Help With Your Thinking

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.Philippians 4:8 NIV Bible Gateway

Do you need help with wrong thinking or thought patterns that continue to plague you or stifle your ability to use the gifts God gave you? 

I know one of my struggles is this theory on aging and the enemy trying to make older people feel like they are quote unquote ‘elderly’ and really just need to take it easy in life. Yes some folks do decline and have issues in their later years but don’t assume everyone does and treat those older than you with kindness and respect. 

Put your focus instead on God’s blessings that is what I have to do. Be grateful for every year of life never mind the wrinkles and spots but give thanks in all things. 

PRAYER: I know Lord you have plans for every age of life. I pray for good health and many friendships of all ages. I pray those younger can respect those older than them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Have You Messed Up With Your Mouth?

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.James 3:5 NIV Bible Gateway

Do you have issues with your mouth being impulsive and just blurting things out that later backfire? There are many verses in the Bible about controlling what you say. 

Your words can make things happen for good or destroy you. Just like this verse implies they can set a forest on fire. 

If you have hurt someone with your words pray and then go apologize. Lately words are bashing people on social media mainly over political views. Why not steer clear and try to keep conversations kind and nice and not push your agenda on someone. What would Jesus say? Hmmm. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord each day to guide me and my mouth. Help only edifying things come from my mouth or my texts. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Better Not To Say Anything

 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.Ephesians 4:29 NIV Bible Gateway

The mouth is a powerful tool God created for us. When it is used to bless others it is great but when it lies, gossips, belittles, or says hurtful things it is not the tool God designed it for. 

Do you use the 24 hour rule meaning if in doubt over what you are going to say stop and think for at least 24 hours? Is what you plan to say going to start a fight or hurt someone? 

Words are a powerful tool so be careful how you use them. 

PRAYER: Lord help me to think before speaking or texting. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Comparison Wreaks Havoc

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."Philippians 4:11-13

Sometimes I wish social media had never been invented. Even though I use it I ask myself why is it necessary the whole world know my business yet I continue to post. Am I trying to prove something? Do you know what I mean? 

Comparison is a giant joy robber. Seeing others new house, their wonderful romantic married life, their perfect children and grandchildren, their exotic vacation often is draining. Why can’t I be like that Lord. What is wrong with me? 

You are to be content with what you have and where you are as well. Know God loves you and cares for you. Most who read this are from the United States and are blessed beyond compare even if not living in a high end area. Be at peace with yourself. Spend more time on things of the Lord and pray instead of dwelling on the things that divide. 

PRAYER: Help me Father to cast off anything in my life drawing me away from you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Keep The Beans In Your Mouth

"A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul." Proverbs 18:7

Do you feel like you always have to be talking and it is awkward to have silence?In times like this thinking you have to be talking you could end up saying stupid things or talking about yourself too much. Don’t ‘spill the beans’ all the time keep them in your mouth. 

It’s okay to be still and not talk. Everybody doesn’t need to hear everything you have to say. And when you talk and don’t think, you may talk nonsense that ends up being hurtful even though you may not have intended that to be the case. Or guilting could come into play. 

So the moral to this devotion is to not say everything just because you can. 

PRAYER: Father help me truly learn to be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Your Words

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
    but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. Proverbs 15:1-2 NIV Bible Gateway

Your words can build up or tear down. You can choose to be kind or you can choose to be like a stubborn old mule and wreak havoc with your mouth saying ugly mean hurtful things then never asking for forgiveness. 

It is your choice. Choose to use the mouth God gave you to build others up or choose to use it to belittle, tear down, argue, insult and so forth. Even if another person hurts you with their words you don’t have to turn around and do the same thing. 

Use your mouth for kindness and pray for people who may have been hurt and are therefore hurting others. Be the bigger person and show love. 

PRAYER: Father help me to think before speaking and pause before saying anything. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Circumstances Are Almost Always Out Of Our Control

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.Romans 12:1 NIV Bible Gateway

Today’s title idea came from Craig Groeschel Bible App devotion ‘Winning the War In Your Mind’. Basically you and I can’t control circumstances even though we think we can but it is God who is at work in you. Even these world class athletes vying for a gold medal have no real control. Their training boils down to the aspect of what is God’s plan. 

Oh to be able to control the ‘chess players of life’ so to speak. To be able to figure it all out. But you can’t and I can’t. 

Continue praying never losing hope. Don’t overthink things because that is a waste of energy. Just trust and be still. 

PRAYER: Lord I can’t do anything without you. Oh how I long to see prayers answered. I know you are working. In Jesus’ name. Amen.