"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." (James 1:26 NIV84)
"...For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45 NIV84)
"I give to the poor, go to church, and pray to God." You do all these "religious" things, yet the overflow of your heart (your mouth) speaks disrespect, dissension, negativity, and judgement? James is saying your religion is worthless!! In other words, your mouth can ruin your witness to the outside world and defile your God-honoring spiritual activities.
Cleaning up up your mouth equates to cleaning up your heart. Make 2012 the year for a "heart revival"!!
A friend gave me this Revival Prayer List...ask yourself those questions, confess your sins, and experience personal revival!!
http://www.basicministries.dreamhosters.com/Revival_Prayer_List_revised.pdf
The Bible also says to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV84). In other words: Think like Jesus and focus on truth! To do that, you must know Him. To know Him, you must read His Word & spend time in prayer with Him. It really is that simple...
Don't let yourself be deceived Christian... Cleaning up your heart will inevitably clean up your mouth...cleaning up your mouth will allow others to see Christ in you like never before!!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
No Excuse for Ignorance
He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. (Deuteronomy 8:3 NIV84)
The Israelites were learning a tough lesson on trust and obedience in their journey to the Promised Land. They were put to the test and failed over and over. I would like to think I would have done things differently. The truth is...most would have followed the crowds in complete ignorance. We have no excuse today for ignorance!!
We have a Bible... In fact, lots of them!! We even know what happens in the Bible...or at least, the traditional Bible stories from childhood....Adam & Eve, Noah's Ark, or Jonah and the Big Fish!!
How many pages of scripture does it take to convince us that God is serious about love, sin, forgiveness, trust, and obedience?
Look around... Could we not plug our own names or other's names, change the scenery a bit, and write the same basic stories of sin & disobedience and their consequences? How about stories of forgiveness, redemption, restoration, deliverance, and changed lives? The Bible has it all and it all still applies today!!
I find it so interesting that Jesus quotes the opening scripture when he was being tempted to turn a stone into a loaf of bread during a 40 day fast in the desert. Even the Son of God uses the truth found in scripture to battle the enemy!!!
The Israelites were learning a tough lesson on trust and obedience in their journey to the Promised Land. They were put to the test and failed over and over. I would like to think I would have done things differently. The truth is...most would have followed the crowds in complete ignorance. We have no excuse today for ignorance!!
We have a Bible... In fact, lots of them!! We even know what happens in the Bible...or at least, the traditional Bible stories from childhood....Adam & Eve, Noah's Ark, or Jonah and the Big Fish!!
How many pages of scripture does it take to convince us that God is serious about love, sin, forgiveness, trust, and obedience?
Look around... Could we not plug our own names or other's names, change the scenery a bit, and write the same basic stories of sin & disobedience and their consequences? How about stories of forgiveness, redemption, restoration, deliverance, and changed lives? The Bible has it all and it all still applies today!!
I find it so interesting that Jesus quotes the opening scripture when he was being tempted to turn a stone into a loaf of bread during a 40 day fast in the desert. Even the Son of God uses the truth found in scripture to battle the enemy!!!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Between the Rains
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. (James 5:7 NIV84)
The title is taken from a lesson out of the new Beth Moore James Bible Study. James is speaking to the people about patiently waiting on the Lord and providing them an analogy to further his point. This applies not only to waiting on rain for the harvest or waiting for Christ to return, but also to the time between the Lord's outpouring in our lives.
There are seasons this side of heaven when God's presence is so vibrant and real and seasons when we doubt He's even there. Let me tell you- He is still there!! It is during those "dry" times (between the rains) when our faith is being tested the most. We might think God has moved on, when actually He has moved under (Moore).
I can personally tell you that my family has experienced almost an entire year of a "dry" season after our relocation to Virginia away from family, church family, friends, and serving. I see God's hand and blessing all over this past year though!! We've remained faithful, expectant, and patient and are seeing the cloud on the horizon. This new year has brought a new church campus location (tech issues @ the original), serving opportunities, the next step in fulfilling my dreams of becoming a professional organizer, plans for a Mercy Mall location.... the clouds are rolling in... Let me go grab my umbrella ....there's going to be lots of rain in 2012!!
The title is taken from a lesson out of the new Beth Moore James Bible Study. James is speaking to the people about patiently waiting on the Lord and providing them an analogy to further his point. This applies not only to waiting on rain for the harvest or waiting for Christ to return, but also to the time between the Lord's outpouring in our lives.
There are seasons this side of heaven when God's presence is so vibrant and real and seasons when we doubt He's even there. Let me tell you- He is still there!! It is during those "dry" times (between the rains) when our faith is being tested the most. We might think God has moved on, when actually He has moved under (Moore).
I can personally tell you that my family has experienced almost an entire year of a "dry" season after our relocation to Virginia away from family, church family, friends, and serving. I see God's hand and blessing all over this past year though!! We've remained faithful, expectant, and patient and are seeing the cloud on the horizon. This new year has brought a new church campus location (tech issues @ the original), serving opportunities, the next step in fulfilling my dreams of becoming a professional organizer, plans for a Mercy Mall location.... the clouds are rolling in... Let me go grab my umbrella ....there's going to be lots of rain in 2012!!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Break Free from Your Stuff
Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. (James 5:3 NIV)
You have lived on earth in luxury and self‑indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. (James 5:5 NIV84)
You will find these verses under "Warning to Rich Oppressors" in the NIV, but it's called "Destroying Your Life from Within" in the Message translation. The Bible is very clear about how material wealth/money can create a wedge between us and God. In the Beth Moore James Study, she shares a phrase that ancient Latin moralists used: "amor sceleratus habendi, which means "the accursed love of getting."
Accursed means under a curse, doomed, or ill-fated which is fitting considering that a "love of getting" leads to addictions including hoarding and shopping. This can lead to unmanageable debt, failed marriages and relationships, and the list goes on.
We can't take our "stuff" with us!
There is no true security in "stuff"!
Too much "stuff" is difficult to manage!
Someone could be using the "stuff" we're hoarding.
"Stuff can quickly become an idol"
Hoarding and Self-Indulgence can begin with a heart of fear, lack of security, and the wrong perspective. Pray for a "giving" heart and let God be your Everything!!
You have lived on earth in luxury and self‑indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. (James 5:5 NIV84)
You will find these verses under "Warning to Rich Oppressors" in the NIV, but it's called "Destroying Your Life from Within" in the Message translation. The Bible is very clear about how material wealth/money can create a wedge between us and God. In the Beth Moore James Study, she shares a phrase that ancient Latin moralists used: "amor sceleratus habendi, which means "the accursed love of getting."
Accursed means under a curse, doomed, or ill-fated which is fitting considering that a "love of getting" leads to addictions including hoarding and shopping. This can lead to unmanageable debt, failed marriages and relationships, and the list goes on.
We can't take our "stuff" with us!
There is no true security in "stuff"!
Too much "stuff" is difficult to manage!
Someone could be using the "stuff" we're hoarding.
"Stuff can quickly become an idol"
Hoarding and Self-Indulgence can begin with a heart of fear, lack of security, and the wrong perspective. Pray for a "giving" heart and let God be your Everything!!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Stand Firm!!!
"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV84)
Stand firm!! Don't let this world and all it's philosophies sway you!! Don't let your difficult circumstances cause you to question God! Don't give in to the least bit of temptation! Forgive & move on!
Henry Blackaby gives a great explanation of God's work. He explains that God is working all around you; you must join Him in his work. You know He is working when lives are being changed! Don't sit in your "Christian bubble" and expect to be used by God! Plant and water seeds of faith simply by seeing every conversation, question about God, opportunity to serve, request for prayer, and solicited opinions as a chance to do God's work - He's working all around you! Join Him! It WILL NOT be in vain!!
Stand firm!! Don't let this world and all it's philosophies sway you!! Don't let your difficult circumstances cause you to question God! Don't give in to the least bit of temptation! Forgive & move on!
Henry Blackaby gives a great explanation of God's work. He explains that God is working all around you; you must join Him in his work. You know He is working when lives are being changed! Don't sit in your "Christian bubble" and expect to be used by God! Plant and water seeds of faith simply by seeing every conversation, question about God, opportunity to serve, request for prayer, and solicited opinions as a chance to do God's work - He's working all around you! Join Him! It WILL NOT be in vain!!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Love IS (based on 1 Cor 13:5)
"It is not rude, it is not self‑seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. (1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV84)"
Changing the definition to what love IS based on this passage...
Love is courteous in behavior & speech, selfless, generous, and devoted to the welfare of others.
Love is self-controlled and calm in all situations, and it is forgiving and willing to move gracefully into the future for God's glory.
Since "God is love" (1John 4:8), when you act out in love, you take on his character & being!!
Changing the definition to what love IS based on this passage...
Love is courteous in behavior & speech, selfless, generous, and devoted to the welfare of others.
Love is self-controlled and calm in all situations, and it is forgiving and willing to move gracefully into the future for God's glory.
Since "God is love" (1John 4:8), when you act out in love, you take on his character & being!!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Face God Or Face the Fire
"Better to be confronted by the Master now than to face a fiery confrontation later. (1 Corinthians 11:32 MSG)"
The Lord disciplines those he loves, so if you feel as though God has you up against a wall, several things could be happening:
1) He's calling you to Him for the first time
2) He's giving you an opportunity to completely surrender your life
3) You are suffering consequences of your own sin
4) God is teaching and growing you so you can ultimately bring more glory to Him.
The Lord confronts because he is a loving Father that knows what's best for you - don't run from Him!! Face Him or face the fire!!
The Lord disciplines those he loves, so if you feel as though God has you up against a wall, several things could be happening:
1) He's calling you to Him for the first time
2) He's giving you an opportunity to completely surrender your life
3) You are suffering consequences of your own sin
4) God is teaching and growing you so you can ultimately bring more glory to Him.
The Lord confronts because he is a loving Father that knows what's best for you - don't run from Him!! Face Him or face the fire!!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Knowing God is Knowledge Enough
"but sometimes our humble hearts can help us more than our proud minds. We never really know enough until we recognize that God alone knows it all. (1 Corinthians 8:2, 3 MSG)"
Pride says, "I don't need anyone's help; I've got it all under control."
Humility says, "I need help...I was wrong...I'm no better than anyone else"
God says, "I am all you need and need to know; leave the rest up to me"
Pride says, "I don't need anyone's help; I've got it all under control."
Humility says, "I need help...I was wrong...I'm no better than anyone else"
God says, "I am all you need and need to know; leave the rest up to me"
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