Don’t Be So Mean!!!!

I frequently watch videos or see a picture on Facebook, and want more information regarding what I’m watching, so I scroll through the comments. Though I hope for the best, I am almost ALWAYS disappointed by what I see – rude, mean, belligerent, comments by people who obviously think they are the supreme authority on whatever the topic may be, whether it’s a recipe, a craft project, or some kid or pet-related thing that was intended to be funny or heartwarming in some way.

 

I don’t know why people these days think they have the right to be so incredibly vicious in the expression of their opinions, but honestly, it’s HORRIBLE! Heavy use of profanity embedded in the worst name-calling I’ve ever seen, and very often, I see suggestions that the person posting should do something detrimental to themselves.

 

WHY?! Why do people feel they are justified in treating their fellow man this way?! It’s absolutely awful how people talk to and treat one another these days, and I for one, am SICK TO DEATH of it! Just because you have an opinion about something or someone, doesn’t mean you have the right to treat them badly. STOP THE HATE! Make the world a better place!!! It all starts with YOU and ME!

Watch Your Mouth…

Hello Family and Friends! Happy Tuesday! Today, I’m impressed to remind you that what you say, will directly affect what you believe and the effects can be either positive or negative, depending on what you’re saying. If you’re constantly speaking negatives, then your words will get into your spirit and act as a poison that will take over and begin to cause spiritual death. If you are speaking positives, you are speaking healing into your spirit, and positive things will begin to happen. Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences

The same is true of how you speak to others. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”We need to build each other up, so we can rise to be better than we are or were. If we constantly tear each other down, by speaking words against one another that are unkind, or destructive, then we are quite literally poisoning the spirit of another person, and honestly, we have no right to do that to another of God’s creation.

This is actually SO important that God put it in the bible several times. Here are a few examples. It all boils down to this: If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. Proverbs 21:23 says,

“He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.”

As always, I pray this message is a blessing to you, in Jesus’ name – Amen.

Rev. Crystal

The Power of the Tongue

This is not my post, but was written by a friend of mine, and I can relate to it just as much as anyone else may be able to. I really feel strongly that the Lord wants me to share it, so I am.  May it be as big a blessing to you as it is to me 😊

“James 3:8-10… it’s amazing how in just one breath we can build up others or break them down. How do we change what comes out of our mouths when the world we live in thrives on breaking others down with their words. It’s become more and more acceptable to voice your opinion (because ur entitled to it) whether it hurts, embarrass others, or breaks others down you can say it. I have done this to others too many times, I pray daily that God will give me the desire to follow his Word and not the world”

Communication

Good evening, Family & Friends. I want to talk briefly about good communication. These days everyone is in such a hurry to just get the info, or send a message, that we often just send a text message instead of actually making a phone call. Let’s face it — a text is fast, it’s easy, and you don’t have to go into the dynamics of an actual conversation.

Here’s the problem: Sometimes things that seem clear, aren’t clear, and little nuances such as vocal inflection cause things to get lost in the translation, or even sometimes, very badly misunderstood, which can have terrible and lasting effects on relationships.

I’m just as guilty as the next person, of just sending a text when I really should have an actual conversation. Many an argument between my hubby and I have been the result of a misunderstood text message. The fact is, there’s no substitute for good communication! Communication is a 2-sided dynamic, that involves information input, translation, and very often, a lot of clarification. Those things are frequently missed in a quick text.

Don’t forget to talk to one-another. Especially to the people who mean the most to you! Good communication is the key to a solid, and healthy relationship, whether it be with your husband, wife, mother, son, daughter, boyfriend, girlfriend….. okay, you get the idea… CALL & TALK. It’s worth it!

As always, may this message be a blessing to you, in Jesus’ name – Amen 🙂
Rev. Crystal

Let It Go!

I know this is late, but it’s been quite a day! However…. I just want to remind you that forgiveness works two ways. It benefits not only the person being forgiven, but the person doing the forgiving. Letting go of toxic feelings and forgiving someone heals your own spirit as well as theirs. Love is the law.

May God bless you, forgive you, and help you to forgive others, in Jesus’ name ❤
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”

Shelter Me

Good Morning Family & Friends! Today, I’d like to share with you one of my absolute favorite songs. Now I’m honesty not a fan of Christian music, and to see the lyrics you’d think that’s what this is. It may very well be considered such, but this is an awesome rockin’ blues song with a mean guitar riff, and it sums up how I feel about the Lord, so give it a listen. Those of you who’ve watched the TV show Sons of Guns have already heard part of it, because they used it for their theme, however it’s not about guns, which I honestly have no problem with when used responsibly! Okay, the caffeine has officially kicked in, so I’m gonna leave this right here. Have a very blessed day! ❤

Shelter Me – by Tab Benoit (click to see the video & hear the song!)

The earth can shake the sky come down*
The mountains all fall to the ground
But I will fear none of these things
Shelter me lord underneath your wings

Dark waters rise and thunder pounds
The wheels of war are going round
And all the walls are crumbling
Shelter me lord underneath your wings
Shelter me lord underneath your wings

Hide me underneath your wings
Hide me deep inside your heart
In your refuge – cover me
The world can shake
But lord I’m making you my hiding place

The wind will blow the rain can pour
The deluge breaks the tempest roars
But in the storm my spirit sing
Oh shelter me lord underneath your wing
Shelter me lord underneath your wing

Hide me underneath your wings
Hide me deep inside your heart

In your refuge – cover me
The world can shake
But lord I’m making you my hiding place

Now on the day you call for me
Someday when time – no more shall be
I’ll say death where is your sting
Shelter me lord underneath your wing
Shelter me lord underneath your wing

Hide me underneath your wings
Hide me deep inside your heart
In your refuge – cover me
The world can shake
But lord I’m making you my hiding place

Now on the day you call for me
Someday when time – no more shall be
I’ll say oh death where is your sting
Oh shelter me lord underneath your wings
I say shelter me lord underneath your wing
Shelter me lord underneath your wing

You Can Do All Things

Good morning, family & friends! Today’s message is short but direct. Remember that you are a child of God and as such, you are not alone. You have the ability to overcome whatever battles may be in your life, because you have the Lord on your side. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Jesus is Lord and gives us His strength. I pray God protects you, heals you, forgives your sins, and keeps you strong – In Jesus’ name – Amen!

The Rewards of Wisdom

Good morning, Family & Friends! Happy Sunday! Today I am moved to share only God’s word, and none of my usual stories. God’s word is perfect, and in us it can do a perfect work! May you be ever blessed! In Jesus’ name – Amen

Proverbs 3: 1-35

My son, do not forget my teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments;

For length of days and years of life
And peace they will add to you.

Do not let kindness and truth leave you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.

So you will find favor and good repute
In the sight of God and man.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your body
And refreshment to your bones.

Honor the LORD from your wealth
And from the first of all your produce;

So your barns will be filled with plenty
And your vats will overflow with new wine.

My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD
Or loathe His reproof,

For whom the LORD loves He reproves,
Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

How blessed is the man who finds wisdom
And the man who gains understanding.

For her profit is better than the profit of silver
And her gain better than fine gold.

She is more precious than jewels;
And nothing you desire compares with her.

Long life is in her right hand;
In her left hand are riches and honor.

Her ways are pleasant ways
And all her paths are peace.

She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who hold her fast.

The LORD by wisdom founded the earth,
By understanding He established the heavens.

By His knowledge the deeps were broken up
And the skies drip with dew.

My son, let them not vanish from your sight;
Keep sound wisdom and discretion,

So they will be life to your soul
And adornment to your neck.

Then you will walk in your way securely
And your foot will not stumble.

When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Do not be afraid of sudden fear
Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes;

For the LORD will be your confidence
And will keep your foot from being caught.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in your power to do it.

Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back,
And tomorrow I will give it,”
When you have it with you.

Do not devise harm against your neighbor,
While he lives securely beside you.

Do not contend with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm.

Do not envy a man of violence
And do not choose any of his ways.

For the devious are an abomination to the LORD;
But He is intimate with the upright.

The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the dwelling of the righteous.

Though He scoffs at the scoffers,
Yet He gives grace to the afflicted.

The wise will inherit honor,
But fools display dishonor.

The Blessing of Confidence

Good morning, and Happy Saturday, Family & Friends!

The dictionary defines confidence as, “The feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust; The state of feeling certain about the truth of something.”

The bible says in Jeremiah 17:7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.” And again, in Ephesians 3:12 “In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” And even again in John 5:14 “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

Are you seeing the same pattern I’m seeing? Here’s what I see – If you ask God for something in your life. Let’s say for example; the fulfillment of a dream or hope – you can confidently go to God with your dream or hope and if it is in line with His word, He will hear you and it will be given to you. The single most important part in there, is that whatever you ask of the Lord MUST be according to HIS will.

Why? Because as you can see in Isaiah 55:8: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.”

What that means is — FATHER knows best! God knows everything. Past – Present – Future. He knows everything that happened, what’s happening now, and what will happen tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, etc. We don’t. We only know what’s happened and what’s happening currently in OUR OWN little world, and believe me, in the grand spectrum of things, each and every one of us is a very small part of what’s happening in the big picture. And therefore, you MUST absolutely align your requests with what He’s given you in His word, in order for that to work.

Interestingly, God knows each and every one of us, He cares about what’s happening with us and He wants to help us. But we need to be doing everything we can to be obedient to His word in our lives so He can bless us accordingly. If what we’re asking for goes out of His perfect will, then it’s not gonna happen!

For example; Maybe you’ve found yourself in a situation where you want something that belongs to someone else, so you pray for God to give it to you. That ain’t gonna work, my friend! Why? Because God is NOT going to give you something that belongs to someone else! In fact, He even made Commandments about that! The 10th Commandment actually says; “You shall not covet” — The definition of Covet is; “Yearn to possess or have something – to desire, yearn for, crave, have one’s heart set on, want, wish for, long for, hanker after/for, hunger after/for, thirst for.”

See what I mean? So you must be very careful that you’re asking God for the right things for the right reasons. I know this can be difficult, because we are human and our emotions get in the way of our common sense, but it’s really important that we be in line with God’s word, or He can’t bless us, and believe me, God’s blessings are worth working for!

American Essayist Henry David Thoreau said, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined”
I agree wholeheartedly and am actually trying do that currently with my life and my dreams. BUT – I am doing everything I can to make sure I am walking in God’s word and doing my best to stay obedient to His will in my life.

Yes – I make mistakes all the time
Yes – I have to pray for forgiveness — A LOT!
Yes – When I fall – and I do fall – I have to pick myself up, dust myself off and try again!

And so should you!!!

Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Notice the order of operations: #1 Lord #2 Desires of your heart.

John 14:13 “And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

As always, these stories are written in the hopes that they will be a blessing to you in some way. May the Lord bless you, watch over you, protect you and guide you, in Jesus’ name – Amen.
-Rev. Crystal Bennett

The Tree of Life

Good morning, Family & Friends! Happy Friday!!

Yesterday, I had the great pleasure of spending the entire day with my second son. We had a very nice day together, and he spoiled his dear old mom a LOT! I will always cherish that memory. While we were having breakfast, we were discussing our family, what each one is doing these days, what he wants out of life, and whether or not his life is going in the direction he would like it to go. Here’s what I told him:

“I’ve come to think of life as a tree. You have the big, solid trunk, which is family, friends, or whomever represents the the most solid part of your life and supports you. God is the all-important root system that keeps everything nourished and solid. Without that root system, the tree would wither and die, and would not withstand even the slightest storm.

Think of yourself as a single branch on that tree. A branch is full of kinks and bends, twisting first one way then another, but stays a part of the tree as a whole. Like a branch, your life may take many twists and turns, get a few bends and kinks, and sprout little branches of it’s own, but it’s all a part of the same trunk and root system. That – never – changes.

As long as you put things in proper order of importance in your Tree of Life — God at the root of all, nourishing you and keeping you grounded & Family as the trunk who supports you through good weather and bad — you will never be alone, you will weather any storm, and eventually, your branch will produce good fruit.

Revelation 2:7 – “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.”

As always, these stories are written in the hopes that they will be a blessing to you in some way. May the Lord bless you, watch over you, protect you and guide you, in Jesus’ name- Amen.

-Rev. Crystal Bennett