Monday Encouragement Archives - Page 2 of 3

Man Full of Pride

03/10/2025 by Paztuh Mike

Fresh News, Monday Encouragement, Relationships

Marriage, MondayEncouragement, PAZTUHMIKE, pride

😠 I had the evil spirit of pride….

Pride is one of the biggest things that can trip us up in our walk with God. A lot of times, it stays hidden until the right moment exposes it. If you get defensive when corrected or feel like you always have to prove yourself, pride might be at work. James 4:6 ESV says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” The truth is, holding onto pride doesn’t protect us—it only holds us back. I learned that the hard way.

For me, pride showed up in pre-marital counseling. Back then, I didn’t think I needed advice from anyone. I told myself, “The Holy Spirit will counsel me,” and while that’s true, I was using it as an excuse to avoidwise counsel from other believers. I had this I got it all figured out mindset. But honestly, I was just running from the process of growth.

Pain from my past…

Deep down, I was carrying pain from my past—things from childhood, past relationships, and disappointments that I never dealt with. But instead of facing it, I let pride keep me isolated. Eventually, I had to surrenderand get real about my struggles. I went to counseling, and through that, God started breaking down the walls I had built. As I humbled myself, I saw how much grace He gives when we stop trying to do everything on our own. That healing changed me, prepared me for marriage, and even allowed me to pour into others. If we’re going to lead, we have to be willing to receive counsel for ourselves first—otherwise, our words won’t carry any real weight when we go to counsel others.

Overcoming pride is a process!

Pride is something I still have to check daily. Just when I think I’ve surrendered one area, God shows me another. It’s a process. But I’ve learned that pride only leads to struggle, while humility opens the door to wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 ESV says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” So let’s choose wisdom, let’s choose growth, and let’s walk in humility. Be encouraged today!

Monday Encouragement provides powerful, thought-provoking video content designed to inspire and uplift. Led by Paztuh Mike, each episode draws from his own personal struggles and real-life victories, creating a relatable and authentic teaching experience. Through a combination of Scripture, relevant discussions on current events, and heartfelt testimonies, viewers are invited to encounter transformative truths that speak directly to their own lives.

Whether you’re facing challenges, seeking guidance, or simply in need of spiritual encouragement, this series provides the tools and insights to help you navigate your journey with renewed strength and purpose. New episodes are released every month so don’t miss out—subscribe below to receive your dose of encouragement!

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When Is Divorce OK?

03/10/2025 by Paztuh Mike

Fresh News, Monday Encouragement, Relationships

christianmarriage, divorce, Marriage, MondayEncouragement, PAZTUHMIKE

😔 Breaking the Cycle of Abuse…

When is divorce okay? We may be asking ourselves this, especially if we are in an abusive marriage. When we talk about abuse, the focus is usually on the victim—and for good reason. They have suffered deeply and should have never been put in that situation. But questions that rarely get asked are: Who is the abuser? What led them to this point? Were they once victims themselves? Understanding this doesn’t excuse their actions, but it does help us see the bigger picture of how the cycle of abuse continues.

If you’re in an abusive situation, it can feel like there’s no way out. Fear, hope, or uncertainty might keep you stuck. Maybe you’re asking yourself, “Doesn’t God hate divorce? When is divorce okay? Will things get worse if I leave? What if they finally change?” These are difficult questions with no easy answers, but God is faithful to lead us in each situation.

I have counseled both…

Over the years, I’ve counseled both victims and abusers, and I’ve seen just how complicated these situations can be. I also have my own story—one that offers a different perspective on abuse, healing, and change.

You’re not alone!

So whether you’re dealing with verbal or physical abuse, infidelity, or know someone who is, this video is for you. I encourage you to listen to this message with an open mind and know there is a way forward—you don’t have to go through this alone.

African American man and woman looking at each other with the text reading, “Selfish Marriage” behind them, there are two gold wedding rings below them.

How Do I Fix A Failing Marriage?

02/11/2025 by Paztuh Mike

Fresh News, Monday Encouragement, Relationships

christianmarriage, Marriage, marriageproblems, MondayEncouragement, PAZTUHMIKE, selfishness

😠 I was selfish…

Let’s be honest guys. Marriage is hard. In fact it’s one of the hardest commitments two human beings can make with one another. Some of us may be asking “How do I fix a failing marriage or relationship?” We may feel exhausted and losing hope of what to do. A healthy marriage or relationship is a selfless commitment. Two people coming together despite all of their mistakes and flaws and committing to a lifetime of growth? Now that is true sacrificial love.

I don’t say these things as if I have it all figured out. In fact I learned my own selfishness in marriage when my wife got cancer. I was there for her in a lot of ways, helping her to appointments, praying for her, etc. but emotionally I was distracted. At the time, financial and housing struggles filled me with a lot of fear and worry. This fear made it hard for me to be there for her mentally and emotionally in the way that I wanted to be.

The trial will reveal it…

The truth is, we are a lot more selfish as individuals than we even want to admit. This negatively affects not just our marriage but all other relationships as well. It may take that trial or stressor in life for us to really know the selfishness that was deep within us all along. But we can trust, that if God is exposing it, He wants to transform it.

Lean On God!

It’s impossible not to be selfish in our own strength. We will continuously fail and our marriage will suffer. But the good news is that we don’t have to do this in our own strength. We can press into God and be encouraged knowing that with God “all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) Will we be perfect? No. But with God, we can work towards sacrificial love improving not only our marriage, but every other relationship in our lives.

Text on the left saying “Quote of the Month” with white arrow pointing to square image of a man sitting with his hands on his head, and the quote, “Falling is not failure, staying down is.” The graphic is intended to depict the question, “What if I fail?”

What If I Fail?

02/10/2025 by Paztuh Mike

Fresh News, Midweek Encouragement, Monday Encouragement, Quotes

MondayEncouragement, PAZTUHMIKE

Man in office suit sitting with his hands on his head, looking down and discouraged thinking, “What if I fail?” There is a quote to the left of him in black with the words, “Falling is not failure-staying down is.”

💪 How I Learned From Failure…

Failure-it hits hard, doesn’t it? Nobody likes to fail, and if we’re not careful, the weight of it can make us want to quit altogether. We are stressed with the question, “What if I fail?” But what if failure isn’t just something to endure? What if it actually has a purpose? What if we could learn from it?

Let me tell you how failure taught me a valuable lesson in my life.

When I first started my nonprofit ministry, Men Standing Positive, I had to fundraise for the first time. I reached out to people, sent emails, asked for donations, and at first, it worked. But after a while, people stopped giving. So, I switched it up. I decided to reach out to businesses for sponsorships, thinking it would be the solution. Using the same approach of simply asking for donations, I expected different results. Instead, no one was interested. Frustration set in, and discouragement followed. The thoughts started creeping in…Maybe they don’t like me. Maybe I’m not good at this. Maybe I’m just not cut out for it.

I went to God…

But instead of sitting in my failure, I did the only thing I knew to do. I went to God in prayer. I asked, What am I doing wrong? And God answered. He told me, “Be willing to examine your faults. Ask people why when they say no.” Everything in me resisted that idea. Afraid of what people would say, I hesitated, not wanting my failure to be exposed. But eventually, I humbled myself and did it anyway. Some businesses weren’t honest with me, but surprisingly, many were. And what I heard over and over again was this: “There’s nothing in it for us. Your proposal only benefits your organization and the community, but not our business.”

That truth stung, but it also opened my eyes. There was no reciprocity. I was asking for something without offering anything in return. So, I made a change. I created sponsorship packages that actually benefited businesses. We offered them advertising at our events, online promotion, and even helped them find employees by connecting them with the community. Now, when I reached out, I wasn’t just asking for money, I was offering them something valuable. And guess what? Businesses started saying yes.

Failure turned into sucess!

What started as a failure turned into a success, not because I gave up, but because I was willing to humble myself, pray, and receive correction. Here’s the truth: falling doesn’t mean you’ve failed. What matters is what you do after you fall. Will you stay down, or will you learn, grow, and get back up?

So don’t let failure stop you. Ask the hard questions, take the correction, and keep pushing forward. You never know what feels like failure today might just be the setup for your next breakthrough.

I Want to Quit My Job

02/05/2025 by Paztuh Mike

Fresh News, Monday Encouragement

MondayEncouragement, PAZTUHMIKE

If I Would Have Quit…

I want to quit my job. This is something we have all felt, whether it was our first fast-food gig, a stressful corporate role, or maybe the job we have now. But how should we respond—suffer through for the paycheck or quit at the first sign of dissatisfaction?

There was a season when God led me to take a job I really didn’t want—roofing. I enjoyed construction, painting, and drywall, but roofing was different. It was exhausting, hot, and dangerous. Everything in me wanted to say no, but I knew God had a plan.

At work, I met my managers and coworkers, including one who stood out—a strong atheist. He was critical of faith, often silent when I shared about God, but I could tell he was listening.

I was surprised…

One day, to my surprise, he invited me to dinner. The way he said it made me laugh, like his wife had forced him to ask. But I knew God was opening a door. Over dinner, I shared my faith, and though he didn’t say much, at the end he admitted, “I’ve been an atheist most of my life, but I’ve never heard anyone talk about God like you do. You have my attention.” Later, sitting outside my house, he told me, “I want to receive Jesus. Can you pray with me?” I was shocked and honored. That night, he gave his life to Christ, and his life was completely changed.

Mission Complete!

Shortly after, God told me to put in my two weeks—the mission was complete. I thought it was just about roofing, but it was really about reaching him.

So was sweating on that hot roof worth it? Absolutely. We have to think—what does God want to do in our job? Who does He want to reach through us? If we quit too soon, we may miss the greater purpose God has planned. We must learn to wait on the Lord. Be encouraged today!

Is Sex Before Marriage Ok?

01/13/2025 by Paztuh Mike

Fresh News, Monday Encouragement

biblicalsex, fornication, MondayEncouragement, PAZTUHMIKE, sexbeforemarriage, sexualsin

Having Sex Before Marriage?

Sex saturates our culture. It now feels meaningless to many, even though it was once held sacred in marriage. While sex can offer momentary pleasure, sex outside marriage harms both individuals and society. So, how do you know what truly benefits you when it comes to sex?

God created sex for one man and one woman. He designed marriage as a covenant between them. (1 Corinthians 7:1-5) This covenant lets couples enjoy sex safely and securely. Consider the the heartache, unwanted soul ties, broken families, and fatherless homes that result when we ignore God’s design.

What do the stats say?

Studies confirm that multiple sexual partners before marriage reduce marriage quality. The Wheatley Institue and other research show lower relationship satisfaction, stability, sexual satisfaction, and emotional connection. Our culture urges you to experiement while single, promising sexual satisfaction in marriage. Yet, research contradicts that advice. When you share sexual intimacy outside marriage, you give a piece of yourself that belongs to your spouse. God’s design remains best.

It can be redeemed…

If you already have or are currently having sex outside of marriage, know that hope awaits in Christ. The Bible encourages us that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) We serve a good God who wants to brings freedom in every aspect of our lives. We must only repent from our sin, surrender, and trust that His way is better.

If You Feel Like Giving Up?

01/06/2025 by Paztuh Mike

Fresh News, Monday Encouragement

encouragement, MondayEncouragement, PAZTUHMIKE, quitting

😖 Feel like Giving Up?

Are you questioning everything right now? Do you feel like giving up-on your marriage, your job, or even your sense of purpose? Maybe you’re considering a major life change-like divorce or quitting your job-but you still wonder if you’re making the right move. Your response in these moments of doubt can shape your future in powerful ways.

If you find yourself stuck in a cycle where you start projects, relationships, or goals only to leave them unfinished, you’re not alone. You feel frustrated, lost, and paralyzed, but you don’t know how to break free. Have you ever wondered why life throws these challenges at you? Maybe you face deeper obstacles that keep you from moving forward.

When your relationships-especially your marriage-seem to fall apart, you might wonder if it’s time to walk away. Guilt and uncertainty often hold you back from taking action.

Or maybe you’re stuck in a job you hate. Everyday feels like a battle-frustration with your boss, stress over meaningless work, or the constant feeling that you’re meant for something more. If any of this sounds familiar, keep reading!

Let’s Grow Together!

In this video, I’ll show you how to recognize when you’ve reached a breaking point, process your emotions in a healthy way, and take action to overcome the temptation to give up. Click the link below, and let’s move forward in confidence together.

Will We Wait for God?

05/06/2024 by lastdayrecordsllc

Fresh News, Monday Encouragement, Teachings

MondayEncouragement, PAZTUHMIKE, St. Louis

Will we wait for God to part the Red Sea? When Moses lead the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt, they were immediately met with what looked like an impossible challenge. Pharaoh was angry after letting the Israelites leave Egypt, changed his mind, and sent a large army of chariots and horses to come after them. Because of this, the Israelites were trapped. On one side was mountains beside them, and the Red Sea in front of them. On the other side they were met with angry Egyptians charging after them.

But Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14) Then the miracle happened. Moses stretched his hand over the sea, and the Lord brought a strong East wind to part the waters, leaving a clear path for the Israelites to escape. Not only did God provide a path, but he destroyed all of their enemies as well.

Are you in what feels like an impossible situation? You are cornered on all sides with no hope of escape? Don’t fear, God has a way and a plan, but you must trust Him and wait for His instruction. If we wait on the Lord and be still, we will see His glory in any situation or challenge.

Our Red Sea Testimony

My wife Anna Elisabeth had a miracle Red Sea experience in 2023 when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of colon cancer. A little bit before then, we were lead to give all of our possessions and house away to follow God. We had just left everything, and now we were faced with what seemed like an impossible diagnosis. We were cornered on all sides with only a Red Sea before us. But we stayed in faith, clung to God, and saw His glory manifest in our trial. Watch our full testimony below.

Wherever you are in your walk with God, be encouraged today knowing that God is the God of miracles and possibilities. Your situation is not impossible for God. Wait, watch, pray, and see the miracles God will do in your life!
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God’s Will Or My Will?

04/04/2024 by lastdayrecordsllc

Fresh News, Monday Encouragement, Teachings

PAZTUHMIKE, St. Louis

God’s Will or My Will? One of the greatest temptations in our Christian walk is to do our own will and not God’s. Because of this we need to learn how to say “Thy Will Be Done” in all that we do, all that we say, and all of our plans.

Have you been so excited about a great plan that you’ve made? You put everything in place, and are ready to execute. Then you pray, “God please bless this plan“. Although this may be well intentioned, the plan was never first submitted to God. So, we can’t expect God to bless a plan that He was not even a part in making. In Proverbs 3:5-6, the Bible tells us to “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Knowing this, we need to submit each plan and idea, no matter how great they sound. Likewise we can rest assured that “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” (Psalm 37:23)

Time of Testing

When we are in a season of trial, doing our own will can become especially tempting. We are likely tired of the pain, the waiting, and the frustration. We just want out, but we know that if we take it into our own hands, we will be going outside of God’s Will and plan. After all, these are the seasons that we MUST press into God’s presence. Press into prayer. Press into reading the Word and be encouraged by your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Most importantly, don’t give up. God is doing something in you; if you wait, you will receive a reward, and good fruit will come forth from your obedience.

Remember the Lord’s Prayer and Be Encouraged!

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Love Is A Servant Word

03/28/2024 by lastdayrecordsllc

Fresh News, Monday Encouragement, Teachings

PAZTUHMIKE, St. Louis

Love is a servant word. If we truly love God with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength, our actions will show that we truly do. We have all heard someone say empty words to us, maybe it was a parental figure, or a close friend. They made grand gestures of “love” with their words, but their actions proved the exact opposite. This is how it can be with God. If we say we love God, then our actions will prove our words to be true.

In John 14:15 the Bible says “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.” Also in 1 John 5:2-3, it says, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.” So many places in the scriptures show that love is demonstrated through our obedience to God proving that love is in fact a servant word.

So, what does it look like to truly obey the Lord’s commandments? Do we do it perfectly? Absolutely not. However, God has given us the ability to overcome any sin, or struggle that tries to entangle us! In Romans 8:1-2, the Bible says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” That means we can overcome any sin and walk in obedience to God because of the powerful work Christ did on the cross.

Be encouraged today to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.“-Mark 12:30

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Learn To Fight

03/18/2024 by lastdayrecordsllc

Fresh News, Monday Encouragement, Teachings

PAZTUHMIKE, QUOTES, St. Louis

How many times are we tempted to give up and give in? When you’ve fallen so many times, you start to lose hope that you will ever accomplish God’s will for your life. You think to yourself “I should just give up”, but this is the very moment you need to press in. See, the key to success is not doing everything right all the time, but instead not giving up when you fall. Success is about learning from your mistakes and not quitting when things get hard. You can’t do it in your own strength, but you can with God. Don’t give up, persevere, and learn to fight.

There are so many scriptures that show us that persevering under trial produces something great in us. For example in James 1:12 it says, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him”, and again in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” We were never promised that this walk with Christ would be easy, but we are promised that God will strengthen us in our weakness.

Think about all the great men and women of God who didn’t give up in the Bible. How would it feel to be Daniel alone in the den of fierce lions? Or Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt only to be met with what looked like an inescapable Red Sea? And what about Jesus, our savior, who suffered so much while on earth but still continued to the cross fulfilling the Father’s will. Think on these examples, and let it change your perspective of your current trial.

Don’t give up. Don’t quit. Learn to fight.

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Let Go and Let God

03/08/2024 by lastdayrecordsllc

Fresh News, Monday Encouragement, Teachings

PAZTUHMIKE, QUOTES, St. Louis

You have to lose control in order for God to be in complete control of your life. God wants to do some things in our lives, but He won’t if we constantly take control of our lives, and do our own will. So, what does it look like to have God in complete control of your life? What does complete surrender look like?

We can learn how to surrender to God, by looking at our greatest example, Jesus Christ. While on the Earth, Jesus surrendered completely to the Father’s will despite the suffering and pain. In Philippians 2:5-8, the Bible says “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Jesus was obedient to the Father even to His death.

If Jesus can be obedient to his own death, as His children, we surely can be obedient when it comes to everyday matters. Each day is an opportunity to say, “Lord what would you have me do today?” If we wake up each morning ready to let go of our own control, our hearts will be more prepared to serve the Lord and His will for our day and lives. He has the best plans for our lives anyway. Be encouraged today and remember to Let Go and Let God.