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. 

All You Need Is Love

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV Bible Gateway

Happy Valentines’ Day or as my now happily married younger son used to refer to it as ‘singles awareness day’.  I call it happy Hallmark  day. But let’s talk about love using the “love means never having to say you’re sorry” say what? 

Aside from goofy movie lines let’s just think about that. You mess up and know you are wrong so what do you do? Humble yourself and ask forgiveness. Do love God’s way and you will have smoother sailing. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you that you are the one example of sacrificial love in that you died on a cross for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Blessings-Count Them

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:19

I  am sitting relaxing thinking about God’s goodness trying to keep my mind clear and uncluttered from worldly issues and controversies. To do this I try to focus on my blessings. 

How about you? Are you focused more on social media controversies or the goodness of God? It is easy to get off course mentally and spiritually if you don’t tune into God each day. It doesn’t matter who is doing what on social media. Forget it and enjoy your day. 

Satan knows your weak points but God is greater. Lean in to God daily. Throw off weights that long to drag you into a pit and experience joy. 

PRAYER: Each day is a gift from you. Thanks for providing for my basic needs and even more. Help any struggling today to experience a blessing. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Jesus First, Others Second, Yourself Last

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.“Philippians 2:3

When you do something outstanding resist the urge to tell everyone and let others praise you. 

 

In the Olympics you are seeing the best of the best of athletes and families who have sacrificed so much to get to the podium for the chance of a medal, hopefully a gold one. It would be tempting to beat your chest upon victory like saying “look at me” and maybe it is justified in this case because they are thrilled to be at that level and received their earthly reward. But it is God who gave them their abilities and stamina.

 

Believers who reach that level in achievement often give God the glory or point to the sky indicating ‘it is because of Him’. Remember to use the ‘J.O.Y.’ acronym meaning Jesus First, Others Second, Yourself Last and your life will truly have joy. 

PRAYER: Father help me stay humble whenever I am tempted to boast. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Before Me-Who Are Your ‘gods’?

I am the Lord your God, have no other gods before me.Exodus 20:3

Is God truly first place in your life or have you exalted something else or someone else to first place? 

Could be a hobby, sport, habit, TV or computer usage, your church, your minister, a movement,  whatever if it is taking up most your waking hours it must be an idol of sorts and ‘god-like’ only you can determine that after searching your heart. 

Don’t allow anything to become more important than God. Start your day in prayer and end your day also talking to God. Find a method to make sure He is the priority of your waking hours.

Like I said this is not meant to bring condemnation upon you but to make you examine your heart. 

PRAYER: Lord when I get praise for something it is you who gets the glory. Guard my heart from a self centered life and forgive me when things in my life become more important than you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Internalizing God’s Truth

“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5

Someone close to me told me my devotions were like me publishing my personal journal for the public to see. I don’t see it that way but instead sharing some things from my own life that maybe someone out there can identify with and know they are not alone and bring comfort. God can get you through anything. 

This world today is trying to make an alternate version of God’s truth and it is Satan trying to divide family, friends, communities and yes the nation. If only everyone would pick up their ‘paper Bible’ and just start the day reading Psalms asking God to keep them centered on Him for the day. When you use your phone as the Bible it is too tempting to be diverted and distracted from the truth going off on rabbit trails and pop ups.  

Are you struggling today? Are you being led astray by too much screen time be honest. Maybe today is the day to start being serious about hiding God’s truth in your heart. 

PRAYER: Lord help me put down my devices and give more time to prayer and knowing scripture. In Jesus’ name. Amen.