Thursday, March 13, 2014

Beware Social Media Encourager



The only relationship that can be maintained without a physical presence is the spiritual relationship we can have with Jesus Christ. Technology has allowed us to communicate more easily but less effectively. How effective is a text response to a hurting soul that has lost a family member? How courageous is an inbox message asking that "special" someone out on a date? I believe some things need a voice and most things need your presence. Showing up in silence would mean more than a thousand words posted. It's all a matter of authenticity. It's about sincerity. Even social media has shaped us to believe that no one cares unless you get multiple likes and comments on your pictures and statuses. We have been fooled to be defined by how much or how little attention we get from the platform social media has so generously provided. 

If we'll just step back from the screen, we'll be able to see how social media has shaped and warped our relationships. We even hide behind our whiteout screens and peek into the lives of those who are simultaneously peeking into OUR lives to see what faults they can find. It waters down everything good and AMPLIFIES that which is bad. True encouragement is lost in the feed, while scandal ignites like wild fire and burns those that is in its path. Encourage and be encouraged. Text, IM, inbox, tweet, instagram and even post on my wall, but don't be limited to these when it's time to get real.  



Facebook Twitter Instagram Blog Vine Encouragement Social Media Authenticity Sincerity Relationships Family Friends Christian Communication 

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Hashtag Winning


It is impossible to roll back the hands of time. Choices are made... some bad, some good. The outcome is being lived out in the here and now. I'm sure some of our choices in life were God's perfect will, and others have fallen under His permissive will. By God permitting me to venture outside His perfect will, and never leave me, is mind boggling. Not to say there's an imperfect will, but knowing His mercy endures forever is very inhuman. 

Just because we have made some not-so-wise decisions in the past, doesn't mean we have to walk with a dark cloud over our heads. What a forgiving and merciful God we serve. God doesn't have to take my life, He could just stop giving it to me. Of course we should aim for the bulls eye of His perfect will, but most importantly know the truth that you can't go wrong with Jesus Christ.  #Winning!!

God's Will Permissive Will Winning Jesus Christ Forgiveness Mercy Grace Wisdom Knowledge Christian Blog 

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Toot Toot



If we played a highlight reel of all the good deeds we have done, they would still be as filthy rags before God. It may get you a high water mark of Facebook likes, or maybe even some record holding retweet status. I'm sure in all of our horn tooting, we would receive loads of praise, but our hearts would have none. There's a difference between testifying of God's goodness and glorifying of our works.  The Scripture says this:

Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.  Matthew 6:1

So, whether you are giving money, time, or encouragement, make sure you give praise to the One it's ALL about.  Let us not boast about what we have given, but what we have received.




The old life is gone, a new life begins. A fresh start is created new.


Bragging Conceited Self-Righteous Legalistic Facebook Twitter Selfish Pride Haughty Boastful Facebook Likes Self Center of Attention Encouragement Enlightenment Rebuke Reprove Exhort Hypocrites Matthew 6