Watered Down Ministry

Ministry has become so watered down that ministers are preaching to fill seats instead of preaching the truth according to God's Word. 

Pick Yourself (Repost)

 Credit to Shun Strickland

Repost:

I’m sure I’ve told this story before but it’s worth retelling.

When I was about 8 I was upset because my friend had a sleepover and her mom limited the friends who could come and I wasn’t one of the ones picked.

I was as devastated as any 8 year old is knowing that all her friends are together and I couldn’t be there too.

I bawled all the way home and told my mama what happened. 

This is the advice my grandmother gave my 8 year old self:

“Shun, I’m sorry they didn’t pick you. But this won’t be the last time that you aren’t picked so you better learn to pick yourself.”

At that young age she started to teach me that I had to pick myself even when others didn’t. I had to learn to enjoy my own company because I wouldn’t be always be included. And it’s not always because they don’t like you, they just didn’t pick you this go around so always pick yourself.

Because of that wise teaching, I’ve learned to love my own company and always pick myself.

So whether you pick me or not, I’m always picking me. You better pick yourself too.

Good story. You won’t be picked all the time, so folks need to learn how to be ok with not being chosen. I know rejection hurts, but once you get used to not being chosen, I think people can learn to appreciate their own company. For me, I will always…always choose me over anyone else all the time. Sorry, not sorry.🤷🏾‍♂️

Paying For It

There's no such thing as getting something FREE. If you're not paying with money, you're paying with time, energy and attention. 

People Are Not Who They Say They Are

Excerpt from Joel Osteen’s Rule Your Day:

“God sees what we can’t see. He knows what we don’t, so wouldn’t it make sense to go to Him? People aren’t who they say they are. They show you the side they want you to see, but God sees the big picture. Don’t get caught up in the physical appearance because you may be getting involved with the devil.”

This!💯💪🏾People could save themselves a lot of trouble if they practiced discernment. I’m getting better in discernment that the slightest discomfort, I’m gone. ✌🏾 

Generosity

Being generous doesn't mean allowing yourself to be used. Sometimes, saying no is necessary because if people realize you’re too generous, they can use you if you let them. I’m generous to a degree, but if I feel taken advantage of, I have no problem pulling back. Nobody’s obligated to do for anyone, so if someone goes out of their way for a person, the least that person could do is appreciate it.

Throwback Thursday: Fake Love

Some people don't care about you or love you, but they want to stay connected to you because they love the benefits, so they do the minimum: A call or text from time to time. "What's good? Everything straight?" They're trying to maintain that fake connection so they'll have a way in when they need you. When you've caught on to their games & cut them loose, they say you're acting brand new. No, I know how this movie ends. Pay attention or you'll be the star of the show every time and wonder why you keep going through the same foolishness. 

Discipline Leads To Strength

Repost: Credit to Jason Nichols (Facebook User)

Good morning,

The Torah, the Bible, the Qur’an and other religious texts (that I’m less familiar with) were trying to teach men an important lesson that is often misinterpreted.  They all have explicit warnings about powerful men falling for women to their ultimate detriment.  Whether it’s David or Sampson, many interpret this in a sexist way, where it’s supposedly saying ‘watch out for women’ or ‘you can’t trust women.’

What it is actually saying is that a sexually undisciplined man is ultimately a weak one. He’ll betray his friends, his nation, and sabotage himself.  He can be the strongest physically but will ultimately open himself to lose battles. He’s easily distracted and manipulated.  

A man who is willing walk away from sexual opportunities is incredibly powerful.  He doesn’t need validation. He doesn’t need quick thrills to distract him from his pain. He is patient as he seeks deeper, long term love rather than short term affection. He probably loves and values himself.

Rather than do the hard work of mastering self control, we’ve blamed women when shallow sexual pursuits lead to trouble and drama. The Torah/Bible/Qur’an warned us, but we decided to reinterpret it so that we had less responsibility.  

Discipline leads to strength. A disciplined athlete eats right, trains hard, and avoids things that may interfere with his/her goals. A disciplined student studies hard and forgoes parties. They win in the long run.

A sexually disciplined man finds deeper connections, is harder to control, and isn’t constantly seeking validation.

Young men should realize it’s not how many women like you, or want to sleep with you, or say you’re a good lover that makes you a strong man. It’s actually how little you need to hear those things and still value yourself that shows your strength. 

My view: This brother is on point with everything. Sexual irresponsibility has led to the downfall of influential men. High-profile men see an attractive woman & lose their senses, not realizing those women are interested in his status, not him. As soon as he loses his influence, those women are gone. Discipline is required to become one’s best version of themselves.