Daniel Skognes

There is a problem with people speaking their mind. It seems that many folks just blurt out nonsense without considering the impact or consequences of their statements. I have seen purely innocent statements both in person and online attacked or belittled for no good reason other than to just be contrary or try to prove that they are right and you are wrong. Why do people feel entitled to make caustic comments?

Here is my advice: “Speak your mind, but mind your tongue.” In other words…think before you speak. Consider who you are speaking to, why you are voicing your opinion to the contrary, what the possible consequences could be for your statements, and is it even necessary to say? Just a thought, but sometimes it is best to hold your tongue and just scroll on or ignore it.

People seem to underestimate the power of their words. Words have the ability to do one of two things: heal or hurt. Once they have been expressed, you cannot take them back. You can apologize for offending someone, but you have still wounded them. Depending on their state of mind, they may be able to just shake it off (if they are healthy) or they may allow that wound to fester and affect their outlook on life and their own self-worth in a negative fashion (if they have been abused).

This sums it up: Speak the truth in love. You will never know what memories and wounds that person is already carrying. Don’t make their load any heavier or even impossible. If anything…encourage them!

Shalom!

Daniel Skognes

An age old question is, “Are you an optimist or a pessimist?” You might say a little of both or just one or the other depending on the day or the circumstances that you are facing. The thing is, we all have more choices than just having our glass half full or half empty. We can choose to have an abundant life…one that is overflowing with God’s blessings. The question is, “How do we get and maintain an attitude like that?”

You may be thinking that there is no hope, or that life has handed you a terrible hand to play, and you know what? You may be right on the hand you were dealt. Life isn’t fair, but I would definitely argue that life is well worth living despite the hand you have been dealt. Some of you are already getting ready to argue the point with me, but let me at least plant a few things in your heart and mind to consider.

1. Philippians 4:19 says that God will supply ALL our needs according to HIS riches in glory. Do you believe that? It does take faith.

2. Luke 17:6 says that if you have faith the size of a mustard seed (one of the smallest seeds on earth), you can move mountains! It is a matter of trusting God.

3. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says that we are to give thanks in all things. That does not mean we have to be thankful FOR all things, but IN all things we are to maintain an attitude of trust and thankfulness to God that He will see us through it. A thankful heart is a key to unlocking God’s blessings.

4. Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God. Are you living a life of worry, or are you living a life of abundance? You HAVE to have faith, otherwise your prayers will go unanswered and you will never see the life of peace, joy, and abundance that you desire.

5. Jeremiah 29:11 says that God has plans for YOU, to prosper you, not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future. Receive it and believe it.

6. Romans 8:31 asks if God is for us, who can be against us? God loves you and wants the best for you. He is there with you in every storm you face. Allow Him to lead, guide, and protect you.

7. 1 Corinthians 13:13 says that three things abide with us: faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love.

8. 1 John 4:8 says that God IS love!

Next time you find yourself contemplating the glass half full or half empty illustration as it applies to your life, remember that you have another choice…a life of overflowing blessings. It is right there in front of you. Let your tests become your testimony, and remember there is purpose even in the pain.

“Where He leads, He feeds. Where He guides He provides. What He sows, He grows.”

Shalom!

Daniel Skognes

I was driving today and noticed this sign on a car in front of me: “Don’t believe everything you think.” Wow. That was a very thought provoking bumper sticker. I have to admit I am curious as to why they put it on their car. Was he a preacher, a teacher, or someone running for office? I will never know.

What it did for me was give me pause and consider what I think. Thoughts are inevitable and yet sometimes we really don’t THINK for ourselves. We are bombarded with things to shape our thinking. The politicians tell us what to think, social media and the news are working towards that means 24/7, entertainment is certainly doing its part, and then we have the voices of friends, family, co-workers, and even the voice within our own head. Is it any wonder we sometimes really don’t know what to think? Add to that the spiritual dimension and warfare that is constantly warring against us, and you can see why this is a deeper issue than most even consider.

The Bible tells us to take EVERY thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). That is a tall order! Every thought? Really, God? God knew when He gave us the scriptures that we would be under attack in our thought life and we can’t fight this fight on our own. That is why the Holy Spirit and Bible were given to us: to guide, help, encourage, equip, and warn us.

Next time you are having some thoughts that are less than pure and maybe even evil, ask yourself where these thoughts are coming from. You may have to change what you are watching on TV, and you may have to even change your circle of influence. Who you listen to does matter. Boundaries are healthy and that coupled with putting on the whole armor of God will sustain you in the days to come. It is good to question what you are really thinking.

Ephesians 6: 11-18 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one, which is the Word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

What comes out of your mouth and the actions you take are birthed out of your thought life. Just some food for thought.

Shalom!

Daniel Skognes