How is your ATTITUDE?

An excerpt from: Attitude is Everything by Vicki Hitzges

I used to worry. A lot. The more I fretted, the more proficient I became at it. Anxiety begets anxiety. I even worried that I worried too much! Ulcers might develop. My health could fail. My finances could deplete to pay the hospital bills.

A comedian once said, "I tried to drown my worries with gin, but my worries are equipped with flotation devices." While not a drinker, I certainly could identify! My worries could swim, jump and pole vault!

To get some perspective, I visited a well known, Dallas businessman, Fred Smith. Fred mentored such luminaries as motivational whiz Zig Ziglar, business guru Ken Blanchard and leadership expert John Maxwell. Fred listened as I poured out my concerns and then said, "Vicki, you need to learn to wait to worry."As the words sank in, I asked Fred if he ever spent time fretting. (I was quite certain he wouldn't admit it if he did. He was pretty full of testosterone—even at age 90.)

To my surprise, he confessed that in years gone by he had been a top-notch worrier!"I decided that I would wait to worry!" he explained. "I decided that I'd wait until I actually had a reason to worry—something that was happening, not just something that might happen—before I worried.""When I'm tempted to get alarmed," he confided, "I tell myself, 'Fred, you've got to wait to worry! Until you know differently, don't worry.' And I don't.

Waiting to worry helps me develop the habit of not worrying and that helps me not be tempted to worry."Fred possessed a quick mind and a gift for gab. As such, he became a captivating public speaker. "I frequently ask audiences what they were worried about this time last year. I get a lot of laughs," he said, "because most people can't remember. Then I ask if they have a current worry—you see nods from everybody.

Then I remind them that the average worrier is 92% inefficient—only 8% of what we worry about ever comes true."Charles Spurgeon said it best. "Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but only empties today of its strength."

Rev. Patrick Muston

"Come as you are...leave better."

Hold On to Your Peace My Friend !

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

"Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you"
(Luke 6:28, NIV).

TODAY’S WORD

I've learned that some people are peace stealers. They feel like it's their calling in life to aggravate you, try to make you look bad, and tell you what you can't do. They'll try to bait you into an argument to get you upset, annoyed and frustrated. But don't take the bait! Nothing is worth losing your peace over. They may think they're getting the best of you, but in the end, God can use that to take you higher. When people come against you, choose to keep your peace. Choose to forgive. Pray for that person because that's how you disarm the enemy against you.

Selah people' and friends scripture says your battle isn't against flesh and blood. In others words, that person isn't your enemy; the accuser—Satan—is your enemy. He's trying to bring division and get you upset. But when you choose to keep peace, when you keep walking in love and keep a smile on your face, you are overcoming his tactics. That's how you win. Join me today, choose peace, choose to walk in love, and choose the victory God has prepared for you!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for giving me Your peace and strength today. I choose to hold my peace and bless those who come against me. I choose to walk in love and forgiveness so that I can honor You in all that I do. In Jesus' Name. Amen

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

http://www.selahchurch.com

What do you call "True Success"?

 TODAY’S SCRIPTURE“...Freely you have received; freely give”
(Matthew 10:8, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD

There  are a lot of people who are successful in this world. They’ve accomplished their  goals in the public eye. But being successful isn’t just about what you make  happen for yourself, it’s about what you make happen for others. It’s when you  realize, “God has blessed me not to just sit on my throne and let everybody see  my accomplishments; God has blessed me to be a blessing to others. God has  helped me to win so I can help somebody else win.” In other words, it’s when you  realize, “God helped me overcome this addiction, now I’m going to go find  somebody and help them overcome.” Or, “God has blessed me with a happy family.  I’m going to go find a family that’s struggling and help them get back on  track.” That’s what being successful is  really all about.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
 Selah people' and friends I challenge you today  look for ways to help others succeed. Reach back and give freely of the talents  and abilities you’ve been given. As you do, you’ll rise up higher and live in  the fullness of the blessing God has prepared for you!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, thank You for giving me so much. Thank You for blessing me with talents and abilities and the desire to bless others. Show me ways to reach out and help others move forward and help them be successful so we can all rise higher together. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Your brother in Christ,
Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor
Selah Christian Church
Four Oaks, NC
http://www.selahchurch.com/