Word of Mouth

You may have heard it said that “word of mouth” is the best advertising. Have you ever wondered why that is the case? It is simple really; we trust the opinions and insight of Word of Mouththose we trust. Imagine that! I can think of many times when I’ve asked people I trust for recommendations when I needed work done on my house, my car, medically, etc. I trust other people’s experiences. Even for less serious things like vacations. People come back from vacation and they talk about their experiences. It is fresh on their mind, they’re excited about it, and they want to share with the people in their lives. However, far too often we shy away from this same concept when it comes to sharing our faith. I know I do. Psalm 105 starts with three concepts: 1) give thanks…2)call upon his name…3)make known his deeds. As Christians we may find it easier to do the first two than the third. We are often too worried about what others will think and maybe we are afraid that they will no longer want to be friends with us. This is a lie from Satan. Very rarely are the people in our lives so shallow that with a genuine sharing of what is important to us would they refuse to be friends or talk to us. For example, how many times have you or I passed up the opportunity to talk about what we learned on a Sunday when on Monday someone asks how was your weekend? Do you answer that by telling them about what you did or what God did? Most of the time I’ve focused on what me and my family did rather than what God did through church or my small group. How about you? And folks, this is just one example. I challenge you to join me in answering that one question differently from now on! Start with this and I bet we will find many other opportunities to “make known his deeds”.

 

 

Lord, help me to put the focus on you and to share with others the joy of my salvation. Amen.

 

 

 

Interview and Story from Local TV Station about Divorce Month

Mark Baldwin was interviewed as part of a story by local TV station, WBBJ, for their story about January being the month when the most divorce filings occur.

“Baldwin said to avoid going to the divorce attorneys use the new year to make a new marriage.

“They can reconcile. They can begin to make a new commitment to make individual changes and changes as a couple,” said Baldwin.”

–  from article National Divorce Month by Tiffany Neely

Look Back and Move Forward

As you evaluate the past year and prepare for the New Year, remember these tips:

  1. You can’t change the past. You can learn from 2014 by taking an honest look at the year. If repentance is needed, then repent. If forgiveness needs to be given, then forgive.  If rejoicing needs to happen, then rejoice. However, do not beat yourself up over what can not be changed.
  2. Set smart goals. Take what you learned from 2014 and apply those lessons to your goals for 2015. Make sure the goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-specific.
  3. Evaluate your habits. As you plan goals for 2015, remember that healthy habits will help accomplish those goals and set the stage for new goals. Healthy habits lead to healthy lifestyle.
  4. Time management is not possible. You can not manage time but you can manage your own behavior.  Plan to use your time wisely.
  5. Finally, base all of these on beliefs grounded in truth. Make sure that your beliefs are based on truth or all else you do will be skewed, including the new goals you set. Your thoughts, feelings, and behavior are all driven by your  worldview (your beliefs).

Happy New Year!