24 hour challenge

“The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.” Proverbs 15:28

James made a very good point when he said, “My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19

Do people know you for always being the one to speak or the one to listen? Are you always trying to get a word in?

For the next 24 hours turn off the flow and put your ears to work. You will be amazed not only in the difference it makes with others, but in your prayer life as well.

I bet if you listen long enough you will hear God speak!

Prayer: Lord for the next 24 hours close my mouth and open my ears. I want to hear from You. Amen

From the very mouth of God.

“The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.” Proverbs 15:28

Every written word in the entire Bible is God’s spoken word.  We have the amazing privilege of reading God’s actual words. How amazing is that?

Not only do we have that amazing privilege, but every day we step outside we get to see the power of God’s words through creation.

Take a look around you, did you know God spoke those trees into existence. Look up; yup He spoke that beautiful blue sky into existence.

Feel the warmth of the sun, God spoke that into existence.

See the gazillion stars and the moon that lights the night’s sky, God spoke them into existence.

Now, look in the mirror, you my brethren were spoken into existence. And not only were you spoken into existence, but you were created in His image.

Prayer: Lord thank You for displaying the power of Your words. Thank You that we have the opportunity and privilege to see and read Your word. Amen

Wisdom in the works

“The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.” Proverbs 15:28

There is so much to say about one who is wise and in my hopes of becoming one of them, I understand more and more the importance of not only knowing God’s word but applying His word out every second of my life, in every situation, every trial, and every circumstance.

How does one become wise and how do they live?

1. They know what God’s word says
2. They are obedient to His word
3. They apply God’s word
4. They bring God’s word to life through their speech, actions, behavior, and in their character.

The wise…

Hate evil, pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverted speech. Proverbs 8:13

Words lead to life. Proverbs 10:11

Are sensible and turn off the flow. Proverbs 10:19

Give wise advice. Proverbs 10:31

Speak words that are helpful. Proverbs 10:32

Use wise discernment. Proverbs 11:9

Have good sense and remain silent. Proverbs 11:12

Are trustworthy and can keep a confidence. Proverbs 11:13

Stay calm when insulted. Proverbs 12:16

Tell the truth. Proverbs 12:17

Bring healing. Proverbs 12:18

Encourage. Proverbs 12:25

Give good advice to their friends. Proverbs 12:26

Control their tongues. Proverbs 13:3

Use gentle words that bring life and health. Proverbs 15:4

Are cool-tempered. Proverbs 15:18

Say the right things at the right time. Proverbs 15:23

Think before speaking. Proverbs 15:28

Drops a matter before a dispute breaks out. Proverbs 17:14

Uses few words; is even tempered. Proverbs 17:27

Keep their mouth shut and stay out of trouble. Proverbs 21:23

Put fires out by stopping the gossip. Proverbs 26:20

Give heartfelt counsel. Proverbs 27:9

Quietly hold back. Proverbs 29:11

Do these define your life, your character, you?

Prayer: Lord make me wise! I want every one of these verses to define my life. Amen

Hear from God

 “The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.” Proverbs 15:28

Lord tune our ears to hear from You today. Lord reveal the secrets of our heart and open our eyes to our foolishness and wisdom. Show us all areas where we have spoken as a fool, and fill our heart with joy to know of the times we have spoken as one who is wise. Amen

You might be a fool if….

"The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.” Proverbs 15:28

How bout’ some good ole East Texas slang?

-You might be a fool if… you constantly lie-Proverbs 6:12

-You might be a fool if …your heart is perverted.-Proverbs 6:14

-You might be a fool if…you stir up trouble constantly.-Proverbs 6:14

-You might be a fool if…you cover up your harmful intentions.-Proverbs 10:11

-You might be a fool if…you lie by hiding hatred, and if you slander.-Proverbs 10:18

-You might be a fool if…talk too much.-Proverbs 10:19

-You might be a fool if…you have a tongue that deceives.-Proverbs 10:31

-You might be a fool if…you speak only what is corrupt.-Proverbs 10:32

-You might be a fool if…your evil words destroy a friend. –Proverbs 11:9

-You might be a fool if…you belittle a neighbor.-Proverbs 11:12

-You might be a fool if…you’re a gossip that reveals secrets.-Proverbs 11:13

-You might be a fool if…you are quick tempered.-Proverbs 12:16

-You might be a fool if…you tell lies.-Proverbs 12:17

-You might be a fool if…you make cutting remarks.-Proverbs 12:18

-You might be a fool if …you lead your friend’s astray.-Proverbs 12:26

-You might be a fool if…you use harsh words to stir up anger.-Proverbs 15:1

-You might be a fool if…you’re a hot head.-Proverbs 15:18

-You might be a fool if…you spout evil words.-Proverbs 15:28

-You might be a fool if…tell about a person’s faults.-Proverbs 17:9

-You might be a fool if…you being quarrels.-Proverbs 17:14

-You might be a fool if…you give advice before listening to the facts.-Proverbs 18:13

-You might be a fool if…you love to talk.-Proverbs 18:21

-You might be a fool if…your words are always stirring up trouble.-Proverbs 24:1

-You might be a fool if…tell lies about others.-Proverbs 25:1

-You might be a fool if…you are a quarrelsome person starting fights.-Proverbs 26:21

-You might be a fool if…you try to use smooth words to hide your wickedness.-Proverbs 26:23

-You might be a fool if…you pretend to be kind.-Proverbs 26:24

-You might be a fool if…you give full vent to anger.-Proverbs 29:11

-You might be beyond a fool if…you speak without thinking.-Proverbs 29:20

The truth is, if this describes our speech, than brethren we are fools. I wonder today how many of us are being honest with ourselves and admitting our own foolishness. It is so much easier to deny it and become defensive towards others, instead of just admitting our own fool like speech. I think today is the day we get honest with ourselves and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts and reveal our need for change.

I don’t know about you but I want to be changed, I want every part of my speech to be Christ-like. I don’t want to speak like a fool; I don’t want to have a heart like a fool. I don’t want to participate with those who choose to speak like fools. I want to be among the wise! 

Let me ask you something. When was the last time you stopped yourself or someone else from preceding in foolish talk; gossip, lies, anger etc. Do you find yourself wanting to but don’t in fear of offending them. Well just remember we offend God more by allowing it to continue.

I encourage you today brethren to find a godly friend who you trust and know will keep you accountable in your speech. It must be one who displays wise speech themselves. Ask them to help you and call you out when you begin speaking foolishly. When they do, listen to them, don’t get mad, or defensive, remember you gave them permission to do so.

Prayer; Lord place godly people in our lives who are willing to call us out and keep us accountable in our speech. Lord make our speech Christ-like. Replace the fool within us and make us wise. Amen

The acronym of Words

“The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.” Proverbs 15:28

The more I study the meaning of words, the more and more God reveals to me how quick I am to speak without thinking of the effects my words have on others, especially when it comes to my husband. So I came up with an acronym of the word, words. I have done this in hopes that before I allow a word to come out of my mouth or off of my fingertips, I will evaluate them as follows;

Wise and well-chosen

Obedient

Respectful

Discernment

Self-Control

Is this a wise and well-chosen word?

Does this word fall under the obedience of God’s word?

Is it respectful to the person it will be spoken to?

How will this word be discerned?

Is it being used with self-control?

By the time I get done breaking down my words, I will have given the Holy Spirit plenty of time to minister to my heart. I will become more aware of the heart of the intended receiver and I will have thought before I spoke, which is HUGE!

I want my words to be an outpouring of love, encouragement, kindness, and peace at all times.  I want my husband and boys to be encouraged and blessed by my words and I want them and everyone else to see and hear Christ.

Therefore, I have challenged myself to really begin thinking on every word. This is my challenge, along with using the acronym, I am going to look at every person I speak to as though their heart is their face. In doing this I will be able to see the effects my words have on their hearts.

If I utter a word about someone, I am going to ask myself,” would I say this to their face if they were standing in front of me and how would this make them feel if they heard it?”  If I wouldn’t say it to their face, or if it would hurt them when they did hear it, then I am not going to speak it. Could you imagine if we all did this how different our conversations would be?  

Have you realized how much easier it is to be hiding behind something or someone when speaking- Text messaging, email, letter, writing? Well friends those typed words are just as hurtful, powerful, and in need of being checked as our spoken words.

Everything you say has an effect on someone.

Prayer: Lord make me stop and think about the heart of those who will hear or read my words. Make me always stop and allow the Holy Spirit to take control and speak for me. Amen

Reply Not

"The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.” Proverbs15:28

Several weeks ago I opened up my blog to post my devotional, when there before me was my very first negative comment, left by an “Anonymous” writer. Their words were harsh, personal and very intentional.  Knowing their purpose was to throw darts, I couldn’t help but to put my computer down, hit my knees and cry out to the Lord.  

You see a year ago, my flesh would have taken over and I would have fought right back using my own harsh words. But today I didn’t and brethren as I sit here and type this, my heart is full, and my eyes are tear-filled, because today I am new, today I am changed, and today the Spirit within me had a far better idea and I followed His leading and placed it in the hands of the Lord.

Our God knows the very name of this person and He knows the very condition their heart was in when they wrote it. He also knew the hurt that would fill my heart. Because of our all-knowing God it made it that much easier for me to dust my feet and allow the Lord to tend to my heart and the heart of the person who wrote it.

There in that fetal position I asked the Lord to examine me. Examine my heart, my intentions and reveal to me if those words spoken from that “anonymous” writer were true, and if so than I cried out for the Lord to change me.

I got up leaving it all at the foot of the cross. Now understand those words spoken stirred within me, why, because words are so powerful, especially negative, hurtful words, but those words did not have control over me.

A few days later as I was lying in bed to go to sleep, God and I were having one of what I like to call “daddy daughter times” which are very intimate and precious times to me. It consists of me laying my head in the lap of my Father, while He gentle rubs my head and speaks love into my heart until I fall asleep.

I have to tell you this sweet daddy of ours, spoke a prayer into my heart for this “anonymous” writer that changed something in me that I can’t explain. It was as though I could hear and understand the words of the Holy Spirit as he interceded on my behalf. He spoke and said things that only He could. His words were so powerful so meaningful and so very loving. I knew in that moment God had brought me to a deeper place of Spiritual maturity as His child.

“The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.” Proverbs 15:28

Do you struggle with your words? If so join me this week as we dive into the word of God allowing His words and mighty power to begin a work within us.

Prayer: Lord remind us how powerful our words are and the impact they make on the lives of those who hear them. Amen

Words, words, words!

“Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged by God with greater strictness.” James 3:1

The words you speak make a profound impact on the lives of those who hear them. They can build a person up or tear a person down. They can steer a person closer to the Lord or away from the Lord.

Words once spoken are like a branding iron on our hearts and minds. They are etched in, thus leaving a lasting impression.

Words can determine the outcome of our lives.

Take the little girl who always heard words of hate spoken in her home. She now struggles with bitterness and anger.

The little boy, who heard he was never good enough, now settles for less because he still believes he will never be good enough.

The young woman, who always heard she was fat and ugly, now struggles with an eating disorder and depression.

The nagging words of a wife leave her husband feeling drained and frustrated.

The disrespectful words of a wife leave her husband feeling unappreciated.

The unloving words of a husband leave his wife feeling vulnerable and broken.

Even a lack of words from a husband leaves his wife feeling desolate and not important.

Shaming words from a teacher leave the student feeling empty, unable, and embarrassed.

The hurtful name calling of a friend has now left scars on the heart of the one who received them.

BUT

Positive words build one’s confidence

Encouraging words bring hope and healing.

Loving words strengthen the heart.

God’s words are food for the soul; they bring life, laughter, joy, and healing. They are consistent, loving, and always truthful. They are to change and transform us. It is these very words that we as teachers should be using.

What are your words doing to the heart of those who hear them?

Prayer: Lord take control of what I say and keep my lips sealed. Help me to pattern my speech after Yours. Amen

It produces, accomplishes, and prospers.

“Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should teach in the church, for we who teach will be judged by God with greater strictness.” James 3:1

Let the Holy Spirit guide you, direct you, and speak through you. Take a step back and don’t get in the way of God’s word at work. It does not need help!

Just as Isaiah says, “The rain and snows come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to and will prosper everywhere I send it.” Isaiah 55:10-11

As a teacher, who teaches from the word of God, you can always rest assure that God’s word will prosper and will be used for His glory not ours.  

Prayer: Lord thank You for the amazing power that comes from Your word. Amen

Why do you teach?

“Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged by God with greater strictness.” James 3:1

As teachers we are to let everything we do reflect the integrity and seriousness of our teaching. Our teaching must be so correct that it can’t be criticized. For then those who want to argue will be ashamed because they won’t have anything bad to say about us. (Titus 2:6-8)

“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God.” Titus 2:11-12

“You must teach these things and encourage your people to do them, correcting them when necessary.” Titus 2:15

Does your life reflect right teaching?

Maybe you should ask yourself why you teach.

Do you do it for the attention and praise?

Do you do it to impose your views on other people?

Do you do it to feel like you are on God’s good side?

Do you do it to encourage others?

Do you do it because you have a desire for others to receive the same mercy and grace you have?

Whatever the reason, let God examine the motives and intentions of your heart.

I truly believe that as a body we are to hold our teachers and leaders accountable. We should expect right living not just in public but in their personal lives also.  

Prayer: Lord help us to never be afraid to hold our brothers and sisters, teachers and leaders accountable to Your word. Lord make us willing to obey you so we can teach your ways to sinners, and they will return to you. Convict us of any Pharisee living and teaching that might be within us. Amen

Written for you

“Dear brothers and sisters, not many of us should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will   be judged by God with greater strictness.” James 3:1

It didn’t matter how much darkness surrounded him or even the thickness of the prison walls that imprisoned him. It didn’t matter the pain his body endured, God’s word, God’s faithfulness, and the calling that God had entrusted him with would not be bound. “But the word of God cannot be chained.” 2 Timothy 2:9

There in the midst of his suffering Paul sat and wrote with joy, excitement, yearning, and hope. Knowing that by the power of the Holy Spirit and the will of God, his ministry would not be hindered but continue through the work of Timothy and us.

I can just vision Paul sitting in that dark, damp, cold prison cell shivering, hungry, aching, and ever so weak. Smiling as he writes to Timothy his dear son who is carrying on the ministry why he is in chains. I can hear is weak, quite voice, as he offers praise and prayer to the Father on behalf of Timothy and us.

Paul is a teacher who has gone from one extreme to the other. And now on the side of Christ he has endured more suffering, more ridicule, more lashes than ever before, all for the sake of Christ Jesus who rescued him from the path of destruction.

His purpose should now become our purpose. His guidance given to Timothy should be our guidance.

We must keep ourselves pure so we can be a utensil God can use for his purpose. (2 Timothy 2:21) We must run from anything that stimulates youthful lust. We should follow anything that makes us want to do what is right. We must pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. We must not get involved with ignorant arguments that only start fights. We must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone. We must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people. (2 Timothy 2:22-24)

As teachers we must remember, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

We must preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. We must patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage people with good teaching. And we must never be afraid to endure suffering for Jesus Christ. My brethren the time is coming when our faith will be tested, will we endure and preserver or will we coward down too afraid to suffer for Christ?

Paul took on the likeness of Christ in every way. He suffered, He was beat half to death, and he was questioned, mocked and ignored. He was abandoned by many, yet he pressed on. He did not allow any of those things to hinder the message of Christ Jesus, nor should we.

Don’t let any part of your life hinder Christ’s name and message from being heard.

Prayer: Lord you did not give me a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline. Lord though my body is weak my soul is willing, may I endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. Amen

No ordinary Book

“Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged by God with greater strictness.” James 3:1

There were many who were before Him, yet He was the only “perfect” teacher. He set the example for us to follow, and in order to ensure we get it; He left us 66 books that make up the Bible. All of which are God breathed.

There is no reinventing of this Book. It is to be taught just as it is written. For God’s word is the only word that will remain. It is the only word that will penetrate all the way to the core of our souls, convicting, changing and transforming us to take on the likeness of Christ. It is the only word that is true and faithful. It is the very rock for us to stand on. It is the only rock that will not be washed away when the storms of life come crashing against us.

It is not just any ordinary book; it is “The” book of life, hope, reassurance, promise, truth, joy, love, romance, healing, and intimacy. It is the book that when opened brings you even closer to the presence of God.

It lights up the darkness, it shatters hardened hearts, it restores the broken, and it demolishes all evil. There is nothing greater than the word of God.

God’s word speaks for itself, all it needs is to be shared and it will do the rest.

There are many who refuse to hear, read, and know the word of God. There are many teachers and leaders who misuse God’s word. There are many who never open it because they don’t want the accountability that comes from hearing it. There are many who refuse to live by it.

“For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done.” Hebrews 4:12-13

As teachers and leaders we are to take in as much of God’s word daily as we can. We are not to just teach from it we are to live by it and be changed by it.

As teachers and leaders we are to have a strong and steadfast belief in the trustworthy message we were taught; then we will be able to encourage others with right teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong. (Titus 1:9)

We also need to promote the kind of living that reflects right teaching. (Titus 2:1)

It is vital as teachers and leaders that we stand on the solid foundation of God’s word. Every aspect of our lives are to be a walking example of Christ and that can only be done by reading, knowing, and doing what God’s word says.

Prayer: Lord may every area of mine and Garrett’s lives reflect Your nature, Your word. Lord we never want to just speak of Your word but we want and desire to live out Your word. O’ Father there is so much seriousness in being a teacher. Examine us both daily. May our way of living always lead others to the cross and never away. May we always be the same just as you are the same, yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever. Amen

Beyond being "2"

Daddy and I had just finished up playing basketball with the FCA group at the High School. We got home and got ready for bed when I looked over at your daddy and said, "Babe my reflux is so bad, it is killing me. I really think I could be pregnant." Your daddy laughed and said, "Honey we are not going to go through this again buying thousands of tests.(we tried for 3 years for your bubba, and in those three years mommy had taken a lot of tests.)." Well the great man your daddy is he went to the store and bought mommy her 10 thousandth test anyway.

Daddy got home and  I rushed into the bathroom with mixed emotions and before I knew it my very first test was positive. (I was ten weeks pregnant with your brother and the tests were still negative) 

Now here you are the "big" 2 and you my sweet Dax make our home and our family complete. You will never know the joy you and your brother bring to your daddy and me. You are speaking in full sentences that amazes everyone. You are very active, healthy and extremely funny. Oh I adore you sweet boy your busyness and all. 

At just the ripe age of 2 you are already falling in love with Jesus, you are comprehending and understanding His word more and more everyday. Your prayers are precious and the day you went outside and lifted your money up to Jesus was the day I knew God was living in you and is going to use you for His glory.

We pray that today will not just be the day we celebrate you turning two, but it will be the day we celebrate two years of you being a child of God.  Dax your daddy and I want you to live a life above what the world offers you, we want you to live a life that God's word offers you. Right now at 2 we want you to know all there is to know about Jesus. 

My sweet baby boy, God has a specific plan for you, He had your life laid out before a single day had passed. And mommy and daddy want to celebrate with you today because we know in our hearts that you are a child of God and your name is in the Lambs book of Life.

Stick to the Lord's path all the days of your life. Seek His word precious boy and never settle for anything less than what God's word says. Never give in to temptation, surround yourself with those who hunger for Christ and live according to His word, and always examine yourself according the standards of Christ and not the world's.

Dax God has made you wonderfully complex! He watched you as you were being formed in my womb, He loves you and wants to lavish you with His love. Let Him sweet boy!

Lord You made all the delicate inner parts of Dax. You knitted him together within my womb and I praise You, we praise You for making Dax so wonderfully complex. Lord today we celebrate You and the life You have breathed into our precious baby boy. May he be committed to You all the days of his life. Use him for Your glory. Lord we pray Dax will be a man of integrity, who delight's in doing everything You want. Day and night may he think about Your law. May he be like a tree planted along the riverbank bearing fruit each season without fail. May his leaves never wither and may he prosper in all he does. Amen

Greater strictness

“Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged by God with greater strictness.” James 3:1

How often do we overlook the depth of this passage and go forth with our desire to want to teach. James very specifically says those of us that teach or hold a leadership role will be judged by God with greater strictness.

Why, because every word we say and the way we live affect the spiritual lives of others. We must teach directly from the word of God and live out the word of God 24/7. In our homes, in our social lives, in our personal lives, God’s word must be lived out.

For those of us who teach or hold any type of leadership role we must be held to a higher standard and accountability because we are in a position of either leading others to the cross or away from the cross.

In Matthew Jesus says, “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck.” Matthew 9:42

I don’t know about you but for me, if I saw a leader in our church participating in sin and notice I said participating (that means they are willfully doing it) I would lose a lot of respect for them, one because they are contradicting the word of God and two they are causing many others to stumble. It is the same way with any of us who teach or share the Good News.

When G and I first got married we attended a church G had attended when he was little. G and I adored the Pastor. He would get up there every Sunday and preach with passion. It was not long after G and I moved to Texarkana that we found out this Pastor had been having multiple affairs with different women for years. WOW, we were stunned, remembering the man was human, we were still stunned.

This man would counsel men and women who were living in adultery all while he himself was doing it. Are you getting my point? Yes the man is human but enough with that excuse we are all stinkin’ human and yes we are all sinners, but we are children of God  who are to live above all of that, we are to live like Christ Jesus. We are to die to our old sinful ways. And we who teach are to live just as Christ instructs us to live, because WE WILL be judged with greater strictness.

I don’t know about you but I never want to lead someone away from the cross, I never want to live a life that contradicts the very Word of God. I want to live above that, I want to be better than that, and I want my College babies and anyone else God calls me to teach to desire to live above and beyond.  Not because we think we are better than everyone else but because God is better than everyone else and He deserves better than just average worship, average living, average teaching. He deserves to be respected with the utmost respect because He is God the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. There is no one greater than Him. We should be disgusted if we call ourselves Christians and yet live as the world lives. We might as well spit in the face of God.

Prayer: Lord You know why I am so passionate about You, You have brought me through some horrible sinful living and have placed me on this side of the Cross. You have delivered me from death, You have covered me with Your blood, and  You have filled me with a passion to live above and beyond the old way of sinful living. For that I am ever so grateful. Thank You Lord for giving me distaste for sin and the things of this world, but most of all thank You for what You have done for me. Amen

Rejoice!

“Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test.” 2 Corinthians 13:5

Trials are a way of testing our faith and can I tell you I have been put through some trials in my life.  I am sure you have as well. Maybe you are right in the middle of one, I don’t know, but I do know that as we endure each trial we should rejoice.

Yes I said rejoice! Rejoice because with each coming and passing of a trial our true faith is revealed.

“So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1 Peter 1:6-7

When you endure trials do you press through, do you run to Christ your protector and deliverer or do you give up, lose faith, and hope?

If you are going through a trial right now use it to examine your faith, allow it to strengthen your relationship with Christ, and always rejoice, because you know it too shall pass.

Prayer: Lord thank You for the trials we endure, may we use each one to come closer to You, to glorify You, to learn from and to strengthen our faith. Amen

Where are you spiritually?

“Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test.” 2 Corinthians 13:5

Are you taking on the character of Christ?

Are you growing in His word?

Are you studying His word?

Do you feel convicted when you sin?

Are you putting off Christ so you can live how you want?

Does your heart long to please God?

Do you want more of Him?

Do you believe in the promises of God?

Do you know all that He promises you?

Is His word taking root in your heart?

Do you live by the law or by faith?

When is the last time you really experienced the presence of God?

When is the last time you saw God work in your life or the lives of others?

Do you strive to live out every word of God?

Do you place yourself in situations where God can be seen?

Are you allowing God to use you for His glory?

-Just a few questions to examine where you are spiritually.

Prayer: Lord it is time we get really honest with you and ourselves. No more game playing, our time here is fleeting, and our chances are becoming fewer and fewer. Wake us up Lord. It is time we begin walking hand and hand with You. Amen

Dominated vs. Controlled-Part 2

“Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test.” 2 Corinthians 13:5

Sinning comes natural to us. It does not require any effort on our part. It provides temporary satisfaction, leading us to always want and need more.

But beyond our sinful nature comes a deeper realm of living. It is called living in the Spirit. My friends, Jesus is among those who live in the Spirit. He is evident in every part of their lives. Their thoughts, attitudes, actions, intentions, impulses, motives, and the fruit their lives produce.

-Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

 When we examine ourselves what do we see more of, the fruits of the Spirit or the desires of our sinful nature that we listed out yesterday?

“But those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.” Romans 8:5

Not only do we think about things that please the Spirit, but those of us who belong to Christ have nailed the passions and desires of our sinful nature to the cross and have crucified them there. (Galatians 5:24)

I think it is so important when examining ourselves that we look at our actions and thoughts and evaluate them according to the Word of God.

For example if the Holy Spirit is in control of our lives, if our faith is really genuine, then we will follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. We will not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another. (Galatians 5:25-26)

I truly believe with all of my heart, that when Christ is in us and our faith is genuine we will have a radical change take place within us. We will not desire ANYTHING that this world offers. We will pursue Christ daily, we will have a longing and hunger to be with Him and to know Him. For then our lives will produce the fruits of the Spirit because we are connected to the vine.

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5

Are you connected to the vine? What fruits do you see the Spirit producing in you?

Prayer: Lord make it known to us today what our lives are producing. I pray for a radical change to begin in the lives of those who are severed from Your vine. Thank You for filling us with the Spirit. May He lead us every second of our lives. Amen

Dominated vs. Controlled- Part 1

“Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test.” 2 Corinthians 13:5

You can be sure to find out if Christ Jesus is among you by evaluating your life according to Romans 8, and 

Galatians 5:13-26 both speak of two areas in our lives that are the most important.

1. Being dominated by our sinful nature
2. Being controlled by the Spirit.

“Those who are dominated by their sinful nature think about sinful things.” Romans 8:5

For those who live in this way do not have Jesus Christ among them. They follow the desires of their sinful nature. (Galatians 5:19)

Do you see that, those who are dominated by it, follow it, give into it, and live in it? Christ is not among that type of living or those people! If you have even a hint of God’s word in you and you know that God says certain ways of living are wrong and you continue to do it and live in it, then listen  to what 1 John 3:7-10 says

“Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive (if you recall we discussed in an earlier devotional who the deceiver is Satan Himself and who his helpers are –the angels that had fallen with him, and all those who live under Satan’s’ control-you can find this in 2 Corinthians 11:14-15) you about this: When people do what is right, it is because they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. But when people keep on sinning, it shows they belong to the Devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy these works of the Devil. Those who have been born into God’s family do not sin, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they have been born of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the Devil. Anyone who does not obey God’s commands and does not love other Christians does not belong to God.”  

If our lives are being dominated by our sinful nature, and we are continuing to sin, which would be called deliberate sin, than the Apostle John says we belong to the Devil. Are you getting that with me friend, even if you claim to know some of God’s word, if Christ is not IN you, then you belong to the Devil. WOW!

If you even back up a verse John says, “So if we continue to live in him, we won’t sin either. But those who keep on sinning have never known him or understood who he is.” 1 John 3:6

When you belong to the Devil and follow the desires of your sinful nature your lives produces this; and if you don’t mind let’s just put them in detail. Sometimes we need to see it and hear it in order for it to sink in.

Sexual Immorality-if you are sleeping around, living with your boyfriend/ girlfriend, living a life of homosexuality, having sex outside of marriage, etc.

Impure thoughts- hateful, vindictive, spiteful, lustful, negative, basically any thought other than God’s word.  

Eagerness for lustful pleasure- pornography, prostitution, sex, alcohol, lying, drugs, money, attention etc.  

Idolatry-worshipping things other than God, our money, our jobs, ourselves…

Participation in demonic activities-umm…weegie boards, Psychics, palm readers, speaking to the dead (hilarious, really?) it’s sad that even our Disney channel airs shows like Wizards of Waverly or any other show that deals with witches and magic, it is just not an activity of God, He is the only one with the power!

Hostility-unfriendliness, acts of anger that lead to killing, hurt, or any manner that one would want to inflict pain onto another. One who is hostile towards God and His word and those who serve God.

Quarreling-complaining, arguing, holding grudges, and/or bickering.

Jealousy-negative attitude towards another because of your own insecurities!

Outbursts of anger-you lack self-control, instead of praying you yell back and react quickly. You accuse others, you are defensive, and can even inflict pain on someone.Temper tantrums!

Selfish ambition- you think only of yourself. Everything you do is to better you and not others!

Divisions-anyone who refuses to be corrected, anyone who involves themselves in foolish discussions, those who cause dissension and strife.

Feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group-That would define Religion!

Envy-discontent or resentment towards others because of their success, life, advantages, talents, gifts.

Drunkenness-excess drinking, intoxication, losing your ability to think, and even function correctly.

Wild parties-drunkenness, sexual immorality, could even include demonic activity, drugs, if the world offers it will probably be there.

Understand something very important brethren, if you are living in one, some, or all of these sins, and you are doing them willfully, STOP; these are not of Christ they are of the Devil. “Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live.” Titus 1:16

“If the Good News we preach is veiled from anyone, it is a sign that they are perishing. Satan, the god of this evil world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe, so they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News that is shining upon them. They don’t understand the message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

If your toes are being stepped on and you feel an overwhelming since of conviction, O’ Praise God my friend, run to the foot of the Cross, cry out to Jesus for help, let Him restore you. He died for you, you can be forgiven, confess and repent, don’t go back to that way of living ANYMORE.

 But if you don’t feel convicted and you don’t think that what you are doing is wrong, even after hearing it from the Word of God, O’ sweet friend that is called blindness! Maybe along with denial you get angry and offended I ask that you stop and read Hebrews 4:12-13 for then you will understand that your reactions are because of the power of the Word of God. Cry to God to restore your vision. Stop and turn to Him now, seek help, stop and pray. It is not too late, today is the day of Salvation! Don’t belong to Satan, He only wants to lead you to his eternal home where there is burning that never ends, pain that never ceases or let’s up, maggots that never stop crawling, and cries for help that will never end or be heard.

Prayer: Lord if there is anyone reading this today that is being dominated by their sinful nature, I ask that You remove the veil from over their eyes today! O’ Father just as You I want to see as many people come to know You, serve You, hunger for You, and strive to be like You. Father I believe in the power of Your word, and the work of the Holy Spirit, I believe that You will take all that You have spoken through me and use it for Your glory to change the life of someone today. Amen

Wake up Call

“Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot see that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test.” 2 Corinthians 13:5

In my attempt to gather some research for a writing assignment I came across this amazing website that left me flabbergasted and in awe all day yesterday, I could not shake these statistics from my mind. Here is a preview for you.

“The rate in which a light flashes on top of an emergency vehicle is the average rate that people are dying and going to hell.” Biblehelp.org Copyright © 1987 -2004 Michael Bronson

Can you comprehend that? I highly recommend you check out this website http://www.biblehelp.org/dieday.htm

I think the statistics will blow you away! Please understand these are only statistics and only God knows, but this should be an eye opener for all of us. I don’t think we can even begin to comprehend just how many people are going to hell. Maybe this will light a spark with in all of us to start getting it together and examining our own lives. Oh I can only pray that it will!

We should be in a foot race to share the word of God with someone every single day. Again being that only God knows, I wanted to give you some numbers to look at.

As of 2009 the estimated world population was around 6,790,062,216. (That’s almost 7 billion) people. According to the statistics from our article if only 7% of the world’s population is going to heaven that means 490 million people will go to heaven and 6,510,000,000 will not!

(Thank you daddy for helping me with my horrible math skills, I know this gave you the heebie geebies so thank you for hearing the desperation and urgency that filled my heart for those who are lost.)

Again ONLY God knows the exact number and He gives us warning in Matthew 7:13-14 about how narrow the gate to Heaven really is.

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it.”  

There will be no second chances when the Lord returns! Don’t put off coming to know Him, living for Him, and seeking Him through His word. Start NOW!!!

Is He in you? Are you living as Christ lived or as you want to live? Let this be your wake up call

Prayer: Lord only You know the exact number that will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, and Father how I pray that we will not waste any more days pleasing our flesh or passing up opportunities to share Jesus Christ with others. Thank You for placing this urgency within me to share and encourage believers and non-believers to turn and seek You now. Amen

Here's how to know

“Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test.” 2 Corinthians 13:5

How can we be sure our faith is genuine and that Christ is living in us?

1 John 2:3-6

“By obeying his commandments. If someone says, I belong to God but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and does not live in the truth. But those who obey God’s word really do love him. That is the way to know whether or not we live in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Christ did.”

Examine yourselves to this passage today, store it, study it, apply it, understand it, and test it. If you are not obeying God’s commandments, if you are not obeying His word, (which how can we if we never read it) than you will know He is not within you and your faith is not genuine. If you are not striving to be Christ-like than you desire the wrong things.

Oh my goodness do you not just love the word of God. I wish I could put the excitement of my heart on here for you to see, but I can’t so sweet brethren just know I AM EXTREMELY EXCITED AND SO STINKIN IN LOVE WITH JESUS! I hope you are too.

Prayer: Jesus there is NOTHING greater than You! There is NOTHING greater than Your word. O’ Father it is my desire for others to experience You in such a deep and personal way. You are what excites me, I long to be with You, to study Your word, to know everything there is about You. Jesus hasten the day! Amen

If we failed, it’s our own fault!

“Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test. I hope you recognize that we have passed the test and are approved by God.” 2 Corinthians 13:5-6

It’s time for some in depth study of God’s word. No stories, no feel good this or that, just the meat of God’s word. It’s time we start stepping up and taking responsibility for ourselves, our faith, and our spiritual growth.

“Examine yourselves” Paul says, observe your life, and check out your heart’s motives and intentions. Look at your life carefully and inspect your lifestyle. Find a mirror that is close up what has priority in your life?

“See if your faith is genuine”, he says. Now listen close to what he is saying. Are you sincerely and honestly seeking more of Jesus? Are you DAILY experiencing Jesus Christ? Is your desire to know more about Jesus than anything else? If it is, than you will be more consumed with Him and His word than with yourself and the world.

Test yourselves-is your faith growing? Are you becoming more and more mature spiritually? If you cannot see Christ in your life than you are not growing, and you might not even be a Christian.  That is what Paul is saying! A good way to test yourself is by looking at your lifestyle. Is Jesus the center?

If He is not than Paul says, “You have failed the test.”

Real faith seeks Jesus daily; it is not a mere thought but an action. Real faith accepts discipline from God’s word and does not ignore it. Real faith seeks to be examined by the Lord; it listens to the Holy Spirit when it speaks. Real faith is lived out! Real faith believes and stands firm in the promises of God. Real faith has no room for complacency, it is not half-hearted, it is not lukewarm, and it does not self-serve.

Real faith does not base it’s salvation on works, or religious traditions, but on the free gift of salvation given to it through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Real faith desires to have an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus Christ; it desires to grow in wisdom and in truth EVERY SINGLE DAY!

Real genuine faith can praise and worship God because of the pure love it has for Jesus. Real faith does not require its pastor or church to make it feel good, instead real faith looks to the cross and Jesus Christ because He is the one who feeds and fuels the soul.

If we are not seeking God daily than we are only pushing ourselves further away.

Prayer: Lord place us under Your microscope and examine the very cells of our souls. Open our eyes from the blindness. Let there be no way we can escape from the truth of where each of us are at with our faith. Lord out of love and respect for You may we not sugar-coat, make excuses, or try and justify our lack of faith. Abba Father You give us time, Your word, and opportunity to grow in faith, forgive us for choosing to pursue others thing. Amen

Our Exam

“Our purpose is to please God, not people. He examines the motives of our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4

I have enjoyed so much this week’s S.S.A.L.S. God has taken me to a deeper level of intimacy within through understanding the importance of pleasing Him.

So with that I want to close the first part of our passage up with some profound words spoken by Paul that I have fell IN love with.

“Obviously, I’m not trying to be a people pleaser! No, I am trying to please God. If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ’s servant.” Galatians 1:10

Paul could not have said it any better! Don't you just love his boldness?

Now for the last part of our verse, “He examines the motives of our hearts.”  The word motive is a factor or circumstance that induces a person to act in a particular way.

What is our motive for worshipping God? What is our motive for acting in the manner in which we do, whether anger, jealousy, spite, love, compassion, etc? God alone knows the underlying motives of our hearts. He examines them daily and He cannot be fooled. “People may think they are doing what is right, but the Lord examines the heart.” Proverbs 21:2

It is so neat to me how these two verses go so well together. If our motives are for the attention and praise of man, than are we not going to be people pleasers instead of God pleaser's?

What about when we lash out at others or speak words of hate, is it not because our underlying motive is to hurt someone because we are hurting, and instead of allowing God to deal with that hurt, we retaliate onto others so we can feel better about ourselves? Sick isn’t it? But how often we do it.

It is a vicious cycle especially when our motives are intentional. God sees our hearts brethren, He sees and knows why we do all that we do. He knows how we will handle every situation and every conviction; we will both accept and confess it, or we will reject it.

“Don’t try to avoid responsibility by saying you didn’t know about it. For God knows all hearts, and he sees you. He keeps watch over your soul, and he knows you knew! And he will judge all people according to what they have done.” Proverbs 24:12

Even we know our motives behind the things we do. So what are yours? The next time you do something ask yourself this, does this motive align itself with the word of God, the will of God and the love of God?

And we must always remember, “He examines the motives of our hearts.”

Prayer: Lord I pray the same prayer David prayed; examine me, O Lord and test me! Evaluate my inner thoughts and motives! Amen

The Outcome

“Our purpose is to please God, not people. He examines the motives of our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4

How did you do on the test yesterday? It sure puts things into perspective doesn’t it? It did for me!

So what is the outcome for being a people pleaser vs. a God pleaser? It is a temporary satisfaction vs. a lifelong satisfaction and it can all be summed up in one verse spoken several times throughout the Bible.

“Shout that people are like the grass that dies away. Their beauty fades as quickly as the beauty of flowers in a field. The grass withers, and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the Lord. And so it is with people. The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:6-8

It is only through Christ Jesus that we will find a lasting satisfaction that our souls thirst for.  If you stop and evaluate how your life has been as a people pleaser I am sure you will begin to realize it is not that enjoying. It is like a roller coaster your happy one minute, mad the next, you seek the opinion of others because you didn't hear what you wanted, and it just goes on and on. That’s because people’s words, opinions, and attitudes will always change, just like the grass. But God’s words, His opinion, His attitude will always remain the same.

Aren’t you ready for some consistency in your life? Don’t you want to hang your hat on something you know is true and lasting?

Prayer: Lord I pray that we will move past being people pleasers and start becoming God pleasers. For then we will always be able to refer everybody to the word of God. May we always point directly to the cross and not to ourselves. Amen

The "Pleaser" test...people or God

“Our purpose is to please God, not people. He examines the motives of our hearts.”  1 Thessalonians 2:4

Here is a test for you to take that will help determine who you seek to please more. When taking this test you have to be 100% honest when answering each question. These questions should be answered NOT with how you want to be but how you are right now! And remember God knows the real answer!

1. Do you always worry about what others think of you?

2. Are you more concerned about your outward beauty or your inward beauty?

                -What do you spend more time working on, your outfits and appearance or your relationship with Christ?

3. Do you tell people what they want to hear or the truth?

4. Do you think about how your actions affect Christ?

5. Are your thoughts focused more on other people or Christ?

6. Do you go to church for the politics (to be seen) or because you desire to be in God’s house?

7. Do you do things for the attention and praise of others or for Christ?

8. Do you brag about your success and pay checks or about God’s mercy and grace?

9. Do your conversations consist more on worldly issues or on God’s word?

10. Do you desire to obtain more or to give more?

11. Do you spend more time with friends than you do with God?

12. Do you spend more time trying to please people or God?

13. Do you want to win the approval of people or God?

14. Do you enjoy the company of people more than God’s company?

15. Do you seek the opinion of others first or God first?

16. Do you know more about people’s lives than you do God’s word?

17. What are you more concerned about; what others say or what God says?

18. Are your motives people driven or God driven?

19. Do you spend more time trying to make people happy or God happy?

20. Do you take people’s words to heart or God’s word?

Well what’s the verdict? People or God

Join me tomorrow as we look at some outcomes of pleasing people vs. pleasing God.

Prayer: Lord you tell us in our verse that you examine the motives of our hearts and if our motives are to please people more than You, convict us in that area, but most of all Lord forgive us for fixing our eyes on those who will soon wither and die. Lord lift our eyes to You for You are the everlasting God. Amen

Pleased, Pleased, Pleased

“Our purpose is to please God, not people. He is the one who examines the motives of our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4

When we suffer for the sake of Christ, He my brothers and sisters is PLEASED!

When we endure through our suffering with patience and steadfast faithfulness, He is PLEASED!

When we stand on the side of good, He is PLEASED!

When we refuse to give into this evil world and those around us, He is PLEASED!

When we rise above the ridicule, mockery, name calling, words spoken in spite, He is PLEASED!

When we cling to EVERY single word of God like it is our life rope (and it is), He is PLEASED!

When we fall on our faces before the Almighty God and cry out for forgiveness and TRUST that He will forgive us, He is PLEASED!

When we set our eyes on Christ Jesus and no other God or thing, He is PLEASED!

When we instill the word of God into our children each and every day, He is PLEASED!

When we share the Good News with others, He is PLEASED!

When we give God every detail of our lives, He is PLEASED!

When we offer our lives up to Him, He is PLEASED!

When put a stop to fleshly living and start living by the Spirit, He is PLEASED!

When we put aside our selfish ambitions, He is PLEASED!

When we place Him in the center of our marriages, He is PLEASED!

When we remove ourselves from deliberate sin, He is PLEASED!

When we pick up our cross daily and follow Him, He is PLEASED!  

     
When we make our job’s God centered, He is PLEASED!

When we allow Him to guide our every step, He is PLEASED!

When we seek His face, when we spend time in prayer, when we commit our souls to Him, HE IS PLEASED!

My friend is your life pleasing Him?

Every time you make a decision ask this question, God will this please You?

Prayer: God show us how we can please You in the midst of our busy lives. May we always stop to ask ourselves if what we are doing is pleasing You. Amen