Are you doing the hard work in building your character? Dr. James Merritt shares how to instill twelve character traits essential to godly living. Dr. James Merritt is a husband of 44 years to his wife Teresa. They have three sons, a daughter-in-law, and four grandchildren. He received his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Merritt is a pastor, the past President of the Southern Baptist Convention, and host of The Touching Lives television program seen nationwide and in 122 countries. When Dr. Merritt has time to catch his breath, you can read all his thoughts as he's a prolific author. "Character is what you and God know that you are.” ~ Dr. James Merritt   CONNECT with Dr. James Merritt BOOK: Character Still Counts Enjoy the multitude of topics discussed including law school, character, Valentine's Day, and caging the lion plus so much more. Joy in my heart The movie theatre Salvation Law school Rebellion Harvest House Character vs. Reputation Andre Agassi Social media Civility Politics Matthew 18 Respect Parent Involvement Integrity 1 Corinthians 11:1 Hypocrisy Honesty Faithfulness Courage Respect & Self Control Prayer Conviction Fruits of the Spirit Valentine's Day The Main Character Caging the Lion Authenticity   CONNECT with Dr. James Merritt BOOK: Character Still Counts   "Too often though we get caught up in the humanity of it and not the divinity of it and we miss a golden opportunity for God to grow us and God to mature us." ~ Dr. James Merritt   #MyStrengthIsMyStory #CreateYourNow #JamesMerritt Quotes and statements within the interview: "Why are they doing that? All He ever did was good." "And the Holy Spirit said, 'They're not crucifying Him; you are.'" "It wasn't the Roman soldiers that nailed Jesus to the cross. It was my sins that nailed Jesus to the cross." "I know now that someone did the something." "It was just like a bucket of peace came over my body and my heart and my soul." "This is the one book I didn't want to write. And it may turn out to be the best book I've ever done." "Image is nothing if behind the image is a facade.'" "And character is what you really are when you think nobody's looking." "But I tell our church we're not going to make the political personal here." "Integrity is the mouth of the river. It is the fountainhead."  "Integrity is always doing the right thing at the right time in the right place regardless of the cost of the consequences." "You cannot have integrity without honesty, but you can have honesty without integrity."  "Take the high road. There's not a lot of traffic on it." "The best way honestly, really to develop character in your everyday life is to let Christ form His character in you every day." "This book was extremely convicting to me." "If God is sovereign, there are appointments. They're not accidents." "All truths are God's truths."   What has your story gifted you? Is to realize how great a sinner I am and how great a Savior He is. Paul said, "I am what I am by the grace of God." "Because without Him, I wouldn't have a story, and if I had, it wouldn't be worth telling."   Resources mentioned in the episode: CONNECT with Dr. James Merritt BOOK: Character Still Counts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TLonFB/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/touchinglivestv/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjamesmerritt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/touching-lives-with-james-merritt/   "One step at a time leads to miles of greatness!" Ready to see if coaching and mentorship are for you? It's time you TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation. This is FREE for you. Stop trying to do it by yourself. Invest in YOU! You are worth the time!!! ANNOUNCEMENT: Ready to shine your light and tell your story. Please click on MY STRENGTH IS MY STORY. 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The Create Your Now Archives are LIVE!! You can subscribe and listen to all the previous episodes here.  http://bit.ly/CYNarchive1 and http://bit.ly/CYNarchive2 and http://bit.ly/CYNarchive3 and http://bit.ly/CYNarchive4 and http://bit.ly/CYNarchive5 and http://bit.ly/CYNarchive6 Contact me at YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com THE NO FUSS MEAL PLAN Instagram @CreateYourNow @Kristianne Wargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow   PERISCOPE USERS!!! 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This is a free 30-45 minute call for those serious about coaching with me. 12. Newsletter and Library: If you desire to get weekly emails, be sure to sign up here so you can stay connected. http://createyournow.com/library   Cover Art by Jenny Hamson   Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) 9t One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music -  Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.