If you believe in something, or have a set of beliefs that make up your core being, then you should live by them. My beliefs come from the Bible, the Word of God, and it quite often conflicts with the culture of the day. Often times it goes against what is popular and accepted as appropriate behavior. What do we do when our beliefs conflict with society and we're attacked and criticized? We should defend them and never compromise them. If you compromise on something you say you really believe in, then it wasn't a belief at all. We can compromise on a lot of things, but never on our core beliefs, the principles that we espoused to live our lives by. We should learn how to defend our beliefs and values so when others criticize, we have an answer and we are not put to shame.

I've been criticized a lot for what I believe the Bible says on certain issues, and no matter what people say or what is popular, I still believe in what I believe. The Bible is truth, and knowing the truth sets us free from bondage, and gives us confidence. Take a stand and don't give ground!

Life is what you make of it. No matter the circumstances, we make our own choices. The Bible talks about the tongue and how it has the ability to speak life or death, not just into our lives, but into the lives of others as well. We can always talk negative and let things come out of our mouth that will constantly be a hindrance to us, or we; can speak life; positively speak those things which can help and affect our lives in good ways. We get to choose what comes out of our mouths. When I say things like, I'm no good; I'm never going to make it, that actually makes me feel bad about myself and affects my outlook on life. But when I begin to speak life, I feel better about myself and see life in a better light. We choose everyday how we react to situations. Start speaking life, start talking positively, get away from bad news and start talking about what is right in life. Think on things that are good.

I heard a message the other day that said God is always thinking about you. The thoughts He is thinking towards you are for good and not evil, not to harm you, but to prosper you and give you a hope and a future. Wow...the God of the universe is always thinking about us!! He is thinking thoughts to help us, prosper us. That thought alone should encourage us and keep us encouraged, instead of self-justifying our actions and placing the blame on others.

If I know God is always thinking about me, then I must learn to take responsibility. For some, it's not an easy task, but one that could be corrected for our good, if dealt with properly. No matter what you have done or are doing, God is still thinking thoughts on how to help and bless you; He's working to get you into the truth and to live better. Let's stay encouraged; knowing God Himself is our friend and helper.

Just a Thought,

PSS

Legacychurch.com

There are several reasons why people make bad decisions: self-justification, self-rationalization and self-defeating thinking. These types of thinking habits will continue the cycle of making bad choices. Here's a better insight:

• Self-justification means a person who blames others for the issues in their life.
• Self-rationalization means a person thinks they are exempt from doing something they know is right. They make excuses why it's ok for them not to do what they know is right.
• Self-defeating thinking is the thought that I don't deserve anything good. They have self-worth issues. They will self-sabotage anything good from coming into their lives.

The cycle can stop if people would realize what category they fall into, if any. Recognize it then begin to deal with it and begin to do the right things. Take responsibility for your actions; stop making excuses and figure out why you might have low self-esteem and self-worth. It's all in how we think. Let's live better and begin to make better choices for our lives and be connected.

Basketball Hall of Fame Coach Pat Riley once said, There are only two options regarding commitment; you're either in or you're out. There's no such thing as a life in-between.

Just a Thought,

PSS

Legacychurch.com

Courage is about overcoming the unknown or stepping into the unknown. People are held back from their dreams at times because they lack the courage to step out. Sometimes, it's because they're afraid to fail. Everyone in life fails at some point. No one succeeds at everything. Failure can be a positive thing sometimes. It can teach you what not to do and what you should do the next time. If you haven't failed at something, you haven't lived life. You exist, but live below your potential. People who have accomplished quite a bit have had setbacks that they have learned from. The lesson is learned, and then they move forward and give it a go. Courage is that ingredient that will cause you to move forward, to get up, live and dream again. Whatever that step is for you, I encourage you to rise up and truly believe. Let's learn from our mistakes and go forward.

Just a Thought,

PSS

Legacychurch.com