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Words and Thoughts

Psalms 19:14 NLT
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O  lord , my rock and my redeemer.

PERSONAL COMMENTARY
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This tongue is small,  but it’s words when let loose can have devastating consequences.

These thoughts aren’t seen by others, but left unchecked,  they can have devastating consequences on my attitude and perspective.

Since I am the temple for the presence of the Holy Spirit, don’t I want to take captive my thoughts and my words?

Those thoughts that come in unwelcomed, those temptations,  don’t I want to resist them, and pray that they be taken captive and cast out of my presence?  So I have to ask myself,  am I putting up a resistance to thoughts and temptations, or am I satisfied with letting them remain a part of my life?

And whereas those thoughts affect me on the inside, the result comes out in my words and my actions – which affects others around me. Am I bringing more light and love and forgiveness and mercy into the world each day with my words and actions, or is the darkness in my words and actions a reflection of my inner thoughts and the state of my heart?

If we spend our time just trying to clean the outside of the cup, our words and actions,  while letting our thought life run wild, we are in for a tiring battle. But if we accept Jesus Christ into our lives, and we focus on taking captive the thoughts and temptations on the inside, there will be visible changes on the outside as a result of our changed heart and attitudes.

And the best praise that we can lift up to God is not a life of continual sacrifice and prayers for forgiveness – but a life of renewal, using this Holy Spirit to take control of our lives. And we do this with time spent in an active relationship with Christ, through time in the Word,  prayer,  fellowship, and service.

Oh,  that my life might be a praise – that my story might be a life saved by His grace,  renewed by His sacrifice, and used for His glory and honor.

I love you,  friends. Have a blessed day.

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Speach – Eloquent or Truthful?

Proverbs 17:7 KJV
Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

PERSONAL COMMENTARY
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It is interesting to me when I examine the multiple translations available today and how each of them handles this passage. They vary drastically, and each perspective gives a glimpse into the voice of the translator to me.

For example, some focus on the words “excellent speech” or “eloquent speech”, while others focus on the words “truthful speech”. To me, the use of the words eloquent or excellent in this passage are useful when talking about those that the world considers fools in the temporal sense.

For example, the world would consider a man that does not have a high education and that is not wealthy a fool. So of course, for their understanding of what a fool is, it would make sense to talk about a fool not being able to use eloquent or excellent speech.

But for the spiritual, a man can be highly educated and have all of the wealth of the world, but if he has hardened his heart against his fellow man, and against God, and against the offer of grace, and only looks out for himself, he is a fool. This is because that man has placed his trust in those things that will fail him, things that with rot and rust, and that cannot be taken with him when his short time in this body is over. Whatever he piles up while he is here will be turned over to others when he is gone. So it is clear that when talking about a spiritual fool, the words “truthful speech” apply.

And who is a fool? The man who think himself wise but is a fool, or the one who is humble?

I’m not as humble as I should be, but the more that I learn, the more reason that I have to be humbled. No, I don’t want to be a fool in either of these two perspectives – but if I am going to set something as my goal, it is not eloquent speech, it is truthful speech.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 KJV
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

This is how I feel. I don’t feel wise. I feel confident in the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, but my understanding of the world has been shaken, it has been torn by this change in my life. I’m trying to understand because that is what the mind does, it tries to wrap itself around an idea. But God is too big for my little mind to comprehend – so it is maddening to try to accomplish the impossible.

And this too humbles me, and it has its intended effect – to push me back to faith instead of relying on fulfilling my own complete understanding. And some of the educated will argue that I am following blindly, but do they personally know the depth of every scientific discovery and understand everything about matter, energy, physics, chemistry, biology, and all of the extents of the studies of this physical realm that we can see and touch – or would it be maddening to try to comprehend it all? So how much more maddening would it be to try to understand the unseen in all its completeness?

So, I set my goal as truth – not eloquence or excellence because those are the measured opinions of men around me. I seek truth – both truth about this physical realm and truth about the unseen.

And doesn’t this begin to demonstrate the fullness of this verse? Doesn’t the completion of the verse deal with truthfulness?

Some translations use “ruler” or “prince”, while others use “righteous one” or “noble person”. Again, for me, this speaks to perspective – is this a discussion about the temporal or about the spiritual? Because of the subject matter, I’m more interested in the spiritual discussion.

And if we call ourselves children of God, aren’t we by inheritance princes, rulers, righteous ones, and noble? Or let me clarify – if we claim to be children of God, isn’t that what we are supposed to be?

And since that is true, what is this really saying to me?

It screams – KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

Truthful speech.

It’s pretty important.

Without it, I’m a fool.

Because if I’m a child of God, I shouldn’t be a liar.

So instead of talking about things that I don’t fully understand as if my opinion is truth, shouldn’t I stick to the foundational truths? Those things that are solid and proven, and not argue over those things that I don’t yet know. But I will keep seeking and learning and sharing – just not arguing or insisting that I am right. And faithfully one day, like Paul, I will be witness to the power. And one day my words and faith will be proven truthful, or I will be a fool to be pitied by all. There is no middle ground for me, my destination is in the hands of the Lord.

Is your destination in the hands of Jesus Christ this morning, friend?

Do you know Him closely, are you seeking Him in your life daily?

Yes, our time is short. It seems to move faster every day.

TODAY is our day to see Christ move in our lives in powerful ways – to see change within our hearts – to share hope, faith, love, and truth with those in our lives – to see healing and power and change in this world around us – to see a revival in the body of Christ – to see light shining brightly throughout this world of darkness – to see evil and wickedness fleeing from our resistance.

I love you friend.

I plead the blood of Christ over your life today. May no evil touch you or come against you friend. You are sealed by the blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Walk today as a risen child of God, and let the enemy scatter and run in fear before you.

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Good is good, Bad is bad

Evil does not change based on public or personal opinion. Good is good, bad is bad. One may decide to apply “relative morality” to a circumstance to try to justify actions comparatively, but that doesn’t change evil into good – it simply makes an attempt to compare one set of evils to another.

But it does matter how we use this knowledge of good and evil. Because the law can be executed unwisely by men in judgement and accusation who are blind to love – which represents a situation where truth and justice are not served.

For example, if a sheep is lost – isn’t it clear that helping that sheep is more critical than the letter of the law? Isn’t it clear that mercy, forgiveness, and love are the more perfect demonstration of God’s grace and the nature of His Spirit towards His beloved children? Isn’t this the lesson that Christ taught us about understanding the spirit of the law instead of focusing on the letter of the law:

Matthew 12:1-14 NLT
At about that time Jesus was walking through some grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, so they began breaking off some heads of grain and eating them. But some Pharisees saw them do it and protested, “Look, your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath.” Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He went into the house of God, and he and his companions broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. And haven’t you read in the law of Moses that the priests on duty in the Temple may work on the Sabbath? I tell you, there is one here who is even greater than the Temple! But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?” (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.) And he answered, “If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you work to pull it out? Of course you would. And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.” Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one! Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus.

Yes, He wants a relationship, He wants us to show mercy just like He shows mercy, not cold hearted practicers of religion:

Hosea 6:6 NLT
I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.

I can stand my ground on what is right and what is wrong – while offering mercy, and forgiveness, and love, and hope for the lost – and while sharing this Good News of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Because it isn’t my job to judge the lost, it is my job to offer them this same grace that I received.

1 Corinthians 5:9-13 NLT
When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”

If we are to follow Christ’s example, are we going out and sitting down with those that need this message of grace – and not in judgement, but in love:

Luke 5:27-32 NLT
Later, as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him. Later, Levi held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. Many of Levi’s fellow tax collectors and other guests also ate with them. But the Pharisees and their teachers of religious law complained bitterly to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with such scum? ” Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.”

Are we going out? Or are we comfortable hanging in the pew with our friends?

Mark 16:15-20 NLT
And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.

Give me the courage and strength and faith and reliance on Christ in me to go out – in Love, and to share this good news, not in judgement to strike fear and win converts, but to let others know this wonderful grace that I have, this amazing friend that I know – so they might know Him as well.

And yeah – He told us to do it. That’s probably a really good reason to do it too.

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Who do I serve?

1JN 2:1-6 ESV
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

PERSONAL COMMENTARY
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We know that we know Christ if we keep his commandments.

If we say we know him but do not keep his commandments, we are a liar and the truth is not in us.

But if we keep his word, His Love is perfected in us.

And if we do stumble and sin, we have an advocate.

We can know that He abides in us if we are walking like He walked.

So walking like He walked is our goal. Since we are imperfect and will stumble, this means that we should always be seeking God and growing and learning, because we are not yet perfected – we are still in the flesh.

This Grace is sufficient to cover any and all sins. But grace is not continuing to live in lawlessness without repentance – it is not a free ticket TO sin. Neither is grace a salvation by works or legalism without forgiveness – it is a gift freeing us FROM sin.

So the questions are:
1) Have I accepted and received this grace?
2) Have I experienced this Grace as a change in my life FROM sinning TO keeping his commandments?
3) Am I sharing this Grace with others through a fruitful life of serving God and serving and loving others?

We are not perfected. We are still in the flesh. And a battle rages on. But there should be a struggle. If we have Christ in us, He is stronger than the temptations and trials of this world, and He will win the battle. He will overcome. If there is no battle. If there is no light and life in us, if we are content living in our sinful ways, not being convicted to make any changes, not being corrected and disciplined when we are outside God’s will for our lives – shouldn’t we be sure that we have actually received this Grace and that we have Christ alive in us?

This morning, are you sure?
If not, He is only a prayer away, friend. He promises if you seek Him, you will find Him.

This morning, are you obeying his commandments?
If not, He is only a prayer away, friend. He promises that with Him, no weapon formed against you will prosper. He offers forgiveness, renewal, and healing. His mercy and peace is there for you to receive it.

Today, will your life reflect Christ’s love that lives inside you?
YES, IT WILL! Open fellowship with Christ this morning, and walk with Him today. Be mindful of Him, keep His Word close to your heart, keep your eyes open for the opportunities to love and help others, let His light shine, tell people that Jesus lives them – first with your actions and your example, and then even use words if necessary. I hope that I can do the same.

Joshua 24:15 NLT
But if you refuse to serve the lord , then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the lord .”

Whose will is apparent in my life today – my own sinful desires, or obedience to God’s commandments?

Who am I serving today?

God?

Satan?

Me?

Galatians 5:13-15 ESV
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.