People react differently to adversity.

Some folks feel overwhelmed and give up, thinking they will never overcome the struggle.

Some folks face problems head on and move forward with a new vision and courage.

We see examples of this quite often in the news.

Many wartime military personnel return home injured and maimed. Some give up; others accept what has happened and move forward.

Many of these people may be just names or faces to a grateful nation. Still, they are human beings, with titles like son, daughter, husband, wife, father and mother.

Celebrities facing hardships might attract particular attention. In 1995, actor Christopher Reeve’s career was cut short by a fall from a horse that paralyzed him neck down.

What did he say?

"Don’t give up. Don’t lose hope. Don’t sell out."

Those who can develop a positive outlook can recognize that what used to be normal isn’t anymore. A new normal, embraced with ferocity, instills inspiration.

Don’t ever give up.

Sometimes, you may want to throw in the towel, turn around and walk away.

Sometimes, you may feel hopeless when things around you seem bleak.

Sometimes, you may want to sell out, give up or do whatever you want, regardless of the consequences.

However, remain strong. Tomorrow is a new day. God’s blessings are all around you, even when you don’t feel them.

It takes just baby steps to move forward. Being willing to do so shows there is hope. And where there is hope, you will hold on to what you know is right.

Remember Psalm 27: "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him."

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Stay strong, despite adversity

Atheist Max Jukes, born in 1700, married a woman who dabbled in the occult.

Of their 1,200 descendants, 310 lived as beggars and died poor; 440 ruined their lives through corruption; 130 spent time in prison — seven for murder — with an average 13-year sentence. More than 600 became alcoholics; 60 were habitual thieves; 190 became prostitutes; and 20 became tradesmen, 10 of whom learned their trade in prison.

That family tree cost the state $1.2 million.

Jonathan Edwards, a Presbyterian minister born in 1703, had strong faith in Jesus Christ at 24 and married a 17-year-old woman of strong faith. They consecrated their marriage to the Lord on their wedding night.

Their descendants included 300 clergypersons — some were missionaries and theological professors. There were 100 professors, 100 attorneys, 30 judges and a dean of law school.

There were 60 authors of classic writings, 60 became physicians, and one became a medical school dean. There were 14 university presidents, three mayors of large cities, three governors, one U.S. Treasury controller, and one United States vice president.

Their descendants cost the state nothing.

Fascinating, isn’t it, that two people, born in the same period, have very different outcomes to their lives and the lives of their descendants.

Often, people will hear of situations like the Jukeses’ and say, "Oh, they were brought up in a terrible environment. They had no choice in the matter."

They will say the same thing about people like the Edwardses: "Oh, they were brought up in a loving and caring environment. They were only living what they learned."

True. People do tend to live what they learn. Examples with the deepest impact come from parents and older family members. If parents live a life of wickedness, children will see and follow this.

Likewise, if parents are loving and demonstrate mutual respect and trust.

Kids mimic and perpetuate what they observe and learn. And it will go on for generations.

What are you teaching your children or grandchildren?

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Two families, different outcomes

CRESTVIEW — A 35-year-old man from Ponce de Leon was killed in a wreck on State Road 85 north of Duke Field early Saturday morning.

Tawayne McCaskill was driving north in a Pontiac Grand Prix about 4:35 a.m. when he tried to pass another driver in the right lane, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

McCaskill lost control and hit the side of the car he was trying to pass before veering off the road into the grass. His car rolled over several times.

He was partially ejected from the car and died at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt, the FHP reported.

The driver of the other car suffered minor injuries, but was not hospitalized.

Charges are pending further investigation, according to the FHP.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Man killed in wreck on State Road 85

Before work, an overweight man always stopped by a bakery to buy goodies for coworkers’ coffee breaks.

One day, he decided it was time for a diet. To avoid the temptation of daily bakery visits, he devised a different route to work. Coworkers knew of his new plan and encouraged him in his diet.

However, one day, he arrived at work with a large box of doughnuts.

He said he had to run an errand in the neighborhood of the bakery. As he approached the bakery, he said to himself, "Maybe God wants me to stop by the bakery this morning and pick up some goodies for the office staff." So he prayed, "Lord, if you want me to stop at the bakery this morning, make a parking spot available right in front of the bakery so there is no question in my mind."

The man told his coworkers, "Sure enough, there was the parking spot right in front of the bakery. It took me eight trips around the block, but there it was!"

An interesting thing about temptations — we find them whenever we want to, and we don't have to look hard or long.

Often, all we have to do is open the refrigerator, turn on the computer or open the cabinet. Voila! There it is.

You, like TV’s Flip Wilson, might say, "The devil made me do it!"

Nice try.

The devil may plant the seed for giving in to temptation, but we make the final decision to give in or ignore it. We put ourselves in the position of succumbing to its lure.

We often believe we are strong enough to resist the temptation on our own, even when we stare it in the face. However, we cannot overcome temptations alone.

Fortunately, Jesus gives us a lesson on how to overcome temptations:

•Rely on Scripture

•Stay true to your calling

•Refuse to put God to the test.

Equipped with these attributes, temptation can be averted.

When Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, he fasted. He was hungry and the devil came to tempt him. The first temptation was to turn a rock into a loaf of bread.

But Jesus said, "One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

The second temptation was to acquire all the world’s kingdoms and rule them with endless power. The only catch was Jesus would have to worship the devil.

Jesus said, "It is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'"

Again, he used Scripture to confront the temptation. He also declared who he was and who he was to worship. He remained true to his calling.

The third temptation was to make a spectacular death-defying flying leap off the temple’s roof to demonstrate how God favored him by not letting him get hurt.

Jesus quoted Scripture yet again, using Deuteronomy 6:16: "You must not test the Lord your God," and not demand that God prove himself because of our foolishness.

When temptations strike — and they will — if you decide up front that you will be prepared with the Scriptures, that you will stay true to your calling as a disciple of our Lord, and that you will refuse to put God to the test, you will overcome adversity.

You can claim a victory. And you can give glory to God.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Learn to resist temptation

The Rev. Dr. Ian Chapman told this story:

My daughter was looking for a particular phonograph record and was calling several record shops trying to find it. She called what she thought was a record shop, but a local plumber answered.

Not realizing her mistake she asked, “Do you have 'Ten Little Toes and Fingers in Arkansas'?” The plumber paused for a moment, not knowing how to respond, and said, “No, but I have a wife and 10 children in Mississippi.”

My daughter asked, “Is that a record?” The plumber responded, “No, I don’t think so, but I’m sure it’s above average.”

Miscommunication.

It happens.

Sometimes, the results are humorous. Sometimes the results are painful.

Have you ever had a conversation with someone and, while listening, found yourself suddenly filling with anger? It seems as though the other person said something that you found to be offensive, hurtful or untrue.

You reply with an angry response, letting the other person know just how uneducated or misinformed they are.

And the reaction of the other?

Often bewilderment and defensiveness.

If you are talking with someone, and something is said that doesn’t seem quite right and you feel your anger flash, check it out.

Repeat to the other person what you thought you heard and ask if that is what they said. There is a good chance you heard incorrectly, or the person used words that could carry different meanings.

In the Bible — specifically James 1:19-20 — we read a very important message: “You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.”

Be quick to listen and slow to speak.

In other words, don’t jump to conclusions.

Gather all the facts before giving an answer or offering an opinion. Jumping to conclusions perpetuates the miscommunication. It causes anger to flash and lash out. This does not produce the righteousness God desires.

Instead, listen carefully.

Examine why something upset you. Perhaps a greater good can come from a calm and gentle response.

For example, Alice Lee Humphreys, in her book "Angels in Pinafores," recalls her experiences as a first-grade teacher. She tells about one little girl who came to school one winter day wearing a beautiful white angora beret with white mittens and a matching muff. As she was coming through the door, a mischievous little boy grabbed the white muff and threw it in the mud.

After disciplining the little boy, the teacher sought to comfort the girl. Brushing the mud off her soiled muff, the little girl looked up at the teacher and said in a quiet and responsible manner, “Sometime I must take a day off and tell him about God.”

Be quick to listen and slow to speak. This will have tremendous results for the kingdom of God.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Be quick to listen, slow to speak

I have the privilege of sending to several people, here and elsewhere, a daily thought.

Invariably, I receive comments about how helpful they are.

Because they find them helpful, I will share several with you. May you be inspired, comforted and possibly challenged.

Malachi 3:3

 “For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver.”

 We don’t go to the doctor without a reason. We may be sick, need a checkup or want the doctor’s advice about healthy living.

There are many reasons to go to God in prayer, but none is as important as seeking a cure for our spiritual illness and restoring our relationship with God.

After all, Jesus says there will be great joy in heaven for the one who repents.

When we repent, we come to ourselves in truth and recognize our very real need of God’s forgiveness.

Then we are ready to be washed in God’s love.

Genesis 2:2-3

“And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.”

Getting tired, worn out and feeling defeated— it happens.

Things don’t go right at work.

Life at home can be a real challenge because of tight finances or a strained relationship.

Many aspects of life keep us running. Even our recreation—supposed to "re-create" us— is tiring.

 We must rest from all our work and worry. We must have a day in which we make the time to rest and allow God to recreate us.

After all, if God took time to rest, who are we to think we must keep pushing 24-7, 365 days a year?

It seems pretty arrogant to think we must keep pushing without rest.

Genesis 2:15-17

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, 'You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.'"

Well, most of us know how that turned out!

Sometimes, being told we cannot do something makes us want to do it all the more.

Why is that?

Is it that we don’t like being denied anything, or do we think what we don’t have must be wonderful— otherwise we wouldn’t be told to avoid it?

Quite often, what we think would be great, enjoyable or fulfilling actually leads to devastating and long-lasting consequences.

John 20:29

Jesus said to Thomas, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

What do you want to pursue that you know would not be pleasing to God?

Now, don’t do it.

Jesus is talking about us. We are the blessed ones who have not seen him in the flesh.

Or have we?

Have you ever seen Jesus in the warm embrace of longtime friends?

Have you ever heard Jesus in the tender dialogue between a woman and her worried grandchild?

This is not the same Jesus that Thomas and the other disciples physically saw after the resurrection. Rather, this Jesus reveals himself through the lives of all who have faith in him.

Seeing Jesus alive and touching his wounds brought deeper faith and hope to Thomas. Believers today are called to be signs of hope for all who, like Thomas, struggle to believe.

You may not have seen the physical Jesus, but how have you seen him?

Perhaps more important: How have others seen him through you?

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Some Bible verses and thoughts to consider

You cannot fight the enemy with a complacent spirit.

A passive attitude will not conquer and possess.

You cannot fight the enemy with negative attitudes like: I cannot face this problem, I am ruined, I cannot recover again, the doctor's report says I cannot be healed, I have no future, I am too old, or my marriage is destroyed.

Instead, claim God’s promises and chase the enemy away.

Leviticus 20:24 says, "You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey!"

Whether you have problems with your career, future, marriage, kids, health or finances, fight the enemy that comes against your ministry, church, family and friends through hard prayer.

Conquer the evil forces.

Many people blame God for their failures and miseries. Stop complaining against God, stop playing with the devil and start walking with God.

Ways to count your blessings and conquer failures are as follows.

•Obey the Lord’s commandments diligently.

Sorry, there’s no alternative, short route. It is not enough to wear a cross around your neck and hear or read His commandments. Blessings are promised for those who put the gospel into action.

You may be highly qualified, you may have a thousand medals and certificates, you may be sitting in the best country with a plum job. All this amounts to nothing without the knowledge of God and the Bible. Read Deuteronomy 4:6.

When you lack Biblical knowledge, you are bound to make mistakes, so beware. Proverbs 2:6 says, "For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding."

•Accept that disobedience brings failures.

Moses did not get to see the Promised Land because he disobeyed God by not speaking to the mountain.

What do we learn from this? Obeying God in small and big matters will bring blessings.

•Flee from idol worship.

Deuteronomy 4:23 says, "Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of anything which the Lord your God has forbidden you."

•Do what is right and good to possess the land and your enemies will be cast down.

Deuteronomy 6:18-19 says, "And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may be well with you, and that you may go in and possess the good land of which the Lord swore to your fathers, to cast out all your enemies from before you, as the Lord has spoken."

You must first remove the mess before you begin to possess the land. Don't you clean your home before you occupy it? Throw away other kinds of trash to usher in God’s blessings.

Remove the following from your life:

•Unwanted Facebook or mobile phone contacts.

•Unwanted mail from strangers and illicit relationships.

•Pirated software from your computer.

•Clothes from your wardrobe that make you look cheap and unclean.

•Anger, vengeance and the inability to forgive others.

The items on this list would just hinder your progress.

The Rev. Albert Corey is pastor at Oak Ridge Assembly of God in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Cast out your life’s hindrances

Some years ago, I played on a church softball team. Each summer, we would don our church uniform — a T-shirt with the church name on it and a ball cap — and hit the field.

Practices were sometimes grueling, especially for the older guys; you know, the 45-plus age group. Knees would crack and moans were uttered, as were complaints of having to stretch too far to catch the ball.

Now that I’m way past that age group, I understand their irritations!

But back then, I was my harshest critic. When I didn’t play well, I didn’t need the coach to tell me. I knew. There were times I simply wanted to give up.

The coach would tell me, “Don’t ever give up!” Although it was easy for him to say, it was hard for me to hear.

One time, this coach’s point resonated. 

During a game when I was not doing particularly well, I was at bat and swung at a pitch that I was sure would go over the fence. As the grounder I hit made its way to the shortstop at a snail’s pace, I muttered under my breath and half-heartedly ran toward first base, knowing I wouldn’t make it before the shortstop threw the ball to first base. I was tagged out.

The shortstop threw the ball to first base. I stared incredulously as the ball sailed beyond the first baseman’s reach. 

An overthrow! 

An error! 

With a sudden burst of energy, I hightailed it the rest of the way to first base and arrived safely.

The team coach was also working as the first base coach that game. He walked up to me as I recovered from my astonishment and said, “See what I told you? Don’t ever give up!”

I have remembered those words and that lesson. And I share them with you: don’t ever give up! 

Why? 

There is always the possibility of a great outcome. 

Here are examples:

•The great American poet Carl Sandburg flunked English. 

•Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb and other inventions, did not do well in school, either. His teachers thought he was dim-witted.

•Einstein could not speak until he was 4 and did not read until he was 7.

•Beethoven’s music teacher said, “As a composer he’s hopeless.” 

•F. W. Woolworth couldn’t get a job. Merchants said he didn’t have enough sense to wait on customers. 

•Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor who said Disney didn’t have any good ideas. 

•Enrico Caruso, an Italian opera singer, was told by a voice coach, “You can’t sing. You have no voice at all.” 

What if all these people had believed their critics? They would have given up and we would not have the numerous inventions, music, writings and stores we enjoy today.

Don’t give up. 

Every day is a new opportunity to begin fresh. Every day is a gift given to you by God to have a new beginning. Hang on to the hope and assurance of his love and grace because he will see you through.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Never give up

The New Year has begun — and with it, an untold number of resolutions.

I’m curious as to how many of those resolutions already have already fallen by the wayside.

I was never good at maintaining resolutions. I can remember just one that I’ve kept for any length of time. About 10 years ago, I resolved not to make more resolutions. And I have kept that one to today!

Why don’t I make New Year resolutions anymore?

Mostly because I felt guilty when I could no longer keep up with them. My intentions were exemplary. My follow-through was severely lacking.

Were goals set too high? No.

Were they unrealistic? No.

But resolutions address an aspect about ourselves that needs to be changed — and change is difficult.

For change to occur, there must be a full-fledged commitment to making it happen. The mindset must be “I must — and I will — do this!”

If it is approached with a “wouldn’t it be nice” frame of mind, the change will be short-lived.

Part of what it comes down to is making choices.

Will desired new healthy patterns continue to be chosen over old destructive patterns?

Will the choice be made to persevere through old habits’ lure?

Choices.

With what do you struggle? In what areas do you seek to change?

Will you break down the door of resentment, opening for you possibilities for healing and wholeness?

 Will you break down the door of materialism, opening for you opportunities for contentment with what God has already given you?

 Will you break down the door of destructive habits, opening for you the pathway to freedom from those things that enslave you?

 Will you break down the door of a stagnant spiritual life, opening up new avenues of growth and maturity?

 Will you break down the barrier that keeps you from fully accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, opening your heart to newness of life and ultimately eternal life?

In life, you must make choices. In 2013, remember that the most important decision you can make is to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

In Him, you will find life.

In Him, you will receive the ability to put the past behind you and move into new avenues of growth and life.

What choices await you in the year ahead?

Allow God and his love for you to guide those choices. Resolve to persevere in your new life.

Happy New Year!

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Resolutions are about making choices