Your Words

 

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Do you ever give much thought to words you say? Trying to be a representative for Christ in a fallen world is a big job. 

You are with friends or neighbors and join in gossiping or speculating about something or someone. Then you ask yourself was that really right. Maybe instead of chattering about something you could be still and pray. 

Our mouth and vocal cords are a great gift from God, the ability to speak, sing, and laugh is a true blessing often taken for granted. Scripture says some day you will have to account for every word you ever spoke(Matthew 12:36-37). Ouch! So my friend go in peace and share God’s love. 

PRAYER: Father forgive me when I have used my mouth to say things that did not glorify you this includes lying or stretching the truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Here Come Da Judge

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.Luke 6:37

Excuse my bad English but most my age recognize that slang. When you think of a judge what comes to mind? A courtroom most likely. 

Hopefully you don’t try to act like a judge to those around you as it is a great way to lose friends fast and alienate. Sometimes you may do it and not realize it and the recipient may think you are acting rather smug. 

The only judge is God. He judges the motives of our hearts. His judgments are just whereas man’s judging condemns. This issue comes up many times at Halloween for who is right and wrong about celebrations. Let each person gain their own conviction from the Holy Spirit and stay out of it. 

PRAYER: Lord I love your word and I try to do things right but sometimes I mess up getting judgmental and self righteous. Forgive me and teach me how to cease from those behaviors. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stoney Heart?

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you;I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.Ezekiel 36:26

What exactly is a stoney heart? Picture just a bag of small stones how hard they are and impenetrable. A heart that is like stone would be same way. Unyielding, cold, harsh. 

Many people who don’t truly know the Lord have stoney hearts that are hard hearted and really only have a form of being Christ like but have no real fruit to show for it. They allow the world to shape them more than the word of God. 

Do you get excited about following the Lord or is Saturday or Sunday the only time you put on your Christian hat? Followers of Christ are to be salt and light on this Earth. Are you letting God use you or do you have a stoney heart?

PRAYER: Today Lord I thank you for showing me how to be closer to you and it takes way more than the weekend church services. This world is not my home so help me not let my heart get hard and stoney but instead use me for your kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Time To Decompress

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. Psalm 30:11

How are you feeling my friend? After nearly two years of being stalked by a pandemic and obeying rules to socialize and go places do you feel worn down?Perhaps you had friends or family succumb to this virus, and my heart breaks for you with even added sadness.

To decompress normally means to calm down, relax, relieve pressure. It has been an unusual couple of years for sure topped off with political drama. Infighting between ‘experts’ on all things Covid. It has to stop and you need to get away from computers, phones, TV, and radio. Relax and imagine a peaceful flowing brook. Breathe in peace, breathe out anxiety.

Try this. Go for a walk or just go sit and enjoy fall colors.Talk to God just as if he were your buddy. Let him know your heart.Breathe in, breathe out. Give thanks in the midst of it all. God is good and his mercies endure forever.

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the gift of silence which I don’t use enough. Help me not think I always have to be around people or noise. Here I am Lord still my anxious heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Impossible? No Way!

 

Jesus looked at them and said ,”With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible!” Matthew 19:26 NIV Bible gateway

Do you believe all things are possible with God? For instance a person who used to be be a criminal and was incarcerated can have a miraculous turn around. A person can be healed. There are many cases of bonafide miracles.

You might scoff at thinking of miracles because maybe the word has been thrown around so much but I have had them in my life. Not enough room here to elaborate.

Whatever it is you are believing for God to intervene keep praying and never quit(Luke 18:1) and speak positive confessions of calling things not as though they were according to Romans 4:17. Stand up and wait and you will see the glory of the Lord!

PRAYER: Miracles still happen maybe not exactly how or when we want cause God has reasons for doing his miracles and it takes faith to hang on and keep believing. Stand strong and don’t be a negative person but believe in miracles. I choose to do that so help me press on Lord and encourage the feint hearted. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#Biblegatewayblogger

Shhhh Little Lips

 

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. James 1:26

Gossip these days takes the form of not just speaking something you ‘heard’ but also sending it in a jet stream across social media. Our business should be our business I learned quickly.

Do not get into needless speculation. You don’t want to be known as a meddler or gossip do you? How would you like if half truths were circulating about you throughout your neighborhood? Not too good probably.

I had to stop myself recently as it is so easy to become part of the problem and not the solution which is to nip gossip in the bud then pray for those involved.

PRAYER: Help me not be guilty of continuing a gossip stream that only seeks to hurt people or look down on them in bad way. Help me instead to pray for anyone going through something others are gossiping about. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Psalm Of Life

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.Psalm 23:1

I am not so sure why Psalm 23 is always used in funerals because it speaks more to the living than to those who have departed this earth. Take time to read the entire chapter only 6 verses, as it only will take a minute and ponder as you read it out loud.

The Lord is your shepherd and he will guide you if only you will allow him to. He gently guides you and doesn’t drag you into submission.

Even though hard times may come he helps you find your way through the darkest moments of life. He is only a prayer away. He is a guide, shepherd, and refresher of your soul. Allow him to help you learn to rest in him.

PRAYER: Mighty God creator of all thank you for being with me and guiding me. Forgive me when I got stubborn and went my own way not submitting to your gentle leading. In Jesus’ name. Amen.