It’s easy to underestimate the power of words. But we believe that words have the power to encourage, strengthen, and uplift others. So let’s get started by understanding 3 ways words can be powerful:
- Words can Encourage: Be sure to use your words as a source encouragement for the people around you. Be aware and involved in their lives so that you’re able to give specific encouragement. Perhaps that means encouraging them to pursue their dreams, encouraging them to share the gospel with a friend, or encouraging them to seek counseling.
- Words can Strengthen: Words have the power to strengthen or weaken the people you speak with. So be careful that your words are compassionate and true, rather than insensitive or negative.
- Words can Lift: And finally, remember to use the power of words to your advantage–by lifting up the people in your life. Write a quick note to your spouse sharing how much they mean to you. Tell your son how proud he made you at his football game. Or email your boss a quick note of appreciation.
What are some other ways you can use your words in a positive way? Comment below with your ideas.
Posted on: March 26, 2024
There are many challenges that come with being a leader. One of those challenges is finding the middle ground between being too arrogant and too passive.
The Problem
Some leaders we know tend to lean toward arrogance. They become so confident and good at leading (or at least think they’re good at leading), that they begin to think too highly of themselves. This often causes them to become condescending in their attitude, short-tempered in their replies, and difficult to be around.
Other leaders we know tend to lead towards passivity. They work so hard to please the people they’re leading that they lose their morals and values. They stop leading with conviction and start leading with concern. They begin to put the opinions of others over the opinion of God.
The Solution
So how can we find the middle ground and avoid being arrogant or passive? With confidence from God. Confidently leading others begins with praying for them, investing in them, and doing everything we can to love them well.
The Next Step
We encourage you to take some time this week to pray for the people you’re leading. This is sure to be a great first step to becoming a confident leader who is honoring to God!
Posted on: December 28, 2023
We all work hard.
Whether it’s running an office, taking care of a family, or coaching a team, we all spend our days working hard and trying to do things with excellence.
So when something good happens, it’s natural for us to see it as a result of our hard work. Maybe your team makes it to the championship, and you can’t help but think that it’s because of the new drills that you created and brought to the table. And so you get caught up in your skills and abilities, unable to see the bigger picture…unable to see God’s hand in the situation.
But James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Not just some gifts. Not just most gifts. ALL gifts are from the Father. He is the one who has given us minds to think and dream, bodies to say and do. So in that way, every blessing is a result of God’s goodness, not our own work.
What are some of the good gifts God has given to you? We’d love for you to share them in a comment below.
Posted on: December 21, 2023
What do you want your tomorrow to look like?
Maybe you dream of becoming the president of a successful business. Maybe you dream of traveling the world. Maybe you even dream of working with underprivileged people and changing their lives.
We all have dreams and aspirations and goals for our lives. But not all of us are making wise decisions now that will contribute to those dreams and aspirations and goals.
One of the biggest ways to predict your future is to take a look at your peers. Who do you surround yourself with? Are you spending time with people who encourage you or dismiss you? Because whether we realize it or not, the voices that we listen to are the voices that affect us most.
Hebrews 12:1-3 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” God designed us to live in community and to be encouraged by the relationships we have. He meant for our family and friends to be witnesses in our lives, helping us run the race set out before us.
So dream big, and surround yourself with people who will never stop believing in you!
Posted on: December 19, 2023
Most of us don’t like rules. We don’t like being told what to do or when to do it or even how to do it. We like to be independent and make our own decisions. Why? Because we tend to believe that we know what’s best.
But want to know a little secret? Oftentimes, we have NO IDEA what the best decision is. And we end up making mistake after mistake after mistake. That’s why God gives us truth and that’s why He convicts us to follow His word.
So today, we want to share some of our favorite bible verses on obedience. Check them out below!
- “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22
- “Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.'” John 14:23
- “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:17
- “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24
- “Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.” Proverbs 10:17
What other verses encourage you to be obedient? Share your favorites in a comment below!
Posted on: December 14, 2023
It’s all too easy to rush through life. It’s all too easy to become busy and stressed and rushed. This means we often miss out on what’s right in front of us.
But not anymore. Because today, we’re sharing 10 simple ways for you to make the most of your time and live in the moment! Check them out below:
- Make a list of what you’re thankful for.
- Tell your family you love them.
- Listen to your favorite song.
- Go for a walk with your spouse.
- Read a book.
- Find a quiet place to pray.
- Play in the yard with your kids.
- Take a deep breath.
- Watch the stars come out.
- Spend more time doing what you love.
What are some other ways to live in the moment? Share your ideas in a comment below!
Posted on: December 12, 2023
We all want to lead well.
We all want to make a difference, encourage the people around us, and be the best leader we can be. So today, Coach Dungy is sharing two of his keys to being an effective leader! Check it out below:
- Be Approachable. First and foremost, it’s so important that you’re approachable as a leader. People won’t trust someone they don’t like. So be friendly, be authentic, and be sincere. Only then will your leadership be effective.
- Be Available. And second, make sure you’re available to talk with people. It doesn’t matter how friendly and caring you are if you’re never there! So make time to check in with the people you’re leading. Ask them how they’re doing, how you can encourage them, and how you can better lead them.
What are some other key characteristics of a strong leader? We’d love to hear your ideas. Just comment below!
Posted on: December 07, 2023
How does your spouse know you love them? Probably from the way you call them throughout the day and remind them. Or the way you encourage them when times get tough. Or the way you have stood by them all these years, choosing to put them before yourself.
This means that your spouse knows you love them through your actions.
In the same way, our love for the Lord is often displayed through our actions. When we are obedient and patient and kind, we are demonstrating the importance of our relationship with God. But when we are selfish and rude and quick to become angry, we are missing out on an opportunity to show God we love Him.
John 14:15 says, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” In other words, God wants our actions to echo our love for Him. So be encouraged and choose to make choices that honor God!
Posted on: December 05, 2023
Everyone craves community. Everyone wants to have friends they can count on when times get rough. Even God agrees! In Ecclesiastes 4:9, we’re told that “Two are better than one.”
So today, we’re gonna look at some reasons why two are better than one!
- When you’re part of a team, you develop deeper relationships with people
- When you’re part of a team, you don’t feel alone
- When you’re part of a team, you have a better sense of purpose
- When you’re part of a team, you learn to stay humble and kind
- When you’re part of a team, you can dream and collaborate together
- When you’re part of a team, your wins are bigger and your losses are easier to handle
- When you’re part of a team, you achieve more
What are some other examples of how two are better than one? Share your reasons for wanting to be part of a team in a comment below!
Posted on: November 30, 2023
When we talk about making a difference, we’re usually referring to the future. One day I’ll go downtown and serve the homeless. One day I’ll invite my friend to church. One day I’ll write an encouraging note to my spouse.
But what if we replaced one day with today?
Instead of getting caught up in the distractions of our lives, it’s time to take a step back and remind ourselves what life is all about: loving God and loving others.
Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” God wants us to make the most of the time we have on earth…and that begins with making the most of the time we have today. Because the best time to make a difference is now.
So what are you waiting for? Go and make a difference in someone’s life today!
Posted on: November 28, 2023
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