The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat it's fruit. Proverbs 18:21
I have been feeling God's call to be an Evangelist. It was a call He placed on my life many years ago, but only recently has it been renewed and stirred within me.
This study today reminded me of that call.
God is calling me to be a speaker of His life-giving TRUTH. My purpose: to speak words that bring LIFE. There are people who will be given eternal life by my words. There are those who will be given a new outlook on their faith (revival) because of the life-giving words God is placing in my heart to speak.
God is calling me to be His witness! I have the power to give life to the dead and the dying by the Word of God and direct revelation from God.
Father - be the source of LIFE in the words I speak. May I be careful not to speak death, but to speak life in all I say. In Jesus Name - AMEN!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
DAY 34 - Gentle Words
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
It's important I keep my heart pure before God. What I think and feel comes out in what I say and how I act. It's all related. What goes in, comes out. What I feed, grows. What I think, I become. I need to ask God first before speaking - to have God fill my heart with more of Him and less of me!
Being gentle does not come naturally to me. But day-by-day, God is teaching me, changing me. helping me to be more and more like Him.
God is daring me to always communicate gentleness! I take today's dare to always be mindful of others when communicating - and be gentle!
It's important I keep my heart pure before God. What I think and feel comes out in what I say and how I act. It's all related. What goes in, comes out. What I feed, grows. What I think, I become. I need to ask God first before speaking - to have God fill my heart with more of Him and less of me!
Being gentle does not come naturally to me. But day-by-day, God is teaching me, changing me. helping me to be more and more like Him.
God is daring me to always communicate gentleness! I take today's dare to always be mindful of others when communicating - and be gentle!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Day 33 - Use Edifying Words
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
"Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me." Child-hood Rhyme
If names will never hurt me, then why are there so many therapists out there dealing with adults who were verbally abused during their childhood? Why are there so many hurts related to statements and phrases in my past? Why do certain words cause me to cringe when I hear them?
BECAUSE there's power behind those words - power to build-up or power to tear-down. Our spirit knows it. Ask any teenager. Ask any adult. Words can HURT!
I have learned in the past (and still continue to learn) that what I say does matter. I have a tendency to think negatively about things. I size them up and have my opinions. But I think I do a pretty good job of keeping it in my head. but I am learning that even though I don't say it, there is some "seepage" in my actions and attitudes. God is dealing with that in my life.
God is also dealing with the issue that I may not be spewing out negativity, but I am not very good at spewing out the positive, encouraging stuff either. Lately, I find myself needing to tell people encouraging things. Tell me I appreciate when...tell them I'm proud of them...tell them I love them.
God is daring us today to build people up - to only speak edifying words. I resolve to not speak negative, but be overflowing with encouragement and compassion!
"Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me." Child-hood Rhyme
If names will never hurt me, then why are there so many therapists out there dealing with adults who were verbally abused during their childhood? Why are there so many hurts related to statements and phrases in my past? Why do certain words cause me to cringe when I hear them?
BECAUSE there's power behind those words - power to build-up or power to tear-down. Our spirit knows it. Ask any teenager. Ask any adult. Words can HURT!
I have learned in the past (and still continue to learn) that what I say does matter. I have a tendency to think negatively about things. I size them up and have my opinions. But I think I do a pretty good job of keeping it in my head. but I am learning that even though I don't say it, there is some "seepage" in my actions and attitudes. God is dealing with that in my life.
God is also dealing with the issue that I may not be spewing out negativity, but I am not very good at spewing out the positive, encouraging stuff either. Lately, I find myself needing to tell people encouraging things. Tell me I appreciate when...tell them I'm proud of them...tell them I love them.
God is daring us today to build people up - to only speak edifying words. I resolve to not speak negative, but be overflowing with encouragement and compassion!
Day 32 - Vain Words
You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Exodus 20:7
I don't swear, not even a little. My swear words are "Crap" and "that sucks". Ok, some might think those are swear words, but that's me. I don't swear or use curse words. Never did, and hopefully, never will.
But I did find that this dare still speaks to me.
I may not use the Lord's name as a curse word, but how often do I use His name otherwise?
For example, texting...you know what I'm talking about...OM_!
When I'm exciting or surprised ... Oh my G___.
I need to learn to revere His name and keep His name holy. His name is not a curse-word. It's not a name for excitement.
Father God - Your Name is above all names. Your name is Holy. The name of Jesus has so much power to heal, to save, to deliver, to set-free. May I always be reminded of this, and only lift your name in Honor and Glory. In Jesus' Name - AMEN!
I don't swear, not even a little. My swear words are "Crap" and "that sucks". Ok, some might think those are swear words, but that's me. I don't swear or use curse words. Never did, and hopefully, never will.
But I did find that this dare still speaks to me.
I may not use the Lord's name as a curse word, but how often do I use His name otherwise?
For example, texting...you know what I'm talking about...OM_!
When I'm exciting or surprised ... Oh my G___.
I need to learn to revere His name and keep His name holy. His name is not a curse-word. It's not a name for excitement.
Father God - Your Name is above all names. Your name is Holy. The name of Jesus has so much power to heal, to save, to deliver, to set-free. May I always be reminded of this, and only lift your name in Honor and Glory. In Jesus' Name - AMEN!
Day 31 - Truthful Words
Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' But I tell you, 'Do not swear at all; either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No', 'No;' anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Matthew 5:33-37
This study reminded me of a time I was challenged on my word while I was in college. I was a leader in one college ministry on campus, but I wanted to join another college ministry on campus, which would mean I needed to step down from my ministry role. I had talked to the campus leader about this decision and he brought this scripture to me. I made the decision to finish out my ministry leadership role due to the fact that I had already made the commitment to do so. This is a lesson I have learned and kept throughout my entire Christian walk since.
God also spoke to me about being more transparent with my close friends about the things I struggle with. He is challenging me to open everything up inside to allow His work to be completed. I tend to be a strong person that doesn't share very many of my thoughts and/or struggles.
Despite this countenance of strenght, I carry around way too many insecurities that need to go. I am fearful that I will show weakness - my humanity. I will appear flawed and be thought of as less. But, God is strongly dealing with me in these areas to remind me that no matter what I do, I can't make Him love me any less or any more than He already does!
Today's Dare - speak truthfully to all people all the time. Never swear on anything. Tell the truth at all times, no matter what.
This study reminded me of a time I was challenged on my word while I was in college. I was a leader in one college ministry on campus, but I wanted to join another college ministry on campus, which would mean I needed to step down from my ministry role. I had talked to the campus leader about this decision and he brought this scripture to me. I made the decision to finish out my ministry leadership role due to the fact that I had already made the commitment to do so. This is a lesson I have learned and kept throughout my entire Christian walk since.
God also spoke to me about being more transparent with my close friends about the things I struggle with. He is challenging me to open everything up inside to allow His work to be completed. I tend to be a strong person that doesn't share very many of my thoughts and/or struggles.
Despite this countenance of strenght, I carry around way too many insecurities that need to go. I am fearful that I will show weakness - my humanity. I will appear flawed and be thought of as less. But, God is strongly dealing with me in these areas to remind me that no matter what I do, I can't make Him love me any less or any more than He already does!
Today's Dare - speak truthfully to all people all the time. Never swear on anything. Tell the truth at all times, no matter what.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Day 30 - Control your Tongue
For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. Matt 12:34
As I'm thinking about this study today, I am reminded of those three little monkeys and the saying:
Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.
What you see and what you hear - you speak. What you watch with your eyes (TV, movies, internet, gaming, etc...), what you hear with your ears (TV, movies, internet, music, friends, etc...) becomes what you say.
Interesting. What goes in - goes out. "for out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks"...
So, if what comes out of my mouth, comes from the overflow of my heart, the question must be asked, "What am I feeding my heart?" If I'm struggling with language, than maybe I need to be more careful what I'm listening to (or maybe who I am listening to).
I want my mouth to be out of the overflow of the anointing and the Word of God planted in my heart. If I want that, then I need to be feeding my heart the word of God and listening to anointed preachers and spending time listening to God's Voice.
I've felt the call of an Evangelist Preacher on my life for almost as long as I have been saved. If I want to be the mouthpiece of God, I need to have the heart of God. If I want the heart of God, I better be spending times with God, doing the things of God, reading the Word of God.
Today's dare - CONTROL MY TONGUE! I prayerfully resolve only to speak words that communicate value to God and His people!
As I'm thinking about this study today, I am reminded of those three little monkeys and the saying:
Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.
What you see and what you hear - you speak. What you watch with your eyes (TV, movies, internet, gaming, etc...), what you hear with your ears (TV, movies, internet, music, friends, etc...) becomes what you say.
Interesting. What goes in - goes out. "for out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks"...
So, if what comes out of my mouth, comes from the overflow of my heart, the question must be asked, "What am I feeding my heart?" If I'm struggling with language, than maybe I need to be more careful what I'm listening to (or maybe who I am listening to).
I want my mouth to be out of the overflow of the anointing and the Word of God planted in my heart. If I want that, then I need to be feeding my heart the word of God and listening to anointed preachers and spending time listening to God's Voice.
I've felt the call of an Evangelist Preacher on my life for almost as long as I have been saved. If I want to be the mouthpiece of God, I need to have the heart of God. If I want the heart of God, I better be spending times with God, doing the things of God, reading the Word of God.
Today's dare - CONTROL MY TONGUE! I prayerfully resolve only to speak words that communicate value to God and His people!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Day 29 - Go Fishing!
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:18-19
I like the Ancient Proverb - Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. Teach a man how to fish, he'll eat for a lifetime.
It can be similar to discipleship. Lead one man to Christ, but don't disciple him, you've led one man to Christ. But lead a man to Christ and then disciple him and teach him how to lead others to Christ and disciple them, then we've got some mad multiplication happening in the kingdom of God.
When the disciples were called, they weren't out leisurely fishing, as you and I may do. They were out making a living, doing what they do to feed and provide for their families. Jesus called them to be fishers of men, an analogy they would understand. He didn't want them throwing nets and trying to snare the fish of the water, but to cast out the Gospel message to others to "catch them up" in God's love and mercy.
Jesus wants us to live a lifestyle of evangelism, of casting our nets and catching men. He desires that it not be a hobby that happens a few weekends over the summer, but an entire lifestyle that sweeps us up and consumes us. We don't have to be street preachers or Bible-thumpers, we are called to love people and be Jesus with "skin on".
God is daring us to go on a permanent fishing trip...to become people who lead people to Jesus.
Today, I will lead people as God has called!
I like the Ancient Proverb - Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. Teach a man how to fish, he'll eat for a lifetime.
It can be similar to discipleship. Lead one man to Christ, but don't disciple him, you've led one man to Christ. But lead a man to Christ and then disciple him and teach him how to lead others to Christ and disciple them, then we've got some mad multiplication happening in the kingdom of God.
When the disciples were called, they weren't out leisurely fishing, as you and I may do. They were out making a living, doing what they do to feed and provide for their families. Jesus called them to be fishers of men, an analogy they would understand. He didn't want them throwing nets and trying to snare the fish of the water, but to cast out the Gospel message to others to "catch them up" in God's love and mercy.
Jesus wants us to live a lifestyle of evangelism, of casting our nets and catching men. He desires that it not be a hobby that happens a few weekends over the summer, but an entire lifestyle that sweeps us up and consumes us. We don't have to be street preachers or Bible-thumpers, we are called to love people and be Jesus with "skin on".
God is daring us to go on a permanent fishing trip...to become people who lead people to Jesus.
Today, I will lead people as God has called!
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