Scripture
Nehemiah 4:1-3, 9, 14
1 Now it came about that when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious and very angry and mocked the Jews. 2 He spoke in the presence of his brothers and the wealthy men of Samaria and said, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Are they going to restore it for themselves? Can they offer sacrifices? Can they finish in a day? Can they revive the stones from the dusty rubble even the burned ones? 3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was near him and he said, “Even what they are building--if a fox should jump on it, he would break their stone wall down!”
9 But we prayed to our God, and because of them we set up a guard against them day and night.
14 When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people: “Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses.”
Observation
Coming home from camp this last weekend was a high time for me with God and the ladies from our church. The theme for this year's Ladies Retreat was 'Our House, His Home.' I was asked to present one of the workshops which was such an honor and privilege for me. "The Wise Woman Builds Her House" was my title, and this reading in Nehemiah about rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem - reminds me that I need to mindful that the enemy does not want me to succeed at 'building my house' and making the repairs and adjustments that need to be made. The enemy is angry at the 'rebuilding' we are doing. He mocks and despises our efforts in trying to do things God's way. The enemy comes to bring confusion and disturbances to demoralize us and bring us to the place of giving up. Yet, the response of the Jews is to pray to God and set up a guard against the enemy. When fear comes, Nehemiah exhorts the Jews to "not be afraid, remember the Lord, He is GREAT and AWESOME! And FIGHT for your families and homes!" The Holy Spirit comes in the same way and whispers to my heart, 'Do not be afraid dear one - remember the Lord! Fight for your family, Fight for your home. I am with you! You are not alone! Keep doing things God's way! You will succeed and have victory!
Application
Don't quit - keep building. Keep obeying God - stay the course. Do the things I know to do that are right! Fear NOT! The Lord is with me! Fight on my knees with prayer for my family and be on my guard against the confusion the enemy brings. Don't listen to the accusations of the enemy! Instead I will hum or sing, and occupy my thoughts with praise to the Lord who alone is GREAT and AWESOME!
Prayer
Father, You are God Most High, my Master Builder, my Watchman, my defender, my protector, and the One Who gives me success. Without You, I can do nothing. I know it's not by my power, or my might, but only by Your Holy Spirit power that victory can come. Thank You for loving me and showing me the way! In Jesus Name, A-men.
Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain. Psalm 127:1
The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands. Proverbs 14:1
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
God Is Always On Time
Scripture
Esther 9:1 Now in the twelfth month (that is, the month Adar), on the thirteenth day when the king’s command and edict were about to be executed, on the day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, it was turned to the contrary so that the Jews themselves gained the mastery over those who hated them.
Observation
The Jews were going to be annihilated - utterly destroyed and it was the final hour. D day. It was time. It came 'down to the wire'. It looks like the Jews enemies are going to win this one. But on the day that it's supposed to all take place, the tables are turned, and the Jews gain the victory against their enemies. They are able to get the upper hand and no one could stand against them!
Application
Sometimes it seems that God is late to 'show His hand.' But I know that God is never late, He's always on time. If that's true, then why do I worry about things? Is it that I don't trust Him? Or am I afraid of what His answer might be?
I love the book of Esther. I love how she responds to Mordecai and says - 'have everyone fast for me' . . . I love that she doesn't disconnect herself from her people but is willing to go before the king on behalf of her people. She doesn't isolate herself thinking that she is safe and sound in the palace of the king. If she perishes, she perishes. Wow! What a great story with such a great ending! Through God we will do valiantly! It is He who will tread down our enemies. And He will come through for me too. Because He loves me.
Prayer
You are God in heaven, and here am I on earth - so I will let my words be few. I love You Lord. I trust You. You are always on time and I can live with that. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Esther 9:1 Now in the twelfth month (that is, the month Adar), on the thirteenth day when the king’s command and edict were about to be executed, on the day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, it was turned to the contrary so that the Jews themselves gained the mastery over those who hated them.
Observation
The Jews were going to be annihilated - utterly destroyed and it was the final hour. D day. It was time. It came 'down to the wire'. It looks like the Jews enemies are going to win this one. But on the day that it's supposed to all take place, the tables are turned, and the Jews gain the victory against their enemies. They are able to get the upper hand and no one could stand against them!
Application
Sometimes it seems that God is late to 'show His hand.' But I know that God is never late, He's always on time. If that's true, then why do I worry about things? Is it that I don't trust Him? Or am I afraid of what His answer might be?
I love the book of Esther. I love how she responds to Mordecai and says - 'have everyone fast for me' . . . I love that she doesn't disconnect herself from her people but is willing to go before the king on behalf of her people. She doesn't isolate herself thinking that she is safe and sound in the palace of the king. If she perishes, she perishes. Wow! What a great story with such a great ending! Through God we will do valiantly! It is He who will tread down our enemies. And He will come through for me too. Because He loves me.
Prayer
You are God in heaven, and here am I on earth - so I will let my words be few. I love You Lord. I trust You. You are always on time and I can live with that. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
He Is Willing
Scripture
Luke 5:12-16
While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately the leprosy left him. And He ordered him to tell no one, “But go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering for your cleansing, just as Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.
Observation
Jesus went to cities - He went to where the people were. In one of the cities He went to, there was a man with leprosy who saw & recognized Jesus as the One who could help him, 'if only He was willing.' The man fell on his face before Jesus and begged Him, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him - an unclean leper with rotting skin and open sores - Jesus touched him! Jesus said, "I am willing - be cleansed." Immediately the man was healed!
He ordered the man not to tell anyone but to go and show himself to the priest and make an offering for his cleansing just as Moses had commanded in the law, as a testimony to them. The stories about Jesus Christ spreads like wild fire - and crowds gather to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus would frequently slip away to be alone and pray.
Application
God calls us to go to where the people are. He set an example for us of how to love people by touching the sick, the lost and broken, to tell them about our Wonderful Savior Who Heals and Saves. But, in order for me to effectively touch others in Jesus Name, and to love the unlovely, I need alone time with God - just as Jesus modeled for us. I need to slip away and spend time with Jesus and then go among the people and be a testimony and a witness of the great things God has done for me!
Prayer
O Father God, thank You for sending Jesus, Your Only Begotten Son, to show me how to love You and how to love people. You are willing to heal, to save, to forgive, to restore, to make us whole. Help me to be willing to do what You have called me to do. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Luke 5:12-16
While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately the leprosy left him. And He ordered him to tell no one, “But go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering for your cleansing, just as Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.
Observation
Jesus went to cities - He went to where the people were. In one of the cities He went to, there was a man with leprosy who saw & recognized Jesus as the One who could help him, 'if only He was willing.' The man fell on his face before Jesus and begged Him, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him - an unclean leper with rotting skin and open sores - Jesus touched him! Jesus said, "I am willing - be cleansed." Immediately the man was healed!
He ordered the man not to tell anyone but to go and show himself to the priest and make an offering for his cleansing just as Moses had commanded in the law, as a testimony to them. The stories about Jesus Christ spreads like wild fire - and crowds gather to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus would frequently slip away to be alone and pray.
Application
God calls us to go to where the people are. He set an example for us of how to love people by touching the sick, the lost and broken, to tell them about our Wonderful Savior Who Heals and Saves. But, in order for me to effectively touch others in Jesus Name, and to love the unlovely, I need alone time with God - just as Jesus modeled for us. I need to slip away and spend time with Jesus and then go among the people and be a testimony and a witness of the great things God has done for me!
Prayer
O Father God, thank You for sending Jesus, Your Only Begotten Son, to show me how to love You and how to love people. You are willing to heal, to save, to forgive, to restore, to make us whole. Help me to be willing to do what You have called me to do. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Risk It All
Scripture
Jeremiah 38:6-10 Then they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchijah the king’s son, which was in the court of the guardhouse; and they let Jeremiah down with ropes. Now in the cistern there was no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank into the mud.
7 But Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, a eunuch, while he was in the king’s palace, heard that they had put Jeremiah into the cistern. Now the king was sitting in the Gate of Benjamin;
8 and Ebed-melech went out from the king’s palace and spoke to the king, saying,
9 “My lord the king, these men have acted wickedly in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet whom they have cast into the cistern; and he will die right where he is because of the famine, for there is no more bread in the city.”
10 Then the king commanded Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, “Take thirty men from here under your authority, and bring up Jeremiah the prophet from the cistern before he dies.”
Observation
Ebed-melech, a faithful servant to the king, hears talk that Jeremiah the prophet of God, is in deep trouble. Literally. Jeremiah is put in a deep pit where there is no water, no food, just mud, muck, and yuk. I wonder what kind of creepy crawly things might have been in there too. I imagine it was dark, stinky, stale air, and Jeremiah might have even felt something crawl across his body or tickle at his feet. What would I do in a situation like that? Jeremiah is going to die there unless Ebed-melech does something. So, he finds out where the king is, leaves his assigned duties and responsibilities at the palace, and he goes to talk to the king. This could be risky for Ebed - it could be life or death. But, he finds the king and is able to approach him to tell him what has happened to Jeremiah, and that he will die without some kind of nourishment. It doesn't say how long Jeremiah was in the cistern but he was probably hungry, thirsty, needing a breath of fresh air, scared, weak, and very frail. The king is reminded by Ebed, that there's no more bread in the city.
The king decides to let Ebed rescue Jeremiah and Ebed does it so gently and kindly. He even instructs Jeremiah to put old rags and clothes under his armpits to protect him from the rope that could injure him even more in his critical and weakened condition.
It's interesting to me, that in the midst of Jeremiah's suffering, God sends help from a 'friend'. But there's MORE . . .
Scripture
Jeremiah 39:15-18 Now the word of the LORD had come to Jeremiah while he was confined in the court of the guardhouse, saying,
16 “Go and speak to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel,” Behold, I am about to bring My words on this city for disaster and not for prosperity; and they will take place before you on that day.
17 “But I will deliver you on that day,” declares the LORD, “and you shall not be given into the hand of the men whom you dread.
18 “For I will certainly rescue you, and you will not fall by the sword; but you will have your own life as booty, because you have trusted in Me,” declares the LORD.’”
Observation
God rewards Ebed for trusting in Him and sends Jeremiah to speak hope to Ebed. "God says", "I will deliver you and you will not be turned over to the bad guys. I will rescue you because through it all, you have trusted Me." He trusted God. He intervened to save the life of God's man. And God sends Jeremiah to be the one that says, 'God's got your back Ebed' because you trust in Him.
Application
Trusting in God has to be foremost in my life. As I trust God with my whole heart, and don't try to understand everything's that is going on - and when I make every effort to know Him, then He will show me the way to go. (Prov. 3:5-6). God will give me what I need to be sensitive to the needs of others, whether it's a kind word, or by being practical in helping someone who is injured. I should intervene when possible, even if it's inconvenient or risky. God sees my actions, and He sees my heart.
Prayer
Thank You Father for Your word. Thank you for people like Ebed-melech who will risk it all to save someone from death. Thank You that You reward those who seek You with their whole heart.
May I save someone from 'imminent death' today as I share to them about You and the gift of life everlasting.
In Jesus Name,
A-men.
Jeremiah 38:6-10 Then they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchijah the king’s son, which was in the court of the guardhouse; and they let Jeremiah down with ropes. Now in the cistern there was no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank into the mud.
7 But Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, a eunuch, while he was in the king’s palace, heard that they had put Jeremiah into the cistern. Now the king was sitting in the Gate of Benjamin;
8 and Ebed-melech went out from the king’s palace and spoke to the king, saying,
9 “My lord the king, these men have acted wickedly in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet whom they have cast into the cistern; and he will die right where he is because of the famine, for there is no more bread in the city.”
10 Then the king commanded Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, “Take thirty men from here under your authority, and bring up Jeremiah the prophet from the cistern before he dies.”
Observation
Ebed-melech, a faithful servant to the king, hears talk that Jeremiah the prophet of God, is in deep trouble. Literally. Jeremiah is put in a deep pit where there is no water, no food, just mud, muck, and yuk. I wonder what kind of creepy crawly things might have been in there too. I imagine it was dark, stinky, stale air, and Jeremiah might have even felt something crawl across his body or tickle at his feet. What would I do in a situation like that? Jeremiah is going to die there unless Ebed-melech does something. So, he finds out where the king is, leaves his assigned duties and responsibilities at the palace, and he goes to talk to the king. This could be risky for Ebed - it could be life or death. But, he finds the king and is able to approach him to tell him what has happened to Jeremiah, and that he will die without some kind of nourishment. It doesn't say how long Jeremiah was in the cistern but he was probably hungry, thirsty, needing a breath of fresh air, scared, weak, and very frail. The king is reminded by Ebed, that there's no more bread in the city.
The king decides to let Ebed rescue Jeremiah and Ebed does it so gently and kindly. He even instructs Jeremiah to put old rags and clothes under his armpits to protect him from the rope that could injure him even more in his critical and weakened condition.
It's interesting to me, that in the midst of Jeremiah's suffering, God sends help from a 'friend'. But there's MORE . . .
Scripture
Jeremiah 39:15-18 Now the word of the LORD had come to Jeremiah while he was confined in the court of the guardhouse, saying,
16 “Go and speak to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel,” Behold, I am about to bring My words on this city for disaster and not for prosperity; and they will take place before you on that day.
17 “But I will deliver you on that day,” declares the LORD, “and you shall not be given into the hand of the men whom you dread.
18 “For I will certainly rescue you, and you will not fall by the sword; but you will have your own life as booty, because you have trusted in Me,” declares the LORD.’”
Observation
God rewards Ebed for trusting in Him and sends Jeremiah to speak hope to Ebed. "God says", "I will deliver you and you will not be turned over to the bad guys. I will rescue you because through it all, you have trusted Me." He trusted God. He intervened to save the life of God's man. And God sends Jeremiah to be the one that says, 'God's got your back Ebed' because you trust in Him.
Application
Trusting in God has to be foremost in my life. As I trust God with my whole heart, and don't try to understand everything's that is going on - and when I make every effort to know Him, then He will show me the way to go. (Prov. 3:5-6). God will give me what I need to be sensitive to the needs of others, whether it's a kind word, or by being practical in helping someone who is injured. I should intervene when possible, even if it's inconvenient or risky. God sees my actions, and He sees my heart.
Prayer
Thank You Father for Your word. Thank you for people like Ebed-melech who will risk it all to save someone from death. Thank You that You reward those who seek You with their whole heart.
May I save someone from 'imminent death' today as I share to them about You and the gift of life everlasting.
In Jesus Name,
A-men.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Go and Tell
Scripture
John 20:14-17 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’”
Observation
Mary didn't recognize Jesus at first; she thought he was the gardener and that maybe he was even the one responsible for taking away His body. Yet, Jesus, after rising from the dead, before ascending to be with God the Father, took time to reveal himself to Mary. He asked her, "Why are you weeping?" and "Who are you seeking?" He cares. Jesus called Mary by name and the moment she heard His voice - she knew this was Jesus - and He was alive! The God of the universe, God of all creation - is a personal God who loves us, died for us, and He knows our names. He cautions Mary, 'stop clinging to Me' - don't hang onto Me just for yourself. "Go and tell My brothers, My followers, that I am going to My Father, now your Father, My God, and now your God.' Go and tell! There is hope! Jesus is alive forevermore! Because of what He has done for us, we are no longer separated from God by sin and death! Jesus made a way for us and now God is our Father, and our God.
Application
I can know beyond all doubt that God is personal. He knows my name. He sees when I am sad. He cares. Am I keeping Him all to myself, or telling others what great things He has done for me? I'm encouraged all the more as I read His Word, to go and tell . . . whoever will listen. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever!
Prayer
O Father God, You are my Father in heaven, and my God. Thanks be to Jesus Christ, Your Son, who has set me free and reconciled me to You by way of the cross. He bled and died, suffered beyond what I can imagine, so that I might call You Father. I give You all thanks and praise for loving me enough to send Your Son for me. For all of us. His mission was to seek and save the lost, to serve, to give His life so we might have life. Now I know my mission. Go and tell - and may You be glorified in all I have to tell. In the Name of Jesus Christ, my Lord, my Savior, and my God. A-men.
John 20:14-17 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’”
Observation
Mary didn't recognize Jesus at first; she thought he was the gardener and that maybe he was even the one responsible for taking away His body. Yet, Jesus, after rising from the dead, before ascending to be with God the Father, took time to reveal himself to Mary. He asked her, "Why are you weeping?" and "Who are you seeking?" He cares. Jesus called Mary by name and the moment she heard His voice - she knew this was Jesus - and He was alive! The God of the universe, God of all creation - is a personal God who loves us, died for us, and He knows our names. He cautions Mary, 'stop clinging to Me' - don't hang onto Me just for yourself. "Go and tell My brothers, My followers, that I am going to My Father, now your Father, My God, and now your God.' Go and tell! There is hope! Jesus is alive forevermore! Because of what He has done for us, we are no longer separated from God by sin and death! Jesus made a way for us and now God is our Father, and our God.
Application
I can know beyond all doubt that God is personal. He knows my name. He sees when I am sad. He cares. Am I keeping Him all to myself, or telling others what great things He has done for me? I'm encouraged all the more as I read His Word, to go and tell . . . whoever will listen. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever!
Prayer
O Father God, You are my Father in heaven, and my God. Thanks be to Jesus Christ, Your Son, who has set me free and reconciled me to You by way of the cross. He bled and died, suffered beyond what I can imagine, so that I might call You Father. I give You all thanks and praise for loving me enough to send Your Son for me. For all of us. His mission was to seek and save the lost, to serve, to give His life so we might have life. Now I know my mission. Go and tell - and may You be glorified in all I have to tell. In the Name of Jesus Christ, my Lord, my Savior, and my God. A-men.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Have Faith!
Scripture
1 Peter 1:6-9
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.
Observation
Be happy even though you have to go through times of grief, suffering, and aggravation that leaves you feeling pretty distressed and full of sorrow and disappointment. In the end, it's proving that your faith in God is genuine and goes deep. It's more valuable than even the most precious of metals on earth, which will pass away; but faith - real faith in God will remain! When I have faith and trust God, it brings honor and glory to Jesus Christ, God's Son. Even intense fire and flame will not destroy the proving faith that trials bring. You love Him and trust Him and believe in Him, even though you haven't see Him. That's FAITH! So, that's why we are glad and extremely happy because we are receiving the salvation and deliverance of our souls when we believe God in the midst of hard times!
Application
This portion of scripture is a great reminder for me to embrace the Lord in each situation and the challenges I face. I can rejoice that my faith will only get stronger through trials when I yield to the Savior and declare what great things He has done for me! Don't be downcast, distressed, grieving, or sorrowful - don't hang your head! Lift up your head! Jesus is the glory and lifter of my head, and I can be thankful and sing praises to the One who is saving my soul! I have been counted worthy to have my faith tested, tried, and refined. The reward is my salvation and a place in heaven along with those who have gone before me. And one day, I will get to go 'home' too!
Prayer
O Father, in my life be glorified! Give me faith for today to stand on the promise that You will never leave me or forsake me. Help me to 'Have Faith' when life is hard. May I love You more and more as heaven draws nearer and nearer! In Jesus Name, A-men.
1 Peter 1:6-9
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.
Observation
Be happy even though you have to go through times of grief, suffering, and aggravation that leaves you feeling pretty distressed and full of sorrow and disappointment. In the end, it's proving that your faith in God is genuine and goes deep. It's more valuable than even the most precious of metals on earth, which will pass away; but faith - real faith in God will remain! When I have faith and trust God, it brings honor and glory to Jesus Christ, God's Son. Even intense fire and flame will not destroy the proving faith that trials bring. You love Him and trust Him and believe in Him, even though you haven't see Him. That's FAITH! So, that's why we are glad and extremely happy because we are receiving the salvation and deliverance of our souls when we believe God in the midst of hard times!
Application
This portion of scripture is a great reminder for me to embrace the Lord in each situation and the challenges I face. I can rejoice that my faith will only get stronger through trials when I yield to the Savior and declare what great things He has done for me! Don't be downcast, distressed, grieving, or sorrowful - don't hang your head! Lift up your head! Jesus is the glory and lifter of my head, and I can be thankful and sing praises to the One who is saving my soul! I have been counted worthy to have my faith tested, tried, and refined. The reward is my salvation and a place in heaven along with those who have gone before me. And one day, I will get to go 'home' too!
Prayer
O Father, in my life be glorified! Give me faith for today to stand on the promise that You will never leave me or forsake me. Help me to 'Have Faith' when life is hard. May I love You more and more as heaven draws nearer and nearer! In Jesus Name, A-men.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Walking My Talk
Scripture
James 3:1-2
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, also able to bridle his whole body.
Observation
Teachers are held accountable and judged by God and man with a more stringent standard than those who do not teach God's Word. All of us stumble, especially when we open our mouths more than we should. We aren't perfect, only God is perfect. If we were perfect, we'd get things right. But being imperfect as we are - we mess up.
Application
When we declare God's Word, whether it's from a pulpit, teaching in Sunday School class, or sitting around a table with friends, we better be 'walking our talk' because people see right through a facade, a superficial appearance or illusion of being spiritual or seeming like we have it more together than we really do.
Prayer
Father, thank You for opportunities to proclaim Your truths and to be transparent to those hungry for You. Help me to 'walk my talk.' Thank You for showing me areas I need Your touch. I avail myself to You for adjustment and correction. I humble myself before You and may I take discipline with a quiet and submitted spirit and godly attitude. Deal with me according to Your will and purpose because You love me. Help me to speak Your Word accurately, and may my actions and attitudes reflect the transforming power of the Holy Spirit working in me. In Jesus Name, A-men.
James 3:1-2
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, also able to bridle his whole body.
Observation
Teachers are held accountable and judged by God and man with a more stringent standard than those who do not teach God's Word. All of us stumble, especially when we open our mouths more than we should. We aren't perfect, only God is perfect. If we were perfect, we'd get things right. But being imperfect as we are - we mess up.
Application
When we declare God's Word, whether it's from a pulpit, teaching in Sunday School class, or sitting around a table with friends, we better be 'walking our talk' because people see right through a facade, a superficial appearance or illusion of being spiritual or seeming like we have it more together than we really do.
Prayer
Father, thank You for opportunities to proclaim Your truths and to be transparent to those hungry for You. Help me to 'walk my talk.' Thank You for showing me areas I need Your touch. I avail myself to You for adjustment and correction. I humble myself before You and may I take discipline with a quiet and submitted spirit and godly attitude. Deal with me according to Your will and purpose because You love me. Help me to speak Your Word accurately, and may my actions and attitudes reflect the transforming power of the Holy Spirit working in me. In Jesus Name, A-men.
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