“God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.” Genesis 3:3
Did a recovering alcoholic who has been sober for the last five years do it by staying surrounded in the same environment and with the same people he use to drink with?
Did the drug addict become drug free by keeping his drugs close at hand?
Did the family who survived a horrible affair last because they kept in contact with the other person?
How does a liar regain the trust of his friends and family, by only partially telling the truth?
Did the overweight man or woman overcome their addiction to food by keeping their old thought life?
We can never overcome sin or expect to change if we are not willing to remove the sin from our lives. For these people their addictions are big, but so are our addictions to sin. They start out small; the alcoholic never thought there was a problem with having a few drinks until his few became a dozen. The drug addict was only trying to heal from a major surgery, she never wanted to become addicted to the pain medicine but when the bottle was empty she went back for more. He/She never thought they would cheat on their spouse, they thought there was nothing wrong with a few conversations here and there. That is until they found themselves wanting more than a conversation with someone beside their spouse. The liar didn’t realize you could even be addicted to lying until he started receiving attention that made him feel good. The man and women who are now overweight because eating made them feel good, comfortable never thought they would be to the point where they lost control.
It goes on and on and not just with what we think is “big” all sin is big to God. Whether it is anger, disrespect to a spouse, jealousy, greed, etc if we entertain the thought of sin we are only opening the door for Satan to attack.
He wants to remind of us how fun this or that is, or how good that drink tastes, or the feeling we get from this or that. Satan loves to get in our heads and convince us that it’s okay to do what our flesh wants.
But the Lord just as He did with Adam and Eve says don’t eat it and don’t even touch it! We should not only refrain from eating and touching sin, but we should not look at it, or even surround ourselves with it.
Don’t you get it, Satan wants nothing more than to convince you that it is okay to please your flesh. He wants you to think those few drinks won’t hurt nothing, ya until your son or daughter start doing it and become addicted or die from it. He wants you to become angry and harbor bitterness towards people, for then there is less unity and more division. The Lord hates sin, He cannot even look at sin, and the more we try and get away with pleasing our flesh one night or daily and then thinking we can just make up for it on Sunday is a bunch of bologna. All UN repented sin does is drive a wedge between us and God. It hinders our relationship with God and others. All of which Satan loves nothing more.
Who really is the most important to you? If we say God than we need to start living like He is and stop thinking it is okay to do what our flesh wants. God sees through us and straight to the heart.
Prayer: Lord today we need Your sword to go in and remove all the sin that lurks within us. We want to overcome any and all addictions to sin that we have. As You lay them out in front of us may we fall to our face confessing them leaving them at Your feet. I pray that as we confess them to You that we will leave them, not returning to them ever again. Amen
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Hook...line...sinker
“God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.” Genesis 3:3
As she took her daily stroll through the garden, gathering fruit, walking in perfection, beauty, and love, she was approached by a serpent lurking from a tree. And not just any tree, the forbidden tree. Being her lovely, kind self she began to speak with the serpent, for she knew no stranger or even had a clue of his intentions, she had no fear, knew no sin, and felt no shame. All she knew was love, joy, peace, and one important commandment, TO NOT EAT THE FRUIT from the tree in the center of the garden. The very tree he was lurking on.
Oh, this snake (no pun intended) was sneaky and creepy. He knew he could lure her in with his persuasive and twisted words. And he did it by starting off with a question that made him look naive, gullible, and curious. “Really? he asked the woman. Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden? Of course we may eat it, the woman told him. It’s only the fruit from the tree at the center of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.” Genesis 3:2-3
So it began...hook, line, and sinker.
His hook- his slimy self and the forbidden tree.
His line- “Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?” Do you notice how he worded his question? He pointed out restriction-must not eat, and he emphasized-any fruit.
And now for the sinker…”You won’t die! the serpent hissed. God knows that your eyes will be opened when you eat it. You will become just like God, knowing everything, both good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5
“The woman was convinced. The fruit looked so fresh and delicious, and it would make her so wise!” Genesis 3:6 (That’s all it took, really Eve, you could have at least put up a fight) I am speaking for myself when I say this, it is so easy to be convinced, especially when the person speaking puts on an outward appearance like Satan did. He can make things sound so good, look so good, and become so stinkin’ twisted that you begin to believe it and even start convincing yourself it is okay. That is until the amazing Holy Spirit jumps in and quickly reminds you that it is wrong. It is truly a battle between the spirit and the flesh.
Unfortunately for Eve, and for us, we choose to override the tugging of the Holy Spirit and follow the flesh. Just as she did! She was so intrigued at the thought of becoming like God and knowing everything, and if we women are at all wired alike, it burned within her to the point of having to have it. You know like when you find or see something you think you just have to have and it nags and nags at you until you give in. That is what she went through with the beauty of the fruit and the wisdom it would give her. Something new…yet something so deadly that would fall upon all humankind- Sin and the first of many who would fall prey to the tricks, lies, and deception of Satan.
But there is only one who did not fall into his trap, Jesus Christ. When we live as Christ did, know the word of God as Christ did, we too will be able to cut Satan at the core as Christ did, by using Scripture in the correct context as Christ did.
Prayer: Lord thank You for taking me back to the very beginning of where it all began. I am excited to walk with You as You teach me Your word, show me Your unending mercy and grace, prepare me for battle, and clothe me with the armor to be victorious against Satan. Amen
As she took her daily stroll through the garden, gathering fruit, walking in perfection, beauty, and love, she was approached by a serpent lurking from a tree. And not just any tree, the forbidden tree. Being her lovely, kind self she began to speak with the serpent, for she knew no stranger or even had a clue of his intentions, she had no fear, knew no sin, and felt no shame. All she knew was love, joy, peace, and one important commandment, TO NOT EAT THE FRUIT from the tree in the center of the garden. The very tree he was lurking on.
Oh, this snake (no pun intended) was sneaky and creepy. He knew he could lure her in with his persuasive and twisted words. And he did it by starting off with a question that made him look naive, gullible, and curious. “Really? he asked the woman. Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden? Of course we may eat it, the woman told him. It’s only the fruit from the tree at the center of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.” Genesis 3:2-3
So it began...hook, line, and sinker.
His hook- his slimy self and the forbidden tree.
His line- “Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?” Do you notice how he worded his question? He pointed out restriction-must not eat, and he emphasized-any fruit.
And now for the sinker…”You won’t die! the serpent hissed. God knows that your eyes will be opened when you eat it. You will become just like God, knowing everything, both good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5
“The woman was convinced. The fruit looked so fresh and delicious, and it would make her so wise!” Genesis 3:6 (That’s all it took, really Eve, you could have at least put up a fight) I am speaking for myself when I say this, it is so easy to be convinced, especially when the person speaking puts on an outward appearance like Satan did. He can make things sound so good, look so good, and become so stinkin’ twisted that you begin to believe it and even start convincing yourself it is okay. That is until the amazing Holy Spirit jumps in and quickly reminds you that it is wrong. It is truly a battle between the spirit and the flesh.
Unfortunately for Eve, and for us, we choose to override the tugging of the Holy Spirit and follow the flesh. Just as she did! She was so intrigued at the thought of becoming like God and knowing everything, and if we women are at all wired alike, it burned within her to the point of having to have it. You know like when you find or see something you think you just have to have and it nags and nags at you until you give in. That is what she went through with the beauty of the fruit and the wisdom it would give her. Something new…yet something so deadly that would fall upon all humankind- Sin and the first of many who would fall prey to the tricks, lies, and deception of Satan.
But there is only one who did not fall into his trap, Jesus Christ. When we live as Christ did, know the word of God as Christ did, we too will be able to cut Satan at the core as Christ did, by using Scripture in the correct context as Christ did.
Prayer: Lord thank You for taking me back to the very beginning of where it all began. I am excited to walk with You as You teach me Your word, show me Your unending mercy and grace, prepare me for battle, and clothe me with the armor to be victorious against Satan. Amen
Monday, June 28, 2010
Let all God’s people say…
“Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out.” Leviticus 6:13
Prayer: Lord my prayer today is that You will fuel into flame revival, restoration, healing, love, forgiveness, mercy and grace. Lord I pray this fire becomes so big within the lives of every brother in sister in Christ around the world that it cannot be contained until You return.
I pray Lord God that we will daily feed our fires the nutrients and oxygen it needs to become so big so bright and so hot that it will burn the impurities out of us and others. Lord I am asking for the Holy Spirit to take complete control, and I am believing with all my heart that with His help lives will begin to be impacted, marked with Your blood, and will become such a rave that the fire will begin to spread.
I am praying for true repentance to take place, for eyes to be opened, veils to be removed, and hearts to be opened. I am praying for this supernatural fire to burn the hearts of those living in sin, to burn those who are lost, to burn all of us to the point that we become purified, cleansed, beautiful and acceptable to You.
Lord I pray that today the aroma of Your son’s blood being covered on the hearts of new believers along with the mixture of true genuine love, worship, and praise will be the sweetest most acceptable, pleasurable smell You have ever breathed in.
Thank You Father God for reminding me, and hopefully others, just how important it is to keep our fires burning. Not just to keep them burning but the significance the fire has in and on our lives. Amen
Prayer: Lord my prayer today is that You will fuel into flame revival, restoration, healing, love, forgiveness, mercy and grace. Lord I pray this fire becomes so big within the lives of every brother in sister in Christ around the world that it cannot be contained until You return.
I pray Lord God that we will daily feed our fires the nutrients and oxygen it needs to become so big so bright and so hot that it will burn the impurities out of us and others. Lord I am asking for the Holy Spirit to take complete control, and I am believing with all my heart that with His help lives will begin to be impacted, marked with Your blood, and will become such a rave that the fire will begin to spread.
I am praying for true repentance to take place, for eyes to be opened, veils to be removed, and hearts to be opened. I am praying for this supernatural fire to burn the hearts of those living in sin, to burn those who are lost, to burn all of us to the point that we become purified, cleansed, beautiful and acceptable to You.
Lord I pray that today the aroma of Your son’s blood being covered on the hearts of new believers along with the mixture of true genuine love, worship, and praise will be the sweetest most acceptable, pleasurable smell You have ever breathed in.
Thank You Father God for reminding me, and hopefully others, just how important it is to keep our fires burning. Not just to keep them burning but the significance the fire has in and on our lives. Amen
Sunday, June 27, 2010
True fire can’t be contained
“Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out.” Leviticus 6:13
“And I can’t stop! If I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am weary of holding it in!” Jeremiah 20:9
This verse has never come more to life within me than several years ago when I was called into my principles office and was reprimanded for mentioning the Lord to a group of my basketball players.
I remember walking away shocked, devastated, and questioning how our world has gotten to this point. I was so upset and for the first time in my life I felt that exact same burning inside my bones that Jeremiah felt.
Then just a year ago the same feeling of devastation rushed over me as two people approached me telling me that not everyone wants to hear about God and talk about His word all the time. I once more began to wonder how we have lost sight of what should be on our tongues and in our hearts all the time. It is an amazing opportunity and pleasure to be able to speak with such freedom of our Savior Jesus Christ. Don’t you realize just how lucky we are that He allows us to speak of Him?
It was not until this week that the Lord revealed to me that true "Holy fire" cannot be contained. In other words, when that "Holy fire" is set within us we will not be able to hold in the word of God, we will want to share it, speak of it, and it will be on the forefronts of our minds daily.
I hope to go to my grave with a burning fire within my bones that is only relieved when God’s word is shared and when His name is spoken daily to any and everyone.
I never want to look back and wish I would have spoken up for the Lord when He set the burning in motion.
When is the last time that God’s word burned within you so much you became weary of holding it in?
Prayer: Lord thank You for the privilege of sharing Your word. Thank You for the fire that burns within me to mention Your name to all who are willing to hear. I pray that all of my brothers and sisters in Christ will also have a fire that burns within them to go out and speak in Your name. Amen
“And I can’t stop! If I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am weary of holding it in!” Jeremiah 20:9
This verse has never come more to life within me than several years ago when I was called into my principles office and was reprimanded for mentioning the Lord to a group of my basketball players.
I remember walking away shocked, devastated, and questioning how our world has gotten to this point. I was so upset and for the first time in my life I felt that exact same burning inside my bones that Jeremiah felt.
Then just a year ago the same feeling of devastation rushed over me as two people approached me telling me that not everyone wants to hear about God and talk about His word all the time. I once more began to wonder how we have lost sight of what should be on our tongues and in our hearts all the time. It is an amazing opportunity and pleasure to be able to speak with such freedom of our Savior Jesus Christ. Don’t you realize just how lucky we are that He allows us to speak of Him?
It was not until this week that the Lord revealed to me that true "Holy fire" cannot be contained. In other words, when that "Holy fire" is set within us we will not be able to hold in the word of God, we will want to share it, speak of it, and it will be on the forefronts of our minds daily.
I hope to go to my grave with a burning fire within my bones that is only relieved when God’s word is shared and when His name is spoken daily to any and everyone.
I never want to look back and wish I would have spoken up for the Lord when He set the burning in motion.
When is the last time that God’s word burned within you so much you became weary of holding it in?
Prayer: Lord thank You for the privilege of sharing Your word. Thank You for the fire that burns within me to mention Your name to all who are willing to hear. I pray that all of my brothers and sisters in Christ will also have a fire that burns within them to go out and speak in Your name. Amen
Saturday, June 26, 2010
What is your aroma?
"Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out." Leviticus 6:13
Other than the smell of my mama's laundry I love the aroma that fills the air when my husband light’s up the grill and throws on the meat. It has always brought a sense of love and closeness over me. It reminds me of how fun summertime is and how blessed I am. Some of my favorite moments are when our friends and families are together laughing and talking and enjoying one another’s company, and of course eating the amazing food that comes off the grill.
As I study and think about the importance of keeping our fire lit. I had an amazing revelation come over me. The aroma that came off the altar and was lifted up to God was a sweet aroma to Him. It was an aroma of perfection, of cleansing, of pure satisfaction and pleasure. Just as the aroma that comes from our hearts when we accept Christ and He covers us in His blood.
It is the blood first and foremost that is the most pleasing aroma, but it is also the mixture of our sacrifices of praise, love, obedience, and devotion that fills Him with pure satisfaction and pleasure.
We each have an aroma that is lifted up to the Lord and it is either a wonderful satisfying smell to Him, or it is a sick disgusting smell.
What aroma is your fire putting off?
Prayer: Lord each day may I put off an aroma that pleases You. Reveal to me any unwanted scent that fills You with disgust so that I may confess, repent and never place them on the altar again. Amen
Other than the smell of my mama's laundry I love the aroma that fills the air when my husband light’s up the grill and throws on the meat. It has always brought a sense of love and closeness over me. It reminds me of how fun summertime is and how blessed I am. Some of my favorite moments are when our friends and families are together laughing and talking and enjoying one another’s company, and of course eating the amazing food that comes off the grill.
As I study and think about the importance of keeping our fire lit. I had an amazing revelation come over me. The aroma that came off the altar and was lifted up to God was a sweet aroma to Him. It was an aroma of perfection, of cleansing, of pure satisfaction and pleasure. Just as the aroma that comes from our hearts when we accept Christ and He covers us in His blood.
It is the blood first and foremost that is the most pleasing aroma, but it is also the mixture of our sacrifices of praise, love, obedience, and devotion that fills Him with pure satisfaction and pleasure.
We each have an aroma that is lifted up to the Lord and it is either a wonderful satisfying smell to Him, or it is a sick disgusting smell.
What aroma is your fire putting off?
Prayer: Lord each day may I put off an aroma that pleases You. Reveal to me any unwanted scent that fills You with disgust so that I may confess, repent and never place them on the altar again. Amen
Friday, June 25, 2010
Are you being smothered?
"Remember the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out." Leviticus 6:13
He will do whatever it takes to keep your fire from burning. There is a reason the Lord says he prowls around like a roaring lion waiting for someone he can devour. Not only does he prowl but he is like a thick suffocating blanket just waiting to be spread out and placed over your heart. Making your fire become almost non existent, lacking oxygen.
He will use any method possible, your past, present, and future. He will fill you with doubt, resentment, disappointment, and he will twist and turn your thoughts and others words even God's words around. Making you believe things that are so far from the truth.
He will continue to cover up your heart and the "Holy fire" as long as you let him. Until eventually you are so confused and vulnerable.
As for me he has filled my thoughts with doubt as though I am useless and giftless. He has led me to believe that I have no useful gifts that will benefit the Lord.
But today I can rest assured that I am of great value and full of some gift that does bring glory to my Heavenly Father. Though I am and will never be a Beth Moore I am a Kristi Morgan that only I will be. My Father has made me unique and I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I might not ever truly know my gift but there is one thing I know for sure and that is that I am a true child of God who is passionately in love with her Savior and filled with the "Holy fire" that can never be put out no matter how much Satan tries to smother me.
Prayer: Jesus thank you for reminding me of how valuable I am to You. Thank You for allowing me to be able to see how deceiving and sneaky Satan is. I know with the help of the Holy Spirit we can fuel Your fire to burn Satan so bad he will not just flee but he will flee screaming from the hurt of Your fire. Amen
He will do whatever it takes to keep your fire from burning. There is a reason the Lord says he prowls around like a roaring lion waiting for someone he can devour. Not only does he prowl but he is like a thick suffocating blanket just waiting to be spread out and placed over your heart. Making your fire become almost non existent, lacking oxygen.
He will use any method possible, your past, present, and future. He will fill you with doubt, resentment, disappointment, and he will twist and turn your thoughts and others words even God's words around. Making you believe things that are so far from the truth.
He will continue to cover up your heart and the "Holy fire" as long as you let him. Until eventually you are so confused and vulnerable.
As for me he has filled my thoughts with doubt as though I am useless and giftless. He has led me to believe that I have no useful gifts that will benefit the Lord.
But today I can rest assured that I am of great value and full of some gift that does bring glory to my Heavenly Father. Though I am and will never be a Beth Moore I am a Kristi Morgan that only I will be. My Father has made me unique and I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I might not ever truly know my gift but there is one thing I know for sure and that is that I am a true child of God who is passionately in love with her Savior and filled with the "Holy fire" that can never be put out no matter how much Satan tries to smother me.
Prayer: Jesus thank you for reminding me of how valuable I am to You. Thank You for allowing me to be able to see how deceiving and sneaky Satan is. I know with the help of the Holy Spirit we can fuel Your fire to burn Satan so bad he will not just flee but he will flee screaming from the hurt of Your fire. Amen
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Candle or Forest fire?
“Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out.” Leviticus 6:13
There are two levels to this fire, low and high,
When we keep our fire on low we are only keeping our faith and relationship with Christ warm. We do only what is required, nothing more nothing less, we basically never add fuel to the fire we just leave it where it is. The problem with just keeping our fire on low is that we miss out on all the wonderful blessings God wants to give us; we miss opportunities to really be a light for Christ and we miss out on building a deeper, stronger, more intimate relationship with Christ. We are just a dull fire with no motivation to make a difference for His name or kingdom.
When we set our fire to high, we are fueling it with the word of God, prayer, obedience and love daily, it is constantly being tended to. The more we fuel our fire the bigger and bigger it becomes leading to a spiritual forest fire. This forest fire becomes so wide spread that it impacts anyone near it and becomes so bright people can see it for miles and miles. When we work together with the Holy Spirit it is a guarantee that not only will the fire within change and transform us, but it will change and transform the lives of others, which all in all will bring glory to the Lord and save the lives of those who are lost.
Is your fire as big as a candle or a forest fire?
Prayer: Lord may I never let my fire become dull. I want to have the Holy fire within me that burns so bright and so big that it cannot be contained. Amen
There are two levels to this fire, low and high,
When we keep our fire on low we are only keeping our faith and relationship with Christ warm. We do only what is required, nothing more nothing less, we basically never add fuel to the fire we just leave it where it is. The problem with just keeping our fire on low is that we miss out on all the wonderful blessings God wants to give us; we miss opportunities to really be a light for Christ and we miss out on building a deeper, stronger, more intimate relationship with Christ. We are just a dull fire with no motivation to make a difference for His name or kingdom.
When we set our fire to high, we are fueling it with the word of God, prayer, obedience and love daily, it is constantly being tended to. The more we fuel our fire the bigger and bigger it becomes leading to a spiritual forest fire. This forest fire becomes so wide spread that it impacts anyone near it and becomes so bright people can see it for miles and miles. When we work together with the Holy Spirit it is a guarantee that not only will the fire within change and transform us, but it will change and transform the lives of others, which all in all will bring glory to the Lord and save the lives of those who are lost.
Is your fire as big as a candle or a forest fire?
Prayer: Lord may I never let my fire become dull. I want to have the Holy fire within me that burns so bright and so big that it cannot be contained. Amen
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Admit, Repent, Accept
Our featured writer today is Ryan Burchett
"Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out." Leviticus 6:13
Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV) says, 21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
Those are some very powerful words spoken by our Savior, but they are far too often overlooked, I’m afraid. This passage is speaking of false converts, which upon further thought, makes the ‘80% of church-goers’ statistic not as outrageous as it seemed from first glance. This explains why the ‘holy fire’ seems absent in our churches these days.
Our churches have settled for a false teaching of the gospel, which teaches that ‘Jesus is ONLY your Savior and that Jesus’ sole purpose of dying on the cross for your sin was to bring you PEACE, JOY, and COMFORT in a stressful and chaotic world.’ This is not to say that having Jesus as your Savior will not bring you these things, but they are brought about on a spiritual scale, not a physical one.
In the TRUE gospel message, there are 3 things that must happen for true conversion: 1. Admittance of sin,
2. REPENTANCE from sin, and 3. Accepting Jesus as your LORD and Savior. Why are the words REPENTANCE and LORD emphasized there? Because to have the one, true holy fire within you, you must truly be saved. And, to truly be saved, you must admit your sin, TURN AWAY FROM that sin, and then accept Jesus as LORD and Savior. The gospel message today has left out these 2 main ingredients, which explains the high number of false converts and the lack of ‘holy fire’ within our churches. There is an admittance of being a sinner and there is an admittance for needing a Savior but there is no repentance…there is NO TURNING AWAY FROM the old sinful life and if there is no turning away from the old sinful life, then Jesus CANNOT be the LORD of your life.
To obtain the true ‘holy fire’…..to truly be saved…..you must admit that you’re a sinner, REPENT from that sin (turn away from that old life), and ask Jesus to be the LORD of your life (everything in your life is His from this day forward). This is the true gospel message and this is how the true ‘holy fire’ is obtained
"Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out." Leviticus 6:13
Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV) says, 21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
Those are some very powerful words spoken by our Savior, but they are far too often overlooked, I’m afraid. This passage is speaking of false converts, which upon further thought, makes the ‘80% of church-goers’ statistic not as outrageous as it seemed from first glance. This explains why the ‘holy fire’ seems absent in our churches these days.
Our churches have settled for a false teaching of the gospel, which teaches that ‘Jesus is ONLY your Savior and that Jesus’ sole purpose of dying on the cross for your sin was to bring you PEACE, JOY, and COMFORT in a stressful and chaotic world.’ This is not to say that having Jesus as your Savior will not bring you these things, but they are brought about on a spiritual scale, not a physical one.
In the TRUE gospel message, there are 3 things that must happen for true conversion: 1. Admittance of sin,
2. REPENTANCE from sin, and 3. Accepting Jesus as your LORD and Savior. Why are the words REPENTANCE and LORD emphasized there? Because to have the one, true holy fire within you, you must truly be saved. And, to truly be saved, you must admit your sin, TURN AWAY FROM that sin, and then accept Jesus as LORD and Savior. The gospel message today has left out these 2 main ingredients, which explains the high number of false converts and the lack of ‘holy fire’ within our churches. There is an admittance of being a sinner and there is an admittance for needing a Savior but there is no repentance…there is NO TURNING AWAY FROM the old sinful life and if there is no turning away from the old sinful life, then Jesus CANNOT be the LORD of your life.
To obtain the true ‘holy fire’…..to truly be saved…..you must admit that you’re a sinner, REPENT from that sin (turn away from that old life), and ask Jesus to be the LORD of your life (everything in your life is His from this day forward). This is the true gospel message and this is how the true ‘holy fire’ is obtained
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Man-made fire?
“Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out.” Leviticus 6:13
The Lord has started a Holy fire within all those who are filled with the Holy Spirit. It is a Holy fire that will always be lit but will only be as big as we allow it to be.
Has the fire been lit within you?
Last night Garrett and I had dinner with an amazing young couple of whom the Lord has called into the ministry. During our conversation Ryan Burchett made a comment about the statistics of those who attend church. He said 80% of people who go to church are not Christians.
Wow, 80% of the people who attend church don’t have a real relationship with Christ, how can that be? How can we get up on Sunday’s and go to church, go into our Father’s house and yet have no relationship with Him?
And then it hit me, because there no Holy fire within, it is man-made fire. When the Holy fire is lit within us, there is no way we can walk through this life without being convicted, tested, pruned, and 100% completely changed. The Holy fire that is lit by Christ is not like any other fire, it is a fire that is constantly purifying us and is always revealing and removing the impurities. Man-made fire burns out, fuels off of self, and has little to no impact for the Lord.
Prayer: Lord I pray that the fire within me will be so big that all who are around can feel Your heat coming off of me. Amen
The Lord has started a Holy fire within all those who are filled with the Holy Spirit. It is a Holy fire that will always be lit but will only be as big as we allow it to be.
Has the fire been lit within you?
Last night Garrett and I had dinner with an amazing young couple of whom the Lord has called into the ministry. During our conversation Ryan Burchett made a comment about the statistics of those who attend church. He said 80% of people who go to church are not Christians.
Wow, 80% of the people who attend church don’t have a real relationship with Christ, how can that be? How can we get up on Sunday’s and go to church, go into our Father’s house and yet have no relationship with Him?
And then it hit me, because there no Holy fire within, it is man-made fire. When the Holy fire is lit within us, there is no way we can walk through this life without being convicted, tested, pruned, and 100% completely changed. The Holy fire that is lit by Christ is not like any other fire, it is a fire that is constantly purifying us and is always revealing and removing the impurities. Man-made fire burns out, fuels off of self, and has little to no impact for the Lord.
Prayer: Lord I pray that the fire within me will be so big that all who are around can feel Your heat coming off of me. Amen
Monday, June 21, 2010
It's all in the obedience
"Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.” Romans 13:9-10
Over this last week I have noticed the more I think on love, the more I focus on showing love the more I realize just how incapable I am of loving without the help of the Holy Spirit. The Lord has revealed so many areas in my life where love has been overshadowed by “me”.
I have been opened up to see how little I have really obeyed the Lord in the area of love. I have also learned that to love is to become completely dependent on Christ and independent of self.
John 15:9 says, “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love.”
When we love little it is because we are obeying little.
Prayer: Lord instill within me the desire to obey you fully. May Your love grow more perfect within me as I fully obey all of Your word. Amen
Over this last week I have noticed the more I think on love, the more I focus on showing love the more I realize just how incapable I am of loving without the help of the Holy Spirit. The Lord has revealed so many areas in my life where love has been overshadowed by “me”.
I have been opened up to see how little I have really obeyed the Lord in the area of love. I have also learned that to love is to become completely dependent on Christ and independent of self.
John 15:9 says, “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love.”
When we love little it is because we are obeying little.
Prayer: Lord instill within me the desire to obey you fully. May Your love grow more perfect within me as I fully obey all of Your word. Amen
Sunday, June 20, 2010
What motivates you?
“Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.” Romans 13:9-10
What motivates you? Does Christ motivate you? Does His love motivate you?
When we are not motivated by love we can easily become negative in our attitudes, in the way we look at others and in our speech. We become self-absorbed, irritable, in patient, and a lot less merciful.
Paul says in Galatians 5:6 “What is important is faith expressing itself in love.” We can evaluate our faith by how much we love Christ and others.
Paul also says in Galatians 5:13-15 “For you have been called to live in freedom-not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command. Love your neighbor as yourself. But if instead of showing love among yourselves you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.”
Love finds the positive in all things, love is considerate, love does not speak negatively of others, and it does not point out the flaws and faults of others. Christ does sit on His throne and point out all the negative in us, instead He looks and finds the goodness, the beauty, the positive in each of us. God and Jesus do not sit up in Heaven and talk badly about us, they do not hold grudges, they do not laugh and joke at our imperfections. Why do we? As children of the Most High God we must see all people including ourselves the same way our Heavenly Father sees us. We must think positively with loving thoughts towards all of God’s people just as our Father in Heaven thinks about us.
Next time you are quick to act out in anger, or speak ugly of others, stop and think how it makes you feel when you hear others speaking that way about you. Then stop and pray asking the Father to open your heart and eyes to see others as He does.
So again what motivates you? Fitting in, money, your job, blending in because you don’t want to stand out for Christ, or maybe it is the pleasures of the world which is all of Satan.
You can find out real quick what your motivation is by your lifestyle, speech, and the decisions you make.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for taking this amazing gift of freedom in You for granted. Forgive me for the times I have been motivated by “self.” I ask that You reveal to me any and all areas that are not pleasing to You. Lord I ask for the Holy Spirit to have and take complete control of my heart. Lord I am letting go, stepping aside, giving You full control of my heart, thoughts, and speech. May my motivation be to daily serve You, love You with ALL that I am and love others just as You have loved me. Amen
What motivates you? Does Christ motivate you? Does His love motivate you?
When we are not motivated by love we can easily become negative in our attitudes, in the way we look at others and in our speech. We become self-absorbed, irritable, in patient, and a lot less merciful.
Paul says in Galatians 5:6 “What is important is faith expressing itself in love.” We can evaluate our faith by how much we love Christ and others.
Paul also says in Galatians 5:13-15 “For you have been called to live in freedom-not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command. Love your neighbor as yourself. But if instead of showing love among yourselves you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.”
Love finds the positive in all things, love is considerate, love does not speak negatively of others, and it does not point out the flaws and faults of others. Christ does sit on His throne and point out all the negative in us, instead He looks and finds the goodness, the beauty, the positive in each of us. God and Jesus do not sit up in Heaven and talk badly about us, they do not hold grudges, they do not laugh and joke at our imperfections. Why do we? As children of the Most High God we must see all people including ourselves the same way our Heavenly Father sees us. We must think positively with loving thoughts towards all of God’s people just as our Father in Heaven thinks about us.
Next time you are quick to act out in anger, or speak ugly of others, stop and think how it makes you feel when you hear others speaking that way about you. Then stop and pray asking the Father to open your heart and eyes to see others as He does.
So again what motivates you? Fitting in, money, your job, blending in because you don’t want to stand out for Christ, or maybe it is the pleasures of the world which is all of Satan.
You can find out real quick what your motivation is by your lifestyle, speech, and the decisions you make.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for taking this amazing gift of freedom in You for granted. Forgive me for the times I have been motivated by “self.” I ask that You reveal to me any and all areas that are not pleasing to You. Lord I ask for the Holy Spirit to have and take complete control of my heart. Lord I am letting go, stepping aside, giving You full control of my heart, thoughts, and speech. May my motivation be to daily serve You, love You with ALL that I am and love others just as You have loved me. Amen
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Who is your neighbor?
“Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.” Romans 13:9-10
I love the story found in Luke 10:25-37 when an expert in religious law stands up to test Jesus. He asks him the question, “Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life?” Jesus replies, what does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?
The religious leader replies, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And, Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus said, “Right do it and you will live.” The man goes on to say so who is my neighbor?
Jesus replies with the story of a Jewish man who was traveling to Jerusalem and got attacked. He was stripped of his clothes, robbed, beat up and left for dead. As this man was lying there a Jewish priest comes by sees him and moves to the other side and goes on. Then came a Temple assistant comes by looks at the man and also goes on by.
Then comes a despised Samaritan man, he saw the Jewish man lying there and felt pity for him. He bent down beside him and began to treat his wounds. He then picked him up put him on his donkey and carried him to an inn. Not only did he tend to him at the inn, but he paid for him to stay there until he was better.
Jesus finishes the story by asking, “Now which of these would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus replied, “Yes, now go and do the same.”
How often have I passed by those who were suffering because I didn’t want to take the time to extend mercy, love, and comfort, be a listening ear, or a shoulder for them to cry on? How often have I passed by those who I have been hurt by and have not shown mercy or love to them?
My heavenly Father has shown and given me more love and mercy than my feeble, mortal mind can comprehend. If I desire to posses the character quality of love, than I must show the same mercy that has been shown to me. And I will say it is so much easier said than done, especially when the “me” is in the way.
Our neighbors are not just those who are ill-ridden, battered, and beat and left for dead. They are not just close friends, or our brothers and sisters. Our neighbors include the lost, our enemies, those less fortunate, and any other human being that walks on the face of the earth. Because each of us have been created in the image of God and we each have been given the opportunity to receive the free gift of mercy and love from the Lord.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for getting so caught up in my own day to day living that I fail to extend mercy and love to those who are in need. Thank You for the mercy and love I receive daily from You. Amen
I love the story found in Luke 10:25-37 when an expert in religious law stands up to test Jesus. He asks him the question, “Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life?” Jesus replies, what does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?
The religious leader replies, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And, Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus said, “Right do it and you will live.” The man goes on to say so who is my neighbor?
Jesus replies with the story of a Jewish man who was traveling to Jerusalem and got attacked. He was stripped of his clothes, robbed, beat up and left for dead. As this man was lying there a Jewish priest comes by sees him and moves to the other side and goes on. Then came a Temple assistant comes by looks at the man and also goes on by.
Then comes a despised Samaritan man, he saw the Jewish man lying there and felt pity for him. He bent down beside him and began to treat his wounds. He then picked him up put him on his donkey and carried him to an inn. Not only did he tend to him at the inn, but he paid for him to stay there until he was better.
Jesus finishes the story by asking, “Now which of these would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus replied, “Yes, now go and do the same.”
How often have I passed by those who were suffering because I didn’t want to take the time to extend mercy, love, and comfort, be a listening ear, or a shoulder for them to cry on? How often have I passed by those who I have been hurt by and have not shown mercy or love to them?
My heavenly Father has shown and given me more love and mercy than my feeble, mortal mind can comprehend. If I desire to posses the character quality of love, than I must show the same mercy that has been shown to me. And I will say it is so much easier said than done, especially when the “me” is in the way.
Our neighbors are not just those who are ill-ridden, battered, and beat and left for dead. They are not just close friends, or our brothers and sisters. Our neighbors include the lost, our enemies, those less fortunate, and any other human being that walks on the face of the earth. Because each of us have been created in the image of God and we each have been given the opportunity to receive the free gift of mercy and love from the Lord.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for getting so caught up in my own day to day living that I fail to extend mercy and love to those who are in need. Thank You for the mercy and love I receive daily from You. Amen
Friday, June 18, 2010
You determine the outcome
“Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.” Romans 13:9-10
Love does no wrong to anyone, including your husband. Yesterday started off great, ended great but the middle…not so great. Somewhere throughout the day I resorted back to the ugly part of me, filled up with selfishness, and demanded my own way. As a result of that I lashed out on my husband over a conversation I overheard. Satan being the ugly thing that he is, jumped all over that opportunity to cause some dissension between Garrett and I, and the worst part is, yes I am admitting, I let him.
I let him convince me of the stupidest things and he does it quite often, whether with my insecurities, Garrett, those who have hurt me, or my past.
So last night out of nowhere the Lord grabbed a hold of me and told me something that has never made more since in my life until last night.
Kristi it is you that makes your home become a place where love, kindness, joy, and peace resides. If you have chaos within you and you let it out it fills your home with chaos. Your kids feel it and so does Garrett. It starts with you! You determine the outcome of your home, your boys, your marriage, and your friendships.
When your life is filled with love and you set out to show that in spite of how bad things are, how others behave, God’s love will overpower it all. Everyone around you will feel that love, not only that but they will feel and see your joy, kindness and peace, because love does no wrong to anyone.
It is so amazing how the Lord always brings everything full circle. Last night it was not by my strength but it was by the strength of the Holy Spirit and the renewing of my heart, mind and thoughts that I put love into action. Remember I said the night ended great, well it did, it ended with peace, love, kindness, and joy all because I changed my attitude, my actions and my speech. I didn’t wait for Garrett to fix it or say what I felt he should say (which he did not even need to say anything) I fixed it, I put on my armor, looked straight in the face of Satan and hit him with the thing he hates the most, God’s word and love. “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
The moment I did that there was calmness that came over our home, my boys (all three) and me.
I am and have always been a visual learner and my amazing Father, my Creator knows that and last night He opened my eyes and gave me the best visual of how true love works and how it overcomes all things.
Prayer: Lord You are the most precious Father! I praise You for showing me firsthand just how powerful love is. Thank You Lord for loving me, thank You for spending countless hours with me teaching me, being patient with me, and showing me Your word in ways that I can understand it. Amen
Love does no wrong to anyone, including your husband. Yesterday started off great, ended great but the middle…not so great. Somewhere throughout the day I resorted back to the ugly part of me, filled up with selfishness, and demanded my own way. As a result of that I lashed out on my husband over a conversation I overheard. Satan being the ugly thing that he is, jumped all over that opportunity to cause some dissension between Garrett and I, and the worst part is, yes I am admitting, I let him.
I let him convince me of the stupidest things and he does it quite often, whether with my insecurities, Garrett, those who have hurt me, or my past.
So last night out of nowhere the Lord grabbed a hold of me and told me something that has never made more since in my life until last night.
Kristi it is you that makes your home become a place where love, kindness, joy, and peace resides. If you have chaos within you and you let it out it fills your home with chaos. Your kids feel it and so does Garrett. It starts with you! You determine the outcome of your home, your boys, your marriage, and your friendships.
When your life is filled with love and you set out to show that in spite of how bad things are, how others behave, God’s love will overpower it all. Everyone around you will feel that love, not only that but they will feel and see your joy, kindness and peace, because love does no wrong to anyone.
It is so amazing how the Lord always brings everything full circle. Last night it was not by my strength but it was by the strength of the Holy Spirit and the renewing of my heart, mind and thoughts that I put love into action. Remember I said the night ended great, well it did, it ended with peace, love, kindness, and joy all because I changed my attitude, my actions and my speech. I didn’t wait for Garrett to fix it or say what I felt he should say (which he did not even need to say anything) I fixed it, I put on my armor, looked straight in the face of Satan and hit him with the thing he hates the most, God’s word and love. “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
The moment I did that there was calmness that came over our home, my boys (all three) and me.
I am and have always been a visual learner and my amazing Father, my Creator knows that and last night He opened my eyes and gave me the best visual of how true love works and how it overcomes all things.
Prayer: Lord You are the most precious Father! I praise You for showing me firsthand just how powerful love is. Thank You Lord for loving me, thank You for spending countless hours with me teaching me, being patient with me, and showing me Your word in ways that I can understand it. Amen
Thursday, June 17, 2010
To see, to smell, to taste, to feel, and to touch!
“Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.” Romans 13:9-10
In order to ever be able to live out this passage I have to be able to understand, be filled with, and choose daily to show love. I want others to see love, smell love, taste love, feel love, and touch love. So what is love and how is love shown?
Love is
1. God
2. Jesus, the sacrifice, the blood, and the resurrection
3. A choice and an action
4. Holy, perfect, just, and pure
5. Patient
6. Kind
7. Not jealous
8. Not boastful
9. Not proud
10. Not rude
11. Does not demand its own way
12. Never loses faith
13. Always hopeful
14. Endures through ever circumstance
15. Not irritable
16. keeps no record of when it has been wronged
17. never glad about injustice
18. rejoices whenever the truth wins out
19. always and forever
To love means to possess all of these qualities not just a few, love means to be born of God who is love. Just as our passage says, “love does no wrong to anyone.” When the Holy Spirit lives within us it gives us the ability to love, it directs us, controls us, and teaches us. It is the Holy Spirit that fills us with love. Remember we have the stitching of Christ that was sown by the Holy Spirit, it is now up to us to do our part and show it, live it, breathe it, and obey it.
Do you understand God’s love for you?
Do you accept God’s love?
Are you returning that love to God and others?
Do you have the stitching of love sown within you?
Prayer: Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit may the love I have for You overflow onto the lives of others. Lord I believe in Your mighty name that I am able to obtain all these qualities of love through the Holy Spirit that lives within me. Lord place your eyes on top of mine so that I might see through Your vision, the vision of love for all things and all people. Amen
In order to ever be able to live out this passage I have to be able to understand, be filled with, and choose daily to show love. I want others to see love, smell love, taste love, feel love, and touch love. So what is love and how is love shown?
Love is
1. God
2. Jesus, the sacrifice, the blood, and the resurrection
3. A choice and an action
4. Holy, perfect, just, and pure
5. Patient
6. Kind
7. Not jealous
8. Not boastful
9. Not proud
10. Not rude
11. Does not demand its own way
12. Never loses faith
13. Always hopeful
14. Endures through ever circumstance
15. Not irritable
16. keeps no record of when it has been wronged
17. never glad about injustice
18. rejoices whenever the truth wins out
19. always and forever
To love means to possess all of these qualities not just a few, love means to be born of God who is love. Just as our passage says, “love does no wrong to anyone.” When the Holy Spirit lives within us it gives us the ability to love, it directs us, controls us, and teaches us. It is the Holy Spirit that fills us with love. Remember we have the stitching of Christ that was sown by the Holy Spirit, it is now up to us to do our part and show it, live it, breathe it, and obey it.
Do you understand God’s love for you?
Do you accept God’s love?
Are you returning that love to God and others?
Do you have the stitching of love sown within you?
Prayer: Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit may the love I have for You overflow onto the lives of others. Lord I believe in Your mighty name that I am able to obtain all these qualities of love through the Holy Spirit that lives within me. Lord place your eyes on top of mine so that I might see through Your vision, the vision of love for all things and all people. Amen
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Sowing’ it in!
“Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.” Romans 13:9-10
Every day I wake up I have the opportunity to love the Lord and others more than I did the day before. I have the opportunity to express love the same way Jesus did because of the power of the Holy Spirit within me. And it is done by making the choice to do so.
When God sent Jesus He sent the needle and thread. When we make the choice to have Christ stitched within us (accepting Him as our personal Lord and Savior) the Holy Spirit who already has His needle threaded jumps in and begins stitching love inside our hearts.
With each stitch comes more love, a few pricks, areas of tugging together to make the layers fit, a little brokenness, lots of piecing together, discipline, and most of all a heart that is covered in the blood of Christ, filled with love.
It is through daily stitching that I; we can even come close to loving as Christ tells us to love. It is choosing daily to look at our own hearts and let the Lord remind us of the love He bestows upon each of us. We must always remember that we ourselves had to be stitched, have to be stitched and that we must help stitch the love of Christ into others by sharing and showing You and what You have sown within us.
Are you daily letting the Holy Spirit stitch the love of Christ within you?
Prayer: Lord remind me daily of the stitches that You have made within me. May I not only share the stitches of love with others but may I show them You the one who sows. Lord I want nothing more than to be stitched inside and out with Your love. Amen
Every day I wake up I have the opportunity to love the Lord and others more than I did the day before. I have the opportunity to express love the same way Jesus did because of the power of the Holy Spirit within me. And it is done by making the choice to do so.
When God sent Jesus He sent the needle and thread. When we make the choice to have Christ stitched within us (accepting Him as our personal Lord and Savior) the Holy Spirit who already has His needle threaded jumps in and begins stitching love inside our hearts.
With each stitch comes more love, a few pricks, areas of tugging together to make the layers fit, a little brokenness, lots of piecing together, discipline, and most of all a heart that is covered in the blood of Christ, filled with love.
It is through daily stitching that I; we can even come close to loving as Christ tells us to love. It is choosing daily to look at our own hearts and let the Lord remind us of the love He bestows upon each of us. We must always remember that we ourselves had to be stitched, have to be stitched and that we must help stitch the love of Christ into others by sharing and showing You and what You have sown within us.
Are you daily letting the Holy Spirit stitch the love of Christ within you?
Prayer: Lord remind me daily of the stitches that You have made within me. May I not only share the stitches of love with others but may I show them You the one who sows. Lord I want nothing more than to be stitched inside and out with Your love. Amen
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Selfish love or Selfless love
“Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.” Romans 13:9-10
Love, love, love one of the hardest most unnatural things to do. There is no way I could ever truly love others let alone myself without Christ. Love is His very character and to me there is no better word to describe God and Jesus than love. The whole Bible revolves around love, everything God did He did because He loved and loves. Everything we do we are to do out of love and with love for Christ.
God does not make us love Him, His Son, or anyone else. He gives us the choice, the choice between living for Him or living for ourselves. But He tells us if you choose me than you must first love me with all that you are and second you must love your neighbor as yourself.
I have often wondered why God said we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, but the closer I grow to the Lord, the more time I spend in His word, the more I understand the meaning of this passage. I am not in love with myself, but I love myself enough to take care of me, when I am sick I do what I need to help my body recover, when I am tired I sleep, when I am hungry I eat. I work to have a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, clothes to wear, etc.
We all love ourselves and God knew that. Therefore He says you love yourselves enough to take care of your needs and wants then you must go beyond that and love your neighbors the same way. Make sure they are able to be tended to when sick, if they need rest provide a place for them, if they are hungry feed them, if they have no clothes, clothe them. If they need a place to stay open your home. Do for others what you would do for yourself. That is huge!
We would never neglect ourselves so why do we neglect showing love to our neighbors?
Prayer: Lord as I begin this new week I ask that You will continue to open my eyes not only to love but to ways that I can extend and express Your love towards others. Amen
Love, love, love one of the hardest most unnatural things to do. There is no way I could ever truly love others let alone myself without Christ. Love is His very character and to me there is no better word to describe God and Jesus than love. The whole Bible revolves around love, everything God did He did because He loved and loves. Everything we do we are to do out of love and with love for Christ.
God does not make us love Him, His Son, or anyone else. He gives us the choice, the choice between living for Him or living for ourselves. But He tells us if you choose me than you must first love me with all that you are and second you must love your neighbor as yourself.
I have often wondered why God said we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, but the closer I grow to the Lord, the more time I spend in His word, the more I understand the meaning of this passage. I am not in love with myself, but I love myself enough to take care of me, when I am sick I do what I need to help my body recover, when I am tired I sleep, when I am hungry I eat. I work to have a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, clothes to wear, etc.
We all love ourselves and God knew that. Therefore He says you love yourselves enough to take care of your needs and wants then you must go beyond that and love your neighbors the same way. Make sure they are able to be tended to when sick, if they need rest provide a place for them, if they are hungry feed them, if they have no clothes, clothe them. If they need a place to stay open your home. Do for others what you would do for yourself. That is huge!
We would never neglect ourselves so why do we neglect showing love to our neighbors?
Prayer: Lord as I begin this new week I ask that You will continue to open my eyes not only to love but to ways that I can extend and express Your love towards others. Amen
Monday, June 14, 2010
Lessons learned-lessons learning!
“I said to myself, I will watch what I do and not in sin in what I say. I will curb my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” Psalm 39:1
The Lord has truly taught me so many amazing lessons over this last week. And the biggest one that I want to share with you is one that He has been pounding on my heart for quite some time. I know this will sound familiar to some of you but there is a point the Lord is trying to make.
“And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak.” Matthew 12:36
I don’t know about you, but to know that one day I will be held accountable for EVERY word I have spoken and will speak leaves me full of emotions. I just cannot imagine standing before the Lord and hearing those words being repeated back to me. The ugliness, the sadness, the hurt, the devastation overwhelms me. More so, the thought of what those words did to Jesus when I spoke them…
I have to start taking into account that all things said and done will one day be judged. That they all affect, reflect, and impact Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Lord I love You! Forgive me for often failing to remember that You are the one most affected by what I say and do. Amen
The Lord has truly taught me so many amazing lessons over this last week. And the biggest one that I want to share with you is one that He has been pounding on my heart for quite some time. I know this will sound familiar to some of you but there is a point the Lord is trying to make.
“And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak.” Matthew 12:36
I don’t know about you, but to know that one day I will be held accountable for EVERY word I have spoken and will speak leaves me full of emotions. I just cannot imagine standing before the Lord and hearing those words being repeated back to me. The ugliness, the sadness, the hurt, the devastation overwhelms me. More so, the thought of what those words did to Jesus when I spoke them…
I have to start taking into account that all things said and done will one day be judged. That they all affect, reflect, and impact Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Lord I love You! Forgive me for often failing to remember that You are the one most affected by what I say and do. Amen
Sunday, June 13, 2010
In EVERYTHING we do!
“I said to myself, I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will curb my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” Psalm 39:1
Have you yourself or anyone you know ever went a whole day without complaining?
“In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.” Philippians 2:14-15
The Lord tells us in everything we do that we are to stay away from complaining and arguing. And yet for me it is sometimes as though I can find something to complain about in everything I do. As I let those words fill my thoughts I am reminded by the Lord that I have absolutely nothing to even complain about so why do I do it? SELF the very thing I can’t stand to be around.
Noah could have complained building the ark, Moses could have begun complaining along with the Israelites who were very good at complaining. David could have complained to anyone who would listen about his enemies, but instead he chose to go to the Lord. Paul could have complained about all the persecution he faced, the beatings he endured, starving, being tired, etc, and instead he praised God and encouraged all the more. Jesus could have complained about our ignorance, our lack of obedience, the beatings He endured, the mocking He had to listen to, the nails that were driven in His hands and feet, the spit that hit His face, the cross He had to carry, the cross He hung on, the pain and suffering He felt, and He could have complained about putting on the world’s sin, of which includes mine, but He DIDN’T, instead He did the very opposite, He loved, forgave, and covered us in His blood.
No matter what comes in this life, sickness, death, real persecution, beating, mocking, standing alone, and so on, I should still never complain because I have Christ Jesus in me who has promised to be with me always, give me life, rescue me, protect me, and deliver me. He has promised to love me, forgive me, and He shows me mercy and grace every second of my life.
He has left me His word, He has left and filled me with the greatest counselor-the Holy Spirit and for that I should spend every day rejoicing and praising God.
Prayer: Lord may I constantly be reminded of just how amazing my life is, because my life is with You and in You. I want to possess the same qualities and self-control that You possessed during Your time here on earth. Forgive me for complaining and arguing about unnecessary things. Amen
Have you yourself or anyone you know ever went a whole day without complaining?
“In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.” Philippians 2:14-15
The Lord tells us in everything we do that we are to stay away from complaining and arguing. And yet for me it is sometimes as though I can find something to complain about in everything I do. As I let those words fill my thoughts I am reminded by the Lord that I have absolutely nothing to even complain about so why do I do it? SELF the very thing I can’t stand to be around.
Noah could have complained building the ark, Moses could have begun complaining along with the Israelites who were very good at complaining. David could have complained to anyone who would listen about his enemies, but instead he chose to go to the Lord. Paul could have complained about all the persecution he faced, the beatings he endured, starving, being tired, etc, and instead he praised God and encouraged all the more. Jesus could have complained about our ignorance, our lack of obedience, the beatings He endured, the mocking He had to listen to, the nails that were driven in His hands and feet, the spit that hit His face, the cross He had to carry, the cross He hung on, the pain and suffering He felt, and He could have complained about putting on the world’s sin, of which includes mine, but He DIDN’T, instead He did the very opposite, He loved, forgave, and covered us in His blood.
No matter what comes in this life, sickness, death, real persecution, beating, mocking, standing alone, and so on, I should still never complain because I have Christ Jesus in me who has promised to be with me always, give me life, rescue me, protect me, and deliver me. He has promised to love me, forgive me, and He shows me mercy and grace every second of my life.
He has left me His word, He has left and filled me with the greatest counselor-the Holy Spirit and for that I should spend every day rejoicing and praising God.
Prayer: Lord may I constantly be reminded of just how amazing my life is, because my life is with You and in You. I want to possess the same qualities and self-control that You possessed during Your time here on earth. Forgive me for complaining and arguing about unnecessary things. Amen
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Because I love Him
"I said to myself, ‘I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will curb my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” Psalm 39:1
For no other reason I want to be able to live out this verse because of the love I have for Christ. I want to become more aware of my words and my actions making sure they always display Christ’s love and the love I have for Him.
“Jesus replied, All those who love me will do what I say.” John 14:23
Therefore we will;
“be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19
“Avoid all perverse talk; stay far from corrupt speech.” Proverbs 4:24
“Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from telling lies!” Psalm 34:13
“Those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.” Psalm 15:3
“The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.” Proverbs 15:28
“Obscene stories, foolish talk, and course jokes-these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.” Ephesians 5:4
”Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live.” Ephesians 4:29-30
Most of all we will;
“Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:16-17
I don’t want to just say I love God and then not back it up with my actions and speech. I want to truly be able to show, speak and say that I love God with every part of me and others see that love relationship we have for each other.
Prayer: Lord forgive me, I have so often said I loved You and have not showed it through my actions nor my speech. Lord thank You for removing the veil from over my eyes so that today I could truly grasp and see that true love is shown through obedience that is displayed through my actions and words. Lord I want everything I do and say to be a reflection of You, representing You in with the utmost respect and honor. Amen
For no other reason I want to be able to live out this verse because of the love I have for Christ. I want to become more aware of my words and my actions making sure they always display Christ’s love and the love I have for Him.
“Jesus replied, All those who love me will do what I say.” John 14:23
Therefore we will;
“be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19
“Avoid all perverse talk; stay far from corrupt speech.” Proverbs 4:24
“Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from telling lies!” Psalm 34:13
“Those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.” Psalm 15:3
“The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.” Proverbs 15:28
“Obscene stories, foolish talk, and course jokes-these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.” Ephesians 5:4
”Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live.” Ephesians 4:29-30
Most of all we will;
“Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:16-17
I don’t want to just say I love God and then not back it up with my actions and speech. I want to truly be able to show, speak and say that I love God with every part of me and others see that love relationship we have for each other.
Prayer: Lord forgive me, I have so often said I loved You and have not showed it through my actions nor my speech. Lord thank You for removing the veil from over my eyes so that today I could truly grasp and see that true love is shown through obedience that is displayed through my actions and words. Lord I want everything I do and say to be a reflection of You, representing You in with the utmost respect and honor. Amen
Friday, June 11, 2010
RED ALERT!
“I said to myself, ‘I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will curb my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” Psalm 39:1
Over these last several days I have noticed something that I have come to greatly appreciate-the accountability I have been receiving from those who read Godly Gossip. Thank you! You have no idea how much being held accountable to the word of God and to you my brothers and sisters, has driven me, encouraged me, and inspired me. I am deeply grateful and I ask that you all will continue to hold me and all our other brothers and sisters accountable to become even more like Christ than the day before.
Do you know how much Scripture there is throughout the whole Bible that talks about speech, our words, our conversations, TONS! And it just goes to show how important it is that we control our tongue and do not sin in what we say. It might just be me, but I have noticed how easy it is to sin in what I say, whether it is complaining, being negative, grumpy, speaking out of anger, or being frustrated or annoyed. I have even noticed that my joking with others can be sinful. Which I must confess I did have a “why did I say that moment” the other night and the minute it came out I knew!
Through the help of my magnificent counselor that lives inside the control center of my heart-the Holy Spirit-Jesus, I am learning and becoming very aware of making wiser decisions in what I say. I like to look at it as though He pushes an aware alert button that shoots up to my brain warning me that He is not pleased with that thought and what so ever do not let it come out of my mouth. Isn’t God good?
He is so good that last night as I was studying He led me to a verse that spoke directly to my heart and reassured me that if I begin to speak in this way He will be pleased and there will be more goodness in my heart and in my words than sinful.
“Listen to me! For I have excellent things to tell you. Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth and hate every kind of deception. My advice is wholesome and good. There is nothing crooked or twisted in it. My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those who want to learn.” Proverbs 8:6-9
When we study, meditate, learn, store, and apply God’s word, when we make His words become our words than our speech, our conversations, our thoughts will also be truthful, wholesome, good, plain, clear, encouraging, kind, loving, peacemaking, helpful, and sweet.
“From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.” Proverbs 16:23
- In other words if we are not studying the word of God seeking knowledge, wisdom and discernment we are not going to become very wise, therefore our minds and speech will lack wisdom and the things we say will not be persuasive.
“A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.” Proverbs 17:27
-I just love how all these verses flow together. Wisdom my friend is the key to not sinning in what we say and the key to gaining self-control.
Prayer: Lord do You know how awesome You are? Do you know how amazing Your word is? Thank You Father for giving us Your word so that we might know You and become more like You. Lord just as You did for Ezekiel I ask that You do the same for me and put my tongue to my roof until You release it for me to speak. Lord fill me with the wisdom of Your word so that my speech and conversations will bring You honor. Amen
Over these last several days I have noticed something that I have come to greatly appreciate-the accountability I have been receiving from those who read Godly Gossip. Thank you! You have no idea how much being held accountable to the word of God and to you my brothers and sisters, has driven me, encouraged me, and inspired me. I am deeply grateful and I ask that you all will continue to hold me and all our other brothers and sisters accountable to become even more like Christ than the day before.
Do you know how much Scripture there is throughout the whole Bible that talks about speech, our words, our conversations, TONS! And it just goes to show how important it is that we control our tongue and do not sin in what we say. It might just be me, but I have noticed how easy it is to sin in what I say, whether it is complaining, being negative, grumpy, speaking out of anger, or being frustrated or annoyed. I have even noticed that my joking with others can be sinful. Which I must confess I did have a “why did I say that moment” the other night and the minute it came out I knew!
Through the help of my magnificent counselor that lives inside the control center of my heart-the Holy Spirit-Jesus, I am learning and becoming very aware of making wiser decisions in what I say. I like to look at it as though He pushes an aware alert button that shoots up to my brain warning me that He is not pleased with that thought and what so ever do not let it come out of my mouth. Isn’t God good?
He is so good that last night as I was studying He led me to a verse that spoke directly to my heart and reassured me that if I begin to speak in this way He will be pleased and there will be more goodness in my heart and in my words than sinful.
“Listen to me! For I have excellent things to tell you. Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth and hate every kind of deception. My advice is wholesome and good. There is nothing crooked or twisted in it. My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those who want to learn.” Proverbs 8:6-9
When we study, meditate, learn, store, and apply God’s word, when we make His words become our words than our speech, our conversations, our thoughts will also be truthful, wholesome, good, plain, clear, encouraging, kind, loving, peacemaking, helpful, and sweet.
“From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.” Proverbs 16:23
- In other words if we are not studying the word of God seeking knowledge, wisdom and discernment we are not going to become very wise, therefore our minds and speech will lack wisdom and the things we say will not be persuasive.
“A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.” Proverbs 17:27
-I just love how all these verses flow together. Wisdom my friend is the key to not sinning in what we say and the key to gaining self-control.
Prayer: Lord do You know how awesome You are? Do you know how amazing Your word is? Thank You Father for giving us Your word so that we might know You and become more like You. Lord just as You did for Ezekiel I ask that You do the same for me and put my tongue to my roof until You release it for me to speak. Lord fill me with the wisdom of Your word so that my speech and conversations will bring You honor. Amen
Thursday, June 10, 2010
How much control do you have?
“I said to myself, ‘I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will curb my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” Psalm 39:1
Is it just me or is the second part of this passage crazy hard? David says Lord not only am I going to watch what I do, but I am not going to sin in what I say. I am going to use self-control, and make sure to evaluate my thoughts before I speak. As for Kristi, it will be best to only speak when directed and prompted by the Holy Spirit, otherwise nothing good will come out. Now I am not saying that every time I speak it is just horrible at least I hope not, but I know my fleshly self and I also know that the place I struggle with what I say the most is at home with my husband.
I would also like to use the excuse of just being “woman” for the nonsense that sometimes pours out of my mouth, but the truth is I often lack self-control and I often find myself acting off of my feelings, which we all know for women is a major rollercoaster.
I cannot express the importance of taming the tongue, not in my own life let alone to anyone else, but I can share with you some wonderful powerful passages from the word of God that will be able to express just how important controlling our tongue is.
Importance number 1-“We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way.” James 3:2
-so know when to speak and when not to speak. When the urge to jump into a conversation arises be sure that what is going to come out will be helpful, useful, truthful, kind, and needed.
Importance number 2- “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.” James 1:26
-Examples of an uncontrolled tongue consist of; gossip, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering, lying (these were taken from my bible commentary) All of these come from a selfish heart.
For today I want to do two more importance’s that I find to be very useful and two that we should study, store, apply, live, share, and repeat over and over to ourselves.
Importance number 3- “May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
-If we truly want to please the Lord than we will control our tongues and make sure that what we say and think will be pleasing to Him.
Importance number 4- “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and keep my lips sealed.” Psalm 141:3
-I have found this passage to be one of the most used prayers in my life. Most of the time before I begin a conversation I ask the Lord to take control of what I say only allowing things to be said that will honor and glorify Him. I will admit that I do fail quite often because I try and take control instead of letting the Holy Spirit be in control. But when I do step aside it is amazing just so amazing how much better a conversation is because I walk away knowing God was in control, pleased, and I don’t have a guilty feeling inside wishing and wondering why in the world I said the things I said.
Prayer: Lord today before I even begin to open my mouth I ask that You take complete control of what I say for when You are in control Lord I know that You will be pleased, honored and praised. Lord I ask that You will continue to convict me, teach me, and keep my lips sealed in all situations, through all my frustrations, and over any feeling that arises within me. Lord I want nothing more than to have a tongue that speaks with control, that is encouraging, uplifting, kind, and loving and I can only do that through You. Amen
Is it just me or is the second part of this passage crazy hard? David says Lord not only am I going to watch what I do, but I am not going to sin in what I say. I am going to use self-control, and make sure to evaluate my thoughts before I speak. As for Kristi, it will be best to only speak when directed and prompted by the Holy Spirit, otherwise nothing good will come out. Now I am not saying that every time I speak it is just horrible at least I hope not, but I know my fleshly self and I also know that the place I struggle with what I say the most is at home with my husband.
I would also like to use the excuse of just being “woman” for the nonsense that sometimes pours out of my mouth, but the truth is I often lack self-control and I often find myself acting off of my feelings, which we all know for women is a major rollercoaster.
I cannot express the importance of taming the tongue, not in my own life let alone to anyone else, but I can share with you some wonderful powerful passages from the word of God that will be able to express just how important controlling our tongue is.
Importance number 1-“We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way.” James 3:2
-so know when to speak and when not to speak. When the urge to jump into a conversation arises be sure that what is going to come out will be helpful, useful, truthful, kind, and needed.
Importance number 2- “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.” James 1:26
-Examples of an uncontrolled tongue consist of; gossip, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering, lying (these were taken from my bible commentary) All of these come from a selfish heart.
For today I want to do two more importance’s that I find to be very useful and two that we should study, store, apply, live, share, and repeat over and over to ourselves.
Importance number 3- “May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
-If we truly want to please the Lord than we will control our tongues and make sure that what we say and think will be pleasing to Him.
Importance number 4- “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and keep my lips sealed.” Psalm 141:3
-I have found this passage to be one of the most used prayers in my life. Most of the time before I begin a conversation I ask the Lord to take control of what I say only allowing things to be said that will honor and glorify Him. I will admit that I do fail quite often because I try and take control instead of letting the Holy Spirit be in control. But when I do step aside it is amazing just so amazing how much better a conversation is because I walk away knowing God was in control, pleased, and I don’t have a guilty feeling inside wishing and wondering why in the world I said the things I said.
Prayer: Lord today before I even begin to open my mouth I ask that You take complete control of what I say for when You are in control Lord I know that You will be pleased, honored and praised. Lord I ask that You will continue to convict me, teach me, and keep my lips sealed in all situations, through all my frustrations, and over any feeling that arises within me. Lord I want nothing more than to have a tongue that speaks with control, that is encouraging, uplifting, kind, and loving and I can only do that through You. Amen
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Is my life representing what I claim to advertise?
“I said to myself, ‘I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will curb my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” Psalm 39:1
Do you know what a world of difference it makes when you put forth the effort to watch your actions, think before you speak, and pray during stressful or frustrating times? A HUGE DIFFERENCE!
Yesterday was a good day, I did stumble in my speech one time and just as I had asked the Lord yesterday to convict me, He did exactly that. I am so thankful for the discipline and love my Heavenly Father shows and has for me. I could not imagine being hardened to the convictions of the Holy Spirit, could you?
I also could not imagine leading others to believe that God is okay with me complaining or arguing, speaking wrongly of others, or having perverse speech. Not only that but I could not imagine causing others to stumble because I chose to take part in worldly things.
All of this leads me to this one question, is my life representing what I claim to advertise-which is being a follower of Christ?
David said, “I will watch what I do.” Why was it so important for David to watch what he did, why is it so important for me to watch what I do? “We try to live in such a way that no one will be hindered from finding the Lord by the way we act, and so no one can find fault with our ministry. In everything we do we try to show that we are true ministers of God.” 2 Corinthians 6:3-4 good enough reason? I thought so too.
We have to watch what we do because we are constantly being watched and our actions and words could be just enough excuse to cause someone to reject Christ. And I in no way want anyone to miss entering the Kingdom of Heaven nor do I want to be held accountable for causing them to stumble because I chose to please my flesh and ignore what effect my actions and words might have on others.
For me, I will watch what I do making sure that my actions, choices, and the places I am in, will reflect Christ and not myself or the world.
Prayer: Jesus thank You for teaching me just how important it is that I watch what I do. Show me all the areas in my life where my actions could cause others to stumble or cause them to reject You. May my actions be completely guided by the Holy Spirit. Amen
Do you know what a world of difference it makes when you put forth the effort to watch your actions, think before you speak, and pray during stressful or frustrating times? A HUGE DIFFERENCE!
Yesterday was a good day, I did stumble in my speech one time and just as I had asked the Lord yesterday to convict me, He did exactly that. I am so thankful for the discipline and love my Heavenly Father shows and has for me. I could not imagine being hardened to the convictions of the Holy Spirit, could you?
I also could not imagine leading others to believe that God is okay with me complaining or arguing, speaking wrongly of others, or having perverse speech. Not only that but I could not imagine causing others to stumble because I chose to take part in worldly things.
All of this leads me to this one question, is my life representing what I claim to advertise-which is being a follower of Christ?
David said, “I will watch what I do.” Why was it so important for David to watch what he did, why is it so important for me to watch what I do? “We try to live in such a way that no one will be hindered from finding the Lord by the way we act, and so no one can find fault with our ministry. In everything we do we try to show that we are true ministers of God.” 2 Corinthians 6:3-4 good enough reason? I thought so too.
We have to watch what we do because we are constantly being watched and our actions and words could be just enough excuse to cause someone to reject Christ. And I in no way want anyone to miss entering the Kingdom of Heaven nor do I want to be held accountable for causing them to stumble because I chose to please my flesh and ignore what effect my actions and words might have on others.
For me, I will watch what I do making sure that my actions, choices, and the places I am in, will reflect Christ and not myself or the world.
Prayer: Jesus thank You for teaching me just how important it is that I watch what I do. Show me all the areas in my life where my actions could cause others to stumble or cause them to reject You. May my actions be completely guided by the Holy Spirit. Amen
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Curb it!
Week 2 June 8-14
“I said to myself, ‘I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will curb my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” Psalm 39:1
As I begin a new week I begin it with a heavy heart. A heart that is full of shame and sadness because of the lack of control I have with my tongue, especially in the area of complaining and arguing. I find it so amazing how quickly I can open my mouth and allow just ugliness to come out. I know this is going to be an extremely eye opening week for me, but one that I look forward to. I so desperately want to change in the area of my speech and I want to reach the point David did in this Psalm. He took all his complaints, his anger, his hurt, frustration directly to the Lord first, not man. And oh how I have failed in that area, there is no reason I can and should not vent to the Creator the one and only one who can bring calmness, reasoning and true Godly understanding to my heart and mind. He is even great about teaching me areas I need changing.
I also know that in order for me to not sin in what I say and do I have to clean up my heart first. “Whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” Luke 6:45 If I have a complaining, negative, angry heart my speech will reflect that, of which it has so much lately.
There are three words that stand out in this passage, watch, not, and curb. These three words will become the application part this week. I will watch my actions and my body language, I will NOT allow complaining or ugliness to come out in my speech, and I will curb my tongue, which to me means I will park it under my teeth where if need be they will use a little tough love towards my tongue if ugliness tries to seep out.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for having a heart that is full of selfishness. I know that all my speech comes from within. I ask that you cleanse me from the core of my soul. Lord may the Holy Spirit take complete control of my life especially in the area of my weakness. I ask that by the power of the Holy Spirit I will be under such conviction if I even think or murmur a word or thought that will be displeasing to You. Lord I want my words to be a reflection of You! Amen
“I said to myself, ‘I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will curb my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” Psalm 39:1
As I begin a new week I begin it with a heavy heart. A heart that is full of shame and sadness because of the lack of control I have with my tongue, especially in the area of complaining and arguing. I find it so amazing how quickly I can open my mouth and allow just ugliness to come out. I know this is going to be an extremely eye opening week for me, but one that I look forward to. I so desperately want to change in the area of my speech and I want to reach the point David did in this Psalm. He took all his complaints, his anger, his hurt, frustration directly to the Lord first, not man. And oh how I have failed in that area, there is no reason I can and should not vent to the Creator the one and only one who can bring calmness, reasoning and true Godly understanding to my heart and mind. He is even great about teaching me areas I need changing.
I also know that in order for me to not sin in what I say and do I have to clean up my heart first. “Whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” Luke 6:45 If I have a complaining, negative, angry heart my speech will reflect that, of which it has so much lately.
There are three words that stand out in this passage, watch, not, and curb. These three words will become the application part this week. I will watch my actions and my body language, I will NOT allow complaining or ugliness to come out in my speech, and I will curb my tongue, which to me means I will park it under my teeth where if need be they will use a little tough love towards my tongue if ugliness tries to seep out.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for having a heart that is full of selfishness. I know that all my speech comes from within. I ask that you cleanse me from the core of my soul. Lord may the Holy Spirit take complete control of my life especially in the area of my weakness. I ask that by the power of the Holy Spirit I will be under such conviction if I even think or murmur a word or thought that will be displeasing to You. Lord I want my words to be a reflection of You! Amen
Monday, June 7, 2010
The real-deal or imitation?
“People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.” Matthew 4:4
As I close out the first of my 52 weeks of S.S.A.L.S (study, store, apply, live and share) I must say how amazing this week has been, and if it is any inclination of how the next 51 weeks will be it is going to be a truly life changing experience. I say that because just this weekend I was faced with the choice to feed my disappointment, my frustration, and my selfishness or I could kill out all those hunger pains by feeding them the word of God. And guess what? I chose God’s word. As I heard each one growl at me from within I came back at them by quoting Matthew 4:4 and the other sister scriptures that I have studied this week. Then instead of trying to fight them on my own I used the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. I have to say the peace, calmness, and the immediate relief that came over me was exhilarating. If you are doing this journey with me, I hope your week of feeding on every word of God has been as wonderful and heart changing as well.
Therefore as I wrap-up week one I want to share one more passage with you that is the true meat and potatoes of our passage this week. It is found in John 6:48-51, 53-57
“Yes, I am the bread of life! Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. However, the bread from heaven gives eternal life to everyone who eats it. I am the living bread that came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; this bread is my flesh, offered so the world may live…So Jesus said again, ‘I assure you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. But those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them at the last day. For my flesh is the true food, and my blood is the true drink. All who eat my flesh and drink my blood remain in me, and I in them. I live by the power of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, those who partake of me will love because of me. I am the true bread from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever and not die as your ancestors did, even though they ate the manna.”
My friends feeding on the physical bread and things of this world is temporary and leads to death, but feeding on the true bread of life-Jesus Christ is completely life giving, satisfying, and in no way leads to disappointment or just a temporary fix. It is permanent! Each day the Israelites would eat the manna and they would be satisfied for that day, but in order for them to eat everyday they had to keep going and getting the bread. God gave us something way better than manna; He gave us Jesus Christ the true bread that once gathered and placed within fulfills us for eternity. Have you received the real-deal, the real bread of life, or are you stuck on the imitation bread?
Prayer: Lord thank You for the opportunity to receive the bread of life that once taken satisfies for eternity. Lord I pray for each brother and sister that is taking this journey with me that they will daily feed on Your every word allowing their hearts to be softened and transformed. Amen
As I close out the first of my 52 weeks of S.S.A.L.S (study, store, apply, live and share) I must say how amazing this week has been, and if it is any inclination of how the next 51 weeks will be it is going to be a truly life changing experience. I say that because just this weekend I was faced with the choice to feed my disappointment, my frustration, and my selfishness or I could kill out all those hunger pains by feeding them the word of God. And guess what? I chose God’s word. As I heard each one growl at me from within I came back at them by quoting Matthew 4:4 and the other sister scriptures that I have studied this week. Then instead of trying to fight them on my own I used the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. I have to say the peace, calmness, and the immediate relief that came over me was exhilarating. If you are doing this journey with me, I hope your week of feeding on every word of God has been as wonderful and heart changing as well.
Therefore as I wrap-up week one I want to share one more passage with you that is the true meat and potatoes of our passage this week. It is found in John 6:48-51, 53-57
“Yes, I am the bread of life! Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. However, the bread from heaven gives eternal life to everyone who eats it. I am the living bread that came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; this bread is my flesh, offered so the world may live…So Jesus said again, ‘I assure you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. But those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them at the last day. For my flesh is the true food, and my blood is the true drink. All who eat my flesh and drink my blood remain in me, and I in them. I live by the power of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, those who partake of me will love because of me. I am the true bread from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever and not die as your ancestors did, even though they ate the manna.”
My friends feeding on the physical bread and things of this world is temporary and leads to death, but feeding on the true bread of life-Jesus Christ is completely life giving, satisfying, and in no way leads to disappointment or just a temporary fix. It is permanent! Each day the Israelites would eat the manna and they would be satisfied for that day, but in order for them to eat everyday they had to keep going and getting the bread. God gave us something way better than manna; He gave us Jesus Christ the true bread that once gathered and placed within fulfills us for eternity. Have you received the real-deal, the real bread of life, or are you stuck on the imitation bread?
Prayer: Lord thank You for the opportunity to receive the bread of life that once taken satisfies for eternity. Lord I pray for each brother and sister that is taking this journey with me that they will daily feed on Your every word allowing their hearts to be softened and transformed. Amen
Sunday, June 6, 2010
God burn-SON-tan
“People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.” Matthew 4:4
In preparing for the Lord’s College class tomorrow I came across one of the most amazing verses that just so happens to go right along with this week’s Bible verse.
“Moses was up on the mountain with the Lord forty days and forty nights. In all that time he neither ate nor drank. At that time he wrote the terms of the covenant-the Ten Commandments-on the stone tablets. When Moses came down the mountain carrying the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face glowed because he had spoken to the Lord face to face. And when Aaron and the people of Israel saw the radiance of Moses’ face, they were afraid to come near him.” Exodus 34:28-30
Okay first of all the 40 days, 40 nights, 40 years (Israelites) is just a crazy long time, anyway…
There are a few things that really stick out at me in this passage.
ONE, how awesome it is to know that during those 40 days and 40 nights Moses was face to face with God (little jealous here).
SECOND, Moses neither ate nor drank that whole time, instead He got to feast on the word of God.
- I am so excited right now, because God is revealing so much to me and He is bringing Matthew 4:4 to life within me. He is giving me clarity and a deeper understanding of just how magnificent and satisfying His word really is. Oh I wish nothing more than for you to be able to experience the same thing as you walk with the Lord over these next 52 weeks; 365 days.
THIRD, as Moses was coming down from the mountain he had a glow on his face that scared Aaron and the people of Israel. Just envision that moment with me for a second. You know when you look up at the sun for the millisecond you can you are able to see a glow around it, that was what Moses’ face was like, just not as bright. I like to say he had a God burn!
When we are out in the sun for a long period of time, we become sunburned and it is obvious to those who see us that we have spent time outside. Well it should be the same way spiritually.
No we won’t receive an actual glow like Moses did, but we should have a visible God burn on us that is shown through our actions and our speech. And just like we only get sunburned from being in the sun, we can only get a God burn from being in the SON, the word, and prayer. Once we spend time with God like Moses it will not only make an impact on us but on others, because it will be obvious to them that we have just been with God.
How great is that? Feeding on every word of God not only fills you up, but it gives you a SON-tan that is beautiful, radiant and all from Christ Jesus within you. I would way rather have a membership with Christ's tanning salon than any other one, because there my tans have been paid for, they are a daily gift, I can use them anytime all year around and the tan lasts way longer-like forever longer!
Prayer: Lord may my SON-tan be so bright and radiant that every time I walk away people will notice that I have just been with You. Amen
In preparing for the Lord’s College class tomorrow I came across one of the most amazing verses that just so happens to go right along with this week’s Bible verse.
“Moses was up on the mountain with the Lord forty days and forty nights. In all that time he neither ate nor drank. At that time he wrote the terms of the covenant-the Ten Commandments-on the stone tablets. When Moses came down the mountain carrying the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face glowed because he had spoken to the Lord face to face. And when Aaron and the people of Israel saw the radiance of Moses’ face, they were afraid to come near him.” Exodus 34:28-30
Okay first of all the 40 days, 40 nights, 40 years (Israelites) is just a crazy long time, anyway…
There are a few things that really stick out at me in this passage.
ONE, how awesome it is to know that during those 40 days and 40 nights Moses was face to face with God (little jealous here).
SECOND, Moses neither ate nor drank that whole time, instead He got to feast on the word of God.
- I am so excited right now, because God is revealing so much to me and He is bringing Matthew 4:4 to life within me. He is giving me clarity and a deeper understanding of just how magnificent and satisfying His word really is. Oh I wish nothing more than for you to be able to experience the same thing as you walk with the Lord over these next 52 weeks; 365 days.
THIRD, as Moses was coming down from the mountain he had a glow on his face that scared Aaron and the people of Israel. Just envision that moment with me for a second. You know when you look up at the sun for the millisecond you can you are able to see a glow around it, that was what Moses’ face was like, just not as bright. I like to say he had a God burn!
When we are out in the sun for a long period of time, we become sunburned and it is obvious to those who see us that we have spent time outside. Well it should be the same way spiritually.
No we won’t receive an actual glow like Moses did, but we should have a visible God burn on us that is shown through our actions and our speech. And just like we only get sunburned from being in the sun, we can only get a God burn from being in the SON, the word, and prayer. Once we spend time with God like Moses it will not only make an impact on us but on others, because it will be obvious to them that we have just been with God.
How great is that? Feeding on every word of God not only fills you up, but it gives you a SON-tan that is beautiful, radiant and all from Christ Jesus within you. I would way rather have a membership with Christ's tanning salon than any other one, because there my tans have been paid for, they are a daily gift, I can use them anytime all year around and the tan lasts way longer-like forever longer!
Prayer: Lord may my SON-tan be so bright and radiant that every time I walk away people will notice that I have just been with You. Amen
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Craving Cheesecake
“People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.” Matthew 4:4
Do you know what the word crave means? It means to have a consuming, intense desire or longing for something. You know that after 40 days and nights with no food Jesus had to have been craving something to eat? We know the Israelites craved to have the foods they did in Egypt because they began to complain to Moses about how hungry they were. And not only did the Lord hear their complaint he rained down manna from Heaven. All for the sole purpose of showing the Israelites that they needed more than bread for their life, they needed to feed on every word of God. (Deuteronomy 8:3) I think the time I really craved things the most was when I was pregnant, well...okay not just then, but I can tell you during my first pregnancy when I wasn't sicker than a dog I craved cheesecake from Johnny Carinos. And God love my husband he would go get it for me late at night because the intense craving was unbelievable and he knew his life would be miserable if he didn't. With that thought I wonder…when is the last time I truly craved Jesus with an intense, consuming desire?
It is so easy to crave certain foods, like my husband’s unbelievable Swiss mushroom turkey burgers, or an outfit I saw at the mall the other day, or the Garmin watch I have been dying to have. There are so many things that we crave that go way beyond food. Some people crave love so much that they set out to find in any way, shape or form, some people crave to be high, some people crave sports, alcohol, shopping, money, power, popularity, sex, attention, praise, food, control, and some people just crave themselves.
Do you know what God craves?
He craves for us to accept His Son as our personal Lord and Savior
He craves obedience
He craves for us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength,
He craves us to love our neighbors as we do ourselves
He craves for us to die to ourselves and follow Him
He craves our attention and time
He craves a personal relationship
He craves to be honored, respected, and adored
He craves for us to share His word with all who will hear
He craves to be praised
He craves hearts that are for Him and Him alone
He craves for us to know and believe that we are loved, forgiven and adored.
He craves for us to be covered in the blood of His Son
He craves for us to love Him and love others.
And He craves for us to serve only Him.
So how can I take those cravings God has and satisfy them? By doing each one of them and understanding that I can only do them with the help of the Holy Spirit within me. My goal is to begin craving the things of Christ-which will only lead to a more satisfying appetite.
What are some things you crave? Do you have cravings that are so strong and intense you will do whateve it takes to satisfy them? If anyone is out there, I would love to hear what some things are that you crave that have taken control over you.
Prayer: Jesus I do crave You but I want to crave You like You crave me. You never give up or ignore the craving You have for Your children and I never want to ignore the craving I have to know You more. Jesus forgive me for the times I have given into sinful, worldly cravings. Amen
Do you know what the word crave means? It means to have a consuming, intense desire or longing for something. You know that after 40 days and nights with no food Jesus had to have been craving something to eat? We know the Israelites craved to have the foods they did in Egypt because they began to complain to Moses about how hungry they were. And not only did the Lord hear their complaint he rained down manna from Heaven. All for the sole purpose of showing the Israelites that they needed more than bread for their life, they needed to feed on every word of God. (Deuteronomy 8:3) I think the time I really craved things the most was when I was pregnant, well...okay not just then, but I can tell you during my first pregnancy when I wasn't sicker than a dog I craved cheesecake from Johnny Carinos. And God love my husband he would go get it for me late at night because the intense craving was unbelievable and he knew his life would be miserable if he didn't. With that thought I wonder…when is the last time I truly craved Jesus with an intense, consuming desire?
It is so easy to crave certain foods, like my husband’s unbelievable Swiss mushroom turkey burgers, or an outfit I saw at the mall the other day, or the Garmin watch I have been dying to have. There are so many things that we crave that go way beyond food. Some people crave love so much that they set out to find in any way, shape or form, some people crave to be high, some people crave sports, alcohol, shopping, money, power, popularity, sex, attention, praise, food, control, and some people just crave themselves.
Do you know what God craves?
He craves for us to accept His Son as our personal Lord and Savior
He craves obedience
He craves for us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength,
He craves us to love our neighbors as we do ourselves
He craves for us to die to ourselves and follow Him
He craves our attention and time
He craves a personal relationship
He craves to be honored, respected, and adored
He craves for us to share His word with all who will hear
He craves to be praised
He craves hearts that are for Him and Him alone
He craves for us to know and believe that we are loved, forgiven and adored.
He craves for us to be covered in the blood of His Son
He craves for us to love Him and love others.
And He craves for us to serve only Him.
So how can I take those cravings God has and satisfy them? By doing each one of them and understanding that I can only do them with the help of the Holy Spirit within me. My goal is to begin craving the things of Christ-which will only lead to a more satisfying appetite.
What are some things you crave? Do you have cravings that are so strong and intense you will do whateve it takes to satisfy them? If anyone is out there, I would love to hear what some things are that you crave that have taken control over you.
Prayer: Jesus I do crave You but I want to crave You like You crave me. You never give up or ignore the craving You have for Your children and I never want to ignore the craving I have to know You more. Jesus forgive me for the times I have given into sinful, worldly cravings. Amen
Friday, June 4, 2010
Wasteful!
“People need more than bread for their life, they must feed on every of God.” Matthew 4:4
Instead of spending the free time that I had last night studying the word of God, I spent it watching cartoons, reading my email, and the yahoo news which is full of nonsense, and though none of that was bad it was in no way productive or even beneficial. Now don’t get me wrong I don’t think God was displeased but I was. Why, because instead of finding contentment in His word I used the T.V. and the internet, two of the worst things to fill my mind with and two very wasteful things!
Do you know the greatest lesson I learned from wasting such precious time, is that we really do have the time to spend with Jesus we just choose to spend our time on wasteful things that we find necessary. Or I should that are self-pleasing. If I was to stop and take a minute to ask myself if what I was doing was beneficial to my spiritual growth or wasteful, maybe I would reconsider what I was doing. Maybe I would even stop making the excuse that there is just not enough time in the day because I would be more aware of what I was using my time for.
Jesus did not spend the 40 days in the wilderness for self-gratification, or to waste time. He did it so He could draw from the strength of His Father in Heaven. That, my friend, is what I should have been doing during my free time, drawing strength and wisdom from my Heavenly Father.
I mean isn’t that the very reason Lord, You spoke to my heart and told me to start this 52 week application?
When God called Paul to the ministry, He sent him away for three years in almost complete isolation so that he could be taught the word of God. I don’t think Paul spent his free time pleasing his flesh, or wasting it on things that were not necessary. I of course do not know that for sure, but I would assume he didn’t. He spent it learning and being equipped by the Father to preach the Good News.
I am in no way bashing myself I am simply making the point that I desire to use my free time getting to know the Lord and the word of God better, of which I did not do. When you put all that you do in the light of Christ and the word He will begin to show you areas that need to be changed and in this case it is using my time to feed on the word of God and not on my flesh.
Prayer: Lord thank You for revealing to me how important it is that I use my time to feast on Your word and not on the things of the world. Lord continue to convict me when I use my time in a wasteful manner. Amen
Instead of spending the free time that I had last night studying the word of God, I spent it watching cartoons, reading my email, and the yahoo news which is full of nonsense, and though none of that was bad it was in no way productive or even beneficial. Now don’t get me wrong I don’t think God was displeased but I was. Why, because instead of finding contentment in His word I used the T.V. and the internet, two of the worst things to fill my mind with and two very wasteful things!
Do you know the greatest lesson I learned from wasting such precious time, is that we really do have the time to spend with Jesus we just choose to spend our time on wasteful things that we find necessary. Or I should that are self-pleasing. If I was to stop and take a minute to ask myself if what I was doing was beneficial to my spiritual growth or wasteful, maybe I would reconsider what I was doing. Maybe I would even stop making the excuse that there is just not enough time in the day because I would be more aware of what I was using my time for.
Jesus did not spend the 40 days in the wilderness for self-gratification, or to waste time. He did it so He could draw from the strength of His Father in Heaven. That, my friend, is what I should have been doing during my free time, drawing strength and wisdom from my Heavenly Father.
I mean isn’t that the very reason Lord, You spoke to my heart and told me to start this 52 week application?
When God called Paul to the ministry, He sent him away for three years in almost complete isolation so that he could be taught the word of God. I don’t think Paul spent his free time pleasing his flesh, or wasting it on things that were not necessary. I of course do not know that for sure, but I would assume he didn’t. He spent it learning and being equipped by the Father to preach the Good News.
I am in no way bashing myself I am simply making the point that I desire to use my free time getting to know the Lord and the word of God better, of which I did not do. When you put all that you do in the light of Christ and the word He will begin to show you areas that need to be changed and in this case it is using my time to feed on the word of God and not on my flesh.
Prayer: Lord thank You for revealing to me how important it is that I use my time to feast on Your word and not on the things of the world. Lord continue to convict me when I use my time in a wasteful manner. Amen
Thursday, June 3, 2010
52 weeks, 365 days of S.S.A.L.S
Week 1-June 1-7
“People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.” Matthew 4:4
In my quest to be filled with more of Christ and His word I have decided over the next 52 weeks or 365 days I will begin to Study, Store, Apply, Live and Share the word of God which I will refer to as S.S.A.L.S. Each week as the Lord leads and picks Scripture for me I will focus on that one passage for the next 7 days. My prayer is that I will grow deeper in love with Christ, gain more understanding of Him and His word, develop and apply wisdom and have a heart that is completely transformed inside out.
I daily get into the word of God but I want more than just to read and walk away. I want to walk away wearing the word of God. I want to spend the next 365 days developing a love relationship with Christ that is full of intimacy, joy, fulfillment, contentment, excitement, passionate, and that leaves us both knowing more and more about each other. I want to be the bride that pleases my groom in every way and to do that I need to know everything there is to know about Him, what He likes and dislikes, what makes His heart full and what hurts His heart. I need to know how He likes and wants to be served, and how I can show Him the utmost respect, honor, and praise.
Throughout these next 52 weeks I hope to share with you all the good, not so good, the revelations, and the amazing insights and blessings that will come from this exciting journey with the Lord.
I would love to have you join me, if you are up for the challenge shoot me a comment, I would love to hear how the Lord is working and changing you inside and out.
Our first week begins with a verse we are all very familiar with Matthew 4:4, and what a great passage to start with. Physically we do need food to survive but spiritually it is God’s word that will leave us filling full and satisfied.
How can I get to the point in my life when I really begin feeding on the word of God? I want to get to a place where I run to God’s word to be fed when I feel the hunger pains strike. And I don’t mean actual hunger pains; I mean the type of hunger pains like anger, irritability, sadness, frustration, confusion, jealousy, and pride hunger pains, the ones that creep up and leave a sick feeling inside. The ones that grown so loud other people can hear them.
I want to feed those hunger pains with God’s word and not with what they want to be fed, which we all know they feed on more of themselves.
So this week as I S.S.A.L.S Matthew 4:4 I am going to run to the best home cooking food known to man-God’s word and feast on it until I can’t even function!
Prayer: Lord I come running to the table ready to sit and take in all that You have prepared for me. As I chew all that is on my plate I ask that my heart will digest all of this passage absorbing within every space, crook and nanny available pushing out all the junk food. Amen
“People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.” Matthew 4:4
In my quest to be filled with more of Christ and His word I have decided over the next 52 weeks or 365 days I will begin to Study, Store, Apply, Live and Share the word of God which I will refer to as S.S.A.L.S. Each week as the Lord leads and picks Scripture for me I will focus on that one passage for the next 7 days. My prayer is that I will grow deeper in love with Christ, gain more understanding of Him and His word, develop and apply wisdom and have a heart that is completely transformed inside out.
I daily get into the word of God but I want more than just to read and walk away. I want to walk away wearing the word of God. I want to spend the next 365 days developing a love relationship with Christ that is full of intimacy, joy, fulfillment, contentment, excitement, passionate, and that leaves us both knowing more and more about each other. I want to be the bride that pleases my groom in every way and to do that I need to know everything there is to know about Him, what He likes and dislikes, what makes His heart full and what hurts His heart. I need to know how He likes and wants to be served, and how I can show Him the utmost respect, honor, and praise.
Throughout these next 52 weeks I hope to share with you all the good, not so good, the revelations, and the amazing insights and blessings that will come from this exciting journey with the Lord.
I would love to have you join me, if you are up for the challenge shoot me a comment, I would love to hear how the Lord is working and changing you inside and out.
Our first week begins with a verse we are all very familiar with Matthew 4:4, and what a great passage to start with. Physically we do need food to survive but spiritually it is God’s word that will leave us filling full and satisfied.
How can I get to the point in my life when I really begin feeding on the word of God? I want to get to a place where I run to God’s word to be fed when I feel the hunger pains strike. And I don’t mean actual hunger pains; I mean the type of hunger pains like anger, irritability, sadness, frustration, confusion, jealousy, and pride hunger pains, the ones that creep up and leave a sick feeling inside. The ones that grown so loud other people can hear them.
I want to feed those hunger pains with God’s word and not with what they want to be fed, which we all know they feed on more of themselves.
So this week as I S.S.A.L.S Matthew 4:4 I am going to run to the best home cooking food known to man-God’s word and feast on it until I can’t even function!
Prayer: Lord I come running to the table ready to sit and take in all that You have prepared for me. As I chew all that is on my plate I ask that my heart will digest all of this passage absorbing within every space, crook and nanny available pushing out all the junk food. Amen
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Are you a walking Religion or are you IN love?
“You search the Scriptures because you believe they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me so that I can give you this eternal life. Your approval or disapproval means nothing to me, because I know you don’t have God’s love within you.” John 5:39-42
Why do you serve God?
1. For His benefits
2. Afraid of Hell
3. Tradition and Ritual
4. A need for some form of religion to meet your spiritual needs.
5. A form of spirituality
6. Political gain
7. for the attention and praise of others
8. Following the crowd
9. Because you love Him
OR
10. Because you are IN love with Him
-Written by James Mejias
As I read these questions written by our good friend I could not help but to wonder what the true answer was in my own life. I believe it is easy for us to say we love Jesus but are we really IN love with Jesus or do we fall into the same category as the Pharisees and Sadducees did? Are we really just a bunch of walking religions? Last night as I thought about these questions, God revealed something to me that is so true. It is a lot of work to be a religious-law abider. It leaves you miserable, grumpy, angry at those who don’t follow the law, jealous of others, blind, greedy, self-righteous, and it leaves you plum worn out and hardened to the true meaning of why Christ came, died, and rose again.
But when we put aside the religion mess and just fall IN love with Christ it becomes freeing, satisfying, enjoyable, and brings a sense of peace, rest, and hopefulness. It opens our eyes to the meaning of mercy and grace and it softens our hearts. Think about it, when you are IN love with someone you love everything about them, you overlook the flaws, the annoyances, and you accept them for who they are and where they are, just like Christ does for us. So why is it so much easier and better to be IN love with Christ and not a walking religion?
Because Christ paid the price
He accepts us for who we are and where we are
He shows us undeserved mercy and grace everyday-when the walking religions condemn us.
He gives hope-when the walking religions fill us with fear
He gives us life-when the walking religions bring death
He adores us and His love is unconditional-where as the walking religions are concerned only with themselves and love only when they are benefited.
And finally just as the song says, Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, but His blood washed it white as snow! –the walking religions law could and will never do that.
So why do you serve God, because you are IN love with His Son, or because it is a part of your religion? Do others see the joy in your life that comes from being IN love with Christ or do they see you as someone who just goes through the motions and blends in with the all the other walking religions? God knows, you know and others now when you are truly IN love with Christ-you show through it through your obedience and your heart for Jesus and for others is genuine, consistent and sincere.
Prayer: Lord thank You for the amazing joy that comes from being IN love with Your Son. May we break the mold of being walking religions and show the world what serving You really is. Lord reveal to each of us areas in our lives that need to be changed. Amen
Why do you serve God?
1. For His benefits
2. Afraid of Hell
3. Tradition and Ritual
4. A need for some form of religion to meet your spiritual needs.
5. A form of spirituality
6. Political gain
7. for the attention and praise of others
8. Following the crowd
9. Because you love Him
OR
10. Because you are IN love with Him
-Written by James Mejias
As I read these questions written by our good friend I could not help but to wonder what the true answer was in my own life. I believe it is easy for us to say we love Jesus but are we really IN love with Jesus or do we fall into the same category as the Pharisees and Sadducees did? Are we really just a bunch of walking religions? Last night as I thought about these questions, God revealed something to me that is so true. It is a lot of work to be a religious-law abider. It leaves you miserable, grumpy, angry at those who don’t follow the law, jealous of others, blind, greedy, self-righteous, and it leaves you plum worn out and hardened to the true meaning of why Christ came, died, and rose again.
But when we put aside the religion mess and just fall IN love with Christ it becomes freeing, satisfying, enjoyable, and brings a sense of peace, rest, and hopefulness. It opens our eyes to the meaning of mercy and grace and it softens our hearts. Think about it, when you are IN love with someone you love everything about them, you overlook the flaws, the annoyances, and you accept them for who they are and where they are, just like Christ does for us. So why is it so much easier and better to be IN love with Christ and not a walking religion?
Because Christ paid the price
He accepts us for who we are and where we are
He shows us undeserved mercy and grace everyday-when the walking religions condemn us.
He gives hope-when the walking religions fill us with fear
He gives us life-when the walking religions bring death
He adores us and His love is unconditional-where as the walking religions are concerned only with themselves and love only when they are benefited.
And finally just as the song says, Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, but His blood washed it white as snow! –the walking religions law could and will never do that.
So why do you serve God, because you are IN love with His Son, or because it is a part of your religion? Do others see the joy in your life that comes from being IN love with Christ or do they see you as someone who just goes through the motions and blends in with the all the other walking religions? God knows, you know and others now when you are truly IN love with Christ-you show through it through your obedience and your heart for Jesus and for others is genuine, consistent and sincere.
Prayer: Lord thank You for the amazing joy that comes from being IN love with Your Son. May we break the mold of being walking religions and show the world what serving You really is. Lord reveal to each of us areas in our lives that need to be changed. Amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
