Barren Lands to Lush Gardens

I heard someone share once that a plant died because

of negative words that were spoken over it.

Whereas the one that got spoken life over it thrived.

"Environment limits your potential

& growth."-Pst. Joseph

If you are in that negative environment long enough you don't even realize the effects it has on you. It has become the new norm.

A great way to see if you are in a toxic environment is by removing yourself and going somewhere new. Getting a new perspective, being in a new place can make all the difference.

I went to public school growing up. It became very difficult all my school friends at the time wanted me to party with them to drink & do drugs.  They would say "Everyone does it". I felt like I was in a constant battle at school I wanted to fit in with everyone else but I wanted to do what was right. What helped me stay centered was spending all my free time at Church during lunch I would go to prayer meetings and after school, I would go to bible study and Youth group. One day I realized that I wanted to share this healthy environment with others. Lives would be changed if they encountered the King of Kings.

THE PROCESS

I started bringing my bible to school and doing bible studies with some students.

I invited people to the youth group and stood and prayed by the flag pole on National Prayer Day. (Knowing that it would cause me to get suspended). More and more people came to the youth group. It felt as if some of the weight lifted off when I walked in the highschool halls.

The cool thing is the environment can change around us from unhealthy to healthy.

Because we carry Christ in us we can shift the atmosphere.

Barren lands can become lush gardens. 
Broken families can be restored.
Drug addicts can become Jesus Freaks.

<<I want to encourage you today. Even if you are currently in an unhealthy environment today there is hope. Spending time with the Lord and in His presence will help you become an atmosphere shifter. >>

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Lead Like a Pro Day 9-Pastor Joseph