The Word Is Alive

Philippians 1:28-29 Finding blessing in the fire

Scripture

Philippians 1:28-29 In no way be alarmed by your opponents - which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.

Observation

What do you do when you see the enemy mounting up against you? Attacking you from every angle? Do you cry out in prayer "Why God, why me?" Do you pick up your weapons and go out and fight the enemy on your own?  Or do you hide and separate yourself from others?  Here in Philippians 1:29 Paul eludes that it is a gift when our opponents attack. Moreover, these attacks are allowed by God.  This seems contrary to the goodness of God.  We think" surely a God of love wouldn't allow for the enemy to attack us".  The truth is God's love is exactly why He allows the enemy to attack us. 

Here are some reasons that attacks from the enemy are a good thing:

1. Attacks from the enemy tests our faith.  Read Hebrews 11:33-40.  These people experience incredible affliction and yet God say's that they are "men of whom the world was not worthy" and they gained approval by God through their faith (Hebrews 11:38-39).  Faith is tested in fire to be proved genuine (1 Peter 1:7). If you want stronger faith, you are going to have to work that faith muscle of yours.

2. Attacks from the enemy tests our knowledge and belief of God's word. Contrast when Adam & Eve was tempted in the garden of Eden to when Jesus was tempted in the desert. Satan manipulated the word of God in the garden of Eden and in the desert. 

Here we have Adam & Eve living in a scrumptious garden filled with God's goodness.  There is only one tree that they can't eat from, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17).  Yet Satan comes and manipulates these simple instructions;  Eve contemplates Satan's words, then compromises the word of God, and then they both commit the first sin (Genesis 3:1-7).

Jesus, however, is in a desert and He has had nothing to eat for 40 days.  Satan tempts Him three times, but Jesus responded immediately with " IT IS WRITTEN", quoting scripture back at the enemy (Matthew 4:3-7).  See the enemy doesn't have a full comprehension of the word of God, because he doesn't have the Holy Spirit within him.  Jesus is the word of God made flesh (John 1:1); Jesus is the truth. The enemy will distort the truth of God and tempt us to compromise; he is very cunning.  The only way for us to sidestep these temptations is to have a the full counsel of God ourselves and be drawing into God daily.  Thanks to Jesus we have the truth and thus are able to walk in freedom.

3. Attacks from the enemy molds us into the image of Christ.  As Christians we are called to walk as Jesus walked.  Paul explains some of this walk in Philippians 1:9-11 and 1:27.  When we choose to follow Christ, we are also choosing to walk as He walked.  Yet Christ suffered. To truly be like Christ we must suffer also. Every time we submit to God in the midst of affliction and attack, we reflect more and more of Christ in our lives. 
4. Attacks from the enemy draws us closer to God.  When we are under the weight of affliction and attack we come to the end of ourselves and the beginning of God.  Attacks and affliction force us to understand our desperate need for God.  When we draw closer to God, God gets the glory for our salvation and not we ourselves.

Application

In Ephesians 6:10-17 we learn about the armor of God.  In one hand we hold the shield of faith and in the other the sword of the Spirit.  The shield protects us from the enemy's attack, the sword cuts through his lies. When you are wielding both you have no reason to fear the enemy.   Applying this word is simple, yet it can be difficult if you haven't learned to make a habit of getting into God's word. I want to encourage you though, try to use the S.O.A.P. (scripture, observation, application, and prayer) method.  Take one small scripture and ask God to reveal to you what He has to say. Talk to others about it. Sometimes there will be a few scriptures that I chew on in a day and then there are others times where I might chew on a short scripture for a week or even a month. It is important that you take the time to learn about the counsel of God yourself.  There are false prophets in the world and our enemy is trying to shove a meal of lies down us daily. You will either eat his lies or God's truth.   My friends God's word is precious and life changing, and investing in your relationship with Him through His word will reap eternal rewards.

Prayer

LORD, God, help us to draw deeper into You. Help us to know You better.  I pray that Your people would make time each day to know Your full counsel and understand Your precepts. Keep lies far from our ears (Proverbs 30:7). Incline our ears instead to hear what You have to say and apply our minds to Your knowledge, so that Your words may be ever ready on our lips (Proverbs 22:17-18).  Father, I pray that You would take me deeper.  Reveal Yourself to me more and more.  I am humbled that You, the God and Creator of this universe, would choose to share Your thoughts with me.  How blessed I am among women just to be called Your daughter. Help Your people to pick up their sword and their shield.  We need You.

Elena Bible Study - Fruit of the Spirit - Week 8 (Faithfulness)

Scripture Memorization

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must first believe He exists and rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

Monday

S - Read Hebrews 11:6

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must first believe He exists and rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

O -

1. What pleases God?
2. What is the very first thing you must do in your first step of faith?
3. What is the second?
4. What is the third?

5. Are your parents pleased when you believe them?

A - Make God smile by believing Him.

P - Ask God to help you come to Him first, believe what He say's, and to earnestly seek Him all the days of your life.

Tuesday

S - Read Psalm 43:3

Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.

O -

1. What can you ask God to send you?
2. Where will His light and faithful care bring you?
3. What does it mean to dwell with God?
4. Why is dwelling with God good?
5. What is great about God's faithful care?

A - If you get scared ask God to send His light and faithful care to you and believe that He will lead you to His peaceful presence.

P - Thank God for taking such good care of you and always leading you.

Wednesday

S - Read 2 Corinthians 5:7, review Psalm 43:3 from yesterday.

2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith and not by sight.

Psalm 43:3 Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.

O -

1. Have you ever walked in the dark or blindfolded?
2. How could you keep from stumbling or falling?
3. What if someone were talking you through each step?  Would that help?
4. After walking in the dark for awhile, did your eyes eventually adjust and were you able to see a little bit better?

A - Play the Marco/Polo game in the swimming pool this week and think about what it means to walk by faith.

P - God doesn't just turn off the lights and tell us to walk by faith, He sends us His light and faithful care to help us walk by faith. He talks us through each step and helps our "faith" eyes find His light in the darkness.  Praise Him for giving you faith today so that you can walk in a way that pleases Him and ask Him to help you hear His voice above all others, so that you always listen to Him.

Thursday

S - Read Psalm 86:11

Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

O -

1. How can you learn about God's faithfulness?
2. Can You think of times where He has been faithful?
3. How can remembering God's faithfulness in the past help you when you are scared?

4. What are some things that you have learned about God over the last few months.

A - Make a list of God's past faithfulness and put it on the refrigerator.  Make another list of things you have learned about God and post them on the mirror in your room.  Read both of them every time you go in and out of those rooms this week.

P - Thank God for always being faithful and ask Him to help you to learn His ways and rely on His faithfulness.

Friday

S - Read Psalm 40:10

I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly.

O -

1. When God shows Himself faithful, what are we supposed to do?
2. Why are we supposed to tell others of His faithfulness?
3. Why would hearing about how God has shown His faithfulness encourage other Christ followers?
4. How could hearing of God's faithfulness draw unbelievers to Christ?

A -

Remember the list of faithful acts that you made yesterday.  Tell someone about God's faithfulness today and try to do tell someone every time you see God show Himself faithful.

P -

Thank God for teaching you about faith. Ask Him to help you grow in faith, so that you always bring a smile to His face.

Devin's Bible Study - 1 Kings 4 & 5

Scripture Memorization

Proverbs 1:33 But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil.

Monday

S - Read 1 Kings 4 & Galatians 6:6

O -

1. How many deputies did Solomon have? (verse 7)
2. What were their responsibilities?

3. Out of all the deputies, how many lived in the land? 

4. How hard do you think it would have been to provide for Solomon's household? (see verse 22 & 23).

5. Were the deputies able to provide for Solomon's household? (see verse 20).

6. Review 1 Kings 4:34 & Galatians 6:6; why do you think the deputies were required to share their wealth with Solomon's household?

A - Who is teaching you? Think of a way to share something good with them and do it.

P - Thank God for His provision. 

Tuesday

S - Review 1 Kings 4 &  read Genesis 22

O -

1.  What did God tell Abraham to do?

2. How does that make you feel knowing that God would ask Abraham to do such  a thing?

3. Does Isaac question his father?  Why not?

4. What happens right before Abraham is about to sacrifice Isaac?

5. What was God's blessing to Abraham?  And why?  (Genesis 22:16-17)

6. How was this promise fulfilled? (See 1 Kings 4:20)

A - What are some promises you know that God has made to you? List them out in your journal and meditate on them.

P - Praise God for His faithfulness in the past.

Wednesday

S - Read 1 Kings 5:1-5, Ecclesiastes 3:1, 1 Chronicles 28:3, and Genesis 9:6

O -

1. What had God provided Solomon according to verse 4?
2. Why would conflict make it difficult to build a temple?

3. According to 1 Chronicles 28:3,  why couldn't King David build the house?

4. Why would bloodshed cause God not to let David build the temple?  (See Genesis 9:6).

5. Do you think it was difficult for David to hear that he couldn't build the temple?

A - What are some things God, parents, or others have told you "No" about. List some of the good things that have come from this refusal.

P - Praise God for His goodness.

Thursday

S - Review 1 Kings 5:1-5 and Read 2 Samuel 7

O -

1. Why did Kind David want to build God a temple?
2. What was God's response?
3. What was God's promise to King David?
4. How did David respond?  Was his response different then how you answer question number 5 from yesterday's bible study?

A - Do you ever try to do "good" things without asking God, assuming that He would approve? Try to list those things out in your journal.

P- Ask God for His will in the list that you created.

Friday

S - Review 1 Kings 4 and 5, read James 3:17, Proverbs 1:20-33

O -

1. In chapter 4 Solomon delegates responsibilities to multiple leaders.  What responsibilities has God appointed to you?
2. Read 1 Kings 5:12 and James 3:17, how can you know if a decision is wise according to heaven's standards based on these two verses?
3. In Proverbs 1:20-33, why is Wisdom shouting?
4. What promises are given to you if you listen and obey the wisdom of God?
5. What happens if you don't listen to the wisdom of God?

6. What does the word complacent mean?  What happens to the complacent?
7. Think about what it means to be at ease from the dread of evil. Are you at ease from the dread of evil?  Why or why not?
8. Do you live securely or with worry?

A - Solomon surrounded himself with men that would encourage him, what friends do you have in your life that encourage a closer walk with Christ? Thank these friends today.

P - Ask God reveal any area's of your walk with Him in which you have become complacent and ask Him to continue to pour out a passion for Him in your life.  Thank God for the security you have in Him and praise Him for opening your ears to hear His wisdom.

Delirious? (Solid Rock)

Isaiah 33:6 - Looking for stability

Scripture

Isaiah 33:6 And He will be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is his treasure.

Observation

Do you ever feel unstable?  I have been classified as unstable a few times in my life. As I grow older I get better at hiding it, but sometimes deep inside I am being tossed about like a ship in the middle of a hurricane. 

As I introspectively dig deep, I realize that many times when I am feeling tossed about, it is because my hope has been placed in the wrong things.  Perhaps it is in a job, a church, or a person. But inevitably I will be let down,  and I become tossed about again. 

Why would we put our hope in other things instead of Christ our Solid Rock? Brace yourselves this might hurt a little bit.  We put our hope in other things  because we don't trust God to do what He promises to do.  Ouch!  I know, when God revealed that to me I was broken hearted.  

But take heart my friends, God is a God of compassion, mercy, and grace.  Isaiah 30:18 say's that the LORD longs to be gracious to us and waits on high to have compassion on us. Glory!

The fear of the LORD is the key to stability, salvation, wisdom and knowledge.  What does it mean to fear the LORD?  It means to respect Him, reverence Him, and trust Him.  God is not like us, He doesn't make mistakes, He is perfect in every way.  He is our supply and our ever-present help in trouble.  He is worthy of our trust in every way.

Application

This might sound a little silly, but when I start to feel unstable, fearful, or insecure, I just start saying "I trust You God" over and over again out loud. My mom said it is like a spiritual machine gun going off against the spirit of fear. And each time I say "I trust You God" I begin looking at my circumstances in view of God's greatness and ground beneath me gets firmer and firmer.  I am basically acknowledging how big God is and therefore showing Him reverence and respect.   Romans 10:8 say's that "the word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, that is the message concerning faith that we proclaim".  Proclaim your trust dear friends and embrace the treasures God has for you.

Prayer

God, my God, You are my strength and my shield (Psalm 28:7).  You go before me and Your goodness follows me. I put my trust in You and I know that my faith pleases You (Hebrews 11:6). Making You smile is the highlight of my day.  Please continue to reveal Yourself more and more to me, so that I may fear Your name and trust You more and more. Father, if my eyes lose sight of Your work, please open them.  Bring rain or joy, whatever it takes to draw me closer to You. I trust You God.

Hillsong - From Inside Out

Proverbs 3:3 - Kindness and Truth

Scripture

Proverbs 3:3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.

Observation

Kindness and truth are attributes that are worn both internally and externally. Displaying kindness and truth is a great witness to a dark and lonely world. But You can't wear these attributes on the outside for very long, without them first being established and renewed on the inside through daily time with God.

When I think about binding kindness and truth around your neck, I think about tattoo's and then think about my husband.  Now my husband only has one tattoo, it just starts at his neck and goes down to his toes.  When he first started getting tattoo's it was to protect himself, keeping people at arm distance.  It was his way of embracing the label of outcast.

Some Christians have told him that he is going to hell because he has tattoo's. Clearly they missed the lesson Jesus gives to the Pharisee's in Matthew 23:25. And just like me they could learn a few things by watching God work through Tim.  My husband has tattoo's of scriptures and love on him, as well as some from the past which look a little scary.  Oh doesn't that just sound like each one of us.  We are being transformed into the image of Christ, but we still have some of the junk of the past hanging around.  We, however, might choose to mask it, in order to keep the façade of "Super Christian".  He chooses to display it on the outside.

When the outcasts see him (who by the way, Jesus came for), they believe that the grace of God may also be for them, that church isn't a place full of hypocrite's, and God just might love them unconditionally.  It is a marvelous thing to behold and I am honored to be his wife.  Yes, Tim has in the most literal sense bound kindness and love around his person and is drawing people to the kingdom of God through it.

Application

I don't want to say I love Christ, but then look down on others with contempt and judgment. Jesus came for all of us and He is constantly working in and through all of us until we are perfect in Him. 

Prayer

Father of mercy and grace, I adore You.  You are so creative, making us all differently, but perfect for Your purpose. LORD, I pray for my fellow brother's and sister's in Christ.  I pray that we would all write Your truth and kindness on our hearts and then live it out.  That the same grace You so abundantly gave us, we would lavishly give to others.  Father God, help us to search out way's to show kindness and to speak Your word in love to others. That we would encourage those around us daily and You do with us each day. Father, thank You for giving me such a wonderful husband, I am truly blessed.

Hillsong - None but Jesus

Isaiah 30:15 - Salvation and Strength

Scripture

Isaiah 30:15 For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said, in repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...

Observation

God, Himself, is speaking in Isaiah 30:15 and He is outlining some simple, yet difficult, tasks we are to do to receive salvation and strength.  The difficulty is so great that many refuse to even try. But God doesn't ask us to do it in our own strength, He gives us His Spirit to be strong in our weakness (Romans 8:26).

Repentance is a key to salvation. We need to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, but we also need to turn from sin.  Repentance is just that...turning from sin. 

Repentance, however, is just one fold on this salvation call. God also asks us to rest. I don't think this means to sleep, but this means to surrender; surrender your worries and cares to Him. Jesus said come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). 

God goes even further to outline how to receive strength from Him.  He say's to be quiet and trust. I feel like I say that to my kids all the time.  "Will you stop arguing with me and just trust me?", "trust me that I know where we are going and how we should get there", "trust me that I know what is best for you", trust me that this will only hurt for a little bit, but you need this medicine to feel better", trust me that eating junk food all day will ruin your body in the long run"…."trust me."

There is certainly wisdom and faith found in being quiet and trusting God, but why strength? I think we can find the answers in the trees. Outside right now the wind is howling and the trees are whipping about. The young trees are swaying to the point of almost breaking, but the older trees hardly move. The adversity of the wind has strengthened their roots and caused them to go even deeper into the ground.  I don't hear the trees complaining that the wind is too much, in fact they never say a word, they just allow the wind to strengthen them.  The wise oak, in humble quietness, submits to the wind produced from God's hand and trusts. Knowing that  It is for our good that the wind comes.

Prayer

Father, You hold each moment of my day in the palm of your hands.  Your goodness goes before me (Exodus 33:19) and your lovingkindness follows me (Psalm 23:6). Your love never fails even when I do.  Thank You for saving me and setting me free from sin.  Thank You for refining me so that I can learn to be quiet and trust You more. Please continue to strengthen me Father according to your lovingkindness. You are the God of my day's and all my delight is in You.

Elena - Fruit of the Spirit - Week 7 (Goodness)

Scripture Memorization

Psalm 65:4 How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You To dwell in Your courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple

Monday

S - Read Ephesians 5:8-10

for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light  (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.

O -

1. Are you scared of the dark?  Why?
2. What are things that are good?  Are these things right and true in God's sight also?
3. What do you think pleases God?

A -

Do at least three of the things that you listed pleases God.

P -

Thank God for being a light in the dark places, ask Him to teach you more about what pleases Him.

Tuesday

S - Read Psalm 65:4

How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You To dwell in Your courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple.

O -

1. Why is being near to God a blessing?

2. What do you think it means to dwell in God's courts?
3. What are some good things you have in your house?
4. What are some good things you think God has in His house?

5. How do the good things in God's house bless you?

A -

It's time to investigate.  Grab your pen and paper and find 20 things that are good in your house.

P -

Thank God for choosing to share Himself with you. Ask Him to continue to open your heart and mind to His word.

Wednesday

S - Read Psalm 27:13

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.

O -

1. What are some good things about the land we live in?
2. What makes you sad?
3. What are some good things you can find even in the things that make you sad?
4. Why does not seeing the good in everything cause sadness?

A -

Focus your mind to only see the good in other people and situations around you.

P -

Thank God for showing you the good things all around you.  Thank Him for some of specifically for some of the good things that come to mind.

Thursday

S - Read Exodus 33:19

And He said, “ I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you;

O -

1. What is God telling Moses?

2. Do you think God also prepares the way for you?

3. How does know God has already sent His goodness before you make you feel?

A -

Every time you go to a new place look for God's goodness.

P -

Praise God for being good and for going before you.

Friday

S - Read Psalm 23:6

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

O -

1. What are some good things that follow you? (kitty cat's, etc.)
2. God's lovingkindness and goodness follow you also, what do you think that looks like?
3. Who are you following?
4. Why are you following them?

A -

It's time to get those artistic juices flowing.  This week we talked about good things. As you leave a room or a place, draw a picture of something good and leave it in that place.

P -

Praise God for going before you and following you each day.  Thank Him for loving you so perfectly.

1 Kings 3 - Asking for wisdom

Scripture Memorization

James 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Monday

S - Read 1 Kings 3:1-4, 1 Chronicles 1:1-6, 1 Corinthians 3:16

• Mark high places with a mountain and the house of God with a house.

O -

1. Who did Solomon marry and why?

2. Why was Solomon staying in the city of David?

3. Why were people sacrificing on high places?

4. Where can you find the temple of God now? (See 1 Corinthians 3:16)

5. What action of Solomon's showed that He loved the LORD?
6. What did Solomon do that his father, king David, didn't?
7. What are things that you do that show others that you love the LORD?
8. How can you take your relationship with Christ even deeper?

A - Begin applying one of your answers listed in question 8.

P - Thank God for giving you His Holy Spirit and for His loving kindness and faithfulness toward you.

Tuesday

S - 1 Kings 3:5-14, 1 Chronicles 1:7-12

• Mark the word wise with a cloud

• Note promises that God gives Solomon with a P

O -

1. How did God appear to Solomon and what question did God ask of him?

2. How does Solomon reference both himself and his father when speaking to God? How does this label show humility?

3. What are some other things that Solomon said that showed humility?

4. In verse 6, what does Solomon say about his father, David's, relationship to God?
5. How do you think this example  affected Solomon?

6. Who are the people in your life that encourage your walk with God?

7. What did Solomon ask for?

A - Thank someone today whose example has helped you draw closer to Christ.

P - Humble yourself before God and praise Him for His attributes

Wednesday

S - Read again 1 Kings 3:5-14, 1 Chronicles 1:7-12, and Proverbs 1:1-9

O -

1. What is the beginning of knowledge?
2. What does it mean to fear the LORD?
3. Who is Solomon talking to in Proverbs 1:8

4. Why does Solomon write Proverbs? (See 1-6)

5. Why did Solomon ask for an understanding heart?

6. Why was Solomon's request for an understanding heart pleasing to God?

A - Reflect on how you have grow in understanding and wisdom of God and His way's.

P - Praise God for His word and His mindfulness to instruct you daily.

Thursday

S - Read again 1 Kings 3:5-14, 1 Chronicles 1:7-12, and Luke 12:31

O -

1. What three things does God NOT want us to ask Him for?

2. Why do you think God does not want us to ask for these things?

3. What did God also give Solomon that Solomon didn't ask for?

4. What else did God promise Solomon if Solomon kept God's statutes and walked in His ways?

5. How do you feel when someone only wants something from you, but never tries to get to know and understand you?  Would you say that this person loves you?

6. Think about your requests to God, do they line up with His heart?

7. How does Luke 12:31 reiterate Solomon's request to God and God's response?

P -  Ask God each day to grow in knowledge and understanding of Him and His way's. Praise Him for His power and insight.

Friday

S - 1 Kings 3:15-28

O -

1. Who were these two ladies?
2. Briefly describe what the complaint taken before the king.
3. How did Solomon respond?
4. Why was this response considered wise?
5. According to verse 28, where did people think Solomon had gotten wisdom?

6. How did the people respond to Solomon?

7. Why do you think they feared him?
8. How often do you ask for God's counsel when making decisions?

9. How can you tell Godly wisdom from the opinions of others?

A - Ask God throughout each day for help with decisions.

P - Thank God for His wisdom and ask Him to give you more wisdom and understanding through His Spirit.

New Life Worship: Hiding place

A hiding place for you and I

This morning I was led into worship by the song "hiding place" by New Life Worship. I had never heard this song before, but as I listened to the words my heart began to overflow with love for my Savior. I am absolutely blown away at His care for me. He leads me to a hiding place where He speaks to me and revives my soul. He shows me more and more of Himself each day and I can confidently exclaim I am blessed. Despite life's circumstances, I am truly blessed. 

My prayer for you is that you have a hiding place too.  He will meet you there and in the quiet you will find your portion each day. His every word is life. You will fall apart trying to do life alone, we all need Him. So take time away from the busyness that the day brings and go to a hiding place and revel in your Creator, for He cares for you.

Father, You are my hiding place. I love You so very much.

Here In Your Presence

John 7:18, 1 Peter 4:11 - The power of the tongue

Scripture

John 7:18 Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.

Observation

Have you ever stopped and thought about the words you say? How you greet your family in the morning to co-workers and peers throughout the day?  How would you feel knowing that each word you thought you were sharing in secret was, in fact, recorded and would be played about before all man-kind (Luke 8:17)?

I don't know about you, but this makes me want to shut my mouth. I suppose this is one of many reasons why James invites us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry (James 1:19).  There is great power in the tongue. Just crack the book of Proverbs open and you will see that with one word you can give life or crush a spirit (Proverbs 15:4). God has granted us amazing power to teach, encourage, and comfort those around us with our words.  But when sin entangles us and we get ensnared and begin to brag, condemn, and gossip.

There is protection and blessing over our words when we choose to glorify God with them.  Imagine if you stopped before you spoke and asked God how to best glorify Him in this conversation?  According to John 7:18 He would label you a man (or woman) of truth, a label I desire with all my heart.  There is a heavy weight on our words, so do not be hasty in sharing your opinion or thoughts with others.

Application

For a long time my desire was to counsel others. I felt I had a knack for noticing other peoples problems and where they had missed it, and I was sure I knew just how to fix them.   What a fool I was. Now I feel a great weight when people come to me for advice. I am trying diligently to memorize scripture so that while listening to them and praying in my mind, I can offer the very words of God to them. There are many day's I fall short of this. I might respond with a harsh word to my children or may not even think about encouraging someone. But I am amazed at how far God has brought me.

Prayer

El-Roi, You see all and nothing is hidden from Your sight. In Your presence I am undone (Isaiah 6:4). My heart is deceitful above all else (Jeremiah 17:9), but Your truth sanctifies me and from it's overflow my heart speaks (Luke 6:45). God, my God, please continue to pour out Your truth into the hidden places and dark crevices of my heart. Transform my thought life and words through Your word (Romans 12:2), so that they would be pleasing in Your sight both now and forevermore.

Slow Down

Colossians 3:13 -Content with second place

Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other…

Colossians 3:13 (MSG) Be even-tempered, content with second place…

Observation

When studying Colossians 3:13 today I struggled with what it meant to bear with each other. My initial understanding was that it meant to "put up" with one another.  I didn't like this definition because it suggests a passive response to life.  However, as I read this verse out of the message bible I became enlightened on what it meant to bear with one another.

Being content with second place is a complete contradiction to the competitive world that we live in.  Do you ever feel like people are running beside you saying "look how fast I'm going."?  Maybe you are like me and your immediate response is to speed up. You feel a constant pressure to perform and do better. 

These feelings however, are not of God.  He doesn't call us to compete. I think we get confused and begin to believe that the prize of the upward calling is for those who run the fastest (Philippians 3:13-14).  However, the prize promised in scripture is for the overcomer, the one perseveres, the one who is diligent in seeking God. 

When I start running faster than I should be in order to compete with those around me I begin to lose margin. And soon my even-tempered attitude is replaced by reactionary anger and my peace replaced by strife and conflict.  My body begins to feel the pain of going faster than I have been equipped to go. 

Jesus is a great example for me what it means to be content with second place. The Darling of Heaven came to earth to give His life so that we might obtain eternal life through Him.  Jesus said "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28).

Application

God promises to provide a way of escape so that you can endure the temptation of competition (1 Corinthians 10:13). Many times that way out is by renewal found in prayer and the transforming power of His word. But while God is strengthening my resistance in this area I am trying to separate myself from as much competition as possible.  This means I am very careful about what I watch on TV and the conversations I have with people.  Love does not brag, so the words of my mouth should be few about what I am doing and more about encouraging them.  This might seem drastic to some of you, but God's word say's to FLEE from evil desires (2 Timothy 2:22). I'm excited because I know when God sets my pace I find margin, contentment, and joy.

Prayer

JEHOVAH-GMOLAH, You have a great reward for those who diligently seek You. .  Help me to be steadfast instead of fast. I want to be a woman of action, not reaction. It is a delicate balance for sure my LORD, but Your Good Spirit within in me makes all things possible (Philippians 4:13). I desire to be content with second place, clothed in humility, compassion, and love in every situation. Quiet my heart so that I can hear Your word today. Lead me into green pastures and restore my soul (Psalm 23:1,3).  Guide me in paths of righteousness and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Praise and glory be to You my King forever and ever.

Jordin Sparks - One Step At A Time