We all have people or situations in life that push our buttons, so to speak. You feel like sometimes you can not take their verbal abuse anymore and just want to tell them off but you know this is not the thing to do. These people might be friends( what kind of friend would that be anyway?), co workers or a boss, a family member( which is hard to understand especially if it is a spouse who is supposed to love you), perhaps someone on the phone from a company you are talking to or someone at a business who is rude. First we are not to use our mouth for evil but for good. To keep fueling the fire is no good. You just have to learn to let things go and 'blow it off'. I got that term from a friend I had in Iowa. It is wise. Continuing to get irritated will do nothing. You have to give situations to the Lord. If you are the kind of person who has never had any verbal conflicts with anyone then you are indeed rare and blessed. Throughout the Bible there are verses on controlling our mouth and our tongues in various situations.
It truly is better to overlook something than to think we have to 'be right' and win the battle. Be it a conflict at work or whatever it is most the time it is better to give it to the Lord than to 'fuel the fire' as mentioned previously. Proverbs 17:9 says "He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends." What is this saying? Let it go! 1 Corinthians 13:5 tells us in speaking about love "It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." So if you are mad at a friend or loved one or perhaps a spouse you need to let it go once again and give it to God. Keeping a list of wrong things to throw up in their face will only keep the battle going. So what do we do? Let it go! And pray of course.
Prayer is the key. Anger is a love killer. Ephesians 4:26 says "In your anger do not sin, Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." Human nature likes to pick fights but that is not God's nature. You have probably heard from a parent at one time "If you do not have anything good to say then do not say anything at all?" Well let's say we practice this even when confronted with mean spirited people who do not necessarily have that same upbringing or if they did totally forgot about it. You do not show the character of Christ by being vindictive and argumentative. Be the 'bigger person' and calm the battle down.
In life you will deal with all sorts of people. Try no matter how hard to act like Christ would act. Bite your tongue. Calm yourself down. Do not overreact to things. This does not mean you do not have an opinion and will never disagree. But remember that this too shall pass and continuing to 'go at it' with someone does not do one bit of good or really achieve anything. Ephesians 4:29 says " 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." No matter where you are be it at home, business, or in the market place make an effort to show the love of Christ in everything you say and do. It truly is a challenge at times but God can help you. Let the Holy Spirit deal with the other person involved.
The verse to shape your behaviour would be Colossians 4:6 which says "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Go into this day with the attitude that you will represent Jesus no matter what comes your way and let Jesus love shine out of you to those he puts in your path today.
PRAYER: Dear Lord the tongue is a mighty weapon. As in your word it says it can be used for blessing or cursing, help me today to use it for blessing. Help me Lord to overlook an offense and not pick fights or get mad. It takes your strength to do this at times. Lord I want you to guide what I do and say today. Help me show your love to others no matter how they treat me. As I go throughout my day help me to remember to show love simply by smiling at people who are around me. Forgive me for times I have not had control of my tongue. I want to do better and with your help I can. In Jesus Name, amen.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW
It is easy to get ourselves down in the dumps by daily situations in our lives. The way to escape from this daily doomsday or feeling gloomy, sad, or bad is to praise Jesus and think of all the good things he has done. It is the enemy who brings thoughts of condemnation, guilt, worry, fear, sadness, and a host of other negative emotions to us. Negativity is not a 'God thing' and for sure the enemy likes to keep us down in the dumps then we do not 'feel' like praising him or thinking good things. We get in a rut of worrying over goofy things we can not control. Maybe you fret over a situation but instead we need to say "I thank you God ahead of time for going before me and working this out." Start purposely praising God when you start feeling yourself dropping into a worry or pity mode. Start thinking of ways he has blessed you and listing them and start thinking of ways you can share your blessings with others.
It is time to release Gods' power inside of you and stand up and take authority over negative thoughts. I have heard it said we need to be powerful not pitiful. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." You have to make yourself think good thoughts. Anyone can easily bury themselves in a pit of doom, gloom, and 'woe is me' mentality. To be victorious and positive in Christ you have to 'purpose' in your heart you are not going to think on bad things. Start literally making a list of wonderful things in your life you can thank God for. For instance, thank you Lord for the ability to see. Thank you Lord for the ability to think and reason. Thank you Lord for my home and food on the table when many are homeless and hungry. Thank you Lord for my job even though it may not be what I want right now I thank you that it supplies and income for me and you can use me there where I am. Thank you Lord for my friends because it is sure nice to have people to share things with. You get the idea. I am sure if you sit and think you can have many things to lift you up out of any pit you may have fallen into with bad thinking.
Get up and say, "This is the day the Lord has made, I WILL rejoice and be glad in it". (Psalm 118:24). Philippians 4:8 is one of my favorite verses for reminding me of thinking on good things and it says "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Like I said, it is Satan who tries to bring negative thoughts to your mind. When you praise Jesus the devil has to flee.
Also do not allow others comments to you to destroy your day. Seek to lift up the name of Jesus and no matter what happens say "Lord I thank you for every situation you bring into my life. I thank you that you will give me the strength to endure and have victory. Forgive me when I forget to praise you and sink in a pit of worry and gloom. Help me rise up each day and give you thanks. That is my desire." With God you can do all things.(See Philippians 4:13). Hang on to Jesus and lift up his name!
PRAYER: Lord thank you for this day. I may wake up gloomy or have gone to bed with wrong thinking or concerns but I ask you to clear my mind now of unnecessary concerns and cast my cares on you. I need to learn to trust you with every situation in my life. It is not my desire to be in a pit of gloominess. I want your joy and no matter what I ask you to help me to maintain your joy. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Note: As I often do I like to select an appropriate praise and worship song for you to sit and listen to when you are able to turn up your speakers. Enjoy your day and go be a blessing to those around you!
http://youtu.be/-1jQeV9_8W0
It is time to release Gods' power inside of you and stand up and take authority over negative thoughts. I have heard it said we need to be powerful not pitiful. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." You have to make yourself think good thoughts. Anyone can easily bury themselves in a pit of doom, gloom, and 'woe is me' mentality. To be victorious and positive in Christ you have to 'purpose' in your heart you are not going to think on bad things. Start literally making a list of wonderful things in your life you can thank God for. For instance, thank you Lord for the ability to see. Thank you Lord for the ability to think and reason. Thank you Lord for my home and food on the table when many are homeless and hungry. Thank you Lord for my job even though it may not be what I want right now I thank you that it supplies and income for me and you can use me there where I am. Thank you Lord for my friends because it is sure nice to have people to share things with. You get the idea. I am sure if you sit and think you can have many things to lift you up out of any pit you may have fallen into with bad thinking.
Get up and say, "This is the day the Lord has made, I WILL rejoice and be glad in it". (Psalm 118:24). Philippians 4:8 is one of my favorite verses for reminding me of thinking on good things and it says "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Like I said, it is Satan who tries to bring negative thoughts to your mind. When you praise Jesus the devil has to flee.
Also do not allow others comments to you to destroy your day. Seek to lift up the name of Jesus and no matter what happens say "Lord I thank you for every situation you bring into my life. I thank you that you will give me the strength to endure and have victory. Forgive me when I forget to praise you and sink in a pit of worry and gloom. Help me rise up each day and give you thanks. That is my desire." With God you can do all things.(See Philippians 4:13). Hang on to Jesus and lift up his name!
PRAYER: Lord thank you for this day. I may wake up gloomy or have gone to bed with wrong thinking or concerns but I ask you to clear my mind now of unnecessary concerns and cast my cares on you. I need to learn to trust you with every situation in my life. It is not my desire to be in a pit of gloominess. I want your joy and no matter what I ask you to help me to maintain your joy. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Note: As I often do I like to select an appropriate praise and worship song for you to sit and listen to when you are able to turn up your speakers. Enjoy your day and go be a blessing to those around you!
http://youtu.be/-1jQeV9_8W0
Monday, July 4, 2011
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY AMERICA!!
235 great years of freedom!! Many do not understand our godly heritage because it has been muddled and rewritten by voices trying to take God out of our history books. But this nation was founded by settlers for religious freedom, but it was founded on the Holy Bible. Many have forgotten this. Evil forces will always be there tyring to take that freedom away. This nation is like none other. When we broke from the tyranny of the English rule we set up a 'freedom experiment' of sorts. Only in being vigilant to our founders principles and the word of God can we remain free. If we become complacent and ignorant of our history we are in danger of being domineered and taken over by tyrannical rule. You can not separate this great land from the founding principles found in the Bible. Travel to our nations' capitol and you will see Bible verses inscribed in granite on most monuments. Many want to scrap this Christian heritage that is why men and women of faith must be involved to save this land. It is the enemies lies to say "do not get involved in politics". This nation was built on the word of God and we need to remember that. Satan will deceive even the most well meaning Christians to believe his lies. The freedoms we enjoy are God given and if we do not get involved we will lose them.
Edmund Burkes' famous quote is "Evil triumphs when good men do nothing." If we sit back thinking the government should take care of us and do not care, look out! The government was set up to 'serve and represent' us not to 'dictate and lord' over us. We were not set up to become an entitlement state because we think the government should give us everything. If it does, it starts to rule and dominate us and before you know it you have lost freedoms. If it gives us everything it will control us. Bye bye freedom. I said it once and I will it again. Wake up America.
As the late President John F Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country!" What has happened though? Our government leaders were elected to serve and represent but they have begun to lord over us and domineer and act like dictators. This was never the intent of the founders of this great land. It is our responsibility as citizens to stay educated on how we were founded and stay in the word of God. We need to pray daily for this land we live in and its' leaders to come back to God and the Bible.
Proverbs 14:34 says "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people. " Look around at what is happening today. Sin is being accepted and laws written to protect it. Lord save us! God will not continue to bless these United States of America if we continue to go against the Bible and condone sin as the truth. Proverbs 29:12 says "If a ruler pays attention to liars, all his advisers will be wicked." We need men and women in leadership who are true servants who will get on their knees daily and pray to God and realize they are our servants. They need to be led by the truth. We as Christians need to pray for them daily. A tool to pray is to use http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/ and it will lead you into praying each day for our leadership. It is a command for us to pray for them. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says 'I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
So Happy Birthday USA!! Do not become complacent or we will not be free. Today thank those men and women who have served this land to keep our freedoms. Remember freedom is not free! Happy Birthday America is a great day of celebration throughout this great nation! Picnics, swimming, cookouts, a day at the lake and capped off by fireworks will be the order of the day for most. But do not forget why you have the freedom to celebrate. Do not take it for granted. This country has gotten way far away from what the founding fathers intended. Many choose to not believe this and go right on walking the plank of losing their precious freedoms.
Psalm 33:12 says to us "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance." Christ is the one who has given us the freedom and no man on earth has the power to be greater than the Almighty. They will try to set up earthly kingdoms. Look what happened in Hitlers' day if you need a history lesson about what happens when people start being domineered and believing a lie. Galatians 5:1 says "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Today enjoy your day of celebration but do not become complacent or you may not always be able to say Happy Birthday America!
PRAYER: Thanks Lord for this great land. Thanks for implanting the ideas of freedom from tyranny in the minds of our founding fathers over 235 years ago. Father give us the courage to speak up against injustice,sin, and lawlessness. Help us know the Bible so we know in fact what is the truth and what is a lie. Give pastors courage Lord to speak the truth and to not allow sin to become the law of the land. Keep us free Lord. We thank you for what we enjoy. Forgive us if we have taken it for granted. In Jesus Name, amen.
http://youtu.be/Q65KZIqay4E
Edmund Burkes' famous quote is "Evil triumphs when good men do nothing." If we sit back thinking the government should take care of us and do not care, look out! The government was set up to 'serve and represent' us not to 'dictate and lord' over us. We were not set up to become an entitlement state because we think the government should give us everything. If it does, it starts to rule and dominate us and before you know it you have lost freedoms. If it gives us everything it will control us. Bye bye freedom. I said it once and I will it again. Wake up America.
As the late President John F Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country!" What has happened though? Our government leaders were elected to serve and represent but they have begun to lord over us and domineer and act like dictators. This was never the intent of the founders of this great land. It is our responsibility as citizens to stay educated on how we were founded and stay in the word of God. We need to pray daily for this land we live in and its' leaders to come back to God and the Bible.
Proverbs 14:34 says "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people. " Look around at what is happening today. Sin is being accepted and laws written to protect it. Lord save us! God will not continue to bless these United States of America if we continue to go against the Bible and condone sin as the truth. Proverbs 29:12 says "If a ruler pays attention to liars, all his advisers will be wicked." We need men and women in leadership who are true servants who will get on their knees daily and pray to God and realize they are our servants. They need to be led by the truth. We as Christians need to pray for them daily. A tool to pray is to use http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/ and it will lead you into praying each day for our leadership. It is a command for us to pray for them. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says 'I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
So Happy Birthday USA!! Do not become complacent or we will not be free. Today thank those men and women who have served this land to keep our freedoms. Remember freedom is not free! Happy Birthday America is a great day of celebration throughout this great nation! Picnics, swimming, cookouts, a day at the lake and capped off by fireworks will be the order of the day for most. But do not forget why you have the freedom to celebrate. Do not take it for granted. This country has gotten way far away from what the founding fathers intended. Many choose to not believe this and go right on walking the plank of losing their precious freedoms.
Psalm 33:12 says to us "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance." Christ is the one who has given us the freedom and no man on earth has the power to be greater than the Almighty. They will try to set up earthly kingdoms. Look what happened in Hitlers' day if you need a history lesson about what happens when people start being domineered and believing a lie. Galatians 5:1 says "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Today enjoy your day of celebration but do not become complacent or you may not always be able to say Happy Birthday America!
PRAYER: Thanks Lord for this great land. Thanks for implanting the ideas of freedom from tyranny in the minds of our founding fathers over 235 years ago. Father give us the courage to speak up against injustice,sin, and lawlessness. Help us know the Bible so we know in fact what is the truth and what is a lie. Give pastors courage Lord to speak the truth and to not allow sin to become the law of the land. Keep us free Lord. We thank you for what we enjoy. Forgive us if we have taken it for granted. In Jesus Name, amen.
http://youtu.be/Q65KZIqay4E
Sunday, July 3, 2011
DO YOU JUST PLAY WITH GOD?
What I mean by this is do you just show up at church on Sunday for one hour and have fun singing and talking to people but then the rest of the week go about your week and do not even think about anything heavenly or of God? Psalm 66:18 says "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." There is more to 'walking with God' than just punching some ticket on Sunday morning and saying in effect "been there , done that, got the tee shirt". What is keeping you from a closer relationship? "People are phonies" you may say. 'Too churchy' is another excuse. "I go to church in nature on Sunday." I am sure you have heard a host of excuses.
Do you bring God off the shelf when you need him for something? Perhaps to look good that you are a 'member of a church? Remember there is nothing in the Bible about church membership being the ticket to heavenly admission and as a matter of fact the words 'church membership' are not in there at all that I can tell.
God wants to be more than a little playmate you take out every Sunday during playtime or church. He wants you to get serious about your relationship with him. It says in scripture he is a 'jealous' God. Exodus 20:4-5 says “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me". Wow I hope you don't hate God but do you love Him with all your heart? Deuteronomy 6:5 says "And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength."
I challenge you to make Jesus your first priority. If you go to church and go to sleep maybe it is time to change churches.Church is not supposed to be about 'religion' but about a 'relationship' with Jesus. Find a place where you get excited to go there and that is drawing you closer to the Lord and not leading you away from him from boredom or lack of solid Bible teaching. Put God first!
PRAYER: Lord I thank you for loving me unconditionally and being patient with me during times I just zone out and forget anything about serving you or walking with you. Help me do better. In Jesus name,Amen
(Listen to attached old gospel song. It makes a very good point.)
http://youtu.be/DtGBIOEf7ro
Do you bring God off the shelf when you need him for something? Perhaps to look good that you are a 'member of a church? Remember there is nothing in the Bible about church membership being the ticket to heavenly admission and as a matter of fact the words 'church membership' are not in there at all that I can tell.
God wants to be more than a little playmate you take out every Sunday during playtime or church. He wants you to get serious about your relationship with him. It says in scripture he is a 'jealous' God. Exodus 20:4-5 says “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me". Wow I hope you don't hate God but do you love Him with all your heart? Deuteronomy 6:5 says "And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength."
I challenge you to make Jesus your first priority. If you go to church and go to sleep maybe it is time to change churches.Church is not supposed to be about 'religion' but about a 'relationship' with Jesus. Find a place where you get excited to go there and that is drawing you closer to the Lord and not leading you away from him from boredom or lack of solid Bible teaching. Put God first!
PRAYER: Lord I thank you for loving me unconditionally and being patient with me during times I just zone out and forget anything about serving you or walking with you. Help me do better. In Jesus name,Amen
(Listen to attached old gospel song. It makes a very good point.)
http://youtu.be/DtGBIOEf7ro
Saturday, July 2, 2011
BE DEVOTED TO GOD
Are you truly devoted to God or do you feel He is some historical figure? Do you feel good when you say that you are a Christian because you believe in Him? Do you REALLY want to spend time with Him and get excited about it? Do you take Him off the shelf when it is convenient? Do you make time in your day for prayer and Bible reading? Do you feel like being on the rolls of a church is all that is needed and people who do too much are fanatics?
1 Timothy 2:1-6 says "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time."
In Exodus 20:3 it clearly states this command "You shall have no other gods before me.' Many are devoted to so much more in this life than the King of kings and Lord of Lords. Proverbs 24:21 tells us"My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise." This clearly indicates our first love should be the Lord.
Getting close to the celebration of our nations birthday, July 4th, makes me think of how many people call themselves Christians simply because they live in the United States, which was in fact founded on biblical principles. But are these 'Christians' really in love with the Lord or do they only only use the name?
I challenge you to make Jesus your first love. When you love someone you want to be with them all the time. I think of young lovers, engaged couples, newlyweds. They just want to always be together and get to know more and more about each other. That is how we should be with God. Start today to commit to read at least one chapter a day in Proverbs. Today is July 2nd so read Chapter 2. Then pray God would open your eyes to the truth and give you a hunger for him and his word. Be blessed to be a blessing.
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for another day you have given us. Each day is truly a gift. You love us so much so we should love you back. Forgive us for putting other things before you. In Jesus name, Amen!
http://youtu.be/OHUppFNjy5E
1 Timothy 2:1-6 says "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time."
In Exodus 20:3 it clearly states this command "You shall have no other gods before me.' Many are devoted to so much more in this life than the King of kings and Lord of Lords. Proverbs 24:21 tells us"My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise." This clearly indicates our first love should be the Lord.
Getting close to the celebration of our nations birthday, July 4th, makes me think of how many people call themselves Christians simply because they live in the United States, which was in fact founded on biblical principles. But are these 'Christians' really in love with the Lord or do they only only use the name?
I challenge you to make Jesus your first love. When you love someone you want to be with them all the time. I think of young lovers, engaged couples, newlyweds. They just want to always be together and get to know more and more about each other. That is how we should be with God. Start today to commit to read at least one chapter a day in Proverbs. Today is July 2nd so read Chapter 2. Then pray God would open your eyes to the truth and give you a hunger for him and his word. Be blessed to be a blessing.
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for another day you have given us. Each day is truly a gift. You love us so much so we should love you back. Forgive us for putting other things before you. In Jesus name, Amen!
http://youtu.be/OHUppFNjy5E
Friday, July 1, 2011
CHRISTLIKE...WHO ME?
Do things you do really make you seem Christlike? Go through your day and the way of life you lead and ask yourself "do I represent Jesus Christ or would He be walking in the shoes I am walking in?" Do you act like Christ? Do things you do bring shame or glory to the body of Christ? It is a simple question.
If someone walked in where you are right now would you have to change your conduct or speech habits? Would you be ashmed if He knew your thoughts because He does? Are you ashamed to bow your head and pray in public? This is not going to send you to hell if you do not pray but if you want to do it but are ashamed or afraid why? Mark 8:38 gives us a warning saying whoever is ashamed of me he basically will be ashamed of you. Read it when you get a chance. Do you treat all people of all walks of life with kindness and respect?
If you drive a car with a Christian license tag or bumper sticker do you represent Christ or do you cut drivers off, run red lights, speed, and frown? Think about that one. If you wear a big Jesus pin,Christian tee shirt or a lanyard like one I saw yesterday at an office that said 'I love Jesus' do you really act like a Christian? We are His representatives here on this earth. The Bible calls us 'ambassadors'. 2 Corinthians 5:20 says "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." Just as if you were the ambassador for the United States in a foreign land you would want to represent our country in a good way and not be out partying and cursing people. This would bring dishonor to our nation. Do your actions bring dishonor to God? You represent Him if you call yourself a believer.
You may be the only Bible some people ever 'read.' What I mean by that is that you should be a witness for the kingdom and if someone asks give them the reason for your hope. In 1 Peter 3:15 it says "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." Be proud but not overbearing. Also going the opposite direction and judging someone and screaming at them that they are going to hell is not really an effective witnessing tool. Love is the answer.
You have heard it said before if you point your finger in judgment at someone three more of your fingers are pointing back at you. Self righteousness is not an effective tool to win folks to the Lord either. 1 Corinthians 6:11 in referring to all of us having sinned says "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." We have all messed up in some way. I am not sure where I heard this but 'let God take your mess and make it into your message.' Sometimes being real with others about your faults and goof ups will help them see you are real and see that God can restore, redeem and forgive. God knows your heart and he loves you no matter what you have done.
1 John 2:6 tells us "Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." Let your actions follow your words. Say it ,then live it, and do it.
PRAYER: Lord I do want to be like you in all I say I do. I know I have fallen short at times in my thoughts, words, and actions. Lord help me to resist the temptations of this world that try to take my mind and thoughts off of you and my walk with you. Forgive me for when I have gone my own way and shamed the body of Christ. In Jesus Name. Amen.
http://youtu.be/dBQqda_YDxw
If someone walked in where you are right now would you have to change your conduct or speech habits? Would you be ashmed if He knew your thoughts because He does? Are you ashamed to bow your head and pray in public? This is not going to send you to hell if you do not pray but if you want to do it but are ashamed or afraid why? Mark 8:38 gives us a warning saying whoever is ashamed of me he basically will be ashamed of you. Read it when you get a chance. Do you treat all people of all walks of life with kindness and respect?
If you drive a car with a Christian license tag or bumper sticker do you represent Christ or do you cut drivers off, run red lights, speed, and frown? Think about that one. If you wear a big Jesus pin,Christian tee shirt or a lanyard like one I saw yesterday at an office that said 'I love Jesus' do you really act like a Christian? We are His representatives here on this earth. The Bible calls us 'ambassadors'. 2 Corinthians 5:20 says "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." Just as if you were the ambassador for the United States in a foreign land you would want to represent our country in a good way and not be out partying and cursing people. This would bring dishonor to our nation. Do your actions bring dishonor to God? You represent Him if you call yourself a believer.
You may be the only Bible some people ever 'read.' What I mean by that is that you should be a witness for the kingdom and if someone asks give them the reason for your hope. In 1 Peter 3:15 it says "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." Be proud but not overbearing. Also going the opposite direction and judging someone and screaming at them that they are going to hell is not really an effective witnessing tool. Love is the answer.
You have heard it said before if you point your finger in judgment at someone three more of your fingers are pointing back at you. Self righteousness is not an effective tool to win folks to the Lord either. 1 Corinthians 6:11 in referring to all of us having sinned says "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." We have all messed up in some way. I am not sure where I heard this but 'let God take your mess and make it into your message.' Sometimes being real with others about your faults and goof ups will help them see you are real and see that God can restore, redeem and forgive. God knows your heart and he loves you no matter what you have done.
1 John 2:6 tells us "Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." Let your actions follow your words. Say it ,then live it, and do it.
PRAYER: Lord I do want to be like you in all I say I do. I know I have fallen short at times in my thoughts, words, and actions. Lord help me to resist the temptations of this world that try to take my mind and thoughts off of you and my walk with you. Forgive me for when I have gone my own way and shamed the body of Christ. In Jesus Name. Amen.
http://youtu.be/dBQqda_YDxw
Thursday, June 30, 2011
BACK OFF MOM
This is written to help moms of adult children but perhaps it can help some of the others of you out there. If you have been a mom you know how easy it is to still 'be a mom' when your children are well beyond childhood, on their own and at times married or engaged. A couple weeks ago out of the clear blue I texted my son and asked if he had lined his cabinets in his new home with shelf liner. Say what? Where did that random 'mom comment' come from? Funny now but when I asked it I was promptly ignored. I am sure he can figure out how to take care of his new kitchen after all he has been on his own for a few years now. What made me say this comment? As a mom of an adult child we have to really make a concerted effort to back off and give God the total control of this grown up person he allowed us to raise. 1 Samuel 1:27-28 says " I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.And he worshiped the LORD there."
We may be asked our opinion sometimes but we need to make a great effort to not interfere with their adult life and assume the new role of parent to a successful grown up. Do not try to tell them what to do or try to control their life. Sometimes I think it is a good idea if the adult child ,especially when married ,can live away from mom and dad and totally enjoy their newlywed life without mom and dad feeling like they have to pop in. Sure parents are vitally important but we need to learn when to give our children the space they so greatly need. We all make mistakes. We can love them without smothering them. And our love takes on a different form when they give their love to their new spouse. We take a back seat, as we should.
For those reading this who are unmarried or married but without children I am not trying to make you feel bad. Maybe you will get a laugh or two out of the mega control of some moms. Recently too I scraped my college 'mom' decal off the back window of my car. This was a painfully hard thing to do. When you have been a college mom and proud of the sticker it is hard to let it go. Guess what, when they graduate you graduate too. I have to confess I am thinking of buying another one next time I am in Birmingham. This sticker was my 'umbilical cord' of sorts and sort of made me feel I still had a part in their little world. You sort of have an identity in some 'little club' of sorts. Do not get me wrong this does not mean I lived my life through my child as I did not but we are proud and sort of feel a part and when that part goes we are happy but a new chapter begins and at times is hard to adjust to. When they first go to college you have to let go. Prayer is the only thing you can do. You can not expect your grown child to check in with you every minute of the day and plan what he or she does. I heard of someone once whose parents wanted to make their childs' college schedule and decide what he would major in. We should not do this. You have to trust that how you raised them they will follow suit and become the respectable citizens you want them to be. Proverbs 22:6 says "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." The best thing to do after they leave home is get a job, a new hobby, or get involved in volunteer work so you stay busy and above all be on your knees in prayer!
When you are the mom of an infant, toddler, small child, junior or high school student you learn in stages when to let go and give them tiny bits of freedom. This is necessary for them to have healthy release and healthy boundaries. It is never healthy to control anyone. Just as a man is the authority of the house he is not the 'dad' of his wife and the wife is not the 'mom' of her husband. You train a child, discipline them when needed, establish boundaries and pray that when they are old they stay on the path of truth and morality you have taught them.
The stages of separation begin when you first leave the little infant in the care of a baby sitter for the first time. Then it is maybe leaving them in the nursery at church. Next comes a sleep over at a friends. Next is pre-school. Then comes kindergarten for a half day.Finally the child goes to school the entire day where he is totally outside of your influence. You have to have trust and faith. In high school he gets his driver's license and maybe even a car and is really on his own then. In between this there may be an occasional camp they attend. Then comes the stage where they go off to college. And after college sometime, perhaps marriage. Marriage is when the mom REALLY needs to back off as then her child has got a new 'number one' in their life. Even back off when they plan their wedding unless you are asked. I am blessed with a wonderful 'daughter in law to be' and her excellent family. We all get along super. It is an answer to 27 years of prayer. Prayer is important all during the development from womb to birth and on. Instead of worrying try praying. 1 Peter 5:7 says "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
There may be moms out there that feel it is cruel to spank or not let a child have his way. Proverbs 29:15 has something to say about that as it says "The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother." We have all seen it. A child throws a tantrum and the mom gives in. Back in the early 90's in church a child in front of me, who was about two at the time, during the time we shake hands with visitors, actually spit on me!! His mom did nothing at all. I heard later the dad wanted to discipline the child but mom sort of let this young lad have his own way. I often wonder if he ended up in juvenile detention somewhere. I hope and pray not.
So we are on a journey. None of us are perfect. It is not an easy thing to keep your mouth shut when it comes to trying to back off 'mommyhood' of an adult child. I for one want a super relationship with my soon to be daughter in law so I ask God to help me not interfere and pray for them daily. We are so blessed to get to welcome such a wonderful young lady into our family. Her family did a superb job raising her ,it is evident!! And God through our prayers brought them together.
Moms out there of all ages or moms to be, remember that your relationship with God should be first. Then with your husband. Then when children come along do not forget that you are married and only pay attention to the little baby or many men feel neglected. Pray right now that God will help you release your children in appropriate stages and if you mess up apologize. I have had to. I do not mean to butt in but sometimes I accidentally do. We need to rely on God to help us on our journey to be terrific moms at every stage of development and ask him for the power to release and let go of your grown adults. It has to be done. And if you are reading this and not married and want to be ask that God would keep you patient until that part of his plan is fulfilled in your life. It is possible to have a wonderful new fun relationship with your adult children!
PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the wonderful blessing of being able to be a mom. I love my children. I pray for the ability to be the kind of mom you want me to be and to have the ability with your help to not interfere in the lives of my adult children. Lord I pray today that you will guide what I say and do and help me to have self control and not pester my adult children all the time. Help us to have an awesome relationship. For those reading this without adult children my prayer for them is to guide them as they raise their children to love and serve youand to learn when to let go when necessary. In Jesus Name. Amen.
We may be asked our opinion sometimes but we need to make a great effort to not interfere with their adult life and assume the new role of parent to a successful grown up. Do not try to tell them what to do or try to control their life. Sometimes I think it is a good idea if the adult child ,especially when married ,can live away from mom and dad and totally enjoy their newlywed life without mom and dad feeling like they have to pop in. Sure parents are vitally important but we need to learn when to give our children the space they so greatly need. We all make mistakes. We can love them without smothering them. And our love takes on a different form when they give their love to their new spouse. We take a back seat, as we should.
For those reading this who are unmarried or married but without children I am not trying to make you feel bad. Maybe you will get a laugh or two out of the mega control of some moms. Recently too I scraped my college 'mom' decal off the back window of my car. This was a painfully hard thing to do. When you have been a college mom and proud of the sticker it is hard to let it go. Guess what, when they graduate you graduate too. I have to confess I am thinking of buying another one next time I am in Birmingham. This sticker was my 'umbilical cord' of sorts and sort of made me feel I still had a part in their little world. You sort of have an identity in some 'little club' of sorts. Do not get me wrong this does not mean I lived my life through my child as I did not but we are proud and sort of feel a part and when that part goes we are happy but a new chapter begins and at times is hard to adjust to. When they first go to college you have to let go. Prayer is the only thing you can do. You can not expect your grown child to check in with you every minute of the day and plan what he or she does. I heard of someone once whose parents wanted to make their childs' college schedule and decide what he would major in. We should not do this. You have to trust that how you raised them they will follow suit and become the respectable citizens you want them to be. Proverbs 22:6 says "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." The best thing to do after they leave home is get a job, a new hobby, or get involved in volunteer work so you stay busy and above all be on your knees in prayer!
When you are the mom of an infant, toddler, small child, junior or high school student you learn in stages when to let go and give them tiny bits of freedom. This is necessary for them to have healthy release and healthy boundaries. It is never healthy to control anyone. Just as a man is the authority of the house he is not the 'dad' of his wife and the wife is not the 'mom' of her husband. You train a child, discipline them when needed, establish boundaries and pray that when they are old they stay on the path of truth and morality you have taught them.
The stages of separation begin when you first leave the little infant in the care of a baby sitter for the first time. Then it is maybe leaving them in the nursery at church. Next comes a sleep over at a friends. Next is pre-school. Then comes kindergarten for a half day.Finally the child goes to school the entire day where he is totally outside of your influence. You have to have trust and faith. In high school he gets his driver's license and maybe even a car and is really on his own then. In between this there may be an occasional camp they attend. Then comes the stage where they go off to college. And after college sometime, perhaps marriage. Marriage is when the mom REALLY needs to back off as then her child has got a new 'number one' in their life. Even back off when they plan their wedding unless you are asked. I am blessed with a wonderful 'daughter in law to be' and her excellent family. We all get along super. It is an answer to 27 years of prayer. Prayer is important all during the development from womb to birth and on. Instead of worrying try praying. 1 Peter 5:7 says "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
There may be moms out there that feel it is cruel to spank or not let a child have his way. Proverbs 29:15 has something to say about that as it says "The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother." We have all seen it. A child throws a tantrum and the mom gives in. Back in the early 90's in church a child in front of me, who was about two at the time, during the time we shake hands with visitors, actually spit on me!! His mom did nothing at all. I heard later the dad wanted to discipline the child but mom sort of let this young lad have his own way. I often wonder if he ended up in juvenile detention somewhere. I hope and pray not.
So we are on a journey. None of us are perfect. It is not an easy thing to keep your mouth shut when it comes to trying to back off 'mommyhood' of an adult child. I for one want a super relationship with my soon to be daughter in law so I ask God to help me not interfere and pray for them daily. We are so blessed to get to welcome such a wonderful young lady into our family. Her family did a superb job raising her ,it is evident!! And God through our prayers brought them together.
Moms out there of all ages or moms to be, remember that your relationship with God should be first. Then with your husband. Then when children come along do not forget that you are married and only pay attention to the little baby or many men feel neglected. Pray right now that God will help you release your children in appropriate stages and if you mess up apologize. I have had to. I do not mean to butt in but sometimes I accidentally do. We need to rely on God to help us on our journey to be terrific moms at every stage of development and ask him for the power to release and let go of your grown adults. It has to be done. And if you are reading this and not married and want to be ask that God would keep you patient until that part of his plan is fulfilled in your life. It is possible to have a wonderful new fun relationship with your adult children!
PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the wonderful blessing of being able to be a mom. I love my children. I pray for the ability to be the kind of mom you want me to be and to have the ability with your help to not interfere in the lives of my adult children. Lord I pray today that you will guide what I say and do and help me to have self control and not pester my adult children all the time. Help us to have an awesome relationship. For those reading this without adult children my prayer for them is to guide them as they raise their children to love and serve youand to learn when to let go when necessary. In Jesus Name. Amen.
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