First Day With A Personal Trainer.....

I am very excited to report that I have started training sessions with a personal trainer, one on one.  My husband has been training with a personal trainer 2 days a week, and now his trainer is doing sessions with me, 2 times a week as well.  I had my first meeting last night at 815pm.  I can say that I was nervous because I didn't know what to expect and it has been years since I have lifted weights and did things like that.  I have been doing tons of cardio on my own, but haven't done any "gym" training.  I was excited that he was very nice and had such a pleasant personality.  He is very smart and has lot's of knowledge of the body and it was so nice to talk to someone that knows so much about health and fitness.  It is really nice to have that one on one time, so you can get your questions asked.  We discussed the areas that I wanted to work on, and we decided on a program.  We actually did arms/back for the first session and it was for an hour.  We started out with a cardio workout, then did a few other exercises (push ups/abs/jumping jacks/squats/etc)  I was then warmed up and we started the official workout.  I cannot even name all of the machines we did but by far my most challenging one was: bench press.  I started out with 30lbs, then 40lbs, then 50lbs.  I did so many reps to where my arms were shaking.  We then kept moving to other machines and I can tell you that it challenged me like never before.  I literally could not lift my arms to touch my head.  It helped that we could carry conversation in between and laugh about things, so it did take my mind off all of the hard work that I was doing.  It did give me confidence when he said that he could tell I was an athlete and that I had good form while doing the exercises.  It is now the day after and my arms are sore but I am surprised that I can lift them up and handle it ok.  I am excited for this new journey that I am able to do, and cannot wait to see the results and feel stronger.  I know with the training I do on my own, and now with the personal trainer 2 times a week, that I am on my way to being healthy and strong.  Thursday is my next session and we are doing all lower body.  I would HIGHLY recommend looking into a Personal Trainer to start training with.  It helps you have someone smart plan things for you and to help you do the right form so you will get the best results!!!

Fitness Motivation....

This blog is going to be ALL about fitness and health!! So many people want to get into good shape so they can get noticed/look good/ etc.  I can only explain the reason for me training to get back into shape.  I have a husband that loves me the way I am right now at this moment, he tells me daily that I am beautiful and that I am sexy.  The reason for me training to get back in shape is because I am doing it for ME!!!!  I want to feel healthy and have tons of energy because I have two small children.  I want to be able to run and chase them and kick a ball with them and not get tired.  I see so many parents that are out of shape and cannot keep up with their children.  I want to be different, I want to have my children always remembering that I was doing the activities with them and keeping up with them.  I also am doing this for me because I know the older you get, the harder it is to get back into shape.  I will be 30 years old in March and I want to look better when I am 30 then when I was a National Tennis Champion in my early 20's.  So whatever your reason is, find it and cling to it!!!

STOP comparing yourself to others!!! God made you just the way you are with the body type that he wanted you to have!!! It is our job to maintain it and take care of ourselves!!!  Keep molding and shaping your body until you reach a healthy weight and then all you have to do is maintain it!!!

Be Realistic!!!! You didn't get out of shape overnight and you won't get into shape overnight.  It takes time to see results and often people get discouraged and give up!!!

Here are a few workouts below to help give people an idea of what they can do!!!  There are no excuses just do SOMETHING!!!

It is so important to stick with it and to keep changing up your routine.  One, it can get boring and you can lose motivation. Two, your muscles develop muscle memory and need a change up in routine.  I can honestly say that I have finally found a routine that I have been able to stick with and I am finally seeing results!!!  

Soak This In....

 A woman, dusty and worn from travel.  A man, knowing the child his fiancee carries is not his own.  Tired.  Back bent.  Head bowed.
A makeshift hotel room; really nothing more than a filthy animal pen.  A manager; a wooden box caked with dried saliva and leftover feed for beasts of burden.
Horror at the thought of giving birth alone, away from family, away from friends, away from home.  In this awful place.
 Peace from knowing that despite everything, everything will turn out right.
A God-man propels himself willingly into the icy grip of a sin-wintered world that will only view him with mocking derision and hateful distrust.  A baby, bloody and wrinkled, thrust shockingly into the world. Here, in a barn.
God, bloody and wrinkled, stowed humbly, gloriously, in the animal's food trough.

God had now become also a man.  Or more specifically, a helpless, vulnerable, reliably incontinent infant.  He who was self-existent and in need of nothing now needed a mother's breast to feed him, her loving hand to clean away his bodily waste, her patient wisdom to teach him how to speak and walk and live.
Unfathomable.

This is taken from a book that I am currently reviewing called " God in Slow Motion" by Mike Nappa

Workout Goals For This Week......(4,600)

Anybody who has been following my blogs knows that I have been working out for 2 months now and has been showing my progress to let others know how it is going and hopefully to inspire others.  I am on my 3rd month right now and I have decided to step it up this week and really push my body beyond its limits!  I will list my goals below and let you know what I am doing this week.  Tennis season starts early October so I have about 3 weeks before it starts so I plan to step it up.  I will weigh myself in October and let you know my results, so far I have lost 8lbs total.

  Monday- treadmill, bike  800 calories
  Tuesday-treadmill, bike, stairs 800 calories
  Wednesday-Off
   Thursday-treadmill, bike, stairs 800 calories
   Friday-treadmill, bike 800 calories
   Saturday-treadmill 600 calories
   Sunday-treadmill, bike 800 calories    
     So my goal for calories burned this whole week is: 4,600!!!

It is so important to not do the same routine each time and to really challenge your body with different routines, goals and speeds.  As you can see from above, I have a busy and sweaty week ahead!! I am also not including the things that I do at home (abs, squats, pushups, walking/running outside),

Feeling Like Life Isn't Real....

There are times I catch myself feeling like life isn't real.  There are so many days that I find myself going through the motions where I feel like I am not moving forward.  There are times that I struggle to find purpose and the meaning of my existence.  Do you ever seek and feel like you are seeking with all your might and still nothing?  This is at a current place where I am finding myself alot lately.  I feel like many times people put on a "face" that want to appear everything is perfect and fine and not get real with others and let others in.  I think it is so important to always let others in and let them know how things are going on behind closed doors.  How are we ever going to get out of a cycle if we don't let people in?  Do you have trouble putting one foot in front of the other lately?  Times like this I feel like just drawing near to God and never getting out of his lap.  There are times that I feel like God is the only person that knows EXACTLY what I am feeling and going through.  We can try and communicate with others, but God already knows how we feel and he is just waiting for us to seek him and make time for him.  I am in the middle of a storm right now and I am waiting for God to show up on his timing, because I know it is always perfect.  I feel like I have been waiting a lifetime and at times I can hardly breathe.  I know God doesn't work on our schedule and on our time frame, so I am keeping fixed on him.  As long as I am still alive I know that there is ALWAYS hope.  I am believing God for a miraculous move and miracle and an anointing!  I will not stop seeking until I get it.  I honestly do not know how people get through life without Jesus.  They have no hope and put all of the belief in themselves.  Just the thought and the pressure of this gets me down because I already know if I put all of the hope in myself, that I will fail.  We are not strong enough to carry the weight on our shoulders, only Jesus can carry our weight.  I really wanted to write this blog because I feel that people only write about "feel good" messages and don't get real with others.  I want to be completely transparent and let people know that this is something that I struggle with as well.  I struggle with getting through the days and find myself catching my breathe and being overwhelmed.  I have to constantly remind myself to look at Jesus and look at HIS promises.  Today is one of those days where it is a BIG struggle for me and I have many questions for God and I am waiting on revelation from him and believing that he will give it to me!!  So I hope this message gives hope to others knowing that EVERYONE has struggles and that EVERYONE should share what they are going through so we can truly lift one another up and encourage each other.

9/11......

Every person can remember where they were when the morning of 9/11 happened.  I remember that I was in high school in gym class and hearing that planes had crashed into the World Trade Center.  I didn't believe it, I didn't understand it at all.  Then when I saw it on the television I couldn't believe it, it didn't look real.  It was like watching a movie, and it was hard to believe it was happening.  I can remember the fear that came over the world and the hurt/anger that everyone felt.  It was such a sad day and I cannot imagine what it was like for the people that experienced it.  I remember the day after 9/11 and how everyone in the world locked arms and united for God and asked him for his strength.  I remember people singing in anthems "Amazing Grace."  I remember how strong we stood as a Nation the day after 9/11.  My main question is this: "What were we doing the day before 9/11?  The week before 9/11?  The minute before 9/11 happened??  Why weren't we united together in agreement and praising God BEFORE this happened?  God knew that after this event happened that people would acknowledge him for a week after and then go back to selfish living.  It really saddens my heart when I see how much our world takes God out of everything!!  We take God out of schools, we can't say certain prayers, we can't wear certain t-shirts, we cannot mention the name Jesus.  This world is growing colder and colder because God is pushed out of our world.  We need to start having God in our homes, this is something that we CAN control.  Adults, start seeking God DAILY and getting in fellowship with other members in the body of Christ.  Parents, start raising and equipping your children up in the ways of the Lord.  So many people rely on "others" to train and raise their children, but the truth is that it is OUR JOB as being PARENTS.  Men start getting bold for Christ, and stop being so passive.  Women start acting godly and respecting themselves because they are princesses of the Most High.  We need to conduct ourselves godly in EVERY way, this goes with the way we live, speak, dress, and conduct ourselves.
   We need to remember 9/11 and let it be a life changing wake up call to live for God EVERY SINGLE DAY OF YOUR LIFE!! Stand up for God and what the Word says.  God is in control of EVERYTHING!! We cannot look to our government to fix our problems or people to fix our issues.  God is the God of the impossible.  We serve a Mighty God that can restore his people, but it is up to us to repent and turn from our sins and walk in HIS PATH!!!

Attention To Every Country In The World......

Have you watched the news lately?  Do you see all the violence today that has increased recently?  I have some advice for you....Jesus is coming back very soon to take his people.  Jesus clearly states: Luke 21:36, Luke 21:11, Matthew 24:6. I wanted to give the verses and not write them down because I want people to grab their bibles and see what Jesus says.  People today think God is not in control because of everything that is happening.  God NEVER stopped being in control, he has a plan, he knows the beginning and the end.  God gave everyone FREE WILL and people can choose to follow him or become their own god and serve themselves.  We are most definitely in the end times because of how fast everything is increasing with evil, and Satan knows that his time is running out.  People blasphemous God and mock his laws and continue serving themselves.  People pick and choose what sounds good to them and what is comfortable to them.  If we constantly "hear" ALL of the good of God we can't reverently fear him as it says in the Bible.  We have to respect him and have all knowledge of what he is capable of.  We need to sit in our church seats and squirm a little bit because the truth hurts.  We KNOW we are sinful and some actually want to change for Jesus but the majority just want to hear "GOOD NEWS."  People just want blessing after blessing and don't want to change their lifestyle.  They want Gods blessing and not change for Jesus.  We need to fix our eyes on Jesus because he already conquered the world and he IS coming back for HIS PEOPLE.  If he came at this very moment, do you believe in your heart that you would be raptured?  If you have any doubt, then that is the Holy Spirit giving you conviction and is letting you know that things need to change.  You need to have Jesus in EVERY AREA OF YOUR LIFE!!!  There are going to be people left behind and in the Bible it says all will be deceived and willingly serve and follow the anti-christ.  In case you haven't read the Bible let me give you a quick summary:  The people who are going to be left behind are going to be in COMPLETE agony and pain, and crying out for help, but nobody will help them.  There will be evil of EVERY kind on the earth and God will pour out his wrath on EVERYONE.
    I hope this blog opened your eyes and your hearts.  It is time to fully surrender to Jesus.  Turn off the news and pick up your Bible, GOD IS IN CONTROL NOT PEOPLE!!!!!

Jesus Traits vs. Satan Traits........

Jesus

• Love will enable us to appreciate our brothers and sisters in the Lord, and, of course, our family, and others around us. Love is taking the initiative to build up and meet the needs of others without expecting anything in return. (John 13:1;John 15:13; 1 Corinthians 13:3)

• Joy will allow us to enjoy His creation, others, and our circumstances with an expression of delight and real, authentic happiness from and with harmony with God and others. (Proverbs 15:13; John 15:11; John 17:13)

• Peace is surrendering and yielding to the Lord’s control, for He is our ultimate peace! It is allowing tranquility to be our tone and to control our equanimity. This will be fueled by our harmonious relationship with God so we can hand over control of our heart, will, and mind to Him. Once we make real peace with God, we will be able to make and maintain peace with others. (Matthew 5:9; Colossians 3:15; Philippians 4:7)

• Patience is showing tolerance and fortitude to others, and even accepting difficult situations from them and God without making demands and conditions. (Matthew 27:14; Romans 12:12; James 1:3,12)

• Kindness is practicing benevolence and a loving attitude towards others. (Ephesians 4:32)

• Goodness displays integrity, honesty, and compassion to others, and allows us to do the right thing. (Matthew 19:16)

• Faithfulness is the “gluing” fruit that will preserve our faith and the other characters of the Spirit as well as identify God’s Will so we can be dependable and trusting to God and others. (Matthew 17:19; Matthew 25:21; 1 Cor. 12:9; Hebrews 11:1; 1 Thes 5:24)

• Gentleness is the character that will show calmness, personal care, and tenderness in meeting the needs of others. (Isa. 40:11; Philippians 4:5; 2 Timothy 2:24; 1 Thes 2:7)

• Self-Control will allow us to have discipline, and restraint with obedience to God and others. (1 Thes 5: 22)

• Forgiving is the realization of how much we have been forgiven by Christ. This enables us to forgive the insignificant things that are done to us. It involves not being resentful to others, and ignoring the wrongs that we have received so we can heal relationships by expressing Christ’s love. (Luke 23:34; Ephesians 4:32;Colossians 3:13)

• Humility minimizes arrogance and removes pride. It is understanding our fallen nature and tendency to think we are better than we are, and our striving to lift up ourselves above others and God. It is admitting that others, and more importantly God is responsible for our achievements. Humbleness will enable us to be a teachable person who is willing to have the attitude of submission and servant-hood, one who confesses sin and remembers how Christ served us! (Luke 22:27;Philippians 2:8; 1 Peter 5:3–5)

• Fairness sees a situation from the viewpoint of each person involved and not just ours. It seeks the best, just, equable solution, even if it hurts us. (Matthew 7:12)

• Courage realizes that God has given us the strength to face any situation, trial, or peril. It is the ability to react, knowing that God is in control, that He who is in me is greater than he who is against me. (Deuteronomy 31:6; 1 John 4:4)

• Friendship is the companionship and closeness we are to have with one another. It is the commitment to help form the character in others. This is not to be feared but embraced, even when it hurts! (Proverbs 27:17)

• Honesty & Truthfulness mean being straight and honest with others and doing what is right. This trait will allow us to earn trust by being accurate with facts and situations. (2 Cor. 8:21; Ephesians 4:25)

• Dependable is being constantly reliable and trustworthy. It will allow us to continue in our commitments even if it means personal sacrifice. (1 Corinthians 4:2; Colossians 1:10)

• Gratitude is an attitude of being thankful, even when we do not see what we have. This is an aspect of worship, expressing to God and others how they have benefited our lives by showing their support and benevolence. (1 Corinthians 4:7;1 Thes. 5: 18)

• Responsibility is to know and do what God and others expect. (Romans 14:12)

• Contentment is the attitude of accepting whatever God provides for us, and being happy with it. It does not seek what we do not need for gratification, and does not find happiness in the shallow things of life. (Rom. 9:19–21; Philippians 4:10–13; 1 Tim. 6:6–9)

• Generosity allows us to give to others because God has given abundantly to us. It is the wise use of stewardship and the attitude that all I have belongs to God and knowing we are the caretakers for His purpose. (Deut. 16:17; Matthew 10:8)

• Purity & Holiness is being set apart for God’s use, which is holiness in action. It does not allow us to be contaminated nor interfere with others in our growth and relationship in Christ. (Matt. 5:8; Philippians 4:8; 1 Tim. 1:5; 1 Tim. 5:22;James 4:8)

• Confidence helps us rely on the Lord for all things in our life. It will enable us to push forward in the direction that we are called because He is governing. It makes us realize we are not responsible for the results–only the obedience. (Philippians 4:13)

• Encouragement will lift, support, and help others up through difficult circumstances, all from God’s perspective. (Psalm 119:28; Psalm 143:3; Matt. 3:17; John 14:1; 1 Thes. 5:11–14)

• Availability is being willing to adjust our own schedule, agenda, and plans to fit the right desires of God and others. It makes personal priorities secondary to the needs of God and others. It is to reflect God’s priorities so we are always available to Him and others when we are serving. (Mark 1:17–18; Acts 16:10)

• Attentiveness will recognize the value of other people by giving them listening ears, respect, courtesy, and total concentration. This means paying attention to others, not just listening to our own needs and desires, and also giving genuine contemplation to God’s Word. (Hebrews 2:1)

• Wisdom truly desires the knowledge of God’s Word and the proper application to our life. This will enable us to make good judgments and decisions. (1 Kings 3:9; Psalm 119:97–98)

• Compassion will feel the pain and plight of others. It will enable us to convey a deep feeling of love and concern that moves us to meet their distresses, struggles, and needs. (Job 29:13; Isa. 40:11; Mark 1:41; Luke 19:4; 1 Peter 3:8)

• Enthusiasm will enable us to overcome disappointments and setbacks, so we can be positive, optimistic, and keep up our interest, attitude, and zeal, even when things are harsh. (Matt. 5:16; Rom. 12:11; Gal. 6:9; Col. 3:23)

• Initiative will take the front position to recognize and do what needs to be done before being asked to do it. (Prov. 22:29; Philippians 3:14; Philippians 4:13–15)

• Diligence allows us to operate with our best for His highest with excitement and passion in order to complete our work and call from the Lord. (Prov. 10:4;Rom. 12:11; Colossians 3:23)

• Thoughtfulness considers and gives attention and care to others and their feelings first. (Philippians 2:4)

• Efficient is being well organized, competent, and resourceful so we can make the most of every situation, doing our best and seeking better ways. (Psalm 90:12;Ephesians 4:23; Ephesians 5:15– 16; 1 Pet. 4:10)

• Discretion keeps our minds and focus on sound judgment, giving serious attention and thought to what is going on. It will carefully choose our words, attitudes, and actions to be right for any given situation, thus avoiding words and actions that could result in adverse consequences. (Psalm 112:5; Proverbs 22:3;Rom. 12:2, Rom. 9; Rom. 14:19, Rom. 22)

• Optimism will think the best of and be positive with people and all situations, even if later proven wrong. (Luke 21:18; John 16:33; Romans 8:25; Romans 28)

• Obedience is submitting to do what God requires of us. It is also recognizing the authority and direction from others, such as the pastor and church, so we can create winning situations. (Deut. 13:4 ; Prov. 19:16; John 14:14; John 15:14; 2 Corinthians 10:5)

• Reverence is recognizing and respecting people, not just because of their position and authority, but as brothers and sisters in the Lord, regardless of their personality, knowing He loves them too! (1 Peter 2:13–14)

• Agreeable finds Biblical solutions and support for others, without compromising truth. (Amos 3:3)

• Appreciation gives God our heartfelt thanks as a lifestyle of worship and adoration. This allows us to give to, and value others with respect. (Romans 12:10)

• Avoiding anger is the knowing of its destructive force and striving to maintain “cool” and serenity. (James 1:19)

• Being a Good Example is not allowing your relationship with Christ to become hypocritical, since people see your example as to what a Christian is! (1 Pet 2:21,22; 1 Pet 2:12,15,17)

• Childlike Faith is the wonder and awe of what Christ did for us. It is something that we should never lose. Let us maintain our enthusiasm and not become just a subculture or routine! (Matt. 18:2–4,34)

• Commitment is being dedicated and pushing ahead as well as being satisfied with what you have. It is vowing to honor and be the best with what God has given of spiritual and material things. (1 Timothy 6:20)

• Communicating is being willing to convey thoughts, attitudes, feelings, and actions to others in a kind and listening manner that reflects Christ. (1 Timothy 4:12)

• Conviction is devotion to and following of the precepts of Scripture with zeal, whatever the cost. (Daniel 1:8)

• Cooperativeness is the support and willingness to work together in peace, unity, and harmony. (Eph. 4:3)

• Creative is being resourceful and imaginative in using the best of the goods and talents we have been given to serve the Lord. (1 Timothy 4:14)

• Diligenceis the loving of our call and the pursuing of our work, doing our best for His glory. (Colossians 3:23)

• Dependableis always being reliable and trustworthy. (Colossians 1:10)

• Determination is the ability to make difficult decisions and accomplish God’s goals based on the truths of God’s Word, regardless of the opposition. (Psalms 119:30; 2 Timothy 4:7,8)

• Deference is being willing to bend personal freedom for the respect and esteem of others. (Romans 14:21)

• Devotion is aligning personal desires, plans, worship, and hope with God. (Colossians 3:2)

• Discernment is the ability to see people and situations the way they really are with of neutrality and justice, while also being cautious with right timing and actions. (1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 19:2)

• Discreet is the ability to not bully people with our personality or actions, or even with sound and right opinions. It is giving serious respect, attention, and thought to what we say and do. (Psalm 112:5)

• Discipline is upholding and continuing a consistent and well-ordered life through godly obedience, regardless of how we feel. (1 Timothy 4:7)

• Decisive is sticking to right and just decisions based on God’s perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

• Not to swear or slander is refusing to verbally hurt others! (James 1:26)

• Endurance is the inner strength to remain in Him with staying power in order to accomplish God’s will. (Galatians 6:9)

• Fearless is facing down peril without being stupid. Sound mind is being bold since God gives us strength. (2 Timothy 1:7)

• Flexibility is being open to others plans and ideas and willing to be instructed and challenged to change for the better. (Colossians 3:2)

• Godly Priorities is choosing to follow Scriptural precepts as the primary important schedule and value for life. (Matthew 6:33)

• Godliness is being pious, which is rearranging our priorities to line up with God’s character. (3 John 11)

• Grace is elegant simplicity and calm that minimizes crudeness. (Psalm 94:11;James 4:6)

• Guidance is a willingness to help others to apply the precepts of Scripture in everyday and difficult situations. (Proverbs 27:9)

• Harmless is not willing or deliberately hurting anyone or anything. (Heb 7:26)

• Honest is being truthful and doing what is sincere and right before God and others. (Heb 7:26)

• Hospitality is a willingness to share, with discernment, what God has given us, including our family, home, finances, and food. (Romans 12:13)

• Integrity is the obedience to a moral code of values that have honor, truth, and reliability. It will allow one to keep his word and do his best even when no one else is looking. (Psalm 78:72)

• Just is doing what is fair, moral, impartial, and right, according to God’s will. (Genesis 6:9)

• Loyalty is remaining committed to those whom God has brought into our lives and has called us to serve, even in times of difficulty. (Proverbs 17:17)

• Meekness is not about being weak! It is strength under control, which yields personal rights and expectations to God. (Psalms 62:5)

• Merciful is demonstrating more forgiving and gracious kindness than the world requires. (Luke 6:36)

• Patience is the fortitude to accept from others difficult situations that we do not like. With God, it is trust of His timing, and not giving Him a deadline. (Romans 12:12)

• Perseverance is not being faint with our call, but being able to persist and continue to deal with stress so we can accomplish what God calls us to. (Galatians 6:9)

• Persuasiveness advocates God’s Word to others so they can be changed in their thinking and can conform to His will. (2 Timothy 2:25)

• Prompt is not holding others back with our inadequacies; it is respecting the time of others and being able to act quickly when God and others call on us. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

• Prudence is not being a prude, but implementing and applying good, logical, and just judgment to situations that will help in avoiding error and problems. (Proverbs 13:6; Proverbs 22:3)

• Purpose is in knowing who we are in Christ and acting it out with our call. That is, devoting our life, Spiritual gifts, abilities, and call so it can bring out the best in people and situations. Our meaning of life will have eternal treasure and results. (John 15)

• Respectful is being polite and courteous to the people, and the civil authorities God has placed in our life. (1 Thes. 5:13–14)

• Security is trust and reliance upon God for our daily needs. This is not laziness, but working with God’s values, and organizing our life around God’s Will with an eternal outlook in mind for a secure feeling. We are safe because of God’s protection. (Proverbs 29:25; John 6:27)

• Submissive is, with awe and reverence, surrendering and yielding our will and plans over to God’s guidance. (Ephesians 5:21)

• Self-Acceptance is realizing we are deeply loved and accepted by Christ, thus, we can accept us. To love others we have to love ourselves as Christ implies for us to. Self-hatred is not Biblical! Self-Acceptance will allow us to accept unchangeable physical features and situations that God has made, to allow us to focus on the more important things in life such as character. (2 Corinthians 12:9–10)

• Selflessness is the altruistic giving of ourselves to others, as Christ gave Himself to us. (Titus 2:14)

• Sensitivity is exercising kindness and compassion so we can go beyond just reason and logic to perceive and respond to others. (Romans 12:15)

• Servant Leadership is exercising real godly leadership as Christ did, by His taking a towel, influencing, equipping, and empowering people to accomplish God’s purpose and plan. (Luke 22:26)

• Sincerity is earnest honesty that is readily doing what is right, with pure and loving intention. (Joshua 24:14; 1 Peter 1:22)

• Success is not what the world says is achievement; it is to know and faithfully follow God’s Will and His Word. It is our obedience, not our numbers or measurements! (Matthew 25:21)

• Suffering is not sought, but when it happens, it is d allowing it to turn into a mold to allow us to be made for the better as “Christ hath suffered” makes us better. It is not a personal attack, rather it is a means to get our attention to make us better, more useful, stronger, and to understand what takes place in others. (1 Peter 4:1–19)

• Supportive is to come along side others, sharing our strength and courage in their afflictions and troubles. (Galatians 6:2)

• Tactful is being considerate, delicate, and diplomatic with other’s feelings and ideas, doing, and saying the right thing. (Colossians 4:6)

• Teach is to share our insights and what we have learned with others, to disciple them. (Matt. 7:28; Matt. 28:19–20; John 7:16; Mark 4:2; 2 John 1:9)

• Temperate is to have self-control so we do not lose control and give in to lust and extremes of society’s ills. (Titus 2:12)

• Tolerant is being forbearing and patient with others, even when they are different or weaker. (1 Thes. 5:14)

• Thoroughness is careful diligence that carries out our call with our very best for God’s approval. (Ecclesiastes 9:10; Colossians 3:23)

• Time is the moments in which we either burn or live for His glory. It is the opportunities we have to live, serve, learn, and grow. In so doing, if we invest wisely, we will produce eternal treasures. If not, it will go to waste. (Psalm 90:12)

• Understanding is the ability to reason and comprehend situations. (Psalms 119:34)

• Virtue is holding onto the principles of moral excellence that calls us to a higher level where few people desire to go, but as a Christian, we must go! (Col. 3:12–17)

• Zealous is maintaining our enthusiasm for our faith and call, not allowing our church or us to fall into a rut of meaningless rhetoric. (Luke 2:49; John 2:17; John 8:29)

Satan:

Satan is an accuser. The Bible is clear that Satan is an accuser. Revelation 12:10 says, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. Satan absolutely loves accusing God’s children of sin. Before the throne of God, Satan tells of our sin. He tells of his reign in the hearts of all sinners and tells of his rightful claim to the souls of all who have sinned against God.13 

Satan is a deceiver. He will do anything in his power to blind the mind of the unbeliever so that they do not believe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4). This includes changing the gospel so that people who think they are believers such as, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormon’s, are really deceived and blind to the real truth. Often times a false belief is more damaging than no belief at all. Along with deception, the Devil will come and take away the Word so that people who have heard it do not believe. Only the power of God can remove the blinders put on by Satan, allowing one to believe.

Satan is an imitator. He has always wanted to be worshipped just as God is, thus he strives to imitate his Creator. In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 you can read that Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. He is a deceiver who masks himself as a messenger of God.14 He is not likely to reveal his true self to anyone.

Ponder this, if Satan displayed himself by openly showing his true character than it would be obvious for all to stay away. Instead he makes himself look as though he portrays good attributes in order to lure you in, therefore, he imitates both God and the church. I believe that this is why you see so many heretical religious groups, because Satan has imitated God and led the religious group into the worship and following of a made up God. Thus they are in the hands of Satan and not God.

Satan is a liar. The Bible tells us that Satan is the father of lies and a liar by character (John 8:44). Therefore, he is never trust worthy or believable. To believe anything that comes from him is reckless and irresponsible.

Satan has lied since the beginning when he instructed Eve to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, telling her that she surely would not die. Satan told Eve this, knowing very well the consequences of eating from the tree. Therefore, he lied to her as well as he lied about God by insinuating that God had lied to her. 

Satan is a murderer. Since the very beginning he has had this attribute according to John 8. For in Genesis chapter two, the Lord told Adam and Eve that they should not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and that the consequence for eating from that tree would be death. In Genesis chapter three, Satan told Eve that surely she would not die if she ate from the tree. Here, Satan not only lied to Eve to get her to disobey God, but also attempted to murder her by knowing the consequence while yet trying to convince her to eat of the tree. 

Satan is an oppressor. 1 Peter 5:8 says that he is “like a roaring lion walking about, seeking who he may devour.” It is Satan’s goal to hunt down the believer and pin him down in sin. After becoming a child of God, Satan becomes your adversary. He takes your faith in God as a personal act of opposition toward him and therefore takes it upon himself to hunt you down and trap you in sin, as a form of warfare. Although he knows that the believer’s salvation can not be lost, he find’s some satisfaction in tormenting the saint for their allegiance to the Lord. 

Satan is a perverter. To pervert, is to distort or change something from its original or intended use. Satan distorts what has been given by God to man for his blessing and benefit.15 There is no blessing from God that Satan does not distort. Many times Satan distorts the truth of God’s word so that man has a misunderstanding of some important attributes of God or His glorious gospel. This is one of Satan’s top goals. He hopes that he can lead someone astray rather than them submitting to the authority of the most high God.

Satan is a sinner. He is so involved in sin that he habitually sins. He is nothing less than addicted to sin. Sin is in his very nature. He is also the very foundation of sin. Therefore, the Bible tells us that Christ came into this world, not just to destroy sin, but also to destroy Satan, himself.16 

Satan is a tempter. He tempted Christ Himself in the wilderness as recorded in the book of Matthew chapter 4, so be sure that he will try to tempt you. One of Satan’s goals is to tempt the believer, to pull him or her away from God, causing the Christian to commit idolatry by holding some other person or thing higher than God himself. This attribute of Satan causes many to sin in this current age.