In 1976 John Stallings penned a hymn called “Learning To Lean.” I remember singing that song in my youth. The words still strike a chord with me. The chorus of the song says, “Finding more power than I’d ever dreamed. I’m learning to lean on Jesus.” I suppose that makes sense to me because Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding.” The best place to lean is on Jesus! We need to trust in Him. How can that thought of learning to lean on Jesus help my Christian walk? One way is to fulfill the greatest commands of the Lord. Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). Then, he went on to say, “you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). When we learn to lean on Jesus we will learn how to love our God, love our neighbor, and love ourselves. But how can we love ourselves? The challenge of Matthew 22 is for us to learn to love more effectively. The implication is clear, that before you can love others you must have a healthy sense of self love. If you don’t love yourself, and accept yourself for how you have been created, then there’s little hope that you will love and trust your Creator. It is God’s will that we learn to unconditionally love and accept Him, ourselves, and anyone else. Can you say that you have that kind of love? If you could find self-acceptance and self-esteem, your life of faith will flourish. Your love for God will endure. And your love for others would be so powerful that forgiveness would always be available. This sounds so easy to say and teach, but do we practice these things? Do you build yourself up by reminding yourself on your value? We live in a generation when there’s more inferiority, lower self-esteem, and little respect for human life. This is a poor time in the history of humanity. Parents haven’t nurtured their children. Children haven’t respected and honored their parents. There is corruption in our courtrooms and with our judges. Entertainment and media give us a false narrative. We cannot trust our society for the answers. God's word reminds us that the purpose of God is to save humanity, because He loved us first (I John 4:19). Do you believe this fact? If we would learn to love and value ourselves, God will receive the glory! You are made in His image. And, if your a Christian, you are being transformed into the image of Jesus. You have eternal value! Find a way to lean on Jesus. Trust in Him with all your heart. Don’t reflect on your own wisdom and understanding. Know that God loves you and that you should love yourself. Remember that Jesus died for you and every other human being on this planet. Give love a chance! You are loved! Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #gospel #love #forgiveness #selfesteem We invite you to LISTEN to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast. Check out our WEBSITE where you can download Bible study guides. Or sign up for a FREE Bible Course. Keep studying, stay faithful and maintain an authentic Christian life.

I love poetry and I love to write poetry. Often times I will read a Bible verse, meditate on it, and then write poetry about it. This is one based on Romans 8:35-39. Enjoy: Life was moving right along, but it seemed everything I did was wrong. In my trespasses I was dead, but then I opened my Bible and read; Nothing can separate me from You and Your Love! I began to seek you out, and learned what you were all about. You sent Your Son to die, and now I realize why; Nothing can separate me from You and Your Love! I needed guidance and knelt to pray, You encouraged me to obey. My sins covered me like mud, until I was cleansed by Jesus’ blood; Nothing can separate me from You and Your Love! As a believer I give You my all, but I’m worried I might fall. I try to walk the narrow way, then I remember what You say; Nothing can separate me from You and Your Love! I deal with trials now, and I wonder why and how. These trials keep me hindered, but often I’ve remembered; Nothing can separate me from You and Your Love! When it comes my time to die, some tears I may cry. But Your word is there to comfort me, as I walk through death’s valley; Nothing can separate me from You and Your Love! One day in heaven they’ll be no tomorrow, no pain, trials, suffering, or sorrow. How wonderful it will be, when in eternity I will see; Nothing can separate me from You and Your Love! Romans 8:35-39 says, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” If you enjoy poetry, I encourage you to check out more of my poems: https://commaful.com/play/raylovesdonuts/ You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #gospel #goodnews #hope #poem Listen to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast: https://anchor.fm/reynoldsrap Download FREE Study Guides & Books: www.rayreynoldsrap.com Enroll in a FREE Bible course: https://www.gettingtoknowyourbible.com/free-bible-course

Jesus called John the "greatest" man who ever lived (Luke 7:28). This poem is written to reveal his strength and dedication to lead people to Jesus. Enjoy! The prophets foretold of Elijah’s return Who would straighten the path for God’s Only Son. His language was brash, his actions taboo, But his presence was needed to make the way smooth. Rough cloth and strange diet describe the man Who taught of repentance from all manner of sin. He chose the Jordan to baptize in much water Though his challenge to them was to look to the Father. A multitude of sinners, publicans, and soldiers Came to John seeking forgiveness for their spiritual blunders. He taught of bearing fruit, helping the needy, and living a good life And Herod he warned not to take his brother’s wife. “The kingdom is coming!” he declared with a cry. “One is coming that is mightier than I.” Jesus was baptized on that river side by John To “fulfill all righteousness” is why it was done. John saw Jesus as “God’s precious Lamb” But Jesus called John the “World’s Greatest Man.” If you enjoy poetry, I encourage you to check out more of my poems: https://commaful.com/play/raylovesdonuts/ You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #gospel #goodnews #hope #poem Listen to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast: https://anchor.fm/reynoldsrap Download FREE Study Guides & Books: www.rayreynoldsrap.com Enroll in a FREE Bible course: https://www.gettingtoknowyourbible.com/free-bible-course

This coming Sunday is our 5th Sunday Family Day. We’ve got three services and free food. Everyone is welcome! All three messages encourage us to be focused on living daily for Christ. In the combined Bible class, I’m gonna be presenting a lesson called “Make Your Life Count.” We are going to notice that every person is valuable in the kingdom of God. We simply have to use our talents to glorify the Lord. Live a genuine life of substance. In the morning worship, we are going to be taking a look at Hebrews 12:1–3. In that lesson I’m going to encourage you… Don't give up. Not today. Not ever. DO NOT QUIT. This lesson is about perseverance and called “Don’t Ever Give Up.” The afternoon devotional is going to be about “showing compassion” to others. It’s important that we do not get caught up in our own selfishness. We need to consider others. And be patient with everyone. The bottom line is that life is hard, but eternal life in Christ promises the hope of heaven. We can do it! God is with us. Solomon said, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart,and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) Let God lead you. The road may be winding and difficult, but remember that the road leads home. Let’s do our best to live a life of purpose, focus on perseverance, and then have the patience to show compassion to people who don’t deserve it. You are not alone, and if you live right, you’ll see that many people can follow you to Heaven too. Point the way! You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #gospel #goodnews #hope #redeemed #blessedbeyondmeasure #Christianliving #heaven Listen to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast: https://anchor.fm/reynoldsrap Download FREE Study Guides & Books: www.rayreynoldsrap.com

Psalm 51:10-12 says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” I love reading the book of Psalms. And I pray daily that I can become a man after God’s own heart like King David. He made a lot of mistakes, but he had a personal connection to God and His Holy Spirit. I often wonder what the church would be like if we all had a spiritual passion that was comparable to that of David. I want this passion. I want to be spiritually focused. I want the church to share this great spiritual passion. I have a prayer that I want to share with you. Will you pray it with me? “God, Please Renew Our Spiritual Passion For Faith” - It is my prayer that we will believe you can do all that you promised. Help us Lord not to focus on our own weaknesses and know that You can make us strong. Remind us that You are close to us when we doubt You. “God, Please Renew Our Spiritual Passion For Worship” - I wish we could stay focused on You in worship. I know its easy to get distracted, but help us to know its all about You! Forgive us for what we often make it and bring us back to the heart of worship. “God, Please Renew Our Spiritual Passion For The Church” - There are so many times that we forget that You are the Head of the church. Give us wisdom Lord and help us to put You and Your kingdom first. Help us to know that our youth must be edified and our elderly must not be forgotten. “God, Please Renew Our Spiritual Passion For Sacrifice” - We have no idea what it was like for You to watch Your only Son die on the cross for us. We are unworthy of Your love. We are just sinners and undeserving of Your grace and mercy. Help us Lord to give back to You, honor You, and glorify You in all that we do. Thank You for Your indescribable gift! “God, Please Renew Our Spiritual Passion For Unity” - We have read Jesus’ prayer in John 17. We are trying to know Your heart and Your will. Help us to be conformed into Your image. Help us to see that You desire unity and love. Help us to resolve our conflicts, forgive our neighbors, and love one another. We desperately need to follow Your Son’s great example. Are you ready to be passionate for God? Will you join me in renewing our spiritual passion? This is my simple prayer. You are loved! You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #gospel #goodnews Listen to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast: https://anchor.fm/reynoldsrap Download FREE Study Guides & Books: www.rayreynoldsrap.com Ray Reynolds is the pulpit minister of the Summerdale Church of Christ in Summerdale, AL and director of TITUS Camp in Florence, AL. He and his wife Misty (Till) have five sons, one grandson, and one Golden Doodle. They work with the Summerdale church family and connect with people around the world through www.rayreynoldsrap.com and www.reclaiminghopeministry.com. He holds a BA and MM from Heritage Christian University and earned a Ph.D. in Pastoral Ministry from Trinity Theological Seminary, but has continued his studies through Cambridge, Groningen University, and Harvard Divinity School. He loves coffee, blueberry cake donuts, carpentry, podcasting, blogging, creating online social media content, and marketing for non-profit ministries in the churches of Christ.

We want hope. We do all that we can to find it. When we lose it, we do all that we can to have hope restored. How can we find hope and keep it? One of the most famous parables of Jesus is that of the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). Most of the stories toward the end of the Gospel of Matthew have the same concept. The Christian faith is one that is visible to others. It is impossible to serve God in secret. In fact, Jesus tells in this parable that if one decides to stay in hiding, and not use their God given blessings or talents, that punishment is coming on Judgment Day (v.30). When He comes again, we need to be found working, serving, and sharing our blessings. Another famous teaching of Jesus, found in John 15:1-11, He tells His disciples that He is the True Vine, the Father is the vinedresser, and we are the branches. He says that if they want to glorify the Father in heaven, they must bear much fruit (v.8). How can we keep our faith strong? What can we do to ensure that we don’t “undo” everything we’ve tried to accomplish to the glory of God? When my friends see me, do they see Jesus? In the book of Galatians, the apostle Paul expresses the need for true, genuine faith in Christ. A growing and active faith. It is pretty clear that the Galatians were struggling in their walk with God. The reason? Their hearts were divided. They were forced to defend their faith. But they were weak. They were immature. The Solution? Learn to grow! Determine to bear fruit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 - ESV) You may be thinking, "What does bearing fruit have to do with anything?" Let me help you connect the dots. Grace is accepting something that was not merited or inherited. Hope is when you fully accept that grace covers your past, present and future sins. Hope is what anchors your faith. In this way, hope serves a terrific motivator for a person full of faith and saved by grace. We do not serve the Lord, and make Jesus the Ruler of our lives, just to avoid judgment. That may be a primary motivating factor at the beginning of your walk. However, we stay rooted and grounded by sharing that hope with other people. The fruit of the Spirit is what people see from you. They see Jesus in you. You bear His image. You reflect the light He has put inside you. If you lost hope, have it restored. If you don't have hope, seek it. If you have hope, share it. The world needs more hope... and God provides everlasting hope! You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #gospel #goodnews #hope Listen to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast: https://anchor.fm/reynoldsrap Download FREE Study Guides & Books: www.rayreynoldsrap.com Ray Reynolds is the pulpit minister of the Summerdale Church of Christ in Summerdale, AL and director of TITUS Camp in Florence, AL. He and his wife Misty (Till) have five sons, one grandson, and one Golden Doodle. They work with the Summerdale church family and connect with people around the world through www.rayreynoldsrap.com and www.reclaiminghopeministry.com. He holds a BA and MM from Heritage Christian University and earned a Ph.D. in Pastoral Ministry from Trinity Theological Seminary, but has continued his studies through Cambridge, Groningen University, and Harvard Divinity School. He loves coffee, blueberry cake donuts, carpentry, podcasting, blogging, creating online social media content, and marketing for non-profit ministries in the churches of Christ.

Sin. It's a terrible thing. It's the one thing that caused Jesus to have to endure the cross. It's the one thing that can keep us from Heaven. It's wages are death and we are all guilty (Romans 3:23, 6:23). That's the bad news. But the good news is, there is a solution for sin. The blood of Jesus Christ! And we also know that God is not willing that any should perish (II Peter 3:9). He allows us opportunities to seek salvation from sin. God’s Word tells us how He really feels about sin and wickedness. Ezekiel 18:23. The Lord said to the prophet: "I do not really want the wicked to die, says the Lord. I want them to stop their bad ways and live." What a statement from Almighty God! God hates sin. He hates the concept of wickedness and unrighteousness. But God loves Humanity! He doesn't want us to sin. He doesn't want us to be lost. This is why He sent Jesus to the cross and provided a way for us to be saved (John 3:3, 5, 16). However, we've got to learn to hate sin as much as He does. We need to repent and turn away from it while we still have time. If you are not saved, seek salvation. If you are saved, share the good news. Praise be to God that we don't have to stay "sinners" forever! the cleansing power of Jesus's blood can wash away all of our sins (Acts 2:38, 22:16). We have a God who saves. You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #gospel #goodnews Listen to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast: https://anchor.fm/reynoldsrap Download FREE Study Guides & Books: www.rayreynoldsrap.com Ray Reynolds is the pulpit minister of the Summerdale Church of Christ in Summerdale, AL and director of TITUS Camp in Florence, AL. He and his wife Misty (Till) have five sons, one grandson, and one Golden Doodle.

Have you ever heard the expression… Bloom where you are placed? I’ve heard that my whole life. In fact, my wife often tells people that when we are doing counseling and ministry. It’s a favorite phrase because it has a much deeper meaning than you might think. Did you know that the true definition of the word “bloom” has nothing to do with springtime? That’s right… Nothing! It’s not about blue skies, the length of days, or well watered sun soaked pastures of green. The meaning of the word “bloom” is actually equated with maturity. The pinnacle of growth for a flower is when has grown and matured. This can happen in, what some consider to be, impossible circumstances. Join us on Sunday as we see how God can use us wherever we are and in whatever situation we’re in. In the same way that seeds are planted in the earth, we are also planted. Go back to the Scriptures. Notice how many times humans, especially children (and procreation) reference seeds. Look at Matthew 13:1-23, the Parable of the Sower, and see how the hearts of men are compared to the ground where the gospel is sown. Each person is different. Sometimes we are planted in a loving, meticulous, strategic and organized way. Right into good soil that was prepared long in advance. We think we can pick the perfect spot to plant ourselves. We think it’s safe to bloom and blossom in this place and during this particular season. But we often forget that most of us don’t have a choice in where we are planted. Some happen to be in a rocky relationship or a thorny and checkered past. Others are so weak in faith that they have no roots to be grounded in the first place. Why is it we want to focus on the soil of the heart? Or the excuses for which we’ve come to Christ? Like our past determines everything? Maybe we’ve forgotten the clean slate that is given to a believer. II Corinthians 5:17 says that the old has passed away and all things are made new. It is arduous to come to Christ with a laundry list of excuses. Regardless of the soil, we’ve been planted in Christ (Colossians 2:6-7). We’ve been planted physically wherever we live and work. We’ve been planted spiritually in the circumstances and spiritual warfare that surround us. We’ve been planted in relationships where conditions may (or may not) be beneficial to our own personal growth as a believer. The bottom line is that God is the one who plants us. He is the Gardener. We can question His motives, His timing, His ways, or a host of many other things. But that is the cold, hard truth. He knew when, where, and how your heart would be the most fertile. The season means nothing. As I write this blog, in the middle of January in the deep South, I am gazing out my window at lilies, roses, flora and fauna actively thriving. They coming to life this morning as sun rears its head in the morning. I’m convinced that no matter the season of life God has planted, rooted and kept me to bloom right here and right now. I couldn’t resist God’s plan. I should be thankful for God’s providential work. When I struggle to understand how God works, I just need to have faith in the Gardener. Because He has faith in me. You are loved! Dr. Ray Reynolds WWW.SUMMERDALECHURCH.ORG #ChurchofChrist #Summerdale #Alabama #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #YouTube#Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #TikTok #bloom #blossom #fruit #flower

One of the greatest challenges facing people is the presence of suffering, heartache, death, famine, and wickedness in the world. In astonishment they ask, “How could a good God allow this evil to take place?” It is a good question, but most would say it is a hard one to answer. Is there any hope? YES! There is an everlasting hope. Let's go back to Genesis 1... Adam and Eve sinned in the garden. The consequences of that sin come in two forms : 1) There is “natural evil,” including natural disasters, disease, and death, 2) There is intentional evil,” which is done by those who intentionally want to hurt themselves or others. Some migh add a third which includes willful neglect or sins of omission. The main point is that basically we have thing that happen outside of human control and things that can be avoided (if humanity is willing). The earth itself is cursed because of man’s sin (Genesis 3). It is only in light of the sinless Garden of Eden that we can get a taste of the eternal things (Revelation 21-22). This was God's plan. For a brief time, there was no evil, no death, no pain, and no tears. It was a perfect environment. The promise of God is that He will one day recreate the perfect environment He intended for us to have on earth. Once again, there will no more evil, no death, no pain, and no tears. However, Heaven will be infinitely better than even the garden of Eden! In it, we will no longer have an opportunity to sin, Satan will be vanquished, and we will have an understanding of the grace-filled redemption wrought on our behalf. In that day, God will once again dwell among us as He did with Adam and Eve. From the very first story of the very first family, sin wreaks havoc on humanity. They lived in a perfect environment, yet they sinned anyway. Perhaps “the fall” sounds almost accidental, as though somebody tripped and fell head over heels into sin. As the story makes clear, however, Adam and Eve deliberately chose their path. The rest of us have followed in their footsteps. We willfully sin and are given the same condemnation (Romans 3:23, 6:23). The good news is that Jesus came to break the curse! If we are willing to hear the Gospel (Romans 10:17, John 8:32), believe the Gospel message (Hebrews 11:6, John 20:31), repent of our past sins (Luke 13:3, Acts 17:30), confess our faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:10, Matthew 10:32), and be baptized into Christ for the remission of sins (Galatians 3:27, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38), we can be saved. We also need to be faithful unto death to recieve our reward (II Timothy 4:6-8, Revelation 2:10). Yes, the first sin came because of man, but a promise is given to show God’s first act of redemption (Genesis 3:15). With each successive story—Cain and Abel, Noah’s family and beyond—we see God’s repeated faithfulness to redeem helpless and hopeless humanity. When we sin the cycle continues... but praise be to God that in Him we have an everlasting hope. You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #gospel #goodnews Listen to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast: https://anchor.fm/reynoldsrap Download FREE Study Guides & Books: www.rayreynoldsrap.com Ray Reynolds is the pulpit minister of the Summerdale Church of Christ in Summerdale, AL and director of TITUS Camp in Florence, AL. He and his wife Misty (Till) have five sons, one grandson, and one Golden Doodle. They work with the Summerdale church family and connect with people around the world through www.rayreynoldsrap.com and www.reclaiminghopeministry.com. He holds a BA and MM from Heritage Christian University and earned a Ph.D. in Pastoral Ministry from Trinity Theological Seminary, but has continued his studies through Cambridge, Groningen University, and Harvard Divinity School. He loves coffee, blueberry cake donuts, carpentry, podcasting, blogging, creating online social media content, and marketing for various non-profit ministries in the churches of Christ.

There is an epidemic in our world today. I am not speaking about COVID-19, though that has a lot to do with it. I am referencing the overall mental health and spiritual wellness of the world. Personally, I do not believe that people are living intentional, balanced, and sensible lives. We need to take a look inward at our life, before we suffer from a variety of mental health issues. How can we get over anxiety and depression? What can we do to assess our spiritual wellness? We need to discover our faults and invest in spiritual activity to improve our overall spiritual health. Once we have discovered the path, we can lead others to it. This is why Jesus echoes the teachings of the Jews that even the children memorized: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all of your strength… You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:29-31). All of the law and prophets hang on these teachings. Therefore, we will use these four thought to introduce intentional Christian living. Love the Lord your God with all your heart. Intentional Christian living allows you to manage your emotions. Often Christians focus solely on one of two options: spirit or truth. There is a balance in worship (John 4:24) and in life. Our spirit, the emotional side, can be manipulated or lack rationality. Likewise people can abuse or twist the truth to become more harsh and legalistic. There must be a balance in order to build emotional toughness. Love the Lord your God with all your soul. Intentional Christian living is a mindset which brings more awareness of God, His work, and His Word into your daily life. It is tuning into the blessings of life and all its splendor… while also acknowledging the chaos at the same time. The Spirit of God ought to flow through us, and guide us, into making more “spiritual”decisions. When have you closed your eyes and taken a look into your soul? It’s the only part of you going to Heaven. Love the Lord your God with all your mind. Intentional Christian living is an all-inclusive approach to living each day as a Christian in the world. Stillness and meditation is needed to connect our body, mind, soul and spirit. We’ve got to surrender all (what we are, what we have been, and what we will be) to live a healthier and happier life. The Lord must guide our minds. Love the Lord your God with all your strength. Intentional Christian living is when you become consciously aware of your surroundings. How are you reacting to situations around you? What about the people? Why are you focusing on what you cannot control? You cannot maintain control of any given situation, but you can have self-control. You must make conscious choices and take action to be intentional. Plan. Purpose. Create. Try to do what will help you to get closer to where you want to be in life and how you want to succeed! Be your own personal motivatior. If we ever plan to fulfill any of these things above… we have to focus on that last part that says, “love your neighbor as yourself.” Do you love yourself? If not, then how can you effectively love your neighbor. Live intentional. Make a choice to love yourself. Allow that to prepare you for something far greater. Let God use you to His glory. Obviously, we are only seeing a glimpse of what is possible. All things are possible with God (Mark 9:23, Philippians 4:13). Nothing is to hard for God. No enemy He cannot face. No obstacle He cannot avoid. He works miracles and specializes in the unnatural. He has a plan. You and I just have to surrender to it! You are loved! Dr. Ray Reynolds WWW.SUMMERDALECHURCH.ORG #ChurchofChrist #Summerdale #Alabama #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #community #2022 #YouTube #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #TikTok #love #commands #choices #intentioanal #living

“A friend means well, even when he hurts you. But when an enemy puts his hand round your shoulder - watch out!” - Proverbs 27:6 It doesn’t matter what someone has done to you. How bad they’ve hurt you. If they have mistreated those you love. Defamed your character. Spread gossip. Turned people against you. Or broken you down so low you can’t get up. Even well meaning friends can unknowingly hurt you. Your true faith is revealed when you practice I Corinthians 13. When you chose to love those who have hurt you, even if it’s an enemy (Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:14). Yes, in that way, like the 80s rock ballad says: Love Hurts. Don’t wish condemnation. Refuse to seek vengeance. Resist the urge to rejoice when they struggle. Be like Jesus. Forgive them because they don’t know what they are doing to themselves and others. Also, you and I are guilty of doing the same things. We need to practice the golden rule (Matthew 7:12). As a final thought, remember Jesus. No matter who has hurt you, and no matter what they've done, remember Jesus came down to save ALL of us and that none of us are righteous. The manger is a symbol of humility and forgiveness. at this time of the year people are looking to the manger. It is a great talking point! I had a college professor once tell me that “Hurt people hurt people.” So true. If you’ve been hurt by someone, please try to walk in their shoes and forgive at every opportunity. Love always! You are loved! Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #fyp #foryoupage #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Twitch #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #love #humble

Do you love to sing? I know I do. While doing some research on some songs a few nights ago I learned that more and more people are beginning to complain about singing in worship. Not our voices, or our attitudes, but our words. Apparently some of the old and new hymns we are singing in worship are distracting to a handful of critics. They may not be many in number but they sure do have loud voices! They have been known to attack a songbook by ripping out pages or marking them with black ink. I have to admit I have heard from some “song critics” myself over the years and understand their concern about a handful of songs. But many times they are just voicing one of their many opinions. For the sake of time, and to keep you from looking to the songbook for your own favorite “non-favorite” songs to report them, I wanted to share a new revelation. Did you know that there are now brotherhood websites created to critique, condone and/or demean the songs in our hymnals? It’s true! And shameful. You can go searching these websites to see the newest additions to the hot list. You can even post comments about the songs you dislike the most. But I wouldn’t recommend it. You may find that your favorite song is on their “worst” list! Wayne Jackson, in a May 2005 article in the Christian Courier, rightly called these people musical “extremists!” Some church leaders have grown tired of hearing the critics and note that it may be them, not the song writers or song book publishers, that are seeking to destroy our worship. Something to think about. One of the songs noted on one of these websites was the song “Night With Ebon Pinion.” It was criticized by one man and declared to be his #3 on the top ten list for the “Worst Ever Worship Hymns.” Do yourself a favor, go and read the words to that amazing hymn. It iis wonderful. We can always improve in our worship. I know it’s important to sing with understanding, and to do things in spirit and in truth, but before we go criticizing the song leaders choices, maybe we should look inward for just a moment. Let’s think twice before we become a critic and a judge, lest that harsh judgment hinder us on the Day of Judgment. A little grace can go a long way. Some might say an ETERNALLY long way. You are loved! Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #fyp #foryoupage #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Twitch #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #HolySpirit #singing #Song