life, FOCUS ON:

• What you have, not what you don't have.
• Who is with you, not who is against you
• Where you're going, not where you've been

10. When the lion rushed at Samson, God's Spirit rushed into Samson. God always gives us exactly what we need to face whatever comes our way.

7 VERSES ABOUT MAKING GOD YOUR TOP PRIORITY

Do you MAKE TIME for God, or do you only serve God when you HAVE TIME? This is the difference between a PRIORITY and an OPTION.

For too many Christians, God is a great option, but He is not a priority. Check out these seven verses (with commentary) to help you think through what it means to make God your first and central priority.

Mark 12:30 -- “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”

If you love God, you'll give Him every corner of your life.

Matthew 6:33 -- “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Your first decision should always be building God's Kingdom. Everything else will take care of itself.

Romans 12:2 -- Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

If you always think the way you've always thought, you'll always live the way you've always lived. Discipline your mind to think differently.

Luke 12:34 -- “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Your desires will chase your treasures. If you want to prioritize the things of God, invest your treasures in the things of God.

2 Timothy 2:22 -- So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Put physical distance between yourself and anything that tempts you to drift from God.

Ecclesiastes 12:1 -- Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no delight in them”;

Build lifelong habits that will help you keep your eyes, mind, and heart on God.

Psalm 37:4 -- Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

The more you focus on God, the more He will change your desires so that your heart aligns with His. 

A Guide to Every Chapter in the New Testament

10 BIBLE VERSES YOU CAN SEND AS AN ENCOURAGING TEXT

Do you want to be a force for good in the lives of your friends and family? What if you started sending 3-5 encouraging texts every day? Just choose a couple of people in your contact list and send them one of the verses listed below (or find your own!).

• Exodus 15:2 - The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.
  

• Psalm 34:4 - I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

• Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

• Psalm 118:24 - This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

• John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

• John 16:33 - In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

• Ephesians 6:10 - be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

• Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

• Colossians 1:11 - May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy

• 2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Discover the Bible: Verse-by-Verse

You Cannot Call Jesus LORD If You Do Not First Call Him MASTER

In the Gospels, Jesus is referred to as "Lord" numerous times, particularly in the letters of Paul. Even today, this title is often used by people in prayer, church, and conversation. However, has "Lord" become so common that we have lost the significance of its true meaning?

To call Jesus "Lord" is to recognize and acknowledge Him as the supreme authority. It means surrendering to His will and submitting to His leadership and obeying His commands. It is a declaration of allegiance and devotion.

Calling Jesus "Lord" is a commitment that should not be made lightly.

In Matthew 7:21, Jesus says, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." This verse reminds us that it is not enough to simply profess our faith in Jesus with our words. We must also demonstrate our faith through our actions and obedience to His commands.

In Luke's account, Jesus said, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?" This passage highlights the disconnect between professing faith in Jesus and actually living out that faith. To truly follow Jesus as Lord and Master, we must not only say the words but also put them into practice. One cannot claim allegiance to Christ without also submitting to His agenda.

In short, calling Jesus "Lord" carries a great responsibility. It requires us to submit to His authority and follow His commands. It is not a title to be taken lightly, but rather a commitment to live out our faith in action. If we claim to follow Jesus as Lord, it is essential that we also submit to Him as Master, obeying His commands and serving Him with our whole hearts. 

12 Sermon Leftovers about PRIORITIES

 We are kicking off 2023 with a sermon series about Priorities. We're going to study the GREAT COMMANDMENT and discover how our central priority needs to be loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Below are 12 statements about PRIORITIES from the first sermon:

1. Every "YES" is a "NO" to something else. You cannot have it all.

2. You cannot do it all. The good news is that God never asked you to do it all.

3. Prioritizing anything means rejecting something to choose a better thing.

4. You are never too busy. You just don't have the right priorities.

5. Priorities are CHOSEN, not spoken or felt.

6. Priorities shape your decisions and your decisions shape your life.

7. Prioritizing God means loving Him with every part of your life.

8. Loving God means deciding to give up our own desires so that we can live for His purposes.

9. Jesus' life was extraordinarily different than everyone else's because Jesus' priorities were extraordinarily different than everyone else's.

10. If your priorities are truly different than the world, then your actions will reflect that truth.

11. I can observe your priorities by observing your life.

12. Your priorities are reflected in your bank account, your calendar, your browser history, your social media timeline, your YouTube history, and even your Netflix favorites.

Ask These FIVE QUESTIONS At The End Of Every Day

What do you do right before you fall asleep? Are you watching the news and complaining about how bad the world has become? Are you scrolling social media, concerned about what you might have missed or coveting what you might not have?

Why not use those final minutes of your day to focus your mind on a beneficial, uplifting, and spiritually healthy trajectory. As you close out your day, ask yourself these five questions to ensure that you finish well:

Have I read and contemplated God's Word?

the Bible is our primary source of guidance and direction in life. Psalm 119:105, says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Through reading and chewing on God's Words, we can gain wisdom and understanding of God's will for us.

Have I confessed my shortcomings and mistakes?

Confession is an important part of the Christian life, as it allows us to repent and turn away from our sinful ways. In 1 John 1:9, it says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." God has already forgiven our sins in Christ, but through confession, we are able to receive that forgiveness and in turn forgive ourselves.

Have I thanked God for His blessings?

Thanking God for His blessings is an acknowledgement that every good gift is from above. Colossians 3:17, says, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." By giving thanks to God, we will grow our gratitude habit, we will remind ourselves of how many blessings we truly have received, and we will feed our mind spiritually health food.

Have I encouraged and provided assistance to others?

As Christians, we are called to love and serve others, and one way to do this is by encouraging and providing assistance to those in need. Galatians 6:2 reminds us to, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." When we use our gifts and resources for the good of others, we are fulfilling Christ's command to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Have I prayed for those whom I love?

There are few better ways to close out a day than to pray for others. Praying for those we love is an important way to show our love and concern for them. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, it says, "Pray continually." Praying for those closest to us is important because prayer is effective. And, it is also good and beneficial to pray for those not close to us, even our enemies sometimes. Prayer is the portal through which we draw near to the heart of God.

Meditate on these questions as you lie in bed. There is no better way to finish your day.

DISCOVER THE BIBLE (tools to empower your spiritual habits)

6 SIMPLE TRICKS TO USE YOUR SMARTPHONE FOR GOOD

 For good reason, many people wish smartphones would have never been created. They have become a source of addiction, a means by which great evil is spread, and a root cause of much pain and sorrow for many families. However... they may yet be redeemable.

Let's be honest. To live and work in today's world, you probably need to carry a smartphone. So, why not make the best of it? Here are six ways you can use your smartphone for good. Try them all, but if you can't, choose at least 2-3 to get started. 

Set alarms to remind you to pause and pray throughout the day.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Setting alarms on your smartphone can be a great way to remind yourself to take a break from your busy schedule and pray. Whether it's for a few minutes in the morning, during lunch, or before bed, taking time to pray and communicate with God can help bring peace and clarity to your day. Consider setting alarms at different intervals throughout the day to remind you to pause and pray.

Intentionally use your text messages to encourage 3-5 people every day.

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Text messages are a quick and easy way to reach out to others, and they can be a powerful tool for encouraging those around you. Consider making it a daily habit to send 3-5 text messages to friends, family, or even coworkers, offering words of encouragement and support. Whether it's a simple "thinking of you" or a more detailed message, your words can have a big impact on the people you reach out to.

Download a Bible App (Youversion) that will help you stick to a daily reading plan.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." - Psalm 119:105

One of the great things about smartphones is that there are so many apps available to help us in our spiritual growth. One such app is Youversion, which offers a wide range of Bible translations, reading plans, and other resources to help you engage with God's Word on a daily basis. Whether you're a seasoned Bible reader or just starting out, a Bible app can be a great tool to help you stay on track with your daily reading.

Use YouTube to subscribe and listen to Bible teachers and preachers.

"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" - Psalm 119:103

YouTube is a treasure trove of resources for spiritual growth, and there are many Christian teachers and preachers who use the platform to share their insights and perspectives on the Bible. Consider subscribing to a few channels that you find particularly helpful, and make it a habit to listen to their teachings on a regular basis. You might also consider setting aside specific times each week to watch and listen to these teachings, as a way to make sure you're consistently feeding your faith.

Utilize an e-reader app (Kindle, etc.) to download and read spiritual growth material.

"All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" - 2 Timothy 3:16

In addition to the Bible, there are many other books and resources that can help us grow in our faith. E-reader apps like Kindle make it easy to download and read these materials on our smartphones, giving us access to a wealth of spiritual growth resources wherever we go. Consider browsing through the selection of Christian books available on Kindle, and add a few titles to your reading list.

Share your password with other people and give them permission to check your usage anytime.

"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16

One way to ensure that we're using our smartphones for good is to be open and transparent about our usage. Consider sharing your password with people you trust and if they ask, let them view your phone usage. Loving accountability from trustworthy people is a powerful encouragement to live up to our calling.

You don't have to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Although smartphones carry significant potential for harm, they can also be a useful tool that aids our spiritual growth. You are the only person who can choose whether to use your phone for good or evil. Make the right choice!

STRAIGHT FROM THE BIBLE: FIVE REASONS GRATITUDE WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Gratitude is a simple habit to build and it will have a profound impact on your life. The Bible is clear that the more gratitude you exhibit, the more you will experience the life God created you to live. Here are five reasons the Bible says gratitude is good for you.

Gratitude Will Change Your Life

Gratitude can bring joy to our lives. "I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High." (Psalm 7:17)

Gratitude can strengthen our relationships. "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Gratitude can improve our mental and physical health. "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22)

Gratitude can increase overall happiness. "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Gratitude can bring us closer to God. "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." (Psalm 107:1)

Gratitude is the antidote for anxiety and can be a gateway to contentment. Beginning and ending your day with gratitude is one of the most powerful habits you can build if you want to experience a joy-filled life. Use this 30-day journal to immerse every day in gratitude and to discover how much your life can change by simply learning how to say "thank you" a little more often.

BORING IS BETTER THAN BEING DISTRACTED

I'm stashing these thoughts here for the day I need them. Judges 15:20 is a short verse that often goes unnoticed. The story of Samson is so full of action and craziness that we sometimes forget about this twenty-year break when he actually did what he was supposed to do. I think there's a good sermon here, and a great sermon title.

6 Preaching Points From The Life of Samson

BORING IS BETTER THAN BEING DISTRACTED

1. God's purpose for Samson's life was to lead the Israelites and deliver them from the Philistines

2. For most of his life, Samson was distracted from God's purpose for His life.

3. Whenever Samson was distracted, conflict and calamity ensued.

4. For twenty years, Samson focused on accomplishing God's purpose for His life.

5. During those years, there was no conflict or calamity.

6. Living out God's purpose may seem boring, but if boring means no conflict and no calamity, then boring is better than being distracted.

5 RESOLUTIONS FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN IN 20

Around this time every year, many people take the opportunity to reflect on the previous year and make resolutions for the year ahead. For those who follow Christ, the start of a new year is a chance to challenge ourselves to grow in our faith and strengthen our connection to God. With that in mind, here are five New Year's resolutions that every Christian should consider making:

Pray at least three times every day. 

Prayer is an essential part of the Christian life, and it's important to make time for it every day. Whether you pray first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before you go to bed at night, set aside a few moments to talk to God and ask for His guidance and direction.

Read and think about the Bible every day.

The Bible is our source of truth and inspiration, and it's important to spend time reading and studying it regularly. Consider setting aside a few minutes each day to read a passage of scripture and reflect on its meaning. This will help you better understand God's will for your life and stay focused on your faith.

Find three people to encourage every day.

As Christians, we are called to love and serve others, and one way to do that is by offering encouragement to those around us. Look for opportunities to lift up and support those in your life, whether it's a colleague at work, a neighbor, or a family member. Even a simple act of kindness can make a big difference in someone's day.

Give something away every day.

Another way to show love and serve others is by being generous with our time, resources, and talents. Consider finding ways to give back to your community or to those in need. This might mean volunteering at a local shelter, donating money to a worthy cause, or simply helping a neighbor with a task they're struggling to complete.

Tell one person why you follow Jesus every day.

Finally, consider making it a goal to share your faith with others. This might mean having a conversation with someone about your beliefs or simply sharing a message of hope and love with those around you. Whether you do this through social media, in person, or through other means, make it a priority to share your faith with others and be a light in the world.

These five resolutions can empower you to grow in your faith, serve others, and brighten the world around you. Consider giving them a try this New Year, and see what a change they can make in your life and the lives of those around you.

Bible Study Tools to Help You Keep Your Resolution

 

HOW TO DISCOVER PEACE WHEN THERE'S NONE AROUND YOU

 When dealing with the busyness, stress, and uncertainties of life, it can be easy to get caught up in worrying about things that are beyond our control. In those moments it is important to remember to work at what we can control while trusting God for the rest.

When we focus on the things that we can control, we can make a real difference in our own lives and the lives of those around us. We can work hard at our jobs, take care of our families, and strive to be the people God created us to be. By doing these things, we can find a sense of purpose and fulfillment in our lives while building the Kingdom of God.

But there will always be things that are beyond our control. In these moments, it's important to pray. When we take these worries to our Heavenly Father, we can put our trust in God and let Him handle the things that are beyond our control. This doesn't mean that we should simply sit back and do nothing, but rather that we should trust in God's plan and work alongside Him to bring about His will.

So in those moments of uncertainty, overwhelm, or confusion; remember to work at what you can control and pray about what you cannot control. By doing so, you will discover life as it was meant to be lived.

6 Steps To Level Up Your Prayer Life.

How to be better at prayer

Prayer is essential to the growth of every Christian. It is the means by which we connect with God and cultivate a deeper relationship with Him. As we pray, we can align our lives with the will of God. 

Through prayer, we submit to His guidance and seek to discover His plan for our life. The more we pray, the closer we grow to Him. The closer we grow to Him, the more easily we understand and live out His desires.

Here are six steps you can take to enhance your prayer life.

Put it on your calendar. 

Choose a specific time that you will set aside for prayer every day. This can be in the morning, evening, or anytime that works best for you. Put it on your schedule and don't let anything displace it.

Identify a "Prayer Corner". 

This can be a quiet room, a designated space, or simply a quiet corner of your home. The goal is to find a place where you can focus and be free from distractions. Plan to be in your space at the times you have scheduled on your calendar. (If you can't be in your space, make a plan to be somewhere else that will work)

Prepare your mind and heart. 

Prayer is a conversation with God, so approach it with a calm and receptive heart. Stop thinking about the busyness of the day. Don't worry about what is next on the schedule. Let go of any worries or distractions and focus on the present moment.

Manage a diverse "Prayer Toolbox". 

There is no one "right" way to pray, so try different approaches and see what works best for you. This might include traditional prayers, spontaneous prayers, or simply talking to God as you would a friend. You can find an unlimited number of prayer methods by searching Pinterest or Google.

Be consistent. 

Prayer is a journey, not a destination. Don't be discouraged if you don't feel like you're making progress at first. Keep praying, and over time you will find that your prayer life deepens and becomes more meaningful.

Keep a Journal or Scoreboard. 

If you enjoy writing, keep a journal and write about how prayer is changing you and how your prayers are being answered (it won't always be how you expect). If you don't journal, keep a "scoreboard" to track your consistency. Try to create streaks during which you spend intentional time in prayer every day. 

For some, praying multiple times a day is helpful, while others may only pray once or twice a day. The frequency of your prayers isn't the most important thing. The consistency of prayers is. You may begin by praying for your situation to change. What you will discover is that consistent prayer may not change your circumstances, but it will change you.

5 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS EVERY CHRISTIAN CAN MAKE

New Year's Resolutions are inspiring for some and frustrating for others. If you love a challenge, here are some generic ideas for you in 2023. Pick one or two and make them specific to your life. Then make it happen!

Strengthen your faith. If you want to strengthen physical muscles, you need to set aside time to exercise. If you want to strengthen your faith, you need to set aside time for spiritual exercise. Try setting aside time every day for prayer, reading the Bible, and focusing your mind on God.

Demonstrate God's love to others. This begins by focusing less on yourself and more on others. Pay attention to the needs of those around you. Show them kindness. When you are able, offer them help.

Forgive people. You cannot control others, so don't let them control you. Forgiveness is a choice to stop dwelling on the actions of someone else. When you find yourself thinking about how they have wronged you, remind yourself that you are forgiving them and refocus your attention on someone else.

Embrace generosity. Look for ways that you can share your time, talents, and resources with others. Work together with others and discover opportunities to make a positive impact on the community around you.

Commit to ongoing change. Life change doesn't happen in a moment. It is an incremental process that occurs one step at a time. Commit to consistently evaluating yourself, choosing righteous next steps, and being disciplined to stick to it.

13 for Thursday: 13 PRACTICAL STEPS TO PUT OTHERS FIRST

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus... (Philippians 2:3-5)

If you know who Jesus is and you know what Jesus has done, than you ought to desire to to be like Jesus. Being like Jesus means putting the interests of others ahead of your own. Here are 13 practical steps you can take to count others more significant than yourself.

1. Listen more than you talk.

2. Listen to understand rather than listening to respond.

3. Check your motives.

4. Pay attention to what is going on around you.

5. Assume others are acting in good faith or with good motives.

6. Smile more often.

7. Catch people doing good things, and call them out for it.

8. Regularly tell people why you admire them.

9. Forgive.

10. Pray for your enemies and do good for those who mistreat you.

11. Send a handwritten note simply to encourage someone.

12. Focus your energy on meeting someone else's needs instead of your own.

13. Give something away every day.