Point of View:
So last week we talked about being holy as Christ is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16), this week I would like to expand on that (Mathew 5:43-48). You see, as Christians we aren't just called to behave well; we are called to behave perfectly as our Father, God is perfect. Although that sounds crazy, it’s true (Mathew 5:48)! So when Mathew tells us to “love our enemies”, if we are striving to be holy and perfect, as Christians, this should be a big part of how we treat people. Let me explain. Anybody can be nice to somebody who's nice back to him or her, right? Well, what about being nice to those who treat you wrongly? That’s a little tougher isn’t it? We have to realize that “only the spirit of Jesus can empower us to show true love to those who hurt or persecute us.” That's how Christ wants us to love.
The Challenge:
Love like Christ wants us to! Remember that anyone can love those who are nice and respectful, but as a Christian we are commanded to love even our enemy’s. So, will you continue in striving to be perfect and obey, or disobey and break a direct command? The choice is yours…
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for sending His Son, Jesus Christ, who demonstrated what love really is.
• Ask for wisdom, loving your enemy’s is going to be tough.
• Pray for those who make fun of you, Christ died for them too.
The Word:
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. – Mathew 5:43-48
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Summer Challenge - May 26, 2011
Point of View:
So, while at Creation Fest 2010, I got a chance to hear Justin Lookadoo speak on 1 Peter 1: 15-16. Since then, it has become one of my favorite verses to live by, but let me explain why. 1 Peter 1: 15-16 reads: 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” Notice the wording there; “Be holy as I am holy”, It doesn't say to be average or okay as I am average or okay, It tells us to be holy! This verse challenged me in so many ways. It became a question that I’d ask myself more and more. Allow me to break this down. A lot of people curse, so then is it okay to curse? Well you can do it... but is it holy? No! You can smoke if you're 18 and get drunk if you're 21 too right? The law says you can do this… but is it holy? No! We aren't called to follow the law or do the usual; we are called to be like Christ! That’s why I chose this verse now that summer is approaching. So…
The Challenge:
Be holy as Christ is holy! Don’t settle for being “mediocre” or “average." Be Holy! If you find yourself wondering if what you are about to do is holy, remember this; “we aren’t called to be ok, we are called to be holy!” So as summer’s temptations start rolling around, remember to ask yourself this simple phrase… Is it holy?
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for giving us this challenging scripture.
• Ask for wisdom as you strive to be more like Christ.
• Pray that as summer approach’s you will be able to keep it holy.
The Word:
15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” - 1 Peter 1:15-16
So, while at Creation Fest 2010, I got a chance to hear Justin Lookadoo speak on 1 Peter 1: 15-16. Since then, it has become one of my favorite verses to live by, but let me explain why. 1 Peter 1: 15-16 reads: 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” Notice the wording there; “Be holy as I am holy”, It doesn't say to be average or okay as I am average or okay, It tells us to be holy! This verse challenged me in so many ways. It became a question that I’d ask myself more and more. Allow me to break this down. A lot of people curse, so then is it okay to curse? Well you can do it... but is it holy? No! You can smoke if you're 18 and get drunk if you're 21 too right? The law says you can do this… but is it holy? No! We aren't called to follow the law or do the usual; we are called to be like Christ! That’s why I chose this verse now that summer is approaching. So…
The Challenge:
Be holy as Christ is holy! Don’t settle for being “mediocre” or “average." Be Holy! If you find yourself wondering if what you are about to do is holy, remember this; “we aren’t called to be ok, we are called to be holy!” So as summer’s temptations start rolling around, remember to ask yourself this simple phrase… Is it holy?
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for giving us this challenging scripture.
• Ask for wisdom as you strive to be more like Christ.
• Pray that as summer approach’s you will be able to keep it holy.
The Word:
15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” - 1 Peter 1:15-16
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
You’re Will or His? May 24, 2011
Point of View:
So, I’m sure that you have probably planned out a fun event or weekend before, right? Maybe it was a vacation, seeing a movie with some friends, going to the beach, or even something big like what college to go to. All these things take planning. When we start making plans, we normally start checking with people to make sure it's okay and check what their availability is, right? However, we often forget one big person important to our plans though; God! We ignorantly make plans, thinking that we are guaranteed tomorrow! What’s up with that? I think James was asking himself the same question when he was writing verses 13-17 in chapter 4. James says; “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.” James makes a good point here; we don’t know what will happen tomorrow! We should be making our plans this way: “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” We aren’t guaranteed our next step, breath, or thought. We are graciously given all these things by our Father in Heaven, God. Don’t take for granted God’s gracious gift of life. Everyday, the Lord gives us opportunities to glorify Him, whether on a vacation or at home, He is worthy of our praise. So…
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to make plans that are not centered on you, but centered on God. Instead of ignorantly making plans, let’s stop and pray. Ask for God’s will to be played out instead of our own. Remember this: Everyday is a good day to praise God. So, no matter what place or time, center your life, plans, and friends around Christ.
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for giving us life today. May we glorify Him today and always.
• Ask for guidance as you make plans. It’s easy to be selfish when you’re the only one planning, so tag team!
• Pray for understanding. It's time to understand that we shouldn't try to put God into our plans but realize that we are in His.
The Word:
13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. - James 4:13-17
So, I’m sure that you have probably planned out a fun event or weekend before, right? Maybe it was a vacation, seeing a movie with some friends, going to the beach, or even something big like what college to go to. All these things take planning. When we start making plans, we normally start checking with people to make sure it's okay and check what their availability is, right? However, we often forget one big person important to our plans though; God! We ignorantly make plans, thinking that we are guaranteed tomorrow! What’s up with that? I think James was asking himself the same question when he was writing verses 13-17 in chapter 4. James says; “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.” James makes a good point here; we don’t know what will happen tomorrow! We should be making our plans this way: “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” We aren’t guaranteed our next step, breath, or thought. We are graciously given all these things by our Father in Heaven, God. Don’t take for granted God’s gracious gift of life. Everyday, the Lord gives us opportunities to glorify Him, whether on a vacation or at home, He is worthy of our praise. So…
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to make plans that are not centered on you, but centered on God. Instead of ignorantly making plans, let’s stop and pray. Ask for God’s will to be played out instead of our own. Remember this: Everyday is a good day to praise God. So, no matter what place or time, center your life, plans, and friends around Christ.
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for giving us life today. May we glorify Him today and always.
• Ask for guidance as you make plans. It’s easy to be selfish when you’re the only one planning, so tag team!
• Pray for understanding. It's time to understand that we shouldn't try to put God into our plans but realize that we are in His.
The Word:
13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. - James 4:13-17
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Tongue Twisted - May 19, 2011
Point of View:
So, all sugar coating aside, I have been noticing a lot of “Tongue Twisted Christians” lately. What do I mean? Well, I see a lot of people singing praises and lifting each other up with their words when they are inside the Church’s walls, and that’s great! However, the second they are outside, they are cursing, singing along to the vanity and profanity that’s on the radio, and tearing people down with their words. It’s tough to keep quiet when you are witnessing your very own brothers and sisters in Christ doing these things. I think James felt the same way when he was writing chapter 3. In verses 9-10, James says this; “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” This isn't a new problem that we are dealing with here. They were dealing with the same problem way back in James’s day. Why is this so common? Well, I think it's because we desire to fit in and relate with our “friends” so much that we are willing to compromise how we talk. James understands that and pretty much says this; “Just like an apple tree doesn't grow oranges, or an orange tree doesn't grow watermelons, as believes in Christ, we should be producing fruit, not shriveling up!” So, are you a tongue twisted Christian that compromises to fit in? Or, are you finding your identity in Christ and trying to be an alien to the ways of the world? The choice is yours, but you know I have to challenge you! Ha-ha So…
The Challenge:
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.” (– 1 Peter 2:11) Don’t give in to the ways of the world, REBEL!
Rebel against the normal and live like an alien. It's time to stop speaking hypocritically and start living as children of the Light! Remember, we are only visitors in this world. This is not our home!
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for giving us these Truths that James has shared with us.
• Ask that you will be able to live a life glorifying to God, not man!
• Pray for boldness as you stand up for what you believe in. Stand strong!
The Word:
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. – James 3:9-12
So, all sugar coating aside, I have been noticing a lot of “Tongue Twisted Christians” lately. What do I mean? Well, I see a lot of people singing praises and lifting each other up with their words when they are inside the Church’s walls, and that’s great! However, the second they are outside, they are cursing, singing along to the vanity and profanity that’s on the radio, and tearing people down with their words. It’s tough to keep quiet when you are witnessing your very own brothers and sisters in Christ doing these things. I think James felt the same way when he was writing chapter 3. In verses 9-10, James says this; “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” This isn't a new problem that we are dealing with here. They were dealing with the same problem way back in James’s day. Why is this so common? Well, I think it's because we desire to fit in and relate with our “friends” so much that we are willing to compromise how we talk. James understands that and pretty much says this; “Just like an apple tree doesn't grow oranges, or an orange tree doesn't grow watermelons, as believes in Christ, we should be producing fruit, not shriveling up!” So, are you a tongue twisted Christian that compromises to fit in? Or, are you finding your identity in Christ and trying to be an alien to the ways of the world? The choice is yours, but you know I have to challenge you! Ha-ha So…
The Challenge:
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.” (– 1 Peter 2:11) Don’t give in to the ways of the world, REBEL!
Rebel against the normal and live like an alien. It's time to stop speaking hypocritically and start living as children of the Light! Remember, we are only visitors in this world. This is not our home!
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for giving us these Truths that James has shared with us.
• Ask that you will be able to live a life glorifying to God, not man!
• Pray for boldness as you stand up for what you believe in. Stand strong!
The Word:
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. – James 3:9-12
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Favoritism Forbidden May 17, 2011
Point of View:
Let’s be real, we all judge people, right? It’s like we all have this problem of viewing people at face value. What do I mean? Well, when we first meet or see somebody new, we normally judge them. If we like what we see and think we can relate to him or her, we normally show them favoritism, and if we don’t like how they look, or can’t relate, we blow them off and ignore them. That’s not right! Let me break that down into a way I think we can all relate too. If Michele Jordan (or any big designer) puts out a new shoe (or purse, ect.) everybody goes wild and a lot of us have to have get that new brand or design. Why? Because we like who made it and we trust that brand because they’ve made other quality products too. We don’t need to search for faults when it’s a good, dependable brand, I mean it wouldn’t be around if it wasn’t quality right? Then why do we thoroughly search for faults and imperfections in the new people we come in contact with? The Designer is known all around the world, oh wait… He made the world! To put it into perspective, the same “person” who made the very earth we walk on made the people that we are judging. Now you might be asking yourself, “What’s the problem with that?” Well, the Bible clearly says, “God himself is judge!” So really, who are we to judge and show favorites? My only question now is this; do you trust the Designer (God)?
The Challenge:
Trust the designer! He has not and never will steer you down the wrong path. After all; “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) So, I want to challenge you to treat others the way you would want to be treated. Remember that no matter how annoying, hurtful or different somebody may be… Christ died for them too.
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for making us all different and blessing us with unique gifts and talents.
• Ask for wisdom as we learn to accept and not judge.
• Pray that you would be able to accept the new and different people that come into your life. Remember Christ died for them too.
The Word:
Do to others as you would have them do to you. - Luke 6:31
The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge! - Psalm 50:6
1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? – James 2:1-4
Let’s be real, we all judge people, right? It’s like we all have this problem of viewing people at face value. What do I mean? Well, when we first meet or see somebody new, we normally judge them. If we like what we see and think we can relate to him or her, we normally show them favoritism, and if we don’t like how they look, or can’t relate, we blow them off and ignore them. That’s not right! Let me break that down into a way I think we can all relate too. If Michele Jordan (or any big designer) puts out a new shoe (or purse, ect.) everybody goes wild and a lot of us have to have get that new brand or design. Why? Because we like who made it and we trust that brand because they’ve made other quality products too. We don’t need to search for faults when it’s a good, dependable brand, I mean it wouldn’t be around if it wasn’t quality right? Then why do we thoroughly search for faults and imperfections in the new people we come in contact with? The Designer is known all around the world, oh wait… He made the world! To put it into perspective, the same “person” who made the very earth we walk on made the people that we are judging. Now you might be asking yourself, “What’s the problem with that?” Well, the Bible clearly says, “God himself is judge!” So really, who are we to judge and show favorites? My only question now is this; do you trust the Designer (God)?
The Challenge:
Trust the designer! He has not and never will steer you down the wrong path. After all; “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) So, I want to challenge you to treat others the way you would want to be treated. Remember that no matter how annoying, hurtful or different somebody may be… Christ died for them too.
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for making us all different and blessing us with unique gifts and talents.
• Ask for wisdom as we learn to accept and not judge.
• Pray that you would be able to accept the new and different people that come into your life. Remember Christ died for them too.
The Word:
Do to others as you would have them do to you. - Luke 6:31
The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge! - Psalm 50:6
1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? – James 2:1-4
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Being Doers of the Word May 12, 2011
Point of View:
Have you ever been at church and heard a great, challenging message that inspired you to change? I know I have. Here is a tougher question for you; have you ever heard a great, challenging message that encouraged you to change… and you ignored it and didn’t change? Maybe you felt inspired to change or quit doing something but after a couple hours or days of ignoring those feelings, you just forgot all about them and moved on. It is easy to do that if you have never read James 1: 22-25 before. Verse 22 says: “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” This verse clearly states that we should not just be hearing the word but doing it! James even goes on to say that “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” You see, James is trying to make a strong point here. In today’s terms, I think that James is pretty much putting it this way: “Just as you don’t forget what you look like when you walk away from the mirror, don’t forget who you should be living for and how you should be living. Strive to be like Christ and do what the Bible says.” If you feel like you are tired of just looking in that mirror and then moving on with your life, or if you need the extra boost to make that next step take a look at the challenge below…
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to be doers of the word! Stop making excuses and walking away and ignoring the Word of God, embrace it! Don’t let anything stand in your way, do what the Word says!
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for the constant forgiveness that He shows us.
• Ask that you would be able to take a stand and be a doer of the Word, not just a hearer.
• Pray for those who sometimes don’t even want to hear the Word. May God work in there hearts and create a never-ending passion for the Word.
The Word:
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. - James 1: 22-25
Have you ever been at church and heard a great, challenging message that inspired you to change? I know I have. Here is a tougher question for you; have you ever heard a great, challenging message that encouraged you to change… and you ignored it and didn’t change? Maybe you felt inspired to change or quit doing something but after a couple hours or days of ignoring those feelings, you just forgot all about them and moved on. It is easy to do that if you have never read James 1: 22-25 before. Verse 22 says: “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” This verse clearly states that we should not just be hearing the word but doing it! James even goes on to say that “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” You see, James is trying to make a strong point here. In today’s terms, I think that James is pretty much putting it this way: “Just as you don’t forget what you look like when you walk away from the mirror, don’t forget who you should be living for and how you should be living. Strive to be like Christ and do what the Bible says.” If you feel like you are tired of just looking in that mirror and then moving on with your life, or if you need the extra boost to make that next step take a look at the challenge below…
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to be doers of the word! Stop making excuses and walking away and ignoring the Word of God, embrace it! Don’t let anything stand in your way, do what the Word says!
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for the constant forgiveness that He shows us.
• Ask that you would be able to take a stand and be a doer of the Word, not just a hearer.
• Pray for those who sometimes don’t even want to hear the Word. May God work in there hearts and create a never-ending passion for the Word.
The Word:
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. - James 1: 22-25
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Igniting Anger - May 10, 2011
Point of View:
So after James tells us to be quick to listen and slow to speak, he then tells us that; “everyone should be slow to become angry” as well. I believe James was telling us this to warn us that anger can be the spark that ignites our tongue in a way that does not glorify God. Although being quick to listen and slow to speak helps us hear people out, and not speak when we are caught in the moment, there will be obstacles in life that will test our faith and push our limits. James understands that and I think that if he were to say the same message in today’s words, it would sound like this:
“Listen up everybody, I know its tough to not get angry, but I have to let you know this; being angry does not please God! So understanding that, here are some steps to help you keep your cool. 1) Listen! Take some time to hear people out and see how they are feeling. 2) Think before you speak! Don’t go saying hurtful things to people and constantly interrupt them. Hear them out and offer them help. 3) Finally, Don’t let your emotions/thoughts overwhelm you! Its not worth getting angry, but more importantly, it isn’t worth not glorifying God!”
If you are feeling overwhelmed or upset, know that; with God, all things are possible! If we draw close to God in our times of frustration, through Him, you can overcome those feelings of anger and frustration. so…
The Challenge:
“Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for James and the wisdom that he shares with us in James 1:19-20
• Ask for patience, wisdom and guidance as you get frustrated.
• Pray that you will draw close to God and through Him, overcome those overwhelming feelings.
The Word:
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. - James 1:19-20
A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back. - Proverbs 29:11
So after James tells us to be quick to listen and slow to speak, he then tells us that; “everyone should be slow to become angry” as well. I believe James was telling us this to warn us that anger can be the spark that ignites our tongue in a way that does not glorify God. Although being quick to listen and slow to speak helps us hear people out, and not speak when we are caught in the moment, there will be obstacles in life that will test our faith and push our limits. James understands that and I think that if he were to say the same message in today’s words, it would sound like this:
“Listen up everybody, I know its tough to not get angry, but I have to let you know this; being angry does not please God! So understanding that, here are some steps to help you keep your cool. 1) Listen! Take some time to hear people out and see how they are feeling. 2) Think before you speak! Don’t go saying hurtful things to people and constantly interrupt them. Hear them out and offer them help. 3) Finally, Don’t let your emotions/thoughts overwhelm you! Its not worth getting angry, but more importantly, it isn’t worth not glorifying God!”
If you are feeling overwhelmed or upset, know that; with God, all things are possible! If we draw close to God in our times of frustration, through Him, you can overcome those feelings of anger and frustration. so…
The Challenge:
“Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for James and the wisdom that he shares with us in James 1:19-20
• Ask for patience, wisdom and guidance as you get frustrated.
• Pray that you will draw close to God and through Him, overcome those overwhelming feelings.
The Word:
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. - James 1:19-20
A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back. - Proverbs 29:11
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Get a Grip - May 5, 2011
Point of View:
So on Tuesday we talked about being quick to listen. Well today we are going to dig into being slow to speak. I’m sure that you can all remember a time when somebody has offended you and you probably said some things that you know you shouldn’t have said, right? We normally say hurtful things to people to bring them down to our level, but Ephesians 4:29 tells us to do otherwise. Verse 29 reads: “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”. You see, the keyword in that verse is “any”: “do not let ANY unwholesome (rude or hurtful) talk come out of your mouths”. Now that doesn’t sound like a request to me, it sounds like a demand! We have to get a grip on our tongues! Instead of yelling and tearing people down, we need to be listening and building people up. So with that in mind…
The Challenge:
I challenge you to get a grip on your tongue! We have to be slow to speak, remembering that being quick to listen is much wiser than shouting out mean and hurtful words. Remember that when we are talking, it should be “building others up according to their needs” and “benefiting those who listen”. If we can learn to be quick to listen and slow to speak, getting angry will be something that happens very rarely. Knowing that it is very hard to avoid getting angry, next Tuesday’s devotional will touch on being slow to become angry and what to do when we are.
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for giving Paul the wisdom recorded in Ephesians 4:29, For though this verse we find out what we should really be talking about.
• Ask that we will be able to get a grip on our tongues.
• Pray that you will be able to give God the glory and righteousness that He desires.
The Word:
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak… - James 1:19
29 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
So on Tuesday we talked about being quick to listen. Well today we are going to dig into being slow to speak. I’m sure that you can all remember a time when somebody has offended you and you probably said some things that you know you shouldn’t have said, right? We normally say hurtful things to people to bring them down to our level, but Ephesians 4:29 tells us to do otherwise. Verse 29 reads: “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”. You see, the keyword in that verse is “any”: “do not let ANY unwholesome (rude or hurtful) talk come out of your mouths”. Now that doesn’t sound like a request to me, it sounds like a demand! We have to get a grip on our tongues! Instead of yelling and tearing people down, we need to be listening and building people up. So with that in mind…
The Challenge:
I challenge you to get a grip on your tongue! We have to be slow to speak, remembering that being quick to listen is much wiser than shouting out mean and hurtful words. Remember that when we are talking, it should be “building others up according to their needs” and “benefiting those who listen”. If we can learn to be quick to listen and slow to speak, getting angry will be something that happens very rarely. Knowing that it is very hard to avoid getting angry, next Tuesday’s devotional will touch on being slow to become angry and what to do when we are.
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for giving Paul the wisdom recorded in Ephesians 4:29, For though this verse we find out what we should really be talking about.
• Ask that we will be able to get a grip on our tongues.
• Pray that you will be able to give God the glory and righteousness that He desires.
The Word:
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak… - James 1:19
29 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
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Listen Up - May 3, 2011
Point of View:
Well, in James Chapter 1, verse 20, James tells us that; “Anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” Knowing this, I think that the main reason we fight and get angry is because of miscommunications. Either we do not understand somebody’s side of the story or we are just too emotionally connected to the topic at hand. Either way, listening can greatly improve our lack of communication. James tells us to “be quick to listen first, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” I think that he puts those three in that order for a reason. Notice he tells us to be quick to listen first, why do you think that is? I believe it’s because we barely ever listen when we start to get offended, right? If somebody is starting to upset us or hurt our feelings, we just want them to go away or start to yell at them so that they feel how we feel. Well, instead of getting upset and saying hurtful words, we should learn to be quick to listen first. If we learn to hear people out, not interrupt them and be patient, we will find ourselves not getting angry nearly as much. Of course, being quick to listen and slow to speak together will be the ultimate way of not getting angry. So make sure you peep Thursdays devotional as we will be digging into being slow to speak then.
The Challenge:
Be quick to listen and patient if you start to feel offended this week. Lets try to remember that getting angry does not produce the righteousness that God desires, so let’s work on staying positive no matter the conditions. If you do get angry or upset though, go to our Father, God in prayer and ask for forgiveness.
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for giving us the book of James.
• Ask for patience as listening may take time that we don’t want to give.
• Pray that you will be able to keep a positive attitude and glorify God in your actions.
The Word:
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
- James 1:19-20
A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
- Proverbs 15:18
Well, in James Chapter 1, verse 20, James tells us that; “Anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” Knowing this, I think that the main reason we fight and get angry is because of miscommunications. Either we do not understand somebody’s side of the story or we are just too emotionally connected to the topic at hand. Either way, listening can greatly improve our lack of communication. James tells us to “be quick to listen first, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” I think that he puts those three in that order for a reason. Notice he tells us to be quick to listen first, why do you think that is? I believe it’s because we barely ever listen when we start to get offended, right? If somebody is starting to upset us or hurt our feelings, we just want them to go away or start to yell at them so that they feel how we feel. Well, instead of getting upset and saying hurtful words, we should learn to be quick to listen first. If we learn to hear people out, not interrupt them and be patient, we will find ourselves not getting angry nearly as much. Of course, being quick to listen and slow to speak together will be the ultimate way of not getting angry. So make sure you peep Thursdays devotional as we will be digging into being slow to speak then.
The Challenge:
Be quick to listen and patient if you start to feel offended this week. Lets try to remember that getting angry does not produce the righteousness that God desires, so let’s work on staying positive no matter the conditions. If you do get angry or upset though, go to our Father, God in prayer and ask for forgiveness.
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for giving us the book of James.
• Ask for patience as listening may take time that we don’t want to give.
• Pray that you will be able to keep a positive attitude and glorify God in your actions.
The Word:
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
- James 1:19-20
A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
- Proverbs 15:18
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