It has been said we should be “generous with praise, but cautious with promises.” Matthew 5:37, “But let your communication be, Yea, Yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these comes of evil.” Our word is the foundation of relationships. We need to do everything we can to keep our promises to one another. Keeping our commitments and honoring our promises are important because we all tend to construct our hopes around promises. When a man promises to love a woman until death, that gives the woman security to become all that she was meant to be in the marriage relationship. When we keep our commitments it builds trust, and there is no such thing as a healthy relationship apart from trust. Keeping our commitments can personally be costly, but that trust is the firm foundation upon which a relationship is built. no family can survive without each member keeping their commitment to the Lord and each other. … READ MORE

What do you anticipate for this year? What is your frame of mind? Are you full of enthusiasm, looking forward eagerly to what each day will bring? Or are you filled with dread, worried that this year will be worse than the last year was for you? The Apostle Paul was never One to let circumstances conquer him. With the help of God he was determined to win the victor’s crown. Listen as his attitude, his dedication, his determination shines through in the words found in Philippians 3:12-14, “Not that have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” We must realize that our past defeats do not define us and our past victories do not exalt us! With Paul’s words fresh in our minds, we need to understand the value of Time. Time is … READ MORE

There is a book that I read as a child called, “Fortunately, Unfortunately,” by Michael Foreman. In the book, Mom sends Milo on an errand to return Granny’s umbrella to her. Fortunately, Milo doesn’t realize that he’s about to encounter several unfortunate setbacks with pirates, dinosaurs, and aliens. But it all turns into one amazing, fortunate adventure. We are reminded that perspective controls our attitude about our circumstances. As we approach Thanksgiving, we need to remember the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” This week, take the time to stop and reflect on your circumstances, and choose to focus on the fortunate things that are going on around us. Even when things seem bleak, God always provides windows of light that are designed to encourage us in the midst of our struggles. Life is truly an adventure, our perspective will determine our gratitude. … READ MORE