Just Continue That Thought...

A thought by Craig Groeschel (2015-10-27) from his book, #Struggles: Following Jesus in a Selfie-Centered World (p. 46). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) I love social media.   I love the way it connects to so many people all around the world.   I am connected to people that I went to high school with, I am connected with family miles and miles away, with so many people.   It is great but it still isn’t as good as being with them in person. Craig says, “We need to make sure our ability to communicate doesn’t cause us to talk more while actually saying less. We must focus on loving others more and truly interacting with them, rather than just Liking what they post.” He then asks some good questions.   He asks, “Are you sending emails when phone calls would be more meaningful? Are you typing a quick text when a personal visit would deeply impact a loved one? Have you unintentionally neglected to use your gifts to serve o

A thought by Craig Groeschel (2015-10-27) from his book, #Struggles: Following Jesus in a Selfie-Centered World (p. 38). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) The whole thought by Craig is, “Despondent people are looking for trouble— and they find it. People with a happy heart are looking for God’s goodness— and they find it!”   It is the matter of perspective.   It is a matter of choice. The first part of Proverbs 15: 15 (NLT) says, “For the despondent, every day brings trouble…”   That is so true.   We know people like that don’t we?   Craig says, “The despondent see every single day bringing more trouble. They can’t see the blessings because their glass is always half-empty.” But the verse doesn’t stop there.   It goes on and says, ““For the happy heart, life is a continual feast.”   Now that is more like it. Craig goes on, “If you want to look for the bad in this world, you will certainly find plenty. Trouble’s not

A thought by Craig Groeschel (2015-10-27) from his book, #Struggles: Following Jesus in a Selfie-Centered World (p. 36). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) Here is what Craig says about envy.   This is so important for us to see especially at this time of the year.   We see on Facebook all the good stuff that people are doing and getting and we get depressed because of what we are doing or getting.   Craig says, “Envy isn’t just unhealthy. In God’s eyes, it’s downright sinful. We need to kill our comparisons, because comparing ourselves with others is not wise.” So how do we kill it?      He says, “When you see someone else being blessed in a way that you hope to be blessed, celebrating with them can purify the intentions of your heart. Did someone else get the job you wanted? Try this prayer: ‘God, you must have had a reason to bless them. Thank you, Father, for your blessings in that person’s life.’ When you see someone el