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Change Starts with You – The Power of One Series – Part #2

Change Starts with You

Change is a word that many people fear. However, change is necessary to growth and opportunity.

Beginning to create change and make a difference starts with one person and their behavior… You!

The knowledge that one person’s behavior is able to create change and make a difference in other’s lives may feel both overwhelming and empowering. However, while it might seem overwhelming and empowering, you must remember this is part of the process of growth and opportunity.

On one hand, putting focus on yourself can feel more comfortable than believing the entire world must change for something great to happen. On the other hand, it can feel like an immense mountain to climb all by yourself.

You must remember not to lose heart while doing good.

If you are changing for the better, do not lose heart. It is rewarding to know the best way to create change in others and the world, is by changing yourself first. Creating change in yourself begins with personal responsibility.

Take note that being responsible for your actions is the beginning step on the road to influencing others.

When you change, others see a positive change, and the results that follow, they want to make a positive difference as well.

Here are some words found in the back of No More Mondays by Dan Miller (page 241) (Amazon Link) attributed as found on a tomb dated A.D. 1100 of an Anglican Bishop at Westminster Abbey:

When I was young and free, and my imagination had no limits,
I dreamed of changing the world.
As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change,
so I shortened my sights somewhat and
decided to change only my country.
But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years,
in one last desperate attempt,
I settled for changing only my family,
those closest to me, but alas,
they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize:
If I had only changed myself first,
Then by example I would have changed my family.
From their inspiration and encouragement,
I would have been able to better my country and,
who knows, I may have changed the world.

People make their most significant impact in areas that mean the most to them. A child who struggled with not having enough food to eat growing up might grow to be an adult who works to end hunger. Someone who didn’t have access to education might spend their time promoting literacy.

Creating personal change makes a difference in life. Each one goes through personal trials, struggles and more. The ability to create change and take place, even in the storms of life. When tragedy strikes, there are usually two reactions people experience: (1) depression, or (2) an urge to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

People are different in the manner they handle situations. Two people can face the same situation and have radically different reactions. One person may fall into deep depression and retreat from life, and the other may use their issue as a starting point for making a difference.

Our desire is to create positive change in our lives so we can assist others in making positive chance in theirs.

There are as many unique ways to make a positive change in other’s lives. You can start to make a positive change by asking yourself a few questions:

What is something about which you feel strongly?
In what ways do you naturally give your time and your resources to help others?
What are you gifting to others?
In what areas of your character do you receive the most compliments?
What events have happened in your life to create space for concern and empathy for others?
What are the things you know how to do that can make life easier for others?

Beginning with these questions will start your thinking about what matters to you. They will help you also answer what personal and unique experiences you have had that can help you make an impact.

You can start with the answers to these questions to realize that you already have the tools to do something, somewhere, that will ripple forth and make a change for the better.

When you realize you have the tools and the experience, you can move forward with confidence that you can make an impact, and that no matter how insignificant you feel in the grand scheme of things, you are vital and very much needed.

So, what are you willing to change, positively to extend your impact to those around you?

Just some thoughts,

Why You Matter – The Power of One Series – Part #1

Before we begin, remember, “Everyone makes an impact.”

You make an impact. Remember that.

Whether or not you know it, you make an impact. Whether or not you are acting intentionally, you make an impact.

While it may be hard to believe, but you are affecting someone. Your actions, my actions, and the actions of others are influencing the world.

What you do matters in more ways than you may realize, and it matters to more people than you realize. Your efforts may create chaos or lead to grand achievements. What will matter to the results is whether or not you are being intentional with your actions.

Have you ever heard of the Butterfly Effect?

The Butterfly effect states that a small first action can cause a reaction of epic proportions. The example is that the simple movement of a butterfly’s wings over time can cause a wave that results in a hurricane. The Butterfly effect is an illustration of how important even the smallest of actions are in the grand scheme of the world.

As someone who lives every day, it is important for you to remember that you have an effect everywhere you go. You matter. You are important. Have you ever considered this?

Did you know that you have a sphere of influence?

Your sphere of influence is the people and places where you make the most impact. This sphere of influence would include your family, your close friends, your co-workers, your church family and anyone close to you. This sphere of influence is where your presence is felt the most.

With the concept of the Butterfly Effect and your Sphere of Influence, how are you making an impact?

Consider this:

How you parent your children makes an impact.
How you manage your marriage makes an impact.
How you engage as a son, daughter, sister, or brother makes an impact.
What you contribute to your career makes an impact.
What you create makes an impact.
Your wisdom makes an impact.
How you vote makes an impact.
How you spend your time and money makes an impact.
How you pour yourself into others makes an impact.

If we sat down to make a list, would could keep going to hours, but I believe you are seeing the impact you have upon others.

Remember, in all that you do, you matter.

How you do things matters.

These things are tied together. While this might seem like an overwhelming responsibility, it isn’t too big when you break it down into manageable parts, in all the different areas of your life.

The most important thing right now is to realize is that you have influence and impact wherever you go. If you are intentional in your actions, you can leave your mark on this world in a favorable and meaningful way.

So, how are you being intentional today?

Remember, you matter.

Just some thoughts,

Wednesdays in the Word – Burden of Guilt

This episode of “Wednesdays in the Word” discusses the guilt one feels over past regrets and problems. As Christians, we should depend on the blood of Jesus to cover our sins.

Many people deal with the burden of guilt every day.

Roy Baumeister, a psychologist at Case Western University in Cleveland studies guilt in 1991. He found that the average person spends approximately two hours a day feeling guilty. And for 39 minutes of that time, people feel moderate to severe guilt that may greatly limit their abilities.
Two types of guilt have been identified:
- Objective guilt – this occurs when a law has been broken and the lawbreaker is guilty even though he or she may not feel guilty.
- Subjective guilt – this refers the inner feelings of remorse and self-condemnation that come because of our actions.

(Christian Counseling, Gary Collins, page 135)

Let’s examine Romans 8.1 considering the discussion of guilt.

Download a PDF copy of the outline here

Click here to download the PDF

Thank you for checking out “Wednesday’s in the Word.”

Be sure to download a copy of the lesson for your personal study or a Bible class.

You can join us next week at 10:15 am (CST) for another edition of Wednesdays in the Word. Be sure to check out our other classes and videos on our website.

Thanks you again.

Just some thoughts,

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Ten Promises of God to Remember

Throughout God’s sacred words to man, there are promises. These promises need to be remembered and realized because they are God’s words of care and comfort to Christians today. Even though they make have been written thousands of years ago, God wants you to know them and to remember them.

Below are ten promises of God to remember.

Additionally, there are three graphics you can download and share as well.

Here are ten promises to remember:

The Promise of a Gift— “But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” (Ephesians 4.7; ESV)
The Promise of the Son — “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2.29-32; ESV)
The Promise of the Spirit — “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (Romans 8.26; ESV)
The Promise of God — “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13.5; ESV)
The Promise of a Rainbow — “When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” (Genesis 9.16; ESV)
The Promise of a Crown — “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4.8; ESV)
The Promise of Better Promises — “But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.” (Hebrews 8.6; ESV)
The Promise of Cleansing — “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1.7; ESV)
The Promise of Forgiveness — “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you…” (Matthew 6.14; ESV)
The Promise of Heaven — “And this is the promise that he made to us–eternal life.” (1 John 2.25; ESV)

Just some thoughts,

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Friday Five – Keys to Greater Fellowship

In this episode of the Friday Five on the Preacher’s Pen, we discuss the four levels of communication and they how those influence the five keys to greater fellowship.

Each Christian may practice these five keys each week to achieve greater fellowship with their spiritual family.

1 – Watch out…for others.

2 – Adopt a stirring up attitude.

3 – Live as a family.

4 – Find one person.

5 – Grow, grow, grow!

The Preacher’s Pen is dedicated to assisting you in creating a great day today for a better life tomorrow, based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

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Just some thoughts,

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Stop Doing Church – Preacher’s Pen Podcast

In this episode of the Preacher’s Pen Podcast, we discuss the beginning of out new series on “Stop Doing Church.”

Are you “doing church” or are you “being the church? There is a difference.

What is the difference in “doing church” and “being the church?” The difference is one is acting and one is living. One will simply act the part and the other will live as the church daily.

Which one are you?

You can find just the audio at http://www.preacherspenpodcast.com or http://www.anchor.fm/preacherspen

The Preacher’s Pen and its efforts seek to assist others in creating a better day today for a better life tomorrow, based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

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Thank you for taking a moment to see our video podcast and our audio podcast. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast at http://www.anchor.fm/peacherspen.

Just some thoughts,

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