How do you respond to criticism, defeat, discouragement and disappointment? We are bound to face all of these at some point in our lives and for many of us we will face them often. So how do YOU respond in these difficulties?

I have to admit that immediately when any one of these things come into my life I am often affected by them…for a moment! In the past I would let criticism, defeat, discouragement and disappointment take me out for hours, days and even weeks at times but that is not the case anymore. I’ve learned to identify them and quickly rise above the negative state they attempt to leave me in. Did you know that we can take authority over our negative emotions and stay in a place of peace?

God’s taught me several keys that help me identify negative feelings and quickly rise above them bringing me back to a place of peace and joy. Here’s what I’ve come to learn:

• The quicker I get my eyes off of my situation and back onto God’s goodness and his love for me the quicker I feel like myself and have peace and joy
• The moment I recognize the negative feelings I’m feeling from criticism, defeat, discouragement and disappointment I take them captive and start thanking God for my growth and ability to do so
• Stop thinking inwardly and start thinking outwardly (instead of poor me I move to a positive place with the thought of how can I encourage others from this negative experience)
• Pray: I acknowledge my feelings and then bring them to God in prayer and in exchange he gives me peace
• I rejoice in faith because I know if I’m feeling any one of these things its from the enemy, who is obviously trying to stop me and keep me from moving forward (this encourages me because I know I’m on the right track and about to experience breakthrough in my life (that can potentially lead to breakthrough in many other lives as well)

I hope these few things bring you both encouragement and power to respond well to criticism, defeat, discouragement and disappointment.

Blessings,

John

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Do you ever wonder why you are here on the earth? I used to ask this question often (even when I knew the answer). It was as if I needed affirmation or assurance. So whether you know or you don’t I hope this brief word encourages you today!

WE ARE HERE TO GLORIFY GOD AND ENJOY HIM FOREVER!

That’s it! Sure there are many other things associated with this but this is our greatest calling and our highest purpose! So, how do we glorify God? Jesus tells us in John 15:8, “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.”

First, most of John 15 is all about knowing God intimately, God invites us to a close AND growing relationship with him! And THROUGH this relationship with him we produce fruit! What kind of fruit? Well two kinds:

1. The fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, etc…
2. The fruit of influence in peoples lives

I must be clear about these: THEY ARE BOTH BY-PRODUCTS!

So, all of our focus in life should be to enjoy God! That’s it! Enjoy our relationship with him and obey the promptings he puts on our hearts for when we do this we will be walking in love, joy and peace and we will be influencing peoples lives all around us!

Enjoy God today!

~John

The post Why We Are Here first appeared on John Silkauskas.

God had promised to give his people the promise land and yet all throughout the journey his people doubted and complained. Even on the brink of entering into all that God had promised they were filled with doubt and fear saying things like:

-We can’t

-They are stronger than us

-They are like giants

-We are like grasshoppers

This doubt and fear filled the camp and Joshua and Caleb were outnumbered not by their enemies, but rather by their own people who simply didn’t believe! And yet in the midst of difficult circumstances, while facing great opposition and being surrounded by a culture of unbelief Joshua and Caleb had a different spirit! They held onto the promises of God and were filled with faith! Therefore God not only honored them, he honored their children as well!

God honors faith! No matter what you are facing, no matter what the people in your circle may be saying, believe God today and live! Believe in his word and in his promises and expect his blessing in your life! As you walk in faith you and your family will see his promises fulfilled in your life time. Be encouraged and believe!

Blessings,
~John

“But my servant Caleb—this is a different story. He has a different spirit; he follows me passionately. I’ll bring him into the land that he scouted and his children will inherit it.” Numbers 14:14

The post What’s Your Story?! first appeared on John Silkauskas.

Relationships are the most important things in our lives so why don’t we act like they are?!  At the end of your life you will not wish you made more money, or had nicer things, you will wish you had more time with those whom you love.

This week John encourages us to prioritize our relationships and shares a KEY to successful relationships.  This key is so simple but very thought provoking!  I guarantee that this message will richly bless you and help you if you apply it, you will see the benefits!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH NOW!

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