Sunday Words of Encouragement July 14, 2013

We had a nice communion service this morning and some of the young girls shared their fun experience at church camp a week or so ago. It’s always wonderful to see the joy of the Lord radiate from the kids.

Pastor’s sermon was entitled: “Battle for the Mind”. The primary passage was Philippians 4:8 which encourages us to 'think on good things'. Much of our society focuses on negative-- in the news and unfairness of circumstances-- instead of looking for all the good, joy and blessings we have. Pastor explained that he was feeling a bit unsettled and then, as he was resting his hip, he came upon the Hallmark channel. Hallmark has been sharing sweet stories of “Christmas in July.” Pastor realized that his attitude brightened just by thinking of the wonderful family sharing times we experience during the Christmas season.

Pastor pointed out that this cheerful viewing is in contrast to other less than positive offerings on TV - some of which he termed “crummy.” He said there is a new program about a child, (title withheld), where the audience is encouraged to buy 'sniff and scratch' cards so they can share in malodorous odors! Ugh. He also questioned a commercial for some zesty salad dressing that was touted by a man with no shirt. “What does a shirtless man have to do with salad dressing?” he asked. It is a clear attempt to lure people with the lusts of the flesh. (I am so glad we don’t watch much TV and we use the program that allows us to skip over commercials.)

As mentioned a few weeks ago, we are righteous through Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:21, and we are inheritors, therefore royalty.  So the question is: How do you choose to live? As royalty focusing on good things, joy and blessings? Or as paupers in the slums, gloomy and sad, and grumbling about life's difficulties?

I have had internet (or computer) problems today

and was unable to play the videos choices without locking up. 

This song finally played so my DH said it must be the one to use.

I was looking for a joyful song so Joy in the Holy Ghost works. :-)

A verse for today:
Philippians 4:8  (NIV)
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

I pray that the Lord will always help me to live like royalty and to look for the good and positive each day!