Every obstacle we face is an opportunity for success.

Perceive:

If we see problems or setbacks only as opportunities for failures, then we are looking at them in the wrong light. Everyone has them, but how we view them will determine the outcome. When faced with a problem, see it as an opportunity to grow and develop, to become stronger and better equipped for tomorrow. Even though some issues we face are hurtful and scary at times, they are, nonetheless, opportunities.

Assess:

The next time you face a problematic situation, step back and assess it. Begin to find solutions, or see the bigger picture. Think, I can either let this sideline me, or I can pick myself up and believe that this will work out for my good. That is how you deal with it in a productive and an honorable way.

Overcome:

Do not allow yourself to become hurt, or retaliate; but, instead, learn to rise above your feelings, and do the right thing. Doing this will introduce healing, or maybe reveal an answer. Problems can be opportunities for growth. They can develop our character and enable us to be successful.

How you view difficulties, and deal with them, will determine whether the situation makes you stronger and wiser, or resentful and bitter. It is your call.

Just a thought,

PSS

Issues do not just disappear:

If you are the type of person who gives up, quits when things get too difficult or hard; know this: just because you quit it does not mean that the issues go away or that you will not have any more problems in that area.

Solving issues vs quitting on them:

We need to understand that avoiding something does not mean it goes away. So dealing with learning to walk through issues is the only way to really get rid of problems. Solving them, not quitting on them, makes them go away. Everyone faces challenges; most at times want to throw in the towel. But there are those who never quit or throw in the towel. They look at their circumstance and believe there is a solution or a way to settle or deal with the issue.

Stay committed:

People must stay committed to working through the issue or resolving the problem because, for the most part, issues don’t ever go away. Some things resolve themselves, but not all do. So we must commit ourselves to dealing with the problem — resolving the problem, the hardship — until it is settled. It takes courage and commitment to do it.

Be courageous; be of good cheer — for we know our heavenly Father will never leave us nor forsake us.

Just a thought,

PSS

In this world that is so full of temptation, which is literally right at our fingertips, it’s tough to stay focused on God and His word.

Compartmentalization:

As well, it is very easy to separate who I am at work and who I am in other areas — act one way at church, another at work, etc. To compartmentalize our lives, is becoming easier and easier in this post-truth world, or you could say post-Christian world. (This means the loss of the Christian worldview in political affairs — especially in the Western world, where Christianity had previously flourished. Today, worldviews such as secularism and nationalism are flourishing.)

Promotion:

What we all need to see and learn is that it doesn’t matter who our boss is, who those over us are. Do we like them or not? What matters is who God is, and am I living life the way He has asked me to? True promotion comes from Him.

Honor:

If we purpose to honor Him, put Him first, live the way the word of God instructs us to live, then God will bless our lives. 1 Samuel 2:30b (TLB) — I will honor only those who honor me, and I will despise those who despise me. God honors only those who honor Him. How do we honor Him? By keeping His word, aligning ourselves with His ways.

So, no matter what circumstance you find yourself in, choose to put God first, and He will help you.

Just a thought,

PSS

For many in the Church today, making disciples is the same as making converts. They are different: in order to be a disciple, one must be a convert; but in order to be a convert, one does not necessarily have to be a disciple.

On the sidelines:

Converts are new believers. We all begin as converts. Way too often, most stop there. We make Christianity about what we believe, becoming a convert in the beginning of our walk with God. A convert may cheer Jesus from the sidelines; but a disciple is someone who grows, develops, and truly follows Christ.

In the center:

Disciples are the ones who get involved at church, instead of just showing up. They deal with certain bad relationships in their lives, and repent of their sins. True disciples serve, give their tithes and offerings, bring people to church. It’s about Jesus becoming the center of their life. They purpose to learn the word of God and do it. A disciple is salt and light to a lost world.

Good enough:

A convert is one who sits back and thinks just showing up is good enough, one who constantly makes excuses why they don’t give, why they don’t serve. A convert really does not have God’s heart for the lost. Most of the people who attend church today just show up and don’t really contribute. They come, maybe tip God, and don’t serve.

A disciple is one who purposes to follow Jesus and do what He says. They have a heart for the lost, and will share their faith with others. They take ownership in the kingdom of God.

So which one are you, a convert or a disciple? It’s your choice.

Just a thought,

PSS

We must choose to please God over pleasing people.

It’s a fear of disapproval:

In some ways, pleasing people is driving our culture. We must learn to please God. In fact, there is only one we must please, and that is God. A people pleaser attempts to make everyone happy. God cannot please everyone, and I believe we are foolish to think we can. A people pleaser has a fear of disapproval; this affects everything in our lives — what we eat, what we wear, what we do, how we talk.

It’s an addiction:

People pleasers don’t know how to say no. It’s an addiction to approval. We just simply want to be liked and accepted. We don’t want to be left out or rejected, so we attempt to please the people around us. If we are like this, we will miss God, and always feel disappointed in ourselves. I believe because of social media it is a real dilemma in our country.

It’s a stronghold:

Now, there is nothing wrong with wanting to please your parents, wife, husband. Nothing wrong with wanting to be liked, loved, and approved of by your friends, co-workers, family, or neighbors. (The truth is, if you are only concerned about yourself, you are a narcissist or a sociopath.) So, even though we want to be liked or loved, accepted, it becomes a stronghold when it is an obsession — when it dominates us. When we are too afraid of being rejected, we will do anything to avoid that happening.

Put God first:

People pleasers have no boundaries. People who are healthy do. We must break this stronghold in our lives by putting God first. When God is first, people have less influence over us. When people are first, God has less influence in our lives.

So, we get to choose to be a people pleaser or a God pleaser. God pleasers are blessed. They have real purpose for their lives.

I Thessalonians 2:4 (NLT)

For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.

Proverbs 29:25 (MSG)

The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that.

You decide!

Just a thought,

PSS