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- Pour In And Build Up
 | Do you stop short of doing the uncomfortable that the Holy Spirit desires- to pour in and build up? (Click or scroll down to continue) |
 | Discover the health benefits of coconut oil, as well as the best coconut oil product to use. (Click or scroll down to continue) |
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Pour In and Build Up
“The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life” - Proverbs 10:11, NIV
With the Spirit of Christ living His life through you each day, take a moment to think on the spiritual fruit that is produced. In kindness and in love, you may be spiritually feeding others with warm smiles, hugs, hellos, and handshakes. Or, perhaps giving gifts, prayers, spending quality time, or serving people in many other ways.
Yet, many of us may be encapsulating ourselves into a limited menu of kind gestures. We stop short of doing the uncomfortable that the Holy Spirit desires of us- to intentionally pour into and build up someone’s character and spirit with our Christ-led words.
A compliment says that in who you are and what you do, you are seen and valued.
Story Time
When I was seven or eight years old, a man at church would firmly shake my hand and the hands of my brothers, enthusiastically saying, “Hello, Men!” No other man shook my hand at that age, for what man shakes the hand of a boy? He addressed me in word and action, acknowledging me as if I was a man. Don’t you know that put a huge smile on my young face? I looked forward to his greeting every Sunday, as it lifted me to what felt like being 10 feet tall.
The question is…
How often do you pay someone a sincere compliment about who they are, the work of their hands, or what they mean to you? Or, do you remember the last time someone has given you a compliment?
We don’t seem to bless others with compliments as often as we could. Compliments are a form of encouragement. And while I see frequent acts of encouragement in word and deed, it’s the heart-felt compliments of character and spirit that I seldom hear. An intentional, personal compliment is spiritually intimate and has a unique power of its own. It says that in who you are and what you do, you are seen and valued. It hits in a different way than simply encouraging someone to not give up and to keep running the race. Though, both are a powerhouse for building up each of us.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
The Compliment
We are called to give life to others, by allowing the Spirit of Jesus to live His life through us, and bring people to faith in Him. To lovingly compliment someone is a result of Jesus Christ living in you- the fruit of the Spirit. It gives life to others, and we are given that power from God- to spiritually create either life or death with our words. We can generate “life” into a marriage, a friendship, or even into the world of a stranger with an encouraging word or compliment. Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
How Do We Start?
It’s rather easy to compliment others using the visual: “Cool shoes.” Or, “That’s a stunning dress.” Perhaps, “I’m loving your braids.” It positively supports one’s sense of style, and signals he or she is lovingly noticed. It’s an excellent icebreaker and a nice lift for those we don’t know, or don’t know well, creating an opportunity for a stronger connection.
Pivot to spiritually pouring in and building up. Relying on the gift of spiritual discernment and the Holy Spirit’s perception, you could compliment someone’s energy and joyous spirit. Do you see great detail and care in an employee’s work that deserves comment? You can compliment someone on talent and skill. Or tenacity. Patience. Willingness to show up and get involved. You can compliment their kind-hearted spirit or creativity. Is there something you’ve noticed that they do well? Or, has there been impressive progress in a struggle they’ve been experiencing? And if you sense one’s anointing, openly share your thought, lifting up that man or woman of God.
Obstacles That Hold Us Back
You don’t see anything to compliment, and you may feel disingenuous. God loves each person as His creation, and He sees value in every one of us. Pray that the Lord show you the beauty of each soul. Pray that your heart be opened, to see the beauty that He sees, for each of us are “His workmanship, fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV, Psalm 138:14).
You feel vulnerable in sharing an uplifting compliment, especially if you’re not accustomed to it. We naturally talk ourselves out of speaking life-giving words because we don’t know how it will be received. Pray for strength and courage. Once you do it more frequently, you’ll receive so much Christ-filled joy that you’ll look forward to advancing the Gospel by complimenting others in the Spirit.
Pray that the Holy Spirit give you each and every word to say as His- that no more and no less come from your own heart.
Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to whoever He wants you to speak into, and in His timing. Complimenting needs to be special, and if we haven’t truly given it over to God, then we’re doing it in our own strength and mind, perhaps complimenting without surrender to God’s purpose, plan, power, and effectiveness.
Complimenting is not to be flattery, for God’s Word speaks many times about the dangers of flattering someone else, “for a flattering mouth works ruin” (Proverbs 26:28, NIV), “deceiving the hearts of the unsuspecting” (Romans 16:18, NASB). Flattery serves to benefit the complimenter in a devious way, rather than to selflessly benefit the one complimented. Complimenting is not to expect anything in return.
“I thank my God every time I remember you.”
You Must Give It Away
What a blessing when we receive a compliment. But you must not hold onto it. It was never meant to stay with you. It would be like a stingy servant given a talent, but did not invest to have it multiplied for his master. (Matthew 25:14-30, ESV)
Go to the Lord in prayer, offering those complimentary words in thanks to Him, giving Him all the glory. Pray that God use that blessing of compliment that was spoken to you, to be multiplied and to bless others. Therefore when we are complimented, we need to also pour into and build up those around us.
“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters…encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone…but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
And we can pray:
Lord Jesus, thank you that you paid the price with your life so that I can live with you in eternity. Please use me as a willing and surrendered vessel today, and speak your words through me. May your words pour life into dry spirits, bringing the lost, weary, and broken-hearted to you. I love you, Lord, and just as you gave everything to me, may I give my all to you each day. I pray all of these things in your powerful and almighty name, Christ Jesus. Amen.
Health
Coconut Oil: Refined Or Unrefined?
You may already know that coconut oil is a "superfood" known for its moisturizing, antimicrobial, and energy-boosting properties. It’s used for dietary health, beauty routines, and non-toxic household cleaning. Below we’ll cover the benefits, as well as what type of coconut oil product to use, depending on your specific need.
Health and Nutritional Benefits
🥥💧 Quick Energy Source: Unlike other fats, the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil are absorbed directly by the liver and converted into immediate energy or ketones, rather than being stored as body fat.
🥥💧 Antimicrobial Properties: Approximately 50% of its MCT content is lauric acid, which exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects. This can help the body defend against harmful pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus.
🥥💧 Oral Health: Using coconut oil for "oil pulling" (swishing it in the mouth) can significantly reduce harmful bacteria and plaque, aiding in the prevention of cavities and gum disease.
🥥💧 Cognitive Support: Early research suggests that ketones produced from coconut oil may provide an alternative energy source for brain cells, potentially supporting those with Alzheimer's disease.
🥥💧 Cholesterol Impact: While it can raise "good" HDL cholesterol, experts from the American Heart Association (AHA) note it may also increase "bad" LDL cholesterol. Moderation is recommended, typically limited to 1–2 tablespoons daily.
Beauty and Personal Care
🥥💧 Hair Protection: Coconut oil is unique in its ability to penetrate the hair shaft deeply, reducing protein loss and making strands more flexible to prevent breakage.
🥥💧 Skin Hydration: It acts as a powerful emollient that locks in moisture and repairs the skin barrier. It is particularly effective for conditions like eczema and dry patches on elbows or knees.
🥥💧 Anti-Aging: Its high antioxidant content (vitamins E and K) helps neutralize free radicals, which may reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin elasticity.
Refined Or Unrefined Coconut Oil In Cooking?
Key Differences:
Processing: Unrefined is minimally processed (no chemicals), while refined undergoes bleaching and deodorizing (RBD).
Flavor/Aroma: Unrefined smells and tastes like coconut; refined is neutral.
Smoke Point: Refined is better for searing/frying, while unrefined is better for low-heat cooking.
Nutrition: Both have similar healthy fat profiles (medium-chain triglycerides), but unrefined retains more antioxidants and phytonutrients.
Uses: Use unrefined for baking/sautéing, and refined for high-heat cooking or when a neutral flavor is required.
Also be aware of the differences in cold-pressed extraction compared to expeller-pressed extraction, which is how the oil is extracted from the coconut.
Which One To Choose?
Choose Unrefined (Virgin): If you want a coconut flavor, prefer less processed food, or need it for hair/skin care.
Choose Refined: If you dislike the taste of coconut, need a high-heat cooking oil, or want a neutral, versatile cooking fat.
Precautions
Coconut oil should be used in moderation (roughly 1–2 tablespoons daily) due to its high saturated fat content, which can raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol and increase cardiovascular risk.
May cause skin clogging, digestive issues, or medication interactions.
Consult with your doctor, nutritionist, or healthcare professional before incorporating coconut oil into your diet
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