Searchlight Organization
  • Jason's Blog
  • Articles
  • About
  • Get In Touch
  • Newsletter
  • Jason's Blog
  • Articles
  • About
  • Get In Touch
  • Newsletter

Devotional - Molding You

7/31/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Text and photo used with permission from Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

When we suffer and die for Christ it only means that we will begin living with him in heaven.
—2 Timothy 2:11 (TLB)

I have a friend who during the Depression lost his job, a fortune, a wife, and a home. But he tenaciously held to his faith—the only thing he had left. One day he stopped to watch some men doing stonework on a huge church. One of them was chiseling a triangular piece of stone. “What are you going to do with that?” asked my friend. The workman said, “See that little opening away up there near the spire? Well, I’m shaping this down here, so it will fit in up there.” Tears filled the eyes of my friend as he walked away, for it seemed that God had spoken through the workman to explain his ordeal through which he was passing, “I’m shaping you down here, so you’ll fit in up there.”
Comments

Shield Yourself: Media and Mental Health

7/30/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Copyright 2019
Have you ever had a moment where, because something you read or heard about on the news made you sad, upset, or even angry? Perhaps, a shock post on Facebook startled you. Various studies have shown that the images we look at on the news or on social media can affect our moods and even our mental health  (https://www.nbcnews.com/health/mental-health/social-media-linked-rise-mental-health-disorders-teens-survey-finds-n982526). The shows we watch, the songs we listen to, and the movies we entertain ourselves with all serve to affect us in some way.

This morning I was listening to a local radio show called "Love 'em or List 'em." On the show, a lady called in to discuss her friend, who she labeled as "clingy." She was talking how the person was invading her personal space, inviting herself with the caller's family on vacation, and wanting to see the caller nearly every day. She was looking for justification and an answer from other callers about if she should remove the person from her life. Consequently, I started thinking about my own "falling out" situation I personally had with a best friend. He was a friend that I deeply cared for that I no longer see due to his influence on my life and how he made me feel when in his presence. Because of this radio show, I began rehashing many of the conversations we shared, disagreements that occurred, and reliving all those painful moments. Then kicked in the need to want to fix something, but I had to remember, I separated myself for a reason and it was a good one. I had already fixed this problem.

After giving myself a moment to feel, I had to remind myself that thinking on it is not productive. Just like when watching the news and I find myself reading the extra gory details of a local crime. Beyond hearing about the incident, do I really need to bother myself with reading about every move the killer made, what weapon he used, and how it affected the victim's family, just so I can begin obsessing about the safety of my own family? Absolutely not.

The problem is that the media and news carries with it "energy." When something causes you to start thinking negatively about your own life such as second guessing your friends, wondering if it is time to move, if you should begin preparing for a perceived disaster when it isn't really justified, or if you should start homeschooling your kids because a teacher in Texas assaulted a student along with other irrational thoughts, we should ask ourselves, is the energy or messages we are receiving from the media a good and positive influence on our lives? Is it bringing with it love, positive energy, and hope or is it bringing hate, divisiveness, and anger? Don't get me wrong, however. It is important to keep up on local issues, but it is when we begin internalizing that negative energy and making it one with our own that a problem is created. 

This problem is the negative mindset we may slip into about our surrounding world and environment from the constant barrage of negativity coming from these external sources.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." - Philippians 4:8

This is our shield and we must keep it on at all times. By reading scripture, meditating in prayer, reading books that bring us hope, pondering good things, staying away from the details of negative news, and working on a goal program, we can fend off the energies that seek to remind us of a darker world in which we have the ability to  create ourselves, depending on what we focus on. We also have the ability to create a world of excitement, joy, and beauty also, if that is what we want, because it is our thoughts that shape our world.

If you are interested in improving your life through setting goals, learning ancient wisdom, and taking control over your life now, take a moment to check out my life-improvement programs at www.searchlightorganization.com/transformation

Author: Jason Cook
​Searchlight Organization
Copyright, 2019
Comments

Devotional - A Covenant with Eyes

7/30/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Text and photo used with permission from Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

Keep thyself pure.
—1 Timothy 5:22

Someone has said, “You cannot help the first look, but the second is sin.” Jesus indicated that you can engage in immorality by a look. The Bible places the “lust of the eye” right along with other major sins. Listen: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” Peter spoke of having “eyes full of adultery.” No wonder Job said, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?” Your eyes see only what your soul allows them to see.
Comments

Putting the "Pro" in Productivity

7/29/2019

Comments

 
Picture
According to research, the average person uses social media more than 2 hours per day (globalwebindex, 2018). This might include perusing Facebook, displaying photos on Snapchat, or shouting out on Twitter. Let's take a look at how this might fit in with our other daily responsibilities and see what kind of impact something as frivolous as social media may have on your productivity:

Facebook: 2 hrs
Sleep: 8
Work: 8
Commuting: 1 hr
Eating and Cooking: 2 hrs
Chores and Maintenance: 1 hr
Business Priorities: 1 hr
Favorite Television Show: 1 hr


Total hrs: 24
Time left to achieve goals? 0

After reviewing a typical working person's schedule, notice there is no time left over for any personal achievement? If this person wanted to begin filling out resumes, volunteering, or work on mental health, that could take up several hours per day, there would be no other option than to cut back on something.

Here are a few tricks you could use to become the "Pro" of productivity and get achieving more in your life:
  • Limit social media time to when you are on lunch, commuting, or give yourself 15 minutes in the morning, but make sure to leave your evening social media free to prevent hours of use. This will add nearly 2 hours to your regular productive day.
  • Limit entertainment. We've all binge watched. Leave this for the weekends! I, personally, have a policy at home that says that I cannot watch television or use the computer for entertainment on any week night. This basically freed up my entire schedule.
  • During the week, make sure cooking times are kept to a minimum by making easier meals or preparing during the weekend.
  • Put a time-limit on chores, even if it doesn't get done. Your time is a precious commodity.
  • Reduce commute time. Are you taking the bus and could potentially drive or car-pool? Perhaps you have the option to work from home.
  • How much do you sleep? Of anything, if you need more than 8 hours of sleep a night or take frequent naps, this could really cut into your ability to be productive. If you are dragging after a full night of sleep, you may want to question if you have a sleep disorder: (https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-disorders-warning-signs#diagnosis)
  • Lastly, use the small moments. Do you have a job that has downtime throughout the day or maybe you have a 1 hour lunch break? Use this time to read educational articles or making phone calls that are vital to achieving your goal.

With a little discipline, you would be surprised at how much more you'll accomplish and how great you'll feel! If you would like to start conquering your goals and begin living a life of achievement, feel free to check out my goal achievement programs at: www.searchlightorganization.com/transformation.

Author: Jason Cook
Searchlight Organization
Copyright, 2019


Comments

Devotional - Faith Pleases God

7/29/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Text and photo used with permission from Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

You can never please God without faith, without depending on him. Anyone who wants to come to God must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely look for him.
—Hebrews 11:6 (TLB)

Faith pleases God more than anything else. The Christian life is dependent upon faith. We stand on faith; we live on faith. Faith is loved and honored by God more than any other single thing. The Bible teaches that faith is the only approach that we have to God. No man has sins forgiven, no man goes to heaven, no man has assurance of peace and happiness, until he has faith in Jesus Christ. You may be saying, “God, I believe you are a great person, but I do not believe your Word; I do not believe what you say.” In order to please God, you must believe Him. Perhaps your faith is small and weak. It does not matter how big your faith is, but rather, where your faith is. Is it in Christ, the Son of God, who died on the cross for your sins?
Comments

Devotional - Face Down in Prayer

7/26/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Text: Copyright 2019, Searchlight Organization

Moses and Aaron went from the assembly to the entrance to the tent of meeting and fell facedown, and the glory of the Lord appeared to them. - Numbers 20:6

Often when Moses and Aaron approached God in the Tent of Meeting at the Tabernacle, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, the Bible explains that they fell down on their faces or fell "facedown." It was during these times the Lord showed his greatest acts of mercy and compassion toward the Israelites; when they were willing to submit and humble themselves to Him. Many of us pray standing up, sitting, while lying in bed, or just hanging out on the front porch, but when was the last time you prayed face down? There is an important message to be received in this action. First, it helps remind us that God is our ruler and we must humble ourselves at his feet. It helps us to understand that his greatness and power surrounds us and shroud us in his protection. Will you do God, the Father, the honor of praying face down on your knees with gratitude, honor, and praise today? May a blessing be poured out on you today, friends, as you create a moment of intimacy with your Creator.
Comments

Devotional - Sanctity of Marriage

7/25/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Text and photo used with permission from Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

How I need your help, especially in my own home...
—Psalm 101:2 (TLB)

In the marriage ceremony, after the vows are said, the minister solemnly and reverently remarks, “What God hath joined together let no man put asunder.” Is not God the third part in a marriage? Should He not be taken into account in the marriage, and in the home that emerges from that marriage? If God joins the couple together at the outset, should not His presence be recognized in the home continually? Many homes are on the rocks today because God has been left out of the domestic picture.
​
With the clash of personalities in a domestic pattern, there must be an integrating force, and the living God is that Force! Many couples think that if they have a better home, get a better job, or live in a different neighborhood, their domestic life will be happier. No! The secret of domestic happiness is to let God, the party of the third part in the marriage contract, have His rightful place in the home. Make peace with Him, and then you can be a real peacemaker in the home.
Comments

Sufficient to Meet Your Needs

7/24/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Text and photo used with permission from Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

I am with you, that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.
—2 Corinthians 12:9 (TLB)

A director of a camp whose purpose is to lead young hoodlums to Christ says, “Being a Christian is the toughest thing in the world. What’s tougher than loving your enemy?” One boy, who developed into a rugged disciple of Christ at this camp, said, “In this outfit we’re all brothers and we’re all men. It was too tough for me at first, but then I heard that through Christ everything is possible. Then the roughness went away. I say a man is not a man, not a full man, until he gets to know Jesus Christ.” Yes, the Christian life is tough and rough; but it’s challenging. It’s worth everything it costs to be a follower of Jesus Christ. You will soon find that the cross is not greater than His grace. When you pick up the cross of unpopularity, wherever you may be, you will find God’s grace is there, more than sufficient to meet your every need.
Comments

What is Right

7/23/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Text: Copyright 2019, Searchlight Organization

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it. -Genesis 4:7

These are the direct words of God in the book of Genesis. This is direct truth from the creator of the universe! If you are not cognizant of your action, sin is always there waiting and willing to claim you as a victim. Some of the effects of sin taking hold of your life are alienation from others, separation from God, earning enemies, and dependency on fruitless activity. As God says, "but you must rule over it." Whatever thought or idea that is tempting you, that is wrong or evil, must be dismissed immediately, because sin will always follow. Whenever you are tempted, aim to remove it from your thinking and distract yourself with whatever is good, whatever is pure, and holy.
Comments

We Are Blessed

7/22/2019

Comments

 
Picture

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. - Number 6:24-26

After the Israelites escaped out of Egypt and the tabernacle was built, God gave Moses specific instructions, written above, regarding how the priests were to bless the Israelites. He wanted each and every one of them to know that God was there for them and would bless them. This wasn't something just relevant to the Israelites. This phrase still rings true and is still said by priests all over the world when blessing their congregations. We ought to remember this when we focus on prayer that God, indeed, does hear our earnest desires and seeks to bless us, keep us, and give us peace.
Comments

Never Give Up On Your Dreams

7/20/2019

Comments

 
Comments

Rise Up

7/20/2019

Comments

 
Picture

Rise up, Lord! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you. - Numbers 10:35

On the mornings when the Israelites would move from one location to another, Moses would wake up in the morning and say this aloud. I can't help but notice the exclamation point when Moses says, "Rise up, Lord!" We all know what an exclamation point means, but in this context, Moses states this phrase with exuberance, motivation, anticipation, and maybe even a bit joyfully? He knows God is with him, because God visits with him face to face, but he is taking on an air of authority and expectation with God. This gives us hope in our own challenges, that when we rise up in the morning, we should make our intentions known to God expectantly that he will do the same for us and he will! Let them be known excitedly, joyfully, and abundantly!

Prayer
Dear Lord, Rise up! Go before me and remove all challenges that separate me from executing your will! Lay to waste and ruin all plans Satan has for me and fill me up with your Holy Spirit.
Comments

Words to Count On

7/19/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Text and photo used with permission from Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts . . . 
—Zechariah 4:6 (TLB)

After the crucifixion the beleaguered disciples despaired and said, “We had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:21, RSV). There was anguish, despair, and tragedy in their midst. Life had lost its meaning and purpose. But when the resurrection became apparent, life took on a new meaning. It had purpose and reason.
David Livingstone once addressed a group of students at Glasgow University. When he rose to speak, he bore on his body the marks of his African struggles. Several illnesses on nearly 30 occasions had left him gaunt and haggard. His left arm, crushed by a lion, hung limp by his side. After describing his trials and tribulations, he said, “Would you like to have me tell you what supported me through all the years of exile among people whose language I could not understand, and whose attitude toward me was always uncertain and often hostile? It was this, ‘Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ On these words I staked everything, and they never failed.”
Comments

Chase Whatever You Want To Be

7/19/2019

Comments

 
“If you chase the money, it’s not gonna work. And if you chase success, it’s not gonna work…You just have to chase whatever you want to be, but live it as if it is happening now. Act as if you’re already there, and it’ll fall into place.” - Anthony Hopkins
Comments

Satisfaction of Soul

7/18/2019

Comments

 
Picture

Thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee . . . 
—Deuteronomy 26:11

Often the Church has banged away negatively at evils without reminding us that God is tremendously interested in our finding a satisfying way of life here and now. We Christians have talked so much of the negative side of Christian experience that we have forgotten to emphasize the positive, joyous, thrilling, and victorious experience of daily fellowship with Christ. God declared that things will not satisfy. God satisfies! This is the secret of soul-satisfaction: Let your soul delight itself in fatness. Remove the obstructions, tear down the barriers, and let your soul find the fulfillment of its deepest longings in fellowship with God.
Comments

Jesus to the Rescue

7/17/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Text and photo used with permission from Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble.
—Psalm 46:1 (TLB)

Scripture tells us that God tempts no one. Temptation always comes from the devil. God will test us and allow us to endure the temptation, but the devil does the tempting. How do we overcome it? A little girl once told her method. “When the devil comes knocking at the door,” she said, “I don’t answer it. I send Jesus to the door.” And that is exactly the way to take care of it. Send Jesus to the door!
Comments

Solving the Problem

7/16/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Text and photo used with permission from Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

Lord, grant us peace; for all we have and are has come from you.
—Isaiah 26:12 (TLB)

Only a few years ago children were delighted at the prospect of a trip to the wharves to see the great ships come in. Today they are blasé about helicopters and jet planes. We who once marveled at the telegraph now take for granted the far greater miracle of television. Not so long ago many of the physical diseases were termed hopeless and incurable. Today we have drugs so effective that age-old diseases are becoming rare. We have accomplished much, of that there is no doubt. But with all this progress, we have not solved the basic problem of the human race. We can build the highest buildings, the fastest ships, the longest bridges—but we still can’t govern ourselves, or live together peacefully and with equality.
Comments

Focus on Healing

7/15/2019

Comments

 
Picture
It can be so easy to pray without much passion or even thought. It is so imperative that we remain mindful and faithful as we send our requests to the Lord. Consider these words from our incredible teacher and master, Jesus from Matthew 21:21-22:

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask in prayer.” ​
Comments

Disappointment Becomes Joy

7/15/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Text and photo used with permission from Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

They shall see his face . . . 
—Revelation 22:4 (TLB)

​One of the great bonuses of being a Christian is the great hope that extends beyond the grave into the glory of God’s tomorrow. A little girl was running toward a cemetery as the darkness of evening began to fall. She passed a friend who asked her if she was not afraid to go through the graveyard at night. “Oh, no,” she said, “I’m not afraid. My home is just on the other side!” We Christians are not afraid of the night of death because our heavenly home is “just on the other side.” The resurrection of Christ changed the midnight of bereavement into a sunrise of reunion; it changed the midnight of disappointment into a sunrise of joy; it changed the midnight of fear to a sunrise of peace. Today faith and confidence in the resurrected Christ can change your fear to hope and your disappointment to joy.
Comments

Gratitude

7/12/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Comments

A Genuine Hero

7/12/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Text and photo used with permission from Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

Jesus saith . . . I am the way, the truth, and the life . . . 
—John 14:6

With much of society a disappointment, young people have begun to search for answers on their own. Everywhere I travel, I find young people who are asking: What is truth? Who says so? What is right and what is wrong? Is there a final authority? Yes! There is an authority! There is a moral law! It has been exemplified in a real Person. There is a genuine Hero in whom you can believe, who will never let you down. His name is Jesus Christ. He was born into a world as jumbled and riddled with injustice as yours, but He changed it by changing people.
Comments

Place Your Order

7/11/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Comments

Encouragement

7/11/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Text and photo used with permission from Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

Looking for that blessed hope . . . 
—Titus 2:13

​One of the best ways to get rid of discouragement is to remember that Christ is coming again. The most thrilling, glorious truth in all the world is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. When we look around and see pessimism on every side, we should remember the Bible is the only Book in the world that predicts the future. The Bible is more modern than tomorrow morning’s newspaper. The Bible accurately foretells the future, and it says that the consummation of all things shall be the coming again of Jesus Christ to this earth. If your life is dismal, depressed, and gloomy today, Christ can turn those dark clouds inside out. The sunlight of His love can still shine into the darkest part of your life.
Comments

I AM

7/10/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Comments

Time for Us

7/10/2019

Comments

 
Picture
Text and photo used with permission from Billy Graham Evangelistic Association - www.billygraham.org

Do not worry about your life . . . 
—Matthew 6:25 (NIV)

Some people ask, “Do you think God has time for me? You don’t know how mixed up my life is, how confused it is; the pressures, the tension at home, the business problems, so many things I couldn’t possibly tell you about, including the sins in my life that I somehow cannot seem to give up.” Yes, God has time for you. When Jesus was dying on the cross, He had time for a thief who turned to Him and said, “Lord, remember me.” That’s all the record tells us that the thief said, “Lord, remember me.” But what he was really saying was, “I’m unworthy. I’ve broken all the laws. I deserve hell. Just remember me.” And Jesus turned to him in that moment and said, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Comments
<<Previous

    Archives

    November 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018

    Categories

    All
    Affirmations
    Articles By Searchlight
    Bible Verses
    Devotionals
    Healing Videos
    Holy Spiritual Transformation
    Inspirational Videos
    Jesus' Parables
    Memes
    Miscellaneous Content
    Miscellaneous Videos
    Motivational Videos
    Mysterious World
    Opinion Pieces
    Outside Articles
    Prayers
    Prophesy
    Stories
    Support And Giving
    Testimonies
    Visions

    RSS Feed

    Picture

Copyright © 2020