Chapter 1 -Drop pride
If you ever want to grow up as a human being, you will need to Drop your pride. If you truly want to experience more depth and joy in relationships you must Drop Pride. Pride is ugly, selfish, blind, self seeking, toxic disease that leads to anger and indifference(which is a form of hatred). Pride is “never wrong”. Pride is a road to destruction and discontentment. Drop pride and put on humility. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18 If you really want the most out of life……DROP PRIDE!!
Chapter 2- Put on Humility
Some of the most attractive, life giving people on earth are NOT on Facebook or Instagram..they are behind the scenes..they are the Humble. Humble people are the strongest people in the world because they live beyond themselves and consider others more important. Humble people see people through a lens that values them genuinely as people, not transactions. Humble people listen well and don’t dominate with trifle, intimidating words or physical force. Humble people are always learning and looking for ways to serve. Humble people live to serve rather than be served.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10
Chapter 3 Slow to speak
We are told in James to be SLOW to speak and there is a reason. We’ve all had conversations that turn into destructive words that lead to painful regret and what I call “relational PTSD” (personal tongue self disorder). Once we’ve said something..we can never take it back. Train yourself to be slower to speak and quicker to listen! You and others will have less stress and better relationships.
“let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” James 1:19
Chapter 4 Grace is more powerful!
Grace is so powerful! Grace can dismantle destructive lies and thoughts that are not life-giving. Grace is a gift God gives us to bridge back together what the world would label as a lost cause. Grace is all powerful to supply what is needed for our weaknesses and shortcomings. When life seems really out of balance and you feel stuck ASK and SEEK God’s grace to cover you.
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people,
instructing us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age;looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ;”
Chapter 5 Celebrate more!!
Why don’t we Celebrate more!? We get so into productivity that we forget to celebrate or we’re just too tired! Celebrating brings balance into life by actively choosing to enjoy special moments in life and make new ones! Be spontaneous! I remember our daughters 16th birthday was only one day away and we had not taken time for her Quinceañera to celebrate her passage from girlhood to womanhood. And we just decided let’s go for it and it worked out so well… everybody was into it and it couldn’t have been a better surprise! Her best friend was in on it and everybody pulled together to celebrate. Take time to celebrate… your life will be richer and so will others!
“The joy of the Lord is my strength” Nehemiah 8:10
Chapter 6 who are u following?
Somehow we think we AREN’T affected or influenced by media or even those around us…but we are. We adopt words, phrases, gestures and thoughts that are primarily NOT necessarily the best thing to follow. But nonetheless we are following something or someone. Who or what in your life is the biggest healthy influence in the last five years, five months, five weeks, five days? Was it the person who got you on a health kick to loose weight or the person at work who influenced you to read a book on philosophy or was it the new TV series on becoming wealthy in three months “guaranteed?” We all are influenced daily by someone or something..the question is..is it TRUE and does it INSTILL LIFE in me and into others?
TRUTH matters!! Truth dismantles fear and lies that if not in check with Truth tear us down! We become followers of lies and become trapped in self-destruction.
Truth matters more than we realize. Follow the TRUTH!
“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31,32
Chapt. 7 The Way, the Truth the Life..Jesus
I have seen so many people in my lifetime transformed by the truth and love of Jesus! People that were so far gone into the world. My wife has shown me Jesus so much, with her patience and heart of Grace from God. I’ve also seen people stuck in self destructive mode who turn to Him and receive the freedom blessing of His forgiveness and His Spirit and power to overcome They start living life to the fullest. Every day becomes an adventure of seeing God’s grace and faithfulness. Fear, guilt and shame fall behind you and you know you are forever forgiven by God.
I have also seen so many people laugh and mock His name. The “idea” of truth and real love is unfortunately not believed or even welcomed. Those who have not encountered the greatest LOVE are stuck in disbelief.
I am praying that 100+ people will read these cliffnotes on life and God places a yearning in their hearts to experience the Truth and Love of God and become a new creation and see new life this year!!
His ways are better!! Give Jesus your fears, shame and burdens!! He can make you whole! My life is not perfect by any means..but I know my Savior and His love for me and you!
AMEN
