Personal growth and development always require other people. 💡 No one learns a language apart from others. 💡 No one learns values apart from others. 💡 No one learns critical thinking apart from others. 💡 No one learns to build relationships apart from others. Who has had the biggest impact on your personal growth over the years❓

You can't have victories in life without having battles in life. Go into this week knowing that whatever battles you will be facing are there for a purpose - to grow your character.🤺 Go into this week knowing that whatever battles you will be facing, you do not have to face alone. You have God, family, friends, this community, and other communities.🙏❤️

Do you ever think about what you think about? Or recognize that your thoughts have power? Or consider how, over time, you’ll become what you think? Writing from a Roman prison to the believers in the Greek city of Philippi, the apostle Paul knew firsthand the importance of battling hard things with true thoughts. He regularly dealt with opposition, weakness, hardship, and persecution. But Paul also knew that Jesus-followers were called to a different way of thinking… “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV Even in a broken world, God has created good things, and He’s empowered us to notice and to praise Him for it. The apostle James also reminds us that every good and perfect gift is from God, and Jesus tells us that He is the way, the truth, and the life. So when we focus on what is good and truth-filled, our thoughts shift toward God—the giver of good things and the author of all that is true. Focusing on what is good might look like reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice for you. It could mean remembering a time when you felt God protect, provide, or prepare you. Or it could look like thanking God for the promises He’s kept, and the love He’s shown you. Following Paul’s advice isn’t about practicing positive thinking—it’s about fixing our thoughts on God in order to cultivate the mind of Christ in our everyday lives. So today, think about what you think about. Search for a rhythm of gratefulness and worship. Thank God for opportunities to shine light into a dark world. And look for what is good, pure, and true wherever you go.