Be Quiet!!!

I used to think I could say whatever I wanted to, to whomever I chose with no restraint, with no self control or consideration for another.

When I was angry or frustrated, I could tell someone off with skill! Unfortunately,  I had learned effectively from example and by practice. But just because I wanted to say whatever negative, hurtful thing that came to my mind, just because I felt justified to say whatever I wanted and because I was quite capable to do so, didn't mean that it was smart to do so.

There were some hard lessons I went through in the process of learning to deal wisely with my tongue.

Proverbs 10:8
The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.

Proverbs 10:13
Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling fool invites disaster.

It is not so sweet when you find out you are a babbling fool. How many times do we need to fall flat on our faces or experience disaster before we find out that gaining instruction and treasuring up that knowledge to become wise is far better than the results of being a babbling fool, saying whatever I want, whenever I want, to whomever I want because I can?

Proverbs 10:17
People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life. Those who ignore correction will go astray.

Discipline is not easy, but if you want to experience the life Jesus came to give us, you'd better start learning that God's way is the Right Way to go and humble yourself to receive correction and discipline to learn to live His way.

Proverbs 10:19
Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

Keep my mouth SHUT!!!! Say what? I never had considered that way of handling things. That was a new thought to me. Too much talk = sin??? Really? Stop and think about that for awhile!

Proverbs 11:11-12
Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart. It is foolish to belittle ones neighbor, a sensible person keeps quiet.

Proverbs 11:25
The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

Proverbs 13:3
Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.

No wonder things weren't going very well for me, I was inviting my own destruction by not controlling what I said. I tore down my own neighbor instead of refreshing them. I was a fool with my own tongue. I had no one to blame but myself.

Proverbs 17:27-28
A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouth shut they seem intelligent.

That scripture cured me! I had enough of being a fool and didn't want to be that way any longer.

Proverbs 18:21
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

Are you liking the consequences of what you are saying, if not consider holding your tongue. 

Ponder these additional scriptures and respond according to the wise way!

Proverbs 10:19 ESV

When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Matthew 12:36-37

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Proverbs 21:23

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Proverbs 17:27

Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

Colossians 3:8

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.

Proverbs 15:4 

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

James 1:26

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

There are many more scriptures that talk about this subject. If those haven't convinced you to guard your mouth, then you need to ponder these scriptures longer and remember that God's Word is true, He cannot lie. If you do not like the way your life is going, perhaps you should do a review on the words you are speaking and be quiet until you can use your words wisely.

If you see that the words you have been speaking are not pleasing to God and you do not want to be a fool with your words any longer. Ask God to forgive you. Repent (turn your behavior around so as to do differently) and ask God to help you do what is wise with the words of your mouth. You will be surprised how His grace (His power extended to you to help you) comes in with what you need to change, if you are serious about doing it God's way.

Cheer up Buttercup - Part 2

In case you were not convinced yesterday that obedience to God's ways is a key to true happiness, here is some more truth to persuade you.

Luke 11:28
Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

Psalm 128:1-2
Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord whowalks in his ways!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

Deuteronomy 5:33
Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.

Joshua 1:8

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Cheer up Buttercup!

I used to think I would be Happy....if he would do this, if he wouldn't do that! I used to think I would be happy if I got married. I used to think I would be happy if I had a child. I used to think I would be happy if I had more money, if we could go on vacation, if we could get a new car, if we had a bigger house, if I have a smaller house. I used to think I would be happy ...... but in all those things I never found happiness.

I have heard those type of comments made by other people, too. I have learned that if we are not happy from within first, that nothing from without will make us truly happy either.

Now I am happy if he does or if he does not. I am happy I am married. I am happy with my son. I am happy with grandkids, too. That is truly Blessed! I am happy on vacation. I am happy when I am not. I am happy in my car, or in a smelly pickup truck!😖 I am happy in a big house, I am happy in a small house. I am happy with what I have got and happy inspite of what is not. I am happy here or there. I am happy anywhere. Ok.....not funny Dr Suess!

Seriously, though really, I have actually been rather surprised at myself that I have been happy, even joyful for no particular reason even in the midst of the craziness of the world around me and all of the issues. I am Happy.
 
How? WHY?

I found these scriptures this morning that answered those questions. These are not just words.  What David says is truly the reason for my happiness. I am free from the trying to be happy and wishing that I was happy to truly being happy and here is the reason why...

Psalm 119:1-3
Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD.
Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in His ways.

Psalm 119:35
Direct me in the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

Psalm 112:1
Praise the LORD! How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying his commands.

That is it! Obey God and you will find happiness from within regardless what is without. Seriously, God's Word is True!

I can screw this up!

You are facing something that is out of your comfort zone, but you are sure you must proceed. You don't know the outcome. It could be good and it could be bad, but you know you can't draw back in fear, so you move forward.

Have you ever said, "I know what I am capable of, I can screw this up!"

God says, "Yes, but do you know what I am capable of?

Philippians 2:13
For it is God who is producing in you both the desire and the ability to do what pleases him.

2 Thessalonians  1:11
So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.

Ephesians 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do infinitely more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,

2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

So, it's not about me screwing this up....it's about look what the Lord will enable those who are willing to do by His abounding grace and power.

Hebrews 3:20-21
Now may the God of peace— who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.

Look what the Lord will do!

Moving Forward?

What happens when you are quite confident that God is directing you into something new....a new job, a new relationship, a new business, a new ministry, a new direction or addition to what you already are doing and you think that this is the right path to take, however, every thought in your head is causing you a dilemma.

Words like: "Who do you think you are? You are not trained for this! People will think you're arrogant, they already think you are, you know!!!! You are not educated formally to do this!!! You Can't do this! You will Fail! You've Never done this before! You will be rejected! Nobody will come! They will kick you out! Who wants to listen to you, anyway?!!! You are crazy to even think you have heard from God about this!

These thoughts create in me fear of failure, fear of rejection and fear of man.

How do you deal with all of that? What will you do now?

1. Evaluate.
Evaluate what you are thinking of doing. Ask yourself reasonable, non-condemning questions like: Is this sinful or selfish? Would this be pleasing to God? Standing before God, can I be confident if I do this or would I hang my head in repentance? Do I desire this or do I feel pressured against my will?

2. Count the costs.
Ask questions like: What will it mean for me to do this? Am I willing to be committed to this endeavor? If I were to fail, would I see that my efforts were honest, at the very least? If I don't do this, will I regret that I hadn't pursued it, always wondering 'what if'? What are the potential positive impacts on other people if I pursue? What are the potential negative impacts on other people if I do not pursue this? What are the costs to me.....time, energy, financially, stress, family commitments...? Does this whole idea even sound like something God would ask me to do? Does this follow His Nature, His Character, His Word, His Love????

If after pondering all of this, you're fairly certain that moving forward is still the thing to do, your desire to press forward won't leave you alone and you see that it is good for your benefit, for the benefit of others and pleasing to God, but all the negative, condemning thoughts still plague you....

What do you do now?

3. What does God say???
You must find out what God says about this situation? You ask God what He has to say....if truly God is leading you to move forward you will find His encouragement and confirmation in His Word. His Word will motivate you, convince you more and inspire you.

If you are being led astray, God will make that clear to you, as well. If you have a humble heart you will yield to God's counsel even if it opposes your ideas and desire. If you are determined to do things your own way, apart from the counsel of God, in spite of what God says, you may be on a path to learn things the hard way, like the prodigal son.

Let's assume this is a positive situation. You are really confident that what is in your heart and mind to do really is God directing you, but the thoughts plague you and you know that if you do this, it would definitely push you out of your comfort zone.

4. Judge.
Judge the plaguing thoughts...in this case the thoughts are condemning, critical, negative, defeating and even harsh. Does that sound like "Love"? Would a Loving God talk to me in such a way? Even if I were on a pathway that God opposed, would He talk to me like that? No! No one who really loves me would use those words to help me on the right path!

5. Identify.
I identify those negative thought to be those of the enemy in effort to cause me to back off due to fear and derail me from the direction I believe I am to go. He must be afraid that if I follow through, it would not be in his best interest. He wants to steal from me, kill what God wants to do in me and through me and destroy what God wants to do in my life that has the potential of making a difference in the lives of people for God's purposes.

6. God's Perspective.
Next - the biggest of all issues....what does God's Word have to say about me moving forward in this?

1 Thessalonians 5:24
The One calling you is faithful, who also will do it.

2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.

Hebrews 13:6, 7
So we can say with confidence, “The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Remember your leaders, those who have spoken God's word to you. Think about the impact of their lives, and imitate their faith.

Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace—
who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep,
and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood— may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.

Philippians 1:6
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2:13
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

Roman's 8:28
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 

Acts 4:13
Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained (common) men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.

Shall I continue?

7. Deal with the Fear.
How do you handle the fear? What did Jesus tell Jairus when his people came out and said your daughter is dead...? Jesus told Jairus, "Do not be afraid, Only Believe."

What did God tell Joshua on the brink of a new responsibility that he had never encountered before?

Joshua 1:8-9
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Hebrews 10:38
but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”

Proverbs 29:25
It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the LORD, you are safe.

Those verses show me that I Can Choose not to be afraid. Jesus tells me that I need to deal with fear. He says simply "Do Not Fear! Ha! you say! Easy to say, not so easy to do! 

Dealing with fear requires choosing what I  think about and what I say. I can choose to do as the Isralites did in the Wilderness and focus on what I don't like and complain about everything that was wrong, uncomfortable, fear producing and visually impossible and I will not progress to fulfill God's plan for me...........

Or.........

I can agree with God, think and speak words of confidence in what God says and in Who He is and stay on God's side, in spite of the circumstances and negatives from other voices like Joshua and Caleb did. If I respond in that manner, fear will not have any say in my life, because I choose to think God's way and give no room to fear or the enemy. I will be spiritually minded (thinking in accordance with God), which is life, not carnally minded, (thinking in accordance with what is naturally perceived by senses, emotions and circumstances), which is death. It is in trusting God and being willing to move forward that I stay on the path of fulfilling God's plans for me.

So, instead of thinking thoughts that promote fear of man, fear of rejection and fear failure, all of which are inspired by the enemy and focused on the natural, carnally minded way of perceiving things, I choose to respond from God's point of view.

Let's continue...

What else does God tell me? I am NOT apart from God. I am NOT without God in this world. He is with me. He is for me and NOT against me! In fact, if God is for me, WHO can be against me???? Who dares to defy God!  God actually dwells in me! The Spirit of God, himself, dwells in me and quickens my mortal body. He empowers me. He strengthens me. I live and move and have my being in Him. He is my Protector! He, God Himself, is a shield around me - imagine that!!!!. He never leaves me and He will never forsake me. He will not let me fail. He makes me More than a Conqueror! He goes before me to prepare the way. He walks with me! He guides me in the best path to take and He goes behind me as my rear guard!!! He will open doors and shut doors as needed to keep me going in the right direction. He gives me favor with man, but if man does reject me I should not be surprised, for they actually rejected Jesus! If I go somewhere that they do not receive me, I am instructed to Shake the Dust off my feet and go to a different town! Just move on!!!

Isaiah 41:13
"For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.'

Well, if you are not convinced by now.....at least I certainly am.

Song of Wisdom

The following is copied from Bible Gateway, Psalm 37, The Passion Translation. There is so much evil about us, it would be  easy to become irritated, fretful and angry. Psalm 37 gives us God's viewpoint and His instructions so clearly. I can do no better than to encourage you to read, find rest in these words and respond to the counsel found here:

A Song of Wisdom

37 Poetic praise, by King David[a]
1 Don’t follow after the wicked ones or be jealous of their wealth.
Don’t think for a moment they’re better off than you.
2 They and their short-lived success
will soon shrivel up and quickly fade away
like grass clippings in the hot sun.
3 Keep trusting in the Lord and do what is right in his eyes.
Fix your heart on the promises of God and you will be secure,
feasting on his faithfulness.
4 Make God the utmost delight and pleasure of your life,[b]
and he will provide for you what you desire the most.
5 Give God the right to direct your life,[c]
and as you trust him along the way
you’ll find he pulled it off perfectly!
6 He will appear as your righteousness,[d]
as sure as the dawning of a new day.
He will manifest as your justice,
as sure and strong as the noonday sun.
7 Quiet your heart in his presence and pray;
keep hope alive as you long for God to come through for you.
And don’t think for a moment that the wicked in their prosperity
are better off than you.
8 Stay away from anger and revenge.
Keep envy far from you, for it only leads you into lies.
9 For one day the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord
will live safe and sound with blessings overflowing.
10 Just a little while longer and the ungodly will vanish;
you will look for them in vain.
11 But the humble of heart will inherit every promise[e]
and enjoy abundant peace.
12 Let the wicked keep plotting against the godly
with all their sneers and arrogant jeers.
13 God doesn’t lose any sleep over them
and he knows their day is coming!
14 Evil ones take aim on the poor and helpless;
they are ready to slaughter those who do right.
15 But the Lord will
turn all their weapons of wickedness back on themselves,
piercing their pride-filled hearts until they are the helpless.
16 It is much better to have little
combined with much of God
than to have the fabulous wealth of the wicked and nothing else.
17 For the Lord takes care of all his forgiven ones
while the strength of the evil will surely slip away.
18 Day by day the Lord watches the good deeds of the godly
and he prepares for them his forever-reward.
19 Even in a time of disaster he will watch over them,
and they will always have more than enough
no matter what happens.
20 All the enemies of God will perish.
For the wicked have only a momentary value, a fading glory.
Then one day they vanish! Here today, gone tomorrow.
21 They break their promises, borrowing money
but never paying it back.
The good man returns what he owes with some extra besides.
22 The Lord’s blessed ones receive it all in the end,
but the cursed ones will be cut off
with nothing to show for themselves.
23 The steps of the God-pursuing ones
follow firmly in the footsteps of the Lord,
and God delights in every step they take to follow him.
24 If they stumble badly they will still survive,
for the Lord lifts them up with his hands.
25 I was once young, but now I’m old.
Not once have I found a lover of God forsaken by him,
nor have any of their children gone hungry.
26 Instead, I’ve found the godly ones
to be the generous ones who give freely to others.
Their children are blessed and become a blessing.
27 If you truly want to dwell forever in God’s presence,
forsake evil and do what is right in his eyes.
28 The Lord loves it when he sees us walking in his justice.
He will never desert his devoted lovers;
they will be kept forever in his faithful care.
But the descendants of the wicked will be banished.
29 The faithful lovers of God will inherit the earth
and enjoy every promise of God’s care,
dwelling in peace forever.
30 God-lovers make the best counselors.
Their words possess wisdom and are right and trustworthy.
31 The ways of God are in their hearts
and they won’t swerve from the paths of steadfast righteousness.
32 Evil ones spy on the godly ones, stalking them
to find something they could use to accuse them.
They’re out for the kill!
33 But God will foil all their plots.
The godly will not stand condemned when brought to trial.
34 So don’t be impatient for the Lord to act;
keep moving forward steadily in his ways,
and he will exalt you at the right time.
And when he does, you will possess every promise,
including your full inheritance.
You’ll watch with your own eyes
and see the wicked lose everything.
35 I’ve already seen this happen.
Once I saw a wicked and violent man
overpower all who were around him,
a domineering tyrant with his pride and oppressive ways.
36 Then he died and was forgotten.
Now no one cares that he is gone forever.
37 But you can tell who are the blameless and spiritually mature.
What a different story with them!
The godly ones will have a peaceful, prosperous future
with a happy ending.
38 Every evil sinner will be destroyed, obliterated.
They’ll be utter failures with no future!
39 But the Lord will be the Savior of all who love him.
Even in their time of trouble God will live in them as strength.
40 Because of their faith in him, their daily portion will be
a Father’s help and deliverance from evil.
This is true for all who turn to hide themselves in him!

Because.....

Jesus Loves me, this I know......
........ because my Bible tells me so!

How do I know?
......... because my Bible tells me so!

Jesus Healed me, this I know.......
........ because my Bible tells me so!

My God Supplies all my needs, this I know......
........ because my Bible tells me so!

My God is a Shield about me, this I know.....
.......because my Bible tells me so!

My God has a good plans for me, this I know.......
.........because my Bible tells me so!

My God is my Protector, this I know.....
........because my Bible tells me so!

My God Is My Deliverer, this I know.....
........because my Bible tells me so!

My God is ready to help me, this I know.....
.......because my Bible tells me so!

Yes, Jesus Loves me, This I know.....
........Because my Bible tells me so!

I believe that this is true.....
........because my Bible tells me so!

Our God is Faithful and He is True! I believe that.....
........because my Bible tells me so!

That is faith, don't you know? Put your trust in Him alone.....
....... because the Bible tells you so!

Yes, Jesus Loves Me, don't I know?  Believe it All.....
.......Just Because the Bible tells me So!

Distractions

Pay attention to what God has to say and what you are instructed to do.

One of Satan's greatest tactics to destroy you is to get you distracted from what God has said and His purposes for your life.

Think about the enemy's successful plot on Eve:

2 Corinthians 11:3 

But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

What happened to lead Eve astray?

Genesis 3:5-6
“For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it  was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, and he ate it.

Satan effectively got Eve distracted from what God had instructed Adam in Genesis 2:16-17 "But the LORD God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.”

Satan's effective  distraction  messed up the whole plan God had for Adam and Eve in the Garden. Things went downhill for them in a hurry.

What about Peter, when he was walking on the water? 

What caused him to start to sink???? 

Distractions!!!! 

Peter got distracted by the waves around him. Remember, those waves and the wind were happening when Peter got out of the boat and started walking toward Jesus on the water, but when he took notice of the distractions, it brought Peter down. Matthew 14:29-30

What was Jesus' response to the people who came from Jairus' house saying, "don't bother the Teacher, your daughter is dead?"

Luke 8:49-50
But Jesus having heard, answered him (Jairus), "Fear not; only believe, and she will be saved."

 ....they kept on task, not drawn away from the report and Jairus' daughter lived.

How about Nehemiah, who was on the job repairing the walls?

Read:  Nehemiah 6:1-5
Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies found out that I had finished rebuilding the wall and that no gaps remained—though we had not yet set up the doors in the gates. So Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But I realized they were plotting to harm me, so I replied by sending this message to them: “I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?” Four times they sent the same message, and each time I gave the same reply. 

Nehemiah was wise and realized the enemy's tactic to get him distracted from the work he was called to do. Know this: the enemy goal is always for evil, always to harm us and get us distracted and drawn away from God and God's plan for us.

Finally, what about Jesus when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness. Satan tried to distract Jesus.

Matthew 4:1-11
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.
3During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”
But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone." Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.” Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God
and serve only him.” Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.

Satan was very persistent in attempting to distract Jesus with food, His identity and His faithfulness to God issues. However, Jesus was not to be distracted. Jesus resisted the efforts of the enemy as many times as the enemy persisted. Finally the enemy left Him.....for another opportune time. He is a persistent cuss!

We must know that  Satan will work hard to get us drawn away from God. He works to get us distracted by what certainly may seem like valid arguments, but ANYTHING that distracts us from our attention staying on God and His Word, our relationship with God, our faithfulness to God and our commitment to the work He has called us to do is the enemy tactic called, "Distraction!' If we take the bait, it leads to a path of defeat for us. If we hold fast to God, His Word and our assignment from God, resisting the devil, we Win!!!!

Hebrews 12:2  fixing our attention on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of the faith....

Ephesians 6
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

Luke 21:34-36
“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Mark 4:19
But the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

2 Corinthians 2:11
So that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs

Proverbs 4:25
Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you

Colossians 3:1-2
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

2 Peter 3:17-18
You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Today, take time to think about what things are distracting you. Things that are effectictively getting your eyes off of God and focused on the problem. Recognize that these are enemy tactics used to defeat you. Put a stop to Satan's tricks. Send him packing by using your shield of faith. Do as Jesus did and speak the Word of God regarding the situation. Find applicable scriptures that tell you God's perspective regarding that which the enemy is using to drawn you away and distract you. Be MORE persistent than the enemy....he will eventually flee if you do not quit!

What is Missing?

It is easy to read and learn, not always as easy to put into practice the instructions we are given. However, without the proper response to what we learn, there is no reaping of the promise.

2 Timothy 2:15
Study (show full diligence, fully apply yourself, make every effort) to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Joshua 1:8
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will BE SURE TO OBEY everything written in it. Only Then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

James 1:22
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must DO what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

NLT
Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to his word; instead, put it into practice.

Delude = to miscalculate, to reason falsely
Usage: I deceive, beguile, reason falsely, mislead.

HELPS Word-studies

3884 paralogízomai (from 3844 /pará, "contrary when compared side-by-side" and 3049 /logízomai, "to reason") – properly, to reason contrary to truth, in a misleading (erroneous) way.
3884 /paralogízomai ("deceive close-beside") operates by distorted reasoning – using what seems "plausible" but later lets the person down ("disappoints").

Jeremiah 11:6
Then the LORD said to me, "Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, 'Hear the words of this covenant and carry them out.

Matthew 7:24
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and ACTS on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

LUKE 6:46-49
“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t DO what I say? I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then FOLLOWS it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”

Comment:

Look at these Word in the scripture above:

I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then FOLLOWS it.

1. Someone comes to me = be born again.
2. Listens to my teaching. Studies, hears, is taught and learns from the Word of God.
3. And THEN Follows, obeys, acts on, is a DOER of what He learns.

The person who does all 3 of those things  are the ones who are well built, sturdy, strong and will stand firm without crumbling, in the storms of life. What is missing in your life of those 3 requirements????

Romans 2:13
For it is not the hearers of the Law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the Law who will be declared righteous.

James 2:14
What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?

James 1:25
But the one having looked intently into the perfect law, that of freedom, and having continued in it, not having been a forgetful hearer but a DOER of the work—this one will be blessed in his work.

James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Matthew 7:21-25
Not everyone saying to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of My Father in the heavens. Many will say to Me in that the day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare unto them, ‘I never knew you; depart you from Me, those working lawlessness.’

Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock. And the rain came down, and the torrents came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house; and it did not fall, for its foundation had been lain upon the rock

Matthew 12:50
For whosoever shall DO the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
deceiving.

I believe the scriptures above speak loudly and clearly enough......Learn God's Word AND Be a DOER of the Word you learn.

Study God's Word because without  knowledge of God's Word, God's people are destroyed. Hoses 4:6.

John 8:32
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to (continue in, abide in)  my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Listen to these words from 2 different commentaries:

His word was the expression of the eternal truth of God, and He therefore was the one great Teacher. Every other must sit as a disciple at His feet, and continue in daily learning and in daily living to grasp the truth which, in that word and that word only, was revealed to man.

And ye shall come fully to know the truth; i.e. to realize in the very depths of your being the trustworthy character of my word. "The Truth" (see John 14:6) is one of the distinguishing names which Jesus takes to himself. He is the Truth, and "full of grace and truth."

Without continuing in (learning it, living in it, remaining in it, being a doer of) the Word of God, you are not truly His disciples. You really don't know His Word. Without knowing His Truth, you won't be set free. It is in the learning and continuing in (doing) of the Word of God that you show yourself to be His disciples. It is the Truth that you KNOW that sets you free.

Be diligent to study and learn God's Word. Obey His Word. Be a Doer of His Word or you are just fooling yourself.

If you wonder why your life is not going well. The answers lie in the learning of and being a DOER of what you learn in His Word.

It took me a long time to really understand that becoming a Child of God was only being born into His family. His Kingdom is where I am now, as a born again child of God, a citizen. He has translated me out of the kingdom of darkness and now I am in the Kingdom of his Dear Son. However, that is only the beginning. Somehow, I had thought that now that I am a Christian, God will take care of everything and my problems will be gone.

After years of "Christian" misery, I found out that my way of thinking was not the whole truth. I found out that God instructs me to learn His ways. Be transformed by the renewal of my mind. To think and apply myself to live according to His counsel, His ways of operating in His Kingdom where He rules as King, not me. I needed to hear His Word and grow in my knowledge of who He is and what He says. Then my faith would grow and I would be able to believe and receive all that God promises as I walked in obedience to and confidence in the Word I had learned.

 The abundant life that Jesus came to give us does not come by osmosis. It comes by hearing, studying, learning, doing and agreeing with God's Word. It comes by effort, diligence and persistence to be a DOER of His counsel. It comes by absolute trust and confidence that What God says is Truth and it IS the way He says it is. No Matter What!!! That is faith. Believing in God. Believing in His Word. If you truly believe what God says is True, then corresponding actions will be evident. If you are not being a DOER of the Word, you are not yet convinced that What God says is really True!!!!

If you are not yet being A DOER of God's instructions, His Word, then you are Missing a necessary step of being a true disciple. You are deceiving yourself. You are missing out on receiving the life that Jesus came to give you.

Psalm 1:2-3
International Standard Version
But he delights (takes pleasure) in the LORD’s instruction, (direction) and meditates in his instruction day and night.
He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in its season,
and whose leaf does not wither.
He will prosper in everything he does.

NET Version
Instead he finds pleasure in obeying the Lord’s commands; he meditates on his commands day and night. He is like a tree planted by flowing streams; it yields its fruit at the proper time, and its leaves never fall off. He succeeds in everything he attempts.

Proverbs 4:20-23
My child, pay attention to what I say.
Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, (follow the dictates of, attend to, give heed to) for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.

The question of Honoring God

Today I am returning to our study of Honoring God from May 1st.

Let's ponder the Final Question from that study today: How do we show true honor to God and His Son (The Word of God) today?

What does it mean to honor God? To honor someone is to highly esteem them. Honor originates in our heart and refers to the value we personally place on someone or something. Collectors hold certain items in higher esteem than non collector's do. What others overlook may be highly valued by someone else and therefore honored. When we honor God, we are demonstrating the high regard we have for Him. 

The word translated "honor" means perceived value; worth  (literally, "price") especially as perceived; what has value in the eyes of the beholder; (figuratively) the value (weight, honor) willingly assigned to something. Preciousness.

Read again Mark 6:1-6
Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Marya and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.
Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

As I read those verses, these are the words that capture my attention and my thoughts:

1. Where did he get all this wisdom and power to perform such Miracles?

His wisdom was obvious to the people. Miracles were taking place, they saw the miracles being manifested. Today, mighty miracles are happening in different places all over the world. Blind eyes are seeing, cancer is disappearing, new arms and legs are growing where previously there were no arms or legs. The dead are being raised to life... documented miracles ARE happening and yet in other places they are not. Why????

2. He's just a carpenter.

Their estimation of him was based on what they had seen and what they knew of Him by their experience. They had grown up with Him. They knew His family. To them He was just a carpenter....common. They did not hold Him in high esteem. They did not perceive His value. They did not Honor Him.

3. They refused to believe in Him.

They made a choice. They refused to trust that there was more value to Him than they knew by natural experience. They were offended. They scoffed.

4. A prophet is honored everywhere except among his own people.

Others had honored him. In other places people had held Him in high regard. They had believed if Jesus would just speak the Word, their servant would be healed. They had responded to His instructions, believing it was true if they would wash in the pool they would see. They did and they saw. They had believed they would walk if they would rise up. They had believed if He would lay hands on their daughter, she would be healed. He did and she was! They had esteemed Him so highly that they came to Him, they followed Him, they pursued Him, they trusted what He said to be true AND THEY were the recipients of the power to work miracles that he offered.

5. ...because of their unbelief.

The people in His own town just would not believe. They were too hung up on what they knew naturally. Their experience spoke louder than anything else. They honored (esteemed more valuable) what was familiar, than they did the Son of God.

6. He couldn't do any mighty Miracles among them.

He "could not" work mighty miracles among them...not "would not". Their unbelief halted His power to work miracles among them. Many people today, I have heard them with my own ears.... blame God for miracles not happening in their own lives. Instead of pursuing God to gain understanding through studying God's Word and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they believe doctrines that are not biblical to comfort themselves....they say it must not be God's will to heal them or some other lie that the enemy concocts. But, I present to you, that it is not God who has chosen not to work miracles in our lives, it is our own unbelief that has rendered His power unable to work on our behalf. We have esteemed our own experiences, our thoughts, others opinions, what we feel, what we see and what we hear more trustworthy than God Himself. We honor something other than God. Our words, our actions and our experiences prove it.

Psalm 78:41Yea, they turned back and tested God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.

7. He was amazed at their unbelief.

Yes, why would you do that? Why would you stay in unbelief in the midst of God Himself. In the midst of miracles happening around you?

So, I agree, we do not have Jesus Himself standing right before us in the flesh today. But, they DID and still they would not believe. His ability to work miracles in their lives was essentially rendered powerless toward them because they simply would not believe. They would not Honor Him.

Today, we have The Word of God. Jesus IS The Word of God! How are we Honoring Him, The Word of God, today? Are we esteeming Him highly? Higher than our minds can understand? Higher than our  experiences? Just because we do not understand how it can be, does not mean that we cannot choose to accept His Word as True and Powerful and Believe that it is SO just because it is the Word of God and God cannot lie! 

I choose to Honor God by choosing to accept, as absolute Truth, what He says regardless of any evidence or experience to the contrary.

 I open the door for His power to work on my behalf by trusting Him, by believing what He says is true, by my faith in Him, in His Word. By honoring Him in this way, He is able and welcome to work miracles in my life and He does. I Choose to Believe and act upon the Word of God. I Honor Him. I willingly place my estimation of God and His Word to be of more importance, of greater value, of more power and worthy of more honor than anyone or anything else.

God IS who He says He is and He will DO what He says He will DO....So, will we Honor Him by believing what He says so we can receive what He is offering us? Or will we shut Him down by our refusal to believe what He says is true, regardless of any contradiction. That is the faith that we must live by. That is the faith that please God. THAT is Honoring God!

How do we Honor (value) Him today? He is The Word of God. When we read the Word of God, do we treat it as common, just words on paper, or do we respond to His Word as it really is: Alive, Powerful and sharper than a two-edged sword...The Word of God? God Himself! Do we realize that the way we treat God's Word is the way we are treating God Himself???

Are we willing to lay down what we know, naturally speaking, and our previous experiences that block our minds from being willing to believe what God says is true? Are we willing to decide that from here forward God and His Word will be more influential in our lives than any other voice, any other report, any other thing that would try to oppose Him? Are we willing to let go of our stubbornness that keeps us from looking beyond the common, the carpenter, to see the Truth that will set us free if we will take the effort, the pursuit, the persistence, in spite of the circumstances to really KNOW the Truth so we can receive the freedom, the miracles, that ARE available to us today?

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.

What He has done for others, he will do for us if we will respond to Him with the same Honor as those who have received His miraculous power in their lives.

Honor Him today....Only Believe.

Revelations 19:11-13

And I saw heaven having been opened, and behold, a white horse, and the One sitting upon it called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. Now His eyes are like a flame of fire, and upon His head many diadems, having a name having been written, which no one except He Himself knows, and having been clothed with a garment having been dipped in blood. And His name is called The Word of God.

Watch out for the spark!!!!!

We all deal with people...we live with them, we work with them, we interact with them in multiple ways, some multiple times per day. We have friends, we may even have those we don't care to be friends with. Some people we enjoy spending time with, some we'd rather not spend time with...Those we enjoy being with, at times, we find we don't want to be around! Even in times of  lockdown and social distancing issues, there seems to always be people in our lives that we have to "Deal" with.

Obviously, when the relationships and  interactions are enjoyable and without conflict, it's no big "Deal".

However, in even the best and closest relationships, we can get irritated, frustrated, offended, hurt, neglected, misunderstood, made to feel unimportant and unwanted, not appreciated, not heard and ... even .... angry....

Most people respond to these issues and negative emotions verbally. We tend to react with negative verbal responses, to be specific. We accuse with our words. We assume and presume with our words. We condemn, criticize and complain with our words. We are sassy, sarcastic, sharp and snide with our words. We are disrespectful, discourteous, discouraging and downright rude with our words.

As children of God, these should not be our responses in dealing with others.

James 3:2, 5-6, 10-12
For we often stumble and fall, all of us. If there is any one who never stumbles in speech, that man has reached maturity of character and is able to curb his whole nature.

 ......the tongue is an insignificant part of the body, but it is immensely boastful. Remember how a mere spark may set a vast forest in flames. And the tongue is a fire.

Out of the same mouth there proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, this ought not to be. In a fountain, are fresh water and bitter sent forth from the same opening? Can a fig-tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a vine yield figs? No; and neither can salt water yield sweet.

James 1:26
If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.

James 5:9
Do not complain (grumble, groan with frustration) about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. Look, the Judge is standing at the door!

Ouch, ouch and ouch!!!!

It seems to be a tendency for us to excuse our uncontrolled tongue, saying, "I can't help it" or, "Well it is True" or "They deserve it!" Or,  "everyone stumbles in what they say", as if we are justified in saying whatever we want or feel like saying! 

Take notice of James 3:2 again, "If there is any one who never stumbles in speech, that man has reached maturity of character."

So, by saying whatever I feel like saying, I am actually revealing my level of maturity. My character is lacking. What I say is exposing what I am thinking. My mouth is bringing to light what is really in my heart. 

Matthew 12:34
You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.

Matthew 15:11
Not that which entereth into the mouth defileth the man; but that which proceedeth out of the mouth, this defileth the man.

Defiles= renders a man common,  in opposition to "separate" for God's use.

My questions to myself and now to you, in response to the scriptures above are:

1. How mature am I? If my mouth speaks evil, am I still walking as a natural, carnal person. Is my character lacking? Am I  immature? According to God's Word, the answer is, "Yes!"

2. Is my religion worthless????!!!
If I am not controlling what I say, am I fooling myself?  The answer again is, "Yes!"

3. Do I want to be judged?
If I continue to complain, grumble and groan in frustration about another person am I am laying up judgment for myself when judgment day comes? Do I want that? Is it worth it to speak harshly, condemning and criticizing this person for whatever reason. For Any reason?

Reflection and honesty with ourselves is always a good idea!

Well, so......how do I handle this mouth and tongue problem?

David says in: Psalm 39:1
I said, "I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present."

Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.

Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

Psalm 34:13
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

Obviously, I am capable to control what I say. God has given me the spirit of self control and His grace to be able to do things His way! I will humble myself and obey! I can restrain what I say. In doing so, I am keeping myself from sin,  distress and ruin. I am showing myself to be wise. According to 1 Peter 3:10, (below), by restraining myself in speech, I will even be well-satisfied and I will experience happy days.

1 Peter 3:10

For "He who wishes to be well-satisfied with life and see happy days-- let him restrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from deceitful words;

Proverbs 12:18
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

I want to have a wise tongue!

Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

I will speak pleasant words that are sweet to the souls who hear them and health to their bones!

Proverbs 31:26

She opens her mouth with wisdom; and on her tongue is the law of kindness. (goodness, mercy, loveliness). 

When I open my mouth, my words will reveal wisdom. I regulate all my words by the law of Kindness.

Proverbs 18:21
What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words.

I do not want destruction as the consequence of my words. I will speak words of Life and preserve my life.

Proverbs 10:11
The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.


I AM godly and the Words of My mouth are a fountain of life.

Proverbs 17:27-28
A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.
Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

I am a woman of knowledge. I restrain my words. I am a woman of understanding, I maintain a calm spirit. 

Psalm 37:30
NLT
The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong.

NAS
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, And his tongue speaks justice.

My mouth will speak wisdom and I will teach right from wrong.

Proverbs 10:31
The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, But the perverted tongue will be cut out.

I will meditate on good things. I will not dwell on the wrong things others have done, what they have not done that I think they should have or the harsh or hurtful words they spoken to me. I will not take offense. I forgive them and I am merciful toward them. 

When I speak, my words will reveal a good heart, spiritual maturity, good character and wisdom. I will guard my tongue and keep myself from sin. distress  and ruin. I protect my own life by speaking with wisdom. The law of kindness will regulate what comes from my mouth. I will not set off sparks with the words I speak. I will set a watch over what I say and instead of being destructive, my tongue is a life giving fountain. With my words, I will build up and not tear others down. With my words I will bless others and not curse them. 

The opening of my mouth produces wisdom only!!!

I will keep this tongue of fire under control. What I say will be full of life and blessings to all who hear them. AMEN