Slow to Speak and Slow to Anger

It is common to think of what you want to say while the other person is speaking, especially if there is contention or misunderstanding. Everyone wants to be heard and understood. To be your best, James 1:19-20 says to listen more than you speak and keep your anger in check.

James 1:19-20 (NIV) 19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

10/9/2019

Lying about Another

There are few things as wounding as someone speaking lies about you. The power of deceit is the same as aiming a weapon and using it. You can be blameless and experience this evil but you aren’t blameless if you do it. 

Proverbs 25:18 (TLB) 18 Telling lies about someone is as harmful as hitting him with an axe, or wounding him with a sword, or shooting him with a sharp arrow. 

10/6/2019

Your Own Worst Enemies

Your worst enemies will be right in your own home, meaning in your own mind. Family members may be a problem to you, yes, but your own mind and outlook is YOUR biggest challenge. God will give peace to you, and thereby others, as you depend upon and trust him.

Matthew 10:36 (TLB) 36 a man’s worst enemies will be right in his own home!

9/29/2019

Teaching Each Generation

All have intrinsic awareness of God but his ways must be taught to each generation. Judges 2:10-14 says if you abandon God, he will leave you to the mercy of your enemies. Enemies are internal and personal as well as geographical and political. 

Judges 2:10-14 (TLB) 10 But finally all that generation died; and the next generation did not worship Jehovah as their God and did not care about the mighty miracles he had done for Israel. 11 They did many things that the Lord had expressly forbidden, including the worshiping of heathen gods. 12-14 They abandoned Jehovah, the God loved and worshiped by their ancestors—the God who had brought them out of Egypt. Instead, they were worshiping and bowing low before the idols of the neighboring nations. So the anger of the Lord flamed out against all Israel. He left them to the mercy of their enemies, for they had departed from Jehovah and were worshiping Baal and the Ashtaroth idols.

9/22/2019

The Suffering of Job

Why would God collude with Satan to ruin Job, a holy man?  Wrong question. This is a teaching story.  Others may cause you to suffer but God always has your solution. One lesson is to show that true faith in his goodness (not that of your wife or friends) will restore all loss.

Job 1:8-12 (MSG) 8 God said to Satan, “Have you noticed my friend Job? There’s no one quite like him—honest and true to his word, totally devoted to God and hating evil.” 9-10 Satan retorted, “So do you think Job does all that out of the sheer goodness of his heart? Why, no one ever had it so good! You pamper him like a pet, make sure nothing bad ever happens to him or his family or his possessions, bless everything he does—he can’t lose! 11 “But what do you think would happen if you reached down and took away everything that is his? He’d curse you right to your face, that’s what.” 12 God replied, “We’ll see. Go ahead—do what you want with all that is his. Just don’t hurt him.” Then Satan left the presence of God.

9/18/2019

The Great Physician

Chronic medical problems and economic loss have been and still are with the world! This woman did all she could to be healed with conventional methods.  Upon hearing about Jesus, she was strongly drawn to the Great Physician. Jesus healed her and said, “Live well, live blessed!"

Mark 5:25-34 (MSG)  25-29 A woman who had suffered a condition of hemorrhaging for twelve years—a long succession of physicians had treated her, and treated her badly, taking all her money and leaving her worse off than before—had heard about Jesus. She slipped in from behind and touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, “If I can put a finger on his robe, I can get well.” The moment she did it, the flow of blood dried up. She could feel the change and knew her plague was over and done with. 30 At the same moment, Jesus felt energy discharging from him. He turned around to the crowd and asked, “Who touched my robe?” 31 His disciples said, “What are you talking about? With this crowd pushing and jostling you, you’re asking, ‘Who touched me?’ Dozens have touched you!” 32-33 But he went on asking, looking around to see who had done it. The woman, knowing what had happened, knowing she was the one, stepped up in fear and trembling, knelt before him, and gave him the whole story. 34 Jesus said to her, “Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed! Be healed of your plague.”

9/15/2019

You Can't be Anything You Want to be

“You can be anything you want to be.” Children are told this and aspire to it. Actually, you can be anything God created you to be. God knows what you are best at and knows how you will flourish. If you are floundering, ask God if you are where it is best for you to be. 

Romans 14:7 (TLB) 7 We are not our own bosses to live or die as we ourselves might choose.

9/8/2029

Heroes of the Bible

In the Bible everyone who had favor with God also failed God. Heroes held up as good examples were also poor examples - liars, schemers, murderers, adulterers.  Each blossomed while in God-confidence. Their problems always came from their self-confidence. 

1 Corinthians 10:11-12 (MSG) 11-12 These are all warning markers—danger!—in our history books, written down so that we don’t repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence. 

9/1/2019

Self-Control

Many troubles in life can be traced to a lack of self-control. It exists in all people and cultures and in big and small matters. Having self-control is a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:23). It is one of the most powerful and beneficial attributes you can develop. 

Proverbs 16:32 (TLB) 32 …..it is better to have self-control than to control an army.

8/25/2019

What is Concealed

Jesus is referring to the Pharisees and their hypocrisy in Luke 12:2-3 but hypocrisy and self righteousness is no respecter of time or persons.  Be grateful to face your weaknesses. Ask God to help you become more honest and genuine so you have nothing to hide.

Luke 12:2-3 (NIV) 2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3 What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

8/21/2019

Praise and Worship

If asked, most say praise and worship is the music at church on Sunday. The actual definition is gratefulness before God. Praise and worship is a necessary attitude of life. Paul said that if you don’t glorify or thank God, you will place your faith in lesser things. 

Romans 1:21-23 (NIV) 21 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. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

8/18/2019

Stories Jesus Told

Much of Jesus’ message is delivered through counter-intuitive stories. Mark said your understanding will match your experience and maturity. As you spend more time with Christ and scripture, the more your earlier questions are answered and your understanding deepens.

Mark 4:33-34 (MSG) 33-34 With many stories like these, he presented his message to them, fitting the stories to their experience and maturity. He was never without a story when he spoke. When he was alone with his disciples, he went over everything, sorting out the tangles, untying the knots. 

8/14/2019

Regeneration, Cleansing and Renewing of Life

Ezekiel 47:8-10 is a vision of water flowing forth from a temple. The water represents regeneration, cleansing and renewing of life that comes when God lives in you. This living water regenerates more than just you; things around you are enhanced and renewed also.   

Ezekiel 47:8-10 (NIV)  8...“This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. 9 Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. 10 Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets.The fish will be of many kinds—like the fish of the Mediterranean Sea.

8/11/2019

The Wisdom from Heaven

As you mature in a relationship with God, you will find yourself wanting to express yourself, as God does to you, in courtesy, listening to others, flexibility and being merciful. James 3:17 is a template of God’s characteristics you develop as you walk with him. 

James 3:17 (TLB) 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere.

8/4/2019

True Wealth

What is wealth? David, Solomon and Job were wealthy but it was incidental to their desire to know God and do his will. Financial wealth takes a special intelligence and commitment. Not everyone has the fortitude or discipline for it. Knowing God is the real wealth of the Bible. 

Matthew 6:30-33 (MSG) 30-33 “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

7/28/2019

I Did it God's Way

The song “I Did It My Way” is an inspirational standard loved by many. The truth of the matter, though, is that God prepares the way before you as you do your best.  You are unique and doing it with God will get you there in your best uniqueness and with the best results. 

Joshua 24:12-13 (NIV) 12 I sent the hornet ahead of you, which drove them out before you—also the two Amorite kings. You did not do it with your own sword and bow. 13 So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’ 

7/21/2019

Taking the Lord's Name in Vain

The 3rd commandment is usually connected to using God’s name when swearing but it is about using the Lord as cover for doing evil, as in grifting using charities, murdering in God’s name or abuse by clergy. It is a sin that wounds more than just the souls of those involved.

Exodus 20:7 (KJV) 7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

7/17/2019

The Church

Some say church attendance is sinking to permanently lower levels due to a lack of relevance and interest, but the Bible says something else. God’s eternal energy powers the faith of his people; “a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell” can suppress it.   

Matthew 16:17-18 (MSG) 17-18 Jesus came back, “God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn’t get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.

7/14/2019

Resurrection of Life

There are many ways to be dead to what is around you - physical or mental illness, addiction, anger, or bitterness are just a few ways. In Matthew 9:23-26 Jesus pulls a girl out of death and back to life. Jesus is where your life and purpose is resurrected when all seems lost. 

Matthew 9:23-26 (MSG) 23-26 By now they had arrived at the house of the town official, and pushed their way through the gossips looking for a story and the neighbors bringing in casseroles. Jesus was abrupt: “Clear out! This girl isn’t dead. She’s sleeping.” They told him he didn’t know what he was talking about. But when Jesus had gotten rid of the crowd, he went in, took the girl’s hand, and pulled her to her feet—alive. The news was soon out, and traveled throughout the region.

7/7/2019

Focus

Every day you choose who you will follow - God or something else. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left is a term used many times in the Old Testament. It means you want to be intentional - keep your eyes on God's ways.

 

Joshua 1:7 (NIV) 7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 

7/3/2019

Remorse and Repair

Apologizing to another won’t always reconcile a situation or relationship. It may be too late or too serious a breach. It is the opposite with God. God knows everything about you and is waiting for your recognition of wrong. Genuine repentance always results in repair and growth.  

Hebrews 4:12-13 (TLB) 12 For whatever God says to us is full of living power: it is sharper than the sharpest dagger, cutting swift and deep into our innermost thoughts and desires with all their parts, exposing us for what we really are. 13 He knows about everyone, everywhere. Everything about us is bare and wide open to the all-seeing eyes of our living God.

6/30/2019

Seeking Wisdom

In a dream Solomon asked God for wisdom in governing his people and God told him that he would give him that plus much more. Working with God on right thought and action is embedded in your consciousness, in dreams and random thoughts, as you seek his will.

1 Kings 3:11-13 (NLT) 11 ...“Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies -12 I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! 13 And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame!

6/23/2019

God Wants Relationship

Noah and his family were saved from the flood because Noah trusted God, not because he was perfect or of an earthly status. God wants relationship. Noah was a pleasure to God because he tried always to do God’s will. Noah trusted that God’s will was good and worth doing.

Genesis 6:8-10 (TLB): 8 But Noah was a pleasure to the Lord. Here is the story of Noah: 9-10 He was the only truly righteous man living on the earth at that time. He tried always to conduct his affairs according to God’s will…..

6/16/2019

God's Thoughts

As you experience God’s love and understand his continual presence in your life, you find an inexplicable love. God knows what you do not and he knows the motives and intentions of all. That is where he resides. Seeking his ways will always elevate your thoughts and actions.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ASV): 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

6/12/2019

Fire and Rocks

Where bad things are growing in your life, the fire of the Lord can level and wipe them out. When you are in a hard place, a word from God can break your negative conditions or mindset into tiny pieces. Let God’s Word benefit you on a daily basis.  

Jeremiah 23:29 (NIV):  29 “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?

6/9/2019

Education

Being highly educated does not mean you have better or more virtuous opinions and actions. Life is much bigger than any realm of education. Having reverence for the Lord gives you the humility to learn and acquire the wisdom you need to thrive.

Proverbs 1:7 (GNT):  7 To have knowledge, you must first have reverence for the Lord. Stupid people have no respect for wisdom and refuse to learn.

6/2/2019