"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, thought the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights." -Habakkuk 3:17-19
These verses give my faith a "face lift." No matter what trials or hardships, no matter my battles, my Sovereign Lord is my strength!
As life goes on and gets tough, we need to remember to give it all to God and rejoice in Him. Keep in mind that all battles are not wasted, everyone of them are in our lives to make us stronger, to season us, mature us, and grow us closer to God.
Everything has a purpose and a reason. We need to seek God's plan and purpose in every situation. Ask Him to show us what it is that He is trying to teach us. What His will is for us during these trials.
Today's question: We have the choice to become Better or Bitter, which do you choose?
Keep focused on God and His promises and not on your circumstances, When we focus on the circumstance we loose sight of God and don't seek His will or see His blessings.
Father, I thank You for loving us so much that You care that we grow and mature. You don't leave us as young Christians with no experience. Father, I ask that as we go through tough trials in our lives that You will help us to stay focused on You and Your promises for us. Help us not to wallow in our pain but in Your word where we can grow.
In Jesus name, Amen
Christian
Friday, November 15, 2013
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Strong Enough To Say No
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
-1 Corinthians 9:24-27
As we embark on our own life's journey, we each have our own challenges. It would be so nice if life came to us easily. But as life would have it, nothing comes easy. Nothing comes to us without a challenge to push us harder, make us go farther, challenge us to grow and mature.
I have battled with weight issues for about 12 years now. So many times I have looked at healthier people and think that they have it easy. They can eat what they want, they don't need to exercise. But in reality most healthy people aren't that way without the cost of discipline. They too have to face the challenge that life brings, noting is accomplished without working for it.
Today's book shelves are lined with all kinds of self-help books. Books that help with lost souls. Books to introduce self-fulfillment, self-satisfaction, self-esteem, self-awareness, and any other self- issue that ones self can think of. However not to many books are found that teach self-discipline. That's because self-discipline is not a popular topic in todays society.
We are a society full of indulgence!
Self-discipline requires us to take a long hard look at ourselves. An honest look at our strengths and weaknesses. It means becoming Strong Enough To Say No when a powerful desire that can become so overwhelming emerges. Most of the time that desire can control ones life.
Self-discipline does not come to us naturally, it is a learning trait that takes a long steady course of learning to change our attitudes to follow Christ. He is the perfect example that we must follow. Christ's body was a slave to Him. He controlled it, it did not control Him.
Today's question: What are your weakest areas of self-discipline? Can you learn to control your body?
Father, all of us have self-discipline issues in one way or another. I know Lord that as You walked this earth You were perfect. Your body was Your slave, You controlled it. I pray Lord, that You will teach us to do the same. To follow Your example and be in control of our selves. Teach us the learned trait of self-discipline.
In Jesus Name
Amen.
Christian
-1 Corinthians 9:24-27
As we embark on our own life's journey, we each have our own challenges. It would be so nice if life came to us easily. But as life would have it, nothing comes easy. Nothing comes to us without a challenge to push us harder, make us go farther, challenge us to grow and mature.
I have battled with weight issues for about 12 years now. So many times I have looked at healthier people and think that they have it easy. They can eat what they want, they don't need to exercise. But in reality most healthy people aren't that way without the cost of discipline. They too have to face the challenge that life brings, noting is accomplished without working for it.
Today's book shelves are lined with all kinds of self-help books. Books that help with lost souls. Books to introduce self-fulfillment, self-satisfaction, self-esteem, self-awareness, and any other self- issue that ones self can think of. However not to many books are found that teach self-discipline. That's because self-discipline is not a popular topic in todays society.
We are a society full of indulgence!
Self-discipline requires us to take a long hard look at ourselves. An honest look at our strengths and weaknesses. It means becoming Strong Enough To Say No when a powerful desire that can become so overwhelming emerges. Most of the time that desire can control ones life.
Self-discipline does not come to us naturally, it is a learning trait that takes a long steady course of learning to change our attitudes to follow Christ. He is the perfect example that we must follow. Christ's body was a slave to Him. He controlled it, it did not control Him.
Today's question: What are your weakest areas of self-discipline? Can you learn to control your body?
Father, all of us have self-discipline issues in one way or another. I know Lord that as You walked this earth You were perfect. Your body was Your slave, You controlled it. I pray Lord, that You will teach us to do the same. To follow Your example and be in control of our selves. Teach us the learned trait of self-discipline.
In Jesus Name
Amen.
Christian
Monday, November 11, 2013
You too can walk on water!
"Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowd. After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffered by the waves because the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's You," Peter replied, "tell me to come to You on the water."
"Come," He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. "You of little faith," He said "Why did you doubt?"
-Matthew 14:22-31
I have come so far from where I once was. God has made so many changes in me over the last few years. I am not where I want to be but very glad that I'm not where I used to be. With that said, Like Peter, I too have taken a step out onto the water with Jesus. I have opened up my heart to Him and allowed Him to come in and make changes within me. Changes that only He could make.
Also like Peter, there have been plenty of times when I've gotten scared and took my eyes off of Jesus causing me to fall. Although I have never fallen all the way back down to where I started, I have still fallen.
"Although we start out with good intentions. Sometimes our faith falters. This doesn't necessarily mean we have failed. When Peter's faith faltered, he reached out to Christ, the only one who could help. He was afraid, but he still looked to Christ. When you are apprehensive about the troubles around you and doubt Christ's presence or ability to help, you must remember that He is the only on who can really help."
(NIV study notes)
Keeping our eyes on Jesus is the only thing that will keep us afloat in life. God has so much in store for us. So many plans and things that He wants for us. All things to prosper us and not harm us. All things to give us hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) He wants to make changes in us, to mold us into the people that He created us to be. When we loose sight of Him we can't continue moving forward. We can't continue to grow, and may stay the people that we've always been. With Jesus, You too can walk on water!
Today's questions: Are you walking on water with Jesus or are you sinking?
Father, Like Peter, we have good intentions and strong faith to follow You. And like Peter, we often get scared and loose sight of You. I pray Lord, that You will continue to be patient with us as we fall. Keep lifting us up out of the water so that we can start again. Grow our trust in You, help us to keep our eyes on You.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Christian
"Come," He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. "You of little faith," He said "Why did you doubt?"
-Matthew 14:22-31
I have come so far from where I once was. God has made so many changes in me over the last few years. I am not where I want to be but very glad that I'm not where I used to be. With that said, Like Peter, I too have taken a step out onto the water with Jesus. I have opened up my heart to Him and allowed Him to come in and make changes within me. Changes that only He could make.
Also like Peter, there have been plenty of times when I've gotten scared and took my eyes off of Jesus causing me to fall. Although I have never fallen all the way back down to where I started, I have still fallen.
"Although we start out with good intentions. Sometimes our faith falters. This doesn't necessarily mean we have failed. When Peter's faith faltered, he reached out to Christ, the only one who could help. He was afraid, but he still looked to Christ. When you are apprehensive about the troubles around you and doubt Christ's presence or ability to help, you must remember that He is the only on who can really help."
(NIV study notes)
Keeping our eyes on Jesus is the only thing that will keep us afloat in life. God has so much in store for us. So many plans and things that He wants for us. All things to prosper us and not harm us. All things to give us hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) He wants to make changes in us, to mold us into the people that He created us to be. When we loose sight of Him we can't continue moving forward. We can't continue to grow, and may stay the people that we've always been. With Jesus, You too can walk on water!
Today's questions: Are you walking on water with Jesus or are you sinking?
Father, Like Peter, we have good intentions and strong faith to follow You. And like Peter, we often get scared and loose sight of You. I pray Lord, that You will continue to be patient with us as we fall. Keep lifting us up out of the water so that we can start again. Grow our trust in You, help us to keep our eyes on You.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Christian
Friday, November 8, 2013
THANKFUL!
"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."
- Hebrews 13:28-29
God amazes me!
He holds the world together, tells the sun to shine, the snow to fall, the earth to turn. He hangs the stars in the heavens, and He holds the ocean in its place. He feeds the animals in the wild, and He provides for my every need!
I grew up with a certain perspective of who God was, but it wasn't until I developed a personal relationship with Him that I started to see who He really is. He is nothing like I thought He was.
We get so caught up in our daily lives that we often forget to just spend time worshiping God and giving Him thanks for what He does in our lives. I can't list everything that God has done for me, there is way to many to list and even some that I am not aware of, but that doesn't matter to God. He doesn't expect us to keep a score sheet of all that He has done. He just wants us to acknowledge Him and be very aware of who He is and His presence in our lives.
I, like so many others on Facebook have been participating in 30 days of thankfulness for the month of November. I thought at first that it would be hard to come up with something everyday to be thankful for. But you know, it isn't always the big things that matter the most. God wants us to be thankful for the little things too. Many times its the little things that mean the most anyway.
Some things to be thankful for:
1) For who God is. (I'm very thankful that He is God and that I'm not. I would be a horrible God!)
2) For His provision for our needs.
3) For His blessings.
4) For His answers to our Prayers, Even when He says NO.
5) For the Church family that He has given us. (Such a huge blessing to have a family to lift us up and grow with)
Today's question: Do you spend time telling God how grateful and thankful you are for everything that He has done for you?
Father, I just want to tell You how wonderful You are. I am in complete AWE of You. Thank You for everything that You have done for us. I pray Lord that we will always remember You and the things that You do for us. We couldn't make it in this life without You. Thank You for being You!
In Jesus name, Amen.
Christian
- Hebrews 13:28-29
God amazes me!
He holds the world together, tells the sun to shine, the snow to fall, the earth to turn. He hangs the stars in the heavens, and He holds the ocean in its place. He feeds the animals in the wild, and He provides for my every need!
I grew up with a certain perspective of who God was, but it wasn't until I developed a personal relationship with Him that I started to see who He really is. He is nothing like I thought He was.
We get so caught up in our daily lives that we often forget to just spend time worshiping God and giving Him thanks for what He does in our lives. I can't list everything that God has done for me, there is way to many to list and even some that I am not aware of, but that doesn't matter to God. He doesn't expect us to keep a score sheet of all that He has done. He just wants us to acknowledge Him and be very aware of who He is and His presence in our lives.
I, like so many others on Facebook have been participating in 30 days of thankfulness for the month of November. I thought at first that it would be hard to come up with something everyday to be thankful for. But you know, it isn't always the big things that matter the most. God wants us to be thankful for the little things too. Many times its the little things that mean the most anyway.
Some things to be thankful for:
1) For who God is. (I'm very thankful that He is God and that I'm not. I would be a horrible God!)
2) For His provision for our needs.
3) For His blessings.
4) For His answers to our Prayers, Even when He says NO.
5) For the Church family that He has given us. (Such a huge blessing to have a family to lift us up and grow with)
Today's question: Do you spend time telling God how grateful and thankful you are for everything that He has done for you?
Father, I just want to tell You how wonderful You are. I am in complete AWE of You. Thank You for everything that You have done for us. I pray Lord that we will always remember You and the things that You do for us. We couldn't make it in this life without You. Thank You for being You!
In Jesus name, Amen.
Christian
Thursday, November 7, 2013
No Room For Excuses!
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities- His eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator- who is forever praised. Amen.
Because of this, God gave them over to the shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.
Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, He gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought no to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanders, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things buy also approve of those who practice them."
-Romans 1:20-32
These verses describe the course of the world. The sins of the people and why the world is the way it is. At the same point it is also proof that God has left no room for us to make excuses for our sins and not believing in Him.
While reading these verses, I couldn't help realize that although they were written by Paul in about A.D. 57 or about 1,956 years ago, nothing has changed. Our world today is just as Paul describes it in the pages of Romans almost 2,000 years later.
Just like then, People today choose to reject God and God allows them to do so. God is a gentleman, He lets us choose our "Freedom" from Him. Even though He knows the outcome of our choices. He know that in due time our "Freedom" from Him will turn into slavery. We will become slaves to our own sins. We will loose the freedom to choose not to sin.
Today's question: Does life without God look like freedom to you?
Look closely, there is no worse slavery than slavery to sin. (NIV)
Father, I see that our world is really no different than it was 2,000 years ago. We are committing the same sins that the people did back then. We as the human race have not learned from our own mistakes. Father, we are in Your hands. I am very grateful that You are the gentleman that You are and do not force Yourself on to us. Thank You for loving us enough to allow us to choose You. I pray Lord, that we will choose You. That we will turn away from our sins and turn towards You. Although I know that our world will continue to turn from You and continue to sin, I pray that You will show Yourself to all of us Give us an uncontrollable desire to know You. Give us no room for excuses not to know You.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Christian
For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator- who is forever praised. Amen.
Because of this, God gave them over to the shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.
Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, He gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought no to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanders, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things buy also approve of those who practice them."
-Romans 1:20-32
These verses describe the course of the world. The sins of the people and why the world is the way it is. At the same point it is also proof that God has left no room for us to make excuses for our sins and not believing in Him.
While reading these verses, I couldn't help realize that although they were written by Paul in about A.D. 57 or about 1,956 years ago, nothing has changed. Our world today is just as Paul describes it in the pages of Romans almost 2,000 years later.
Just like then, People today choose to reject God and God allows them to do so. God is a gentleman, He lets us choose our "Freedom" from Him. Even though He knows the outcome of our choices. He know that in due time our "Freedom" from Him will turn into slavery. We will become slaves to our own sins. We will loose the freedom to choose not to sin.
Today's question: Does life without God look like freedom to you?
Look closely, there is no worse slavery than slavery to sin. (NIV)
Father, I see that our world is really no different than it was 2,000 years ago. We are committing the same sins that the people did back then. We as the human race have not learned from our own mistakes. Father, we are in Your hands. I am very grateful that You are the gentleman that You are and do not force Yourself on to us. Thank You for loving us enough to allow us to choose You. I pray Lord, that we will choose You. That we will turn away from our sins and turn towards You. Although I know that our world will continue to turn from You and continue to sin, I pray that You will show Yourself to all of us Give us an uncontrollable desire to know You. Give us no room for excuses not to know You.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Christian
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Service, Diluted or Devoted?
"As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said, But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha." The Lord answered " You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her."
-Luke 11:38-42
"Mary and Martha both loved Jesus. On this occasion they were both serving him. But Martha thought Mary's style of serving was inferior to hers. She didn't realize that in her desire to serve, she was actually neglecting her guest. Don't let your service become self-seeking. Jesus did not blame Martha for being concerned about household chores. He was only asking her to set priorities."
(NIV study notes)
Todays question: Are you so busy doing things for Jesus that your service to Him has become diluted and no longer devoted?
So many times our service to Christ becomes diluted into mere busywork and no longer is full of devotion to God. We can become so busy trying to "please Him" when we really aren't pleasing Him at all. Spending time with God truly pleases Him. Having an open heart to His word and applying His word in our daily lives, pleases Him.
Sometimes we need to take a step back and revaluate our walk with Jesus. Are we serving Jesus out of love, or are we serving Him for our own self-seeking reasons?
Father, Thank You for loving us like You do. Open our hearts and eyes to show us the ways that we are serving You. Show us the areas in our lives that we need to change to serve You whole heartedly. Put our motives in check so that we can serve You without our self-seeking motives. Help us to make spending time with You the number one goal in life.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Christian
-Luke 11:38-42
"Mary and Martha both loved Jesus. On this occasion they were both serving him. But Martha thought Mary's style of serving was inferior to hers. She didn't realize that in her desire to serve, she was actually neglecting her guest. Don't let your service become self-seeking. Jesus did not blame Martha for being concerned about household chores. He was only asking her to set priorities."
(NIV study notes)
Todays question: Are you so busy doing things for Jesus that your service to Him has become diluted and no longer devoted?
So many times our service to Christ becomes diluted into mere busywork and no longer is full of devotion to God. We can become so busy trying to "please Him" when we really aren't pleasing Him at all. Spending time with God truly pleases Him. Having an open heart to His word and applying His word in our daily lives, pleases Him.
Sometimes we need to take a step back and revaluate our walk with Jesus. Are we serving Jesus out of love, or are we serving Him for our own self-seeking reasons?
Father, Thank You for loving us like You do. Open our hearts and eyes to show us the ways that we are serving You. Show us the areas in our lives that we need to change to serve You whole heartedly. Put our motives in check so that we can serve You without our self-seeking motives. Help us to make spending time with You the number one goal in life.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Christian
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
The most critical part of a Christians life
"In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice, in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation." - Psalm 5:3
Spending time with God every day is the most critical part of a Christians life. It really doesn't matter what part of the day that you set aside for Him, as long as you do it each day.
I have found that the morning is the best time for me. My mind is fresh and renewed each morning when I awake. It is clearer and easier to see life with clear sight. It isn't clouded with the events of the day. By taking advantage of my refreshed mind and spending some quiet time in prayer and in God's word each day, it will draw me closer to God and build up my relationship with Him.
When I spend time each morning with God, (something that I struggle to accomplish each morning) it sets the "tone" for the day. I seem to rely on Him more throughout the day. I seem to remember Him more during the day. My day just goes so much smoother and I have more joy in my heart all day. Don't misunderstand me, it doesn't make life easier, it doesn't take away life's problems. I still struggle every day with life issues, BUT, spending time with God every morning makes it easier for me to handle those issues and problems. It helps me to have a new look on them. Helps me to see the silver lining so to speak. It definitely helps me to see things from God's prospective.
Todays question: How much time do you spend with God?
I would like to challenge each of you to start a journal if you haven't already. For the next 7 days, start your day with your journal and your Bible, find a verse that speaks to you and write it in your journal. Spend some time writing about that verse. Why it spoke to you, How you can apply it to your life today. And some time praying to God. Ask Him for the help that you need. Praise Him for the blessings that He has given you. Pour your heart out to God, He loves it when we cry on His shoulders, and believe me when I say His shoulders are big enough to handle your every tear. Try this for 7 days and see if it makes a difference in how your days go. Some of my closest times with God are when I spent time journaling and pouring my heart out to Him. Then I get to look back on that time and see the changes and answered prayers that God made since that time.
I would love to hear how it goes for you, please post a comment and let me know.
Father, I pray that we all will make You a priority in our lives. We all as Christians desire to have a strong relationship with You but life always seems to get in the way. Help us to put You first, to spend time with You and get to know You better each day before we do anything else. I pray Lord that everyone who reads this will give You a try. I pray that You will bless them as they go through the challenge that I placed before them. Help them to see how important You are in their lives each day. Help me Lord to do the same and not allow life to come between us any longer. In Jesus name, Amen!
Christian
Spending time with God every day is the most critical part of a Christians life. It really doesn't matter what part of the day that you set aside for Him, as long as you do it each day.
I have found that the morning is the best time for me. My mind is fresh and renewed each morning when I awake. It is clearer and easier to see life with clear sight. It isn't clouded with the events of the day. By taking advantage of my refreshed mind and spending some quiet time in prayer and in God's word each day, it will draw me closer to God and build up my relationship with Him.
When I spend time each morning with God, (something that I struggle to accomplish each morning) it sets the "tone" for the day. I seem to rely on Him more throughout the day. I seem to remember Him more during the day. My day just goes so much smoother and I have more joy in my heart all day. Don't misunderstand me, it doesn't make life easier, it doesn't take away life's problems. I still struggle every day with life issues, BUT, spending time with God every morning makes it easier for me to handle those issues and problems. It helps me to have a new look on them. Helps me to see the silver lining so to speak. It definitely helps me to see things from God's prospective.
Todays question: How much time do you spend with God?
I would like to challenge each of you to start a journal if you haven't already. For the next 7 days, start your day with your journal and your Bible, find a verse that speaks to you and write it in your journal. Spend some time writing about that verse. Why it spoke to you, How you can apply it to your life today. And some time praying to God. Ask Him for the help that you need. Praise Him for the blessings that He has given you. Pour your heart out to God, He loves it when we cry on His shoulders, and believe me when I say His shoulders are big enough to handle your every tear. Try this for 7 days and see if it makes a difference in how your days go. Some of my closest times with God are when I spent time journaling and pouring my heart out to Him. Then I get to look back on that time and see the changes and answered prayers that God made since that time.
I would love to hear how it goes for you, please post a comment and let me know.
Father, I pray that we all will make You a priority in our lives. We all as Christians desire to have a strong relationship with You but life always seems to get in the way. Help us to put You first, to spend time with You and get to know You better each day before we do anything else. I pray Lord that everyone who reads this will give You a try. I pray that You will bless them as they go through the challenge that I placed before them. Help them to see how important You are in their lives each day. Help me Lord to do the same and not allow life to come between us any longer. In Jesus name, Amen!
Christian
Friday, November 1, 2013
Who is making the "Bad" Mistake?
"For yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule, "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never fear of doing what is right." -2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Our world is changing fast. It has changed so much just from when I was a kid. It seems like in the last 15-20 years our parenting skill have changed for the worse. Parents used to make their children learn the value of work and what it mean to earn an honest living.
Now days it is very common for kids to grow up and still be living off of mom and dad. If they aren't still living at home at the age of 30 then they are still using their parents to support them.
SEAROUSLY, Why?
Why can't parents tell their children no? Why must we allow our children to use us as a crutch? Why can't we teach them to grow up and be responsible adults who work hard for what they want and need. Parents are way to quick to bail their children out of trouble.
Don't get me wrong! I am a mother of two boys, and I find myself having the urge to jump in there and prevent my boys from having to learn things the hard way. Trying to protect them from the heartaches and the difficulties of life. But when we do, all we are doing is preventing them from learning what life is about. We hinder them from growing and learning how to live life with out holding mommy's hand.
There is no such thing as a "Bad" mistake, in fact they are necessary to learn. The only time a mistake becomes a "Bad" mistake is when we don't learn from it!
Today's question is: Who is making the "Bad" mistake, is it our children or are We as parents by not letting our children learn and grow up?
Father, I pray that You will step into our parenting world. Show us how to parent Your children the way that You created us to do. Help us to let go of the reins and allow our children to grow, to fall, and to learn. Our world is fast becoming a scary place. Give us the comfort in You to know that You are in control, You have our children in Your hands. Teach us to trust You and give them over to You. Father, give us peace in such a scary world!
In Jesus name, Amen
Christian
Our world is changing fast. It has changed so much just from when I was a kid. It seems like in the last 15-20 years our parenting skill have changed for the worse. Parents used to make their children learn the value of work and what it mean to earn an honest living.
Now days it is very common for kids to grow up and still be living off of mom and dad. If they aren't still living at home at the age of 30 then they are still using their parents to support them.
SEAROUSLY, Why?
Why can't parents tell their children no? Why must we allow our children to use us as a crutch? Why can't we teach them to grow up and be responsible adults who work hard for what they want and need. Parents are way to quick to bail their children out of trouble.
Don't get me wrong! I am a mother of two boys, and I find myself having the urge to jump in there and prevent my boys from having to learn things the hard way. Trying to protect them from the heartaches and the difficulties of life. But when we do, all we are doing is preventing them from learning what life is about. We hinder them from growing and learning how to live life with out holding mommy's hand.
There is no such thing as a "Bad" mistake, in fact they are necessary to learn. The only time a mistake becomes a "Bad" mistake is when we don't learn from it!
Today's question is: Who is making the "Bad" mistake, is it our children or are We as parents by not letting our children learn and grow up?
Father, I pray that You will step into our parenting world. Show us how to parent Your children the way that You created us to do. Help us to let go of the reins and allow our children to grow, to fall, and to learn. Our world is fast becoming a scary place. Give us the comfort in You to know that You are in control, You have our children in Your hands. Teach us to trust You and give them over to You. Father, give us peace in such a scary world!
In Jesus name, Amen
Christian
Thursday, October 31, 2013
You Must Choose Wisely!
"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night." -Psalm 1:1-2
These two verses have a very deep meaning! Not only do they tell us of the blessing that we will receive when we obey God, but they also give us such a strong warning that a big CAUTION sign should be attached. They warn us to be careful of the friends that we choose.
Our friends and associates can have huge influences on us, even without us realizing it. As parents we teach our children to choose their friends wisely, yet we often don't practice what we preach. When we have relationships with those who mock what God considers important, we may be sinning by being indifferent to God's will, in turn we are no different than them and are mocking God as well. We must stand up for what God considers holy and righteous!
Many times we have people in our lives that we love, such as family who also can drag us down and away from God. These types of relationships can be especially difficult because they are family and we love them. However, they too can have a huge influence on our lives and not always for the better. Like our children we must choose our relationships wisely, even when they are family.
The question is.. Do your relationships, friends and family, build up your faith, or do they tear it down?
Healthy relationships should draw you closer to God, not hinder your relationship with God.
Pray and ask God to show you which relationships in your life are dragging you down and hindering your growth with God. Ask Him to show you which of those relationships should maybe come to an end. BE CAREFUL NOT to end a relationship out of anger or revenge. MAKE SURE that your motives are pure and that if you do end a relationship that it is only because they do not lift you up but instead drag you down.
Close your eyes.... Picture yourself standing on a chair with someone standing on the floor next to your chair. Reach down to them and grasp their hand. Now try and lift them up to you. It is very hard to do so.
Now, picture yourself holding their hand and them pulling on you. It is very easy for them to drag you down and off of the chair. Try it if you like.
This is how relationships can effect us. It is much harder to pull someone up towards a healthy relationship with God, and so much more easier for them to drag us down into an unhealthy relationship with them and away from God!
Father, I pray that you will show each of us the relationships in our lives that do not lift us up, but instead pull us down. It is so very difficult for us to end relationships. Father, You see our every hurt, You hold our every tear in your hand. You know how hard it is for us to find good, healthy, uplifting relationships. Help us to remove the unhealthy relationships from our lives with pure motives. I ask Lord, that You will replace our bad relationships with godly relationships that hold us accountable to Your word and lift us up to You.
In Jesus name. Amen
Christian
These two verses have a very deep meaning! Not only do they tell us of the blessing that we will receive when we obey God, but they also give us such a strong warning that a big CAUTION sign should be attached. They warn us to be careful of the friends that we choose.
Our friends and associates can have huge influences on us, even without us realizing it. As parents we teach our children to choose their friends wisely, yet we often don't practice what we preach. When we have relationships with those who mock what God considers important, we may be sinning by being indifferent to God's will, in turn we are no different than them and are mocking God as well. We must stand up for what God considers holy and righteous!
Many times we have people in our lives that we love, such as family who also can drag us down and away from God. These types of relationships can be especially difficult because they are family and we love them. However, they too can have a huge influence on our lives and not always for the better. Like our children we must choose our relationships wisely, even when they are family.
The question is.. Do your relationships, friends and family, build up your faith, or do they tear it down?
Healthy relationships should draw you closer to God, not hinder your relationship with God.
Pray and ask God to show you which relationships in your life are dragging you down and hindering your growth with God. Ask Him to show you which of those relationships should maybe come to an end. BE CAREFUL NOT to end a relationship out of anger or revenge. MAKE SURE that your motives are pure and that if you do end a relationship that it is only because they do not lift you up but instead drag you down.
Close your eyes.... Picture yourself standing on a chair with someone standing on the floor next to your chair. Reach down to them and grasp their hand. Now try and lift them up to you. It is very hard to do so.
Now, picture yourself holding their hand and them pulling on you. It is very easy for them to drag you down and off of the chair. Try it if you like.
This is how relationships can effect us. It is much harder to pull someone up towards a healthy relationship with God, and so much more easier for them to drag us down into an unhealthy relationship with them and away from God!
Father, I pray that you will show each of us the relationships in our lives that do not lift us up, but instead pull us down. It is so very difficult for us to end relationships. Father, You see our every hurt, You hold our every tear in your hand. You know how hard it is for us to find good, healthy, uplifting relationships. Help us to remove the unhealthy relationships from our lives with pure motives. I ask Lord, that You will replace our bad relationships with godly relationships that hold us accountable to Your word and lift us up to You.
In Jesus name. Amen
Christian
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Are you rejecting man or God?
"It is God's will that you should be sanctified (sanctified means to be set apart from the rest): that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you His Holy Spirit." -1Thessalonians 4:3-8
Our world today is so free lance. We are told that we have to accept each others sins as normal. Our children are being taught in schools that they have to be tolerant with the evil in this world. We have become desensitized to what is truly right and wrong. We treat our bodies as though they are just things. We don't respect them to be what God made them to be. We don't even know the meaning of the term Sexual Immorality. Self control is no longer taught or practiced. We live in a "If it feels good do it," and "Sex is just sex no matter who it is with," kind of world.
When we don't live a life that is holy and pleasing to God, we aren't hurting anyone but our selves. God promises that He will punish All men who live such lives.
When we refuse to open up our hearts and allow God to change our life styles. When people speak the word of God to us and try to point us in the right direction. God uses people to get our attentions. To show us the path that we should be walking. Far too
often we brush off their words or get angry with them for thumping us over the head with "their religion." When we refuse to hear the word of God, we aren't refusing man but God Himself!
Father, I pray for us today. I pray that You will open up our hearts and minds to the truth. We have become blinded to the sins and evil that our world calls normal and acceptable. Lord, break our hearts for what breaks Yours! Help us to stand up and stand firm in Your word and Truth. I pray that You will show us all the areas in each of our lives where we need to let You in and let You make changes in us. We know Lord that You never break a promise. You are always faithful and just. We know that You promise that You will Punish us if we continue to live sinful lives. Father, help us to live lives that are holy and pure, pleasing to You. In Jesus name, Amen
Christian
Our world today is so free lance. We are told that we have to accept each others sins as normal. Our children are being taught in schools that they have to be tolerant with the evil in this world. We have become desensitized to what is truly right and wrong. We treat our bodies as though they are just things. We don't respect them to be what God made them to be. We don't even know the meaning of the term Sexual Immorality. Self control is no longer taught or practiced. We live in a "If it feels good do it," and "Sex is just sex no matter who it is with," kind of world.
When we don't live a life that is holy and pleasing to God, we aren't hurting anyone but our selves. God promises that He will punish All men who live such lives.
When we refuse to open up our hearts and allow God to change our life styles. When people speak the word of God to us and try to point us in the right direction. God uses people to get our attentions. To show us the path that we should be walking. Far too
often we brush off their words or get angry with them for thumping us over the head with "their religion." When we refuse to hear the word of God, we aren't refusing man but God Himself!
Father, I pray for us today. I pray that You will open up our hearts and minds to the truth. We have become blinded to the sins and evil that our world calls normal and acceptable. Lord, break our hearts for what breaks Yours! Help us to stand up and stand firm in Your word and Truth. I pray that You will show us all the areas in each of our lives where we need to let You in and let You make changes in us. We know Lord that You never break a promise. You are always faithful and just. We know that You promise that You will Punish us if we continue to live sinful lives. Father, help us to live lives that are holy and pure, pleasing to You. In Jesus name, Amen
Christian
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
WHY?
" The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires."
-Romans 13:12-14 The Life Recovery Bible NLT
Over the last few months, I have asked myself the question WHY? Why does it matter that I deal with the past? Why do I need healing when I am just fine? Why do I need to confess my sins when God already knows? Why me? Why?
Christ's return is almost here and I have to be ready. These verses tell me to "remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes." and "Clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ." We were made in the image of Christ and like us, He can't stand to be in the presence of someone who refuses to walk in the light. We know how it feels when we are around people who speak constant profanity, or someone who's sins are so evident you can almost smell it on them. Christ need us to be clean, washed and covered with him so that He too can take pleasure in us.
Father, I ask that you remind us who we are in You. That although our sins stink and stick out like a sore thumb to us, You see them as white as snow through the blood of Jesus. Open our eyes, show us how you see us. Convince us of who we really are in You. Father I pray this for all who reads this. Clean us Lord, so that You will find pleasure in us.
In Jesus name. Amen
Christian
-Romans 13:12-14 The Life Recovery Bible NLT
Over the last few months, I have asked myself the question WHY? Why does it matter that I deal with the past? Why do I need healing when I am just fine? Why do I need to confess my sins when God already knows? Why me? Why?
Christ's return is almost here and I have to be ready. These verses tell me to "remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes." and "Clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ." We were made in the image of Christ and like us, He can't stand to be in the presence of someone who refuses to walk in the light. We know how it feels when we are around people who speak constant profanity, or someone who's sins are so evident you can almost smell it on them. Christ need us to be clean, washed and covered with him so that He too can take pleasure in us.
Father, I ask that you remind us who we are in You. That although our sins stink and stick out like a sore thumb to us, You see them as white as snow through the blood of Jesus. Open our eyes, show us how you see us. Convince us of who we really are in You. Father I pray this for all who reads this. Clean us Lord, so that You will find pleasure in us.
In Jesus name. Amen
Christian
Sunday, June 9, 2013
John 17
Jesus Prays for Himself
"1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.Jesus Prays for His Disciples
5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. 6 "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name--the name you gave me--so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. 13 "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.Jesus Prays for All Believers
19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. 20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25 "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." (NIV)John 17 is a short chapter but a very powerful one. It amazes me that even during Jesus' last "free" hours He had us in mind and prayer. He not only prayed for His believers and followers at that time but also for His future ones, FOR US. How humbling it is to hear His words and know that even then when He knew what was to come that He loved us enough to pray for us before we were alive, and during such a scary time. A time when He was about to loose His life so that we may keep ours.
I was thinking about how might this prayer be applied to our lives today. I think this is a perfect example of how we might pray for our children, family, and friends. Believers and future believers. Not only do we pray for their safety but also that they will abide in Christ as Christ abides in us. That the world will see Him in us and not us in the world. I look at my two boys, and to be honest if they never learn anything in their life time, I pray that they learn to let Christ shine through them. That the people around them will look at them and know with out a doubt that they belong to Christ and not this world. I pray the same for my family and friends, and for me as well. I don't want to belong to the world. I want to belong to Jesus Christ, My Savior, My God and I want the world to know it!
Father, I pray that John chapter 17 will be a light that shines in the darkness for all of us who struggle to show you to this world. I pray that the words of Your son Jesus will be a beckon of light that will guide others into a life that proves to the world who You are. I pray that the world will no longer be able to claim non believers as its own because they will see You and belong to You. Father, teach us to pray for others just as Jesus prayed for us even during the hard times in our lives. Teach us to let You live in us so that we can show others who You are. Remind us to not only pray for our selves and other believers but also the future believers. The ones that are to come and shine Your love to others as well. Help us teach others to boldly show Your love.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen
Christian
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Society has it so wrong!!
"A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back."
-Proverbs 29:11 NKJV
Oh wow, this verse hits home hard!
I have always thought that sharing my feelings with anyone and being "an open book" was a good thing. Our society has it so wrong!! It teaches us that "I" am important. My happiness is all that matters regardless of who I hurt or the cost. We have been taught to allow our feelings to control us. Decisions are based on how we feel. If it feels right or good to us. Many times our feelings are labeled as "God." We confuse them with God.
I am learning (and it has been very hard at times) that my feelings get me into more trouble and hurt rather than help. To many times I allow my feelings to control what I say or how I act. They get in the way of who I am and prevent me from becoming who God created me to be.
God created our feelings for a reason. So that we can be loving and compassionate. So that we can help others and serve Him. He did not create our feelings to hinder us and make us selfish. He did not create them to cloud our vision in right and wrong. He did not create them to control us!
Father, I pray that you will open hearts and minds. Show us how to get a hold of our feelings and use them in the way that you created them to be used. Show us to control them and not allow them to control us any longer. In Jesus name, Amen.
With God's love,
Christian
-Proverbs 29:11 NKJV
Oh wow, this verse hits home hard!
I have always thought that sharing my feelings with anyone and being "an open book" was a good thing. Our society has it so wrong!! It teaches us that "I" am important. My happiness is all that matters regardless of who I hurt or the cost. We have been taught to allow our feelings to control us. Decisions are based on how we feel. If it feels right or good to us. Many times our feelings are labeled as "God." We confuse them with God.
I am learning (and it has been very hard at times) that my feelings get me into more trouble and hurt rather than help. To many times I allow my feelings to control what I say or how I act. They get in the way of who I am and prevent me from becoming who God created me to be.
God created our feelings for a reason. So that we can be loving and compassionate. So that we can help others and serve Him. He did not create our feelings to hinder us and make us selfish. He did not create them to cloud our vision in right and wrong. He did not create them to control us!
Father, I pray that you will open hearts and minds. Show us how to get a hold of our feelings and use them in the way that you created them to be used. Show us to control them and not allow them to control us any longer. In Jesus name, Amen.
With God's love,
Christian
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Would you be willing?
Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." - Matthew 19:21
This weekend I spent 15 hours over Saturday and Sunday moving my in laws. We combined two homes with 100 years worth of stuff. So much stuff! They grew up in a world where their parents didn't throw anything away, they didn't throw anything away, and still don't throw anything away. They are trying to cram two house holds with a total of 100 years of stuff between the two into one house with not a lot of room. As we are packing and loading stuff, My husband and I are trying to encourage them to get rid of stuff that is trash or they simply won't use. To no avail we moved everything.
As I was reading Matthew 19:21, I couldn't help but wonder what it would take to get them to let go of some stuff.
If Jesus himself came and asked them too, would they? Would I? Or would I be as attached to my stuff like the man that Matthew is referring to in this scripture.
This scripture is talking about a man that asked Jesus what he must do to get into heaven that he hadn't already done. And Jesus tells him to sell his possessions and follow Him. The man was unwilling to because he was too attached to his stuff.
I am not one who does get attached to stuff much. If I get something new, it stays for a while until I get tired of it and then I pass it on to someone else. I'm not sure that is a good thing either. Maybe I am not content with what I have. Because of this, I have a hard time understanding why people get attached to things. I have seen people get so attached that it truly controls their lives. The thought of loosing something can cause some people a flood of uneasy emotions.
Would you be willing to sell your possessions and follow Christ, or would you struggle with getting rid of your things?
Father, I have compassion on those who struggle with the possessions in their life. I pray that you will break the bond that they have with their things so that they can create a bond with you and follow you. Help us all to find true value in a relationship with you and not the things in our lives. In Jesus name. Amen
With God's Love,
Christian
This weekend I spent 15 hours over Saturday and Sunday moving my in laws. We combined two homes with 100 years worth of stuff. So much stuff! They grew up in a world where their parents didn't throw anything away, they didn't throw anything away, and still don't throw anything away. They are trying to cram two house holds with a total of 100 years of stuff between the two into one house with not a lot of room. As we are packing and loading stuff, My husband and I are trying to encourage them to get rid of stuff that is trash or they simply won't use. To no avail we moved everything.
As I was reading Matthew 19:21, I couldn't help but wonder what it would take to get them to let go of some stuff.
If Jesus himself came and asked them too, would they? Would I? Or would I be as attached to my stuff like the man that Matthew is referring to in this scripture.
This scripture is talking about a man that asked Jesus what he must do to get into heaven that he hadn't already done. And Jesus tells him to sell his possessions and follow Him. The man was unwilling to because he was too attached to his stuff.
I am not one who does get attached to stuff much. If I get something new, it stays for a while until I get tired of it and then I pass it on to someone else. I'm not sure that is a good thing either. Maybe I am not content with what I have. Because of this, I have a hard time understanding why people get attached to things. I have seen people get so attached that it truly controls their lives. The thought of loosing something can cause some people a flood of uneasy emotions.
Would you be willing to sell your possessions and follow Christ, or would you struggle with getting rid of your things?
Father, I have compassion on those who struggle with the possessions in their life. I pray that you will break the bond that they have with their things so that they can create a bond with you and follow you. Help us all to find true value in a relationship with you and not the things in our lives. In Jesus name. Amen
With God's Love,
Christian
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Like fire, we can neither control nor reverse the damage that is done!
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. -James 3:3-6
As we grow from childhood, we are taught what is proper, what words are acceptable to say and whats not. Proper speech isn't only saying the right words at the right time but is also controlling what we say and the urge to say what we shouldn't say. Gossiping, putting someone down, bragging, manipulating others, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering, and lying are just a few of the things we should not say. Some of which we don't even realize is wrong. Exaggerating is such a part of our every day lives. " I ran a million miles just to catch the bus." When in reality I only ran maybe a half a mile.
An uncontrolled tongue can do horrible damage. It will divide people and set them apart or against each other. It has broken up families, friendships, churches and has even started wars. Hateful and mean words are damaging and hurt deeply. Once the damage is done it cannot ever be undone, you can never take back what you said.We are often careless with what we say thinking that we can always apologize but the wounds remain. A few small words can destroy a relationship that took years to build. A few angry minutes of time can waist many wonderful years.
Our words are like fire, we can neither control nor reverse the damage that is done. (some information taken from niv study notes)
Father, I pray that you will teach us to bridle our tongues, teach us to speak only with uplifting and encouraging words. Remind us to think before we speak and that our words are like fire causing damage where ever it goes. Show us how to use our tongues in a manner that pleases you. In Jesus name amen.
With God's Love,
Christian
As we grow from childhood, we are taught what is proper, what words are acceptable to say and whats not. Proper speech isn't only saying the right words at the right time but is also controlling what we say and the urge to say what we shouldn't say. Gossiping, putting someone down, bragging, manipulating others, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering, and lying are just a few of the things we should not say. Some of which we don't even realize is wrong. Exaggerating is such a part of our every day lives. " I ran a million miles just to catch the bus." When in reality I only ran maybe a half a mile.
An uncontrolled tongue can do horrible damage. It will divide people and set them apart or against each other. It has broken up families, friendships, churches and has even started wars. Hateful and mean words are damaging and hurt deeply. Once the damage is done it cannot ever be undone, you can never take back what you said.We are often careless with what we say thinking that we can always apologize but the wounds remain. A few small words can destroy a relationship that took years to build. A few angry minutes of time can waist many wonderful years.
Our words are like fire, we can neither control nor reverse the damage that is done. (some information taken from niv study notes)
Father, I pray that you will teach us to bridle our tongues, teach us to speak only with uplifting and encouraging words. Remind us to think before we speak and that our words are like fire causing damage where ever it goes. Show us how to use our tongues in a manner that pleases you. In Jesus name amen.
With God's Love,
Christian
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