Category Archives: Uncategorized

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You Can’t Help Anyone That’s Not Willing To Help Themselves!

You know, there’s an old saying that you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. I’ve always thought that’s a fine bit of wisdom wrapped up in a folksy phrase. The truth of the matter is, you can’t help someone who isn’t ready to help themselves. And trying to do so is like trying to shovel smoke with a pitchfork in the wind.

Mark Twain said: “Never argue with a fool; onlookers may not be able to tell the difference,” and he was right. There’s a fine line between being a friend and being a fool. If someone’s determined to keep tripping over their own two feet, no amount of your good intention is gonna get them to stand upright. It’s like trying to teach a pig to sing—wastes your time and annoys the pig.

A person has to find their own way in the wilderness. I’ve learned through my own challenges to see the beauty in the struggle. The journey starts with the first step, and that step has to be yours. You can’t drag a soul up a mountain and expect them to appreciate the view. No, they’ve got to sweat, toil, and maybe even bleed a little to see the sunrise the way it was meant to be seen—with their own two eyes and a heart full of understanding.

Loving someone means letting them learn to love themselves enough to want better. It’s not about abandoning them in their hour of need; it’s about standing firm in love while they figure out how to stand on their own two feet. Sometimes that means letting them stumble, letting them fall, because it’s in the getting back up that they find out what they’re made of.

See, there’s a balance to be found—a line between offering a hand and carrying someone who’s unwilling to walk. We can love folks through their hard times, we can encourage them, pray for them, and guide them, but we can’t do the work for them. That’s their path, their walk, their mountain to climb.

So, don’t wear yourself out trying to help someone who won’t help themselves. Offer a hand, lend an ear, speak truth in love, but remember—you’re not their savior. They’ve got to pick up the pieces of their own life and start building something worth living for. And when they do, well, that’s when you’ll see a transformation that’s truly something to behold.

Uncategorized

From Worry To Joy!

Psalm 94:19 says, “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Now, ain’t that something? Most of us know a little something about having a head full of worries. 

Life has a way of piling up problems like a stack of unpaid bills on the kitchen table. Anxiety has a way of creeping in like Carolina summer heat—slow, sticky, and it’ll wear you down if you ain’t careful.

You see, we think we gotta figure it all out, wrestle every worry, and fix every problem ourselves. We try to carry the weight of the world like we’re Atlas himself, but truth be told, our shoulders weren’t made for that. Anxiety whispers in our ear, telling us we ain’t enough, that the storm is too big, and we’re too small.

 But here’s where God steps in with a big ol’ “Not today!”When the troubles of this world seem louder than a Baptist preacher on Sunday morning, God’s comfort cuts through like a cool breeze. His peace ain’t just a fleeting feeling; it’s a deep-down knowing that He’s got this—even when we don’t. It’s like finding shade under a big ol’ oak tree in the middle of August. 

It’s where the weight lifts, and joy sneaks in.So, let’s remember today that when our minds get crowded with the noise of life’s worries, God’s consolation is right there, waiting to bring us joy. We just gotta lean in, trust a little deeper, and let Him do what He does best—turn our anxiety into peace, and our burdens into blessings.

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Getting The Monkey Off Your Back!

Do you ever feel like the devil is “messing with you”? This thought often refers to spiritual or personal struggles rather than direct interference from a supernatural entity. In other words, there is always a possibility that it is the devil, but it could also just be part of the ups, downs and sideways of life. Here are some signs that people may interpret as indications of negative influences and a few ideas about what we can do about them:

1. Constant Negative Thoughts: If you’re persistently experiencing negative, self-deprecating, or harmful thoughts that seem beyond your control, it might feel like an external force is influencing your mindset. There is an old computer terminology that says: “Garbage In, Garbage Out!” What are you allowing into your life in the things that your eyes, see, your ears hear, your mouth taste, your nose smells, your skin feels and your minds thinks about?

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” -Philippians 4:8

2. Sudden and Unexplained Struggles: Unexpected difficulties in various aspects of life, such as relationships, work, or health, might be perceived as signs of interference. The first thing we need to do, before looking to place the blame on someone or something else, is own our own responsibility for what could be a contributing factor.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” -James 1:2-4

3. Feeling Disconnected or Drained: Sensations of feeling spiritually or emotionally disconnected, drained of energy, or experiencing a sense of impending doom may lead one to believe they are under negative influence. If you are feeling disconnected ask yourself: “What have I done to make sure I am connected?” If you are feeling drained of energy, take a look at your diet and exercise and think about changes that you might need to take. If you are experiencing a sense of impending doom, make sure that you are spending time reading and thinking about spiritual literature, especially the Bible.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8)

4. Unexplained Physical or Mental Health Issues: Though often medical, if someone experiences unexplained physical ailments or mental health issues, they might attribute them to external negative forces. Sometimes the body gets sick and there is almost always a reason for this. It is usually because something has gotten into us that does not belong or we have failed to take something in that our body or mind needs. Check yourself and if need be, get professional help to get back healthy.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” -Isaiah 41:10

5. Repeated Obstacles or Failures: Feeling like there’s a pattern of repeated obstacles, failures, or challenges that hinder progress or success in life. The reality is that sometimes we are our own worst enemy and we just keep on repeating the same of self defeating behaviors. We will not ever overcome, until we get honest with ourselves and our Maker.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

It’s important to note that while these signs might be concerning, they can also be attributed to various other factors such as mental health conditions, life circumstances, or personal struggles. Seeking guidance from trusted spiritual leaders, counselors, or mental health professionals is advisable if these signs persist or significantly impact your well-being. Additionally, interpreting these signs as the direct influence of the devil is largely subjective and varies according to personal beliefs and cultural backgrounds. Often we give the devil way too much authority and power. If you are a child of God, the devil has no power over you, unless you give it to him, so remember this: You Got The Power!