Healthy Relationships

In pursuit of deeper relationships, it is essential to identify some elements that may hinder the progress.
#Selfishness is a major one . Do you have those friends who are only there for what they get from you? As long as the agenda befits them they are all in. When it’s your turn to receive support, advise or you just need to vent and unwind, they are nowhere to be found.
Relationship should be a two way street it is not a one way street. Do not be the dead end, receiving but never giving.
#Say no to shallow relationships.

Dangers of shallow relationships include loneliness even when you are with people. “I am lonely yet am not Alone.”
#Bitterness is spewed by thoughts such as, “nobody really cares about me.” You maybe disgruntled but sincerely you are the one to blame. You receive back what you give. It is okay to be vulnerable in pursuit of depth in relationships.
Next time your friend ask how are you go beyond the ,”I am fine”and “am good” responses. They are very superficial. Try sharing how you really are at the moment. Slowly the depth is gained and the facades is chipped away.
#Say no to shallow relationships.

· Unhealthy #competition is a relationship killer. Such competition breeds from insecurity and leads to power struggles. It is okay to have a friend who is more gifted or talented than you. Instead of competing why not complement each other. Learn to celebrate your friends’ achievements with contentment.
Do you have a friend who when you share an achievement the phrase that comes from their mouths is; “even me my time is coming! ” or “I am planning on doing the same soon”.
Com’on take a moment to congratulate and rejoice with your friends first before you think about yourself.

©Pastor Lucy Paynter
For more Insights and Inspiration Listen to My daily Insight Podcast.

BATTLES FRONTLINE DAY 10 – Pastor Lucy Paynter Daily Insights

Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem, heard that Joshua had captured and completely destroyed Ai and killed its king, just as he had destroyed the town of Jericho and killed its king. He also learned that the Gibeonites had made peace with Israel and were now their allies. He and his people became very afraid when they heard all this because Gibeon was a large town—as large as the royal cities and larger than Ai. And the Gibeonite men were strong warriors. So King Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem sent messengers to several other kings: Hoham of Hebron, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon. “Come and help me destroy Gibeon,” he urged them, “for they have made peace with Joshua and the people of Israel.” So these five Amorite kings combined their armies for a united attack. They moved all their troops into place and attacked Gibeon. The men of Gibeon quickly sent messengers to Joshua at his camp in Gilgal. “Don’t abandon your servants now!” they pleaded. “Come at once! Save us! Help us! For all the Amorite kings who live in the hill country have joined forces to attack us.” So Joshua and his entire army, including his best warriors, left Gilgal and set out for Gibeon. “Do not be afraid of them,” the Lord said to Joshua, “for I have given you victory over them. Not a single one of them will be able to stand up to you.” Joshua traveled all night from Gilgal and took the Amorite armies by surprise. The Lord threw them into a panic, and the Israelites slaughtered great numbers of them at Gibeon. Then the Israelites chased the enemy along the road to Beth-horon, killing them all along the way to Azekah and Makkedah. As the Amorites retreated down the road from Beth-horon, the Lord destroyed them with a terrible hailstorm from heaven that continued until they reached Azekah. The hail killed more of the enemy than the Israelites killed with the sword. On the day the Lord gave the Israelites victory over the Amorites, Joshua prayed to the Lord in front of all the people of Israel. He said, “Let the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Aijalon.” So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies. Is this event not recorded in The Book of Jashar? The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day. There has never been a day like this one before or since, when the Lord answered such a prayer. Surely the Lord fought for Israel that day! Then Joshua and the Israelite army returned to their camp at Gilgal. Joshua 10:1‭-‬15 NLT — Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-lucy-paynter/support