1 John 2:15-17 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”   ESV version of the Holy Bible Introducing the first King of Israel, Saul, who we will read about here today-- He seemingly lived a life of “almost” commitment to God, and up to the very end, that wasn’t at all what God wanted for him.  It’s a tragic story of a man stuck in a worldly mindset-- missing the great peace and security that obeying God completely give us. Today I want to encourage you that God is usually quite clear with his expectations, that we are truly responsible for our own actions-- and that nothing is ever hidden from God’s sight. Encouragement Positive mental attitude Enthusiasm, Dreamer, Coach, Mentor, Friend [email protected] charlesrgrimes.com Twitter: @charlesrgrimes https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-grimes-2b78444b/ https://www.instagram.com/encouragers_united/ https://www.facebook.com/EncouragersUnited/?modal=admin_todo_tour https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS-40nUSl9SCekbbhk3FzYw?view_as=subscriber --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/encouragers-united/message

Are you a spectator in life-- or are you a participant?  In this episode, I want to make a distinction between those who stand back and watch the game-- and those who are in the trench, playing the game.  It’s not good enough to skirt all responsibility for a situation, and simply give our critique or lame excuse-- real power in this life comes from stepping up to the plate, taking responsibility, and making something happen. Opening quote is an excerpt from Theodore Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena". A “spectator” perspective often processes life as a critique.  These individuals are living a life of reflection and often criticism, mostly in hind sight--where they really have no responsibility at all for the circumstances.     While “participants” realize that this is a one-shot deal and live life and take the initiative and the responsibility to positively make a difference right where they are right now. So, which are you?Would you prefer to analyze and observe the game-critiqing it?- or are you willing to get in the game and participate?   Listen to the powerful words from the bible-- James 1:22  "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."  I take this to be encouragement that we can’t just sit back and hear what God wants us to do-- we need to do it. You see, it’s been said in life that you are either a part of the problem, or you are part of the solution.  My experience tells me that if you’re “playing the game” trying to take responsibility and participate in life-- you’re going to be a part of the solution-- no matter where you are, or what you are up against… But if you would resign yourself to simply standing back and watching-- being a spectator-- anything you may want to contribute later--- is probably part of the problem. Don’t just be a hearer of the word--- be a doer! Encouragement Positive mental attitude Enthusiasm, Dreamer, Coach, Mentor, Friend [email protected] charlesrgrimes.com Twitter: @charlesrgrimes https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-grimes-2b78444b/ https://www.instagram.com/encouragers_united/ https://www.facebook.com/EncouragersUnited/?modal=admin_todo_tour https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS-40nUSl9SCekbbhk3FzYw?view_as=subscriber --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/encouragers-united/message

Recently, my wife Wendy and I watched a Netflix documentary called the Minimalists.  It’s the story of  American authors, podcasters, filmmakers, and public speakers Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, who promote a minimalist lifestyle.  It’s an intriguing story of realizing that “stuff” really had dominated our society and our lives.  For those of you that know me personally, I would actually consider myself to be pretty simple and minimalist-- we live in a modest house here in the city of Canton, OH, I haven’t really ever earned a ton of money in my life, but Wendy and I have saved and had a budget plan which she executes so well for us--I guess I have however, have quite a few hobbies in my life also-- activities and things that I’ve wanted to learn and this has actually caused some “accumulation”.  I’m pretty sentimental also-- so I tend to save things.  Wendy will tell you I save weird things, like plastic containers, or bicycle parts-- or pieces of wood to possibly use on another home improvement project.   Without getting too much into the storyline, I want you to know that the take-a-way we had from the show was a 30-day challenge to reduce the number of “things” we possess.  Each day in the month of January, we donated or threw away the number of things that corresponded with the day of the month. (I actually was able to do more than that some days!)  The total at the end of the month was to be 500 things!  Wow, although it seems like a lot-- we still have quite of bit to go-- so we’ll probably be clearing out more things.  But here are some of my personal reflections on this recent experience, because I believe it is indeed a very good practice-- and I would highly recommend that you consider it as well. https://www.theminimalists.com/ https://www.becomingminimalist.com/creative-ways-to-declutter/   MINIMALISM IS Simply OWNING FEWER POSSESSIONS.   Minimalism has given me FREEDOM FROM THE PASSION TO POSSESS.   IT IS FREEDOM FROM MODERN “Rat-race”.   IT helps me to live “congruently”-- in line with my beliefs and values.   IT IS COUNTER-CULTURAL.   IT Starts EXTERNAL, BUT moves to the INTERNAL.   IT IS COMPLETELY ACHIEVABLE. Intro music clip- VeggieTales- "Madame Bluberry" from Big Idea productions Inspiring Idea- Recycling plastics into useful building materials features Nzambi Matee, and Gjenge.co.ke Encouragement Positive mental attitude Enthusiasm, Dreamer, Coach, Mentor, Friend [email protected] charlesrgrimes.com Twitter: @charlesrgrimes https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-grimes-2b78444b/ https://www.instagram.com/encouragers_united/ https://www.facebook.com/EncouragersUnited/?modal=admin_todo_tour https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS-40nUSl9SCekbbhk3FzYw?view_as=subscriber --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/encouragers-united/message

These are not the foundational principles of marriage. These tips are one-sentence nuggets of practical advice. They are easy to understand, sometimes difficult to implement, but absolutely transformative. 1. No SARCASM. 2. Remember your MANNERS. 3. Become aware of the LOVE LANGUAGE of your partner. 4. Do not assume your partner's MOTIVATION. 5. Avoid CORRECTING your partner. 6. Offer and accept relationship BIDS. Awesome resources: https://www.gottman.com/ I hope this has inspired you to start where you are, take what you have, and do what you can! For those of you country music fans- I’ll send you out with a great brand new song written by an new up and coming country artist named Cooper Alan.  Here’s his new single dedicated to his parents called “Tough Ones”. Opening audio scene is used with thanks and respect to my wife's favorite classic movie, The Princess Bride https://www.startmarriageright.com/2015/08/10-simple-but-powerful-ways-to-build-your-marriage/ https://www.instagram.com/cooperalanmusic/ Encouragement Positive mental attitude Enthusiasm, Dreamer, Coach, Mentor, Friend [email protected] charlesrgrimes.com Twitter: @charlesrgrimes https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-grimes-2b78444b/ https://www.instagram.com/encouragers_united/ https://www.facebook.com/EncouragersUnited/?modal=admin_todo_tour https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS-40nUSl9SCekbbhk3FzYw?view_as=subscriber --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/encouragers-united/message

Sonia H. Cameron is a published author and blogger that writes to encourage career individuals in transition. Her goal is to inspire those wanting more out of their life’s purpose to find the job of their dreams. Born in Wilmington, NC, Sonia has worked in corporate America for over 25 years, with her current position placing her at an information technology firm in Research Triangle Park, NC. Throughout her career, Sonia has experienced numerous peaks and valleys, leading to several transition periods. During these times of transition, Sonia learned key principles and discovered necessary tools to help her excel every time. As a result of wanting to share her experiences to encourage and empower those in similar situations, Sonia began blogging about job hunting and career enhancement. She began sharing her story on her blog Bless the Work in 2010, with the most viewed page being her encouragement blog section. This blog would eventually create an avenue for Sonia to publish her first article for Christian Devotions in 2014. Sonia’s most recent project is an e-book released on Amazon in May 2020. The book, titled God Please Help Me Find A Job: 21 Prayers for the Job Seeker is a guide aimed to assist readers in seeking the face of God so that they can make the right decision for procuring job opportunities. When she’s not writing, Sonia loves to spend time with her husband and blended family; she loves to cook equally as much as she cooks to love. https://blessthework.com YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuJtaGs2ydGo54ZzKR-tjQw Encouragement Positive mental attitude Enthusiasm, Dreamer, Coach, Mentor, Friend [email protected] charlesrgrimes.com Twitter: @charlesrgrimes https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-grimes-2b78444b/ https://www.instagram.com/encouragers_united/ https://www.facebook.com/EncouragersUnited/?modal=admin_todo_tour https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS-40nUSl9SCekbbhk3FzYw?view_as=subscriber --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/encouragers-united/message

There are now over 3.5 billion people who regularly spend time on social media and these numbers are continually rising. Sadly, there are those who abuse social media by trolling, bullying and creating posts that invoke negativity and criticism.  Most times there is very little accomplished by these activities, only creating more division and discontent. Here’s where you can make a huge change. Be positive online! Just as you aim to be a better person in your daily life, do so on screen. Every post, like, and share impacts others and you have the power to uplift. Here are five tips to assist you in being positive online. And it’s catchy - when you start, others will follow! Commit to be kind Follow inspiring people and organizations doing good work Facebook strategies to connect and encourage Share content from charities and causes you follow with others on Twitter and Instagram. If an encouraging thought comes to mind, share it! Form a new habit: Hebrews 3:13, NIV: "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Encouragement Positive mental attitude Enthusiasm, Dreamer, Coach, Mentor, Friend [email protected] charlesrgrimes.com Twitter: @charlesrgrimes https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-grimes-2b78444b/ https://www.instagram.com/encouragers_united/ https://www.facebook.com/EncouragersUnited/?modal=admin_todo_tour https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS-40nUSl9SCekbbhk3FzYw?view_as=subscriber --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/encouragers-united/message

I Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. It’s probably the most powerful statement about who we are as Christ followers. It is the living testimony that the Holy Spirit is present, and active. John McCain and John Kerry Ronald Regan and Tip O’neal Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia John 13:35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” God created diversity-- so that we would purposely see things differently.  Don’t dread it, celebrate it, and take advantage of it. Ephesians 4:11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Abraham Lincoln, upon winning his first term as President in a tremendously heated and close election, immediately appointed several of his parties political rivals to key and close cabinet positions.  He called it a “Team of Rivals, with malice toward none”.  Having as many perspectives as possible could be the best course of action in solving the most difficult problems.  It may take patience, grace and determination-- but I would rather have those solutions in the long run anyway. Christ himself died to produce unity-- 1st between God and Men-- but also between people. His death, and love for us-- transcends any difference we might have-- Ephesians 2:14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, -If we truly have wrestled with this truth-- we can see our differences more clearly and without personal pride.   We are all sinners, saved by grace. All in all-- the vision is to come to the table, with the right perspective, roll up your sleeves and patiently and diligently get to work! Psalms 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Encouragement Positive mental attitude Enthusiasm, Dreamer, Coach, Mentor, Friend [email protected] charlesrgrimes.com Twitter: @charlesrgrimes https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-grimes-2b78444b/ https://www.instagram.com/encouragers_united/ https://www.facebook.com/EncouragersUnited/?modal=admin_todo_tour https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS-40nUSl9SCekbbhk3FzYw?view_as=subscriber --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/encouragers-united/message

Come join the movement of positive minded, enthusiastic leaders!  Weekly shows will mix interviews, product reviews, and thoughtful inspirational teaching. Hosted by Charlie Grimes, Christian worship leader and pastor, this podcast is high octane positivity. Encouragement Positive mental attitude Enthusiasm, Dreamer, Coach, Mentor, Friend [email protected] charlesrgrimes.com Twitter: @charlesrgrimes https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-grimes-2b78444b/ https://www.instagram.com/encouragers_united/ https://www.facebook.com/EncouragersUnited/?modal=admin_todo_tour https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS-40nUSl9SCekbbhk3FzYw?view_as=subscriber --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/encouragers-united/message

The Apostle Paul is a prominent figure in the New Testament history of the church!  He travelled and founded several Christian communities of faith in the years 30-60 AD, and wrote frequently to those congregations with instructions, greetings and encouragement.  What would Paul write to our modern day church in 2021?  We might find that we have much in common with the fledgling congregation of Christians at Corinth, and the letter of I Corinthians has much to say about our modern day struggles!  This is a rebroadcast of a sermon from I Corinthians 1:1-9, an introduction to this powerful teaching from Paul to a church struggling with division, bad decisions, and frustrations on all sorts of issues.  Sounds familiar, doesn't it?  Paul has a lot to say, but he starts with the positive and encourages them and us to remember who we are, and set goals to have unity with each other. Encouragement Positive mental attitude Enthusiasm, Dreamer, Coach, Mentor, Friend [email protected] charlesrgrimes.com Twitter: @charlesrgrimes https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-grimes-2b78444b/ https://www.instagram.com/encouragers_united/ https://www.facebook.com/EncouragersUnited/?modal=admin_todo_tour https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS-40nUSl9SCekbbhk3FzYw?view_as=subscriber --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/encouragers-united/message

New Plan Life is not just a channel but a lifestyle. Here at New Plan Life we choose to live our life doing  things that GIVE LIFE, not take it. Things like being productive, visiting family, calling up siblings, spending time with friends you haven't seen, bonding, learning an art, etc. Aren't you tired of wasting your time and life on social media and never being fulfilled? Pursue LIFE GIVING things instead! He’s a faithful, energetic and uplifting person.  He’s a communicator, worship musician and podcaster with a message that will make you think, and inspire you to live your life worthy of the call we all have a Christians.  His Podcast is called New Plan: Life, and it can be found on all the popular platforms-- and as a professional videographer, you bet he takes his art to YouTube through a channel by the same name. Listen up here for a bright spot in your day.  He’s a great young leader, and super encouraging-- he is Mr. Dylan Drye. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6jrceUOsqu0MPCLNq7sWUA https://open.spotify.com/show/2YZTDIZ6wwc0YZUYxAGUa5 Encouragement Positive mental attitude Enthusiasm, Dreamer, Coach, Mentor, Friend [email protected] charlesrgrimes.com Twitter: @charlesrgrimes https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-grimes-2b78444b/ https://www.instagram.com/encouragers_united/ https://www.facebook.com/EncouragersUnited/?modal=admin_todo_tour https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS-40nUSl9SCekbbhk3FzYw?view_as=subscriber --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/encouragers-united/message