Connections 3-9-25

March 9, 2025

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” ~ Colossians 3:2 (NIV) ~

THINGS ABOVE

People who watch just three minutes of negative news in the morning have a 27 percent greater likelihood of describing their day as unhappy or depressing, according to a study reported in Harvard Business Review.

The study was performed by psychology researchers ShawnAchor and his wife Michelle Gielan. The study determined that workers who consume negative news even as little as 3 minutes potentially bring an unhappy and sluggish work ethic to the office, preventing both individual and company goals from being met.

The researchers said...

We believe that negative news influences how we approach our work and the challenges we encounter at the office because it shows us a picture of life in which our behavior does not matter. The majority of news stories showcase problems in our world that we can do little or nothing about.

In psychology, believing our behavior is irrelevant in the face of challenges is called ‘learned helplessness,’ which has been connected with low performance and higher likelihood of depression.”

with Pastor Terrell

Instead, they say that we should seek out “solution-focused news” stories of resilience and accomplishment that reinforce the belief that our behavior matters; stories that inspire us to be take action and work toward resolving the challenges we face.

Solution-focused stories inspire optimism. Optimism, Dr.Achor asserts, is the greatest predictor of entrepreneurial (or any kind of) success. This is because optimism allows the brain to actually see possibilities where no one else does.

Agood habit for believers to adapt is to begin the day not with CNN, nor mindlessly scrolling the headlines on your cell phone, but to immerse yourself in Scripture, listening to music and/or teaching that inspires and empowers you to live out your faith boldly.

The most urgent news will certainly find its way to you, without your having to seek it out. The remainder of the drivel that fills your newsfeed can most often be ignored. Focus instead on the empowering truth of God’s Word.

Blessings on your week as you take time to consider and put into practice ways to begin each of your days with habits that will enhance your life. I look forward to seeing you in-person or online in worship this Sunday morning as we continue my sermon series: RUTH… AStory of Redemption. This Sunday we will be looking at STEPPING INTO GOD’S PROVISION.

Pastor Terrell

P.S. This Sunday morning Daylight Savings Time begins once again. If you live here in Arizona, that does not really mean a thing. However, for those living anywhere else in the country, you will need to adjust your listening time if you connect with our livestream on Sunday mornings.

P.P.S. Our Week of Prayer for NorthAmerican Missions will be coming up the week of the 16th . Our Step Into The Story All-Church Prayer Event will be Thursday, March 20th in the Fellowship Hall at 6 p.m. Please put this on your calendar of things to do for March!

P.P.P.S. For those of you who will be with us in-person for worship this Sunday Morning — don’t even think about using Daylight Savings as an excuse to sleep in your seat during my captivating sermon. You won’t be losing an hour!