By Ryan Kelly –

Everyone has experienced these kind of people – people that constantly find something wrong with everything around them and let everyone else know about it. These people take all sorts of forms – young children, mothers and fathers, single adults and those in their senior years. Perhaps it may even describe you? Everyone is capable of being a complainer. My encouragement to you…don’t be one.

When you complain, you are creating something negative and casting it into the world around you. This in turn affects others, often placing them into a bad mood and feeling worse than they did before. Even if you complain half-heartedly or in jest, you are still creating something negative that negatively affects others. In our spiritual walk, this can even go as far as to invite sin into our lives and the lives of others. In fact one could actually argue that when taken to the extreme, constant complaining could be a form of habitual sin.

It is far better if an individual can take something negative and turn it into a positive. For instance, is your soup cold? Instead of talking down to the waiter, thank the waiter for bringing it but ask them to please see if it could be warmed. Did someone cut you off in traffic? Instead of blowing your horn and yelling, simply let them in and switch lanes. Odds are they didn’t see you and they feel bad about it. And if they don’t, your blowing a horn at them isn’t going to change matters any. And, those around you in traffic will see your kind response and will be more likely to do the same.

Creating a positive environment around you goes hand-in-hand with the fruits of the spirit described by Paul in Galatians. Do all that you can to show love, joy, peace, and kindness to those around you. If nothing else, it will improve your own mental state and your spiritual walk. But I would reason to assume that it will also improve that of others as well.

Galatians 5:22 -23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

Supper time. It’s the time of day that signals or signifies many different things. You’ve just come in from a long day’s work. You’ve gotten the yard mowed for the umpteenth time this month. You’ve finally kicked off those shoes. If there are little ones around, perhaps they’ve settled into their evening routines of homework or baths. Pets are happy to see you come in. Family is reunited for their precious only few very short hours of the day. You look forward to a few minutes of good food, conversation, and maybe a little peace.

Supper time. It’s the last meal of the day. The third meal, if you eat three. It’s the meal that brings memories to mind, gives you a few minutes to catch up with each other’s day, and lets you enjoy some good food, regardless of how much time or effort was put into it. Supper time doesn’t have to be a gourmet seven course meal on a white table cloth. It can be a slice of warmed up left-over pizza on a paper plate – whatever makes you happy.

The supper you see here on the table was put in front of the wife and me in a little downtown diner in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It was far from fancy. It was a cool spot to sit, enjoy the memorabilia scattered on the walls, and enjoy a thick greasy burger and fries. It wasn’t the most nutritious meal, but it was satisfying, and it was with the one I love.

The world in which we live — Well, let me back up just a bit. The country, the states, the towns in which we all live are struggling from the exhaustion of a long work day as people wander about trying to keep going somehow. Life is tough, and our so-called leaders are being placed into office by us — folks who can’t even decide what to have for supper. When you eat out, do you truly study the menu, choose the best option, and savor the opportunity? Or, do you look for what’s cheapest, quickest, and easiest to digest? I’m afraid that’s how we look at our ballot choices on election day (our menu). It’s getting close to supper time. We have got to study the menu! Whatever is placed in front of you is what you will chew on for the next four years.

In case you haven’t noticed, the Bible reminds us that the world will become more and more like what we are seeing now. Then, one blessed day, He will call His people home. And when He does, He will call us to His supper table! I remember hearing many years ago a southern gospel song that included the line, “It’s supper time!”

It’s supper time, folks. The day is quickly coming to a close. Those you hold dearest need and deserve to hear about a loving, forgiving God Who is still in control of this crazy world, Who provides us His Way to salvation, and Who is preparing the table for our eternal supper conversation!

I’m looking forward to supper time. I’m looking forward to that time when whatever He places in front of me will be for me to enjoy for an eternity. How about you?

Just a thought.

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

We talk about how tough life is.  And it is.  We talk about how tired we are.  And we really are.  We talk about all the difficult things that every single one of us faces on a daily basis.  And we do face those things.  So, what good does it do us to talk about it?

Let’s think on that for a second, by asking ourselves another question.  What is prayer?  Isn’t prayer just a conversation with God?  Prayer is speaking to, talking with, crying out to, and listening for the voice of God Himself.  For the Christian, prayer is a relationship, and that relationship reminds me that even though I must face difficult days, I will never do it alone.  I can tell Him all my troubles, my cares, my concerns, my joys, and my triumphs.

Grand-dog came to visit us recently for a couple of days.  He is an indoor animal who is usually outdoors in the safety of his own fenced back yard.  However, when he visits us, he must venture out on his (long) leash and harness.  We explored several times over those two days.  He had one-on-one nose-to-nose conversations with some of the neighbors’ cows.  I’m not sure what they discussed, but it didn’t take too long.

He particularly enjoyed visiting the horse you see behind him here.  There seemed to be a mutual respect between the two.  Dog, on his leash.  Horse, in his fenced yard.  Dog, much smaller and shorter, checking out his large animal friend, while Horse, much larger and taller, seemed unamused by the little visitor, but not the least bothered by his presence.  Both animals, in their own spaces somehow shared the outdoor space of their animal world.  And although not a sound was made between the two of them, they both seemed to understand their place, their situation, their time.

Here, Horse and Grand-dog peered down the road in the same direction.  It didn’t matter that they were different sizes.  It didn’t matter that they were somewhat separated by their own leashes and fences.  It didn’t matter that they were different animals with different purposes in life.  It didn’t even matter that their languages were not the same.  They stood side by side with mutual respect and understanding.  And although they spoke no words between them, they faced the road together.

God gives His human creatures those friends who fill similar roles in our lives.  We may be separated by certain things.  We may stand in different places, speak differently, vote differently, and have any number of other differences.  But we can stand side by side and face life’s road together.  To me, that is one of the ultimate blessings of true friendship.  Friendship that welcomes conversation if needed, and silence if desired.

Do you have friends like these?  I am so very thankful that I do.  Give God thanks for those friends.  And always remember, regardless of anything else in life, “what a friend we have in Jesus!”  With Him as your friend, you never face the future alone.

Just a thought.

By Ryan Kelly –

We all want to live in a peaceful world, but sometimes it seems like the world just wants to create chaos simply for chaos’ sake. This can be very frustrating to those of us who seek peace in our lives and enjoyment with those around us. How do we as Christians live peacefully in a world set in turmoil?

I wish I had a certain answer for us on this, but it’s something with I am struggling myself at the moment (a long story for another day). What I can do is walk you through what I’m doing in my life and in the life of my family to help provide the most peaceful environment possible. Here are some tips:

1. Don’t be an instrument of chaos. It is easy to lose your temper, get frustrated, or even be the source of controversy or antagonism. But, we must fight that urge unless it is absolutely necessary. This means avoiding negative posts on social media, creating a calm environment for your friends and family, and seeking peaceful relationships. If you want to say something negative, say something positive instead. Build others up and seek to be a positive figure in your life.
   
2. Pray. This seems obvious, but remember that there is a spiritual war around us that we can’t see but can often feel. The greatest weapon that we have in this war is the Lord’s help and the light that we have through Jesus’ work in our lives. Pray for the Lord’s protection from evil, that you will yourself be a shining light in a dark world, and that you and your family will live a life of peace with those around you.
   
3. Desire the best for others, including your enemies. This can be tough, whereas it is natural to wish an element of harm to those who do harm to you. We must resist this temptation, though. Turning the other cheek doesn’t mean ‘rolling over’ or being a soft person, rather it means that we are to love our enemies and pray for them. Nothing reverses negative feelings more than praying for salvation for an unbeliever or for someone’s heart to be changed rather than them receiving punishment. Praying for your enemies is good both for them and for you.
   
4. Surround yourself with light. Darkness must resist the light, it cannot stand in its presence. This means that you should immerse yourself and your life in everything that brings glory to God. This absolutely includes prayer, but it also means listening to Christian music, singing and praising the Lord, and speaking with the Lord out loud vs. quietly (because remember, Satan and his demons cannot hear your thoughts but can hear your voice). This also means to avoid sin at all cost. If there is anything in your life that represent darkness, cut it out completely. Surround yourself with light, and you will have true peace around you.

Do you have any good ideas for inspiring a peaceful life? We would love to hear from you. Message us anytime at communications@myamericanchristian.org or connect with us on social media. May the Lord bring peace about your life and to those who you love.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

Sometimes it is nice to be first, isn’t it?  First in the check-out line at the grocery store, first car at the traffic light (so you can actually move when the light turns green!), first one to the theater restrooms at intermission.  You get the point.  First sometimes means a blue ribbon or a gold medal.  But first can also mean that you are wading into untested waters where untold dangers or uncertainties lurk below the surface.  So, first can also be undaunting to say the least.

The church that you see here in my picture this week is a first.  It wasn’t the first one we had seen on our trip.  Quite the contrary.  I had already photographed many churches before we ever made it a point to go see this one.  So what makes this particular church so special?  It was first.

This church has the distinction of being the very first church of any kind in the state of Rhode Island.  It also holds the title of the oldest Baptist church in America, having been founded in the year 1638.  Its name, First Baptist Church, really does tell a story.  It was first.  This particular church building was built in 1775, the year before American officially gained her independence!  There is a lot of history on this particular hill in downtown Providence.

I was first.  That is, I’m the oldest of my siblings.  I got here before they did.  Of course, that makes me the oldest.  And, getting old first isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!  But that means, in some ways, I can set the example for my brother and sister – should they choose to watch.

Had this particular First Baptist Church not been “the” first one, there quite possibly would not be a bronze plaque on the front.  There would probably not be distinguished wording on the large sign on the front lawn.  There would probably have not been tourists like us and some other nice folks we met who made it a point to walk around and “ooo” and “ahhh” at the old place.  We did because it was first.

The Bible tells us that we love Jesus because He first loved us.  He loved me FIRST.  He loved me before anyone else loved me.  He knew me and loved me as I was knit together, the Scripture says, in my mother’s womb.  He knew me before the world began.  You can’t get much more “first” than that!

I may never have a blue ribbon or gold medal around my neck.  I may never have a bronze plaque or commemorative sign placed upon my lawn.  But I have the distinguishment of being loved FIRST by my Lord and Savior.  Now that’s worth celebrating!

Just a thought.

By Ryan Kelly –

Maybe it’s my Southern upbringing, but I feel that fellowshipping with friends and family over food is such a great opportunity for connection. Lunch in particular invites a welcomed midday break where two or more people can connect in a meaningful way.

I encourage everyone to seek after opportunities to catch-up with friends or family, or perhaps to get to know someone with whom you don’t yet have a relationship. I have found lunch meetings to be a great way to do this. It is a low pressure, high reward way to grow a deeper relationship with someone and also enjoy some good food in the process! Take a moment this week to find a day that is open and ask someone to lunch. You’ll be glad that you did.

“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” Romans 12:13

By Ryan Kelly –

Let’s face it, life is busy. When you ask someone “how are you doing,” they will often reply to you something along the lines of “doing great, just busy.” Or maybe they will go on and on about work, kids’ activities, school projects, problems, etc. You may do the same…perhaps even in a subconscious game of outdoing the other person’s busyness. Because after all, this is the norm of our society today.

I’m not going to be one to suggest that we shouldn’t be busy, because such is life for most of us and it does not have to be a bad thing. But what I do want to stress is that God did not create us to be busy all of the time. First, he gave us a day of rest that far too many of us overlook. The Sabbath is there for a reason, so that we can rest from work and celebrate the Lord. But even aside from the Sabbath, we need to find ways to take little breaks throughout the day and enjoy the moment far more than we do.

There are so many opportunities to enjoy the little moments of the day. Here are a few suggestions, in no particular order:
1. Look up and see the sun, the clouds, the birds, and the sky while feeling a cool breeze blowing and the glow of the sun hitting your skin.
2. Play with your kids and think of how amazing it is to have a life in front of you that enjoys your company.
3. Enjoy time with others and strive to form deeper, lasting conversation.
4. Savor bites of food and focus on the different tastes, all the while being thankful for the nutrition and flavor that you get to enjoy.
5. Close your eyes for a moment, stretch your arms, and just live in the peaceful calm of the moment.
6. Find a fun game to play, even a quick one, and allow your mind to relax.
7. Sit in silent reflection and walk through your day in your mind, thinking of the good things that have taken place and the opportunities still to come.
8. Treat yourself to a lunch or a snack.
9. Take a few minutes and read a chapter of your favorite book of the Bible.
10. Sit in silent prayer and thank the Lord for each little moment that He gives us.

There is an unlimited number of things that we can do to enjoy little moments in the day. This list are just a few examples that came to mind and some that I try to enact in my own life. No matter how you enjoy the little moments that the Lord gives us, just be sure to do it frequently. It is good for your heart and your spirit.

“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 8:15

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

It’s a crazy world.  Folks are nuts.  From neighbors to political parties, we are seeing people come unglued.  Be it in the church family or outside of that realm, instead of denying self and taking up their daily cross, people are denying the cross and doing anything possible to boost and elevate themselves.  

In those first few sentences, I have told you absolutely nothing you didn’t already know.  You are quite familiar with it all.  From where you stand, either party or candidate might be the best, or might be the worst.  From where you stand, the church is building up the community, or it is heavily involved in false prophecy and is bringing the community (and us) down with it.  From where you stand, your perspective as a Christian should be no different than mine, in that people are sinners, and God is the great forgiver!  But it depends on where you stand.

All you have to do is look at my picture this week, and you will know exactly where in this big world I was standing at the time.  Yep, I was on the corner of both famed travel avenues – Wall Street and Broadway – in New York City.  Wall Street is known primarily for the stock market activity that takes place there.  Broadway is primarily known for the arts and performances that take place there.  When you think about it, the two streets are not that different.  It just depends on where you stand.

Let me tell you that standing still anywhere in New York City is quite the challenge with all the hustle and bustle of the crowds at any given moment of time.  Probably you are standing somewhere today that isn’t quite like that particular spot.  However, you are still overwhelmed by the noise, by the crowds, by the people, by the opinions, the problems, the number of directions you can go from there, the ones that might (or might not) follow you if you went, or even the trail you will leave behind

Yes, the world is nuts.  But we are a part of this world.  And the difference you can make as a Christian in this life, the challenges you may face as a hurting human being, the overwhelming thoughts and burdens that are on your mind at this very moment in time, may all be made different depending on where you stand.

Stand with Jesus.  Stand for Jesus.  What’s happening in your life this week?  It ALL depends on where you stand.

Just a thought.

By Ryan Kelly –

This is a special week for our family, as my son is representing the State of Mississippi in the DYB World Series in Bossier City, Louisiana. He has been playing baseball since he was 3, and he has grown into a fantastic player with a big bat and an exceptional arm. His All-Star team this year is what we dub the “Dream Team,” where it consists of the best players in our area who are all focused on one mission, to win.

As of my writing, tomorrow they will play in the championship game against Texas. Why am I telling you this you may ask? It is because of the journey that we have recently been on with my son and his hitting. I know that some may scoff at the idea of praying for a game, but I can tell you that we have been praying fervently for his hitting since he hit a massive slump in late spring. He went 0-15 from the end of May through early July…which is the largest slump of his life by far. His confidence was down, he was doubting himself, and he grew both frustrated and discouraged. It was a truly sad time.

Does this sound familiar to anyone by chance? Life can sometimes erupt into a series of perceived failures to the point where we question everything that we do. It is a horrible “slump” that can affect us all in life.

So how did we help our son to get out of his slump? With tremendous amounts of prayer and a heart to see the greater picture of what is going on. We focused not on mechanics or practice, but on our prayer life and our reliance on the Lord to work through him as the Lord saw fit. We placed this burden on the Lord and not on our own shoulders. I remember the feeling that I had when we were down by one run with two men on base, and my son with two strikes his a blistering double off of the left field wall to score both runs and allow us to take the lead, which eventually led to a State Championship. Since then, he has batted over .800 and is the hottest hitter on the team.

Was this success his own doing? In my view, absolutely not. It was the Lord working through him and with him for a greater purpose. My job as a father now is not to celebrate, but to praise the Lord with thankfulness in humility, and to show my son to do the same. We have grown much closer to the Lord during this time, and I can only wonder if this slump was used by God to do this for us. If that is the case, I am truly thankful. In all things, I am thankful. And no matter how the game turns out tomorrow, we as a family will be thankful…for so many things.

The Lord is good and He loves us. If you are in a slump right now and are struggling to dig out, remember to dig out on your knees in prayer by placing your concerns and burdens on the Lord. He will help you like no other, and praise be to the Lord who loves His children.

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

Guilford, Vermont, is a very picturesque little village.  We drove around a little, admiring the beautiful scenery, the colorful flowers, and the awesome old homes, barns and other structures along the roadways.

The general store provided a place for us to stretch our legs a few minutes, admire the homemade jellies, jams, and candles on display near the small cafe in the corner.  I was tempted to purchase a few of the chocolate chip cookies.  The sign said “small” cookies $1.00, and “large” cookies $3.00.  The only cookies I saw were at least as big around as a softball.  So I asked the gentleman behind the counter if there were any of the small cookies left.  He told me I was looking at them.  The “large” cookies were in the case just below and were about as big around as my head!

Leaving temptation behind, we crossed the highway and took the other main road up the hill and around several curves before arriving at this beautiful covered bridge.  Just off to the right was a water fall.  Ladies in the front yard of the huge old home nearby were preparing for what we assumed to be a wedding reception or some such grand event.  We walked over the bridge, admiring the structure itself but mostly the scenery all around it.  God outdid Himself there.

And even with all the beauty of everything we saw while there, what I see most now from my picture is this.  That bridge covered the old dirt road.  It made a safe passageway for travelers to cross.  It provided shade for our walk across it, and it allowed us some rest and respite from the heat of the day.  It allowed us some time to reflect and enjoy the goodness of God.  We were covered there.

You and I are probably not much different in our daily lives, circumstances, and responsibilities.  We each need rest, refuge, and rejuvenation from the world around us.  God provides the coverage we need.  His loving arms can hold you tighter than any human hug you could imagine.  And if you think His nature is beautiful, just think on How beautiful He and His loving care are.  Yes, the world is tough.  Yes, it may be a rough week.  But, yes, also, He promises His children all the coverage we need.

Take advantage of His coverage this week.  And invite someone else to experience it with you.

Just a thought.