““The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!”” Mark 13:34-37 NLT
One of my favorite TV shows as a child was Magnum P.I. One of the main characters of the show was Jonathan Higgins. He was the "majordomo" of Robin Master's estate. A majordomo is a person who speaks, makes arrangements, takes charge and/or acts on behalf of someone else. Robin Master's was a very wealthy man who owned several estates. In his absence (which was all the time) Higgins was entrusted with the day to day operations of the estate. He was so faithful to his job that it became suspected that he was actually Robin Masters. Everything was always in tip top shape in case the estate owner were to return unannounced.
That is the picture that Jesus paints here in Mark 13. God expects us to be faithful stewards.
1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
The Greek term “steward” describes a household manager in the ancient Greek world who handled the finances and the estate on behalf of the estate owner. Stewards are held accountable for how they use finances or material possessions of he owner.
One day we will stand before Christ at The Judgment Seat and give an account for how we manage our time, talents and treasures in this life.
“For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 NLT
The Lord has entrusted us to represent Him to a lost and dying world.
2 Corinthians 5:20 says “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ…”
He has given us everything we need in order to successfully work for Him. But are you successful in your work for the Lord? Are you a faithful steward?
There is an old hymn that we sing called "We'll work till Jesus comes".. and we should! But can you honestly say the words "I will work until Jesus comes?" Do you really believe that He is coming? He promised us when He went away that HE WOULD RETURN? And here in these verses He tells us to WATCH and BE READY!! But are you really working till Jesus comes or are you just doing what you want to do and living your life for yourself?
I hear people say that they are not qualified to work for God. If that is the case - consider these Biblical characters...
~ Noah was a drunk
~ Abraham was too old
~ Isaac was a daydreamer
~ Jacob was a liar
~ Joseph was abused
~ Moses had a stuttering problem (Moses stuttered)
~ Gideon was afraid
~ Samson was a womanizer
~ Rahab was a prostitute
~ Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
~ David was an adulterer and a murderer
~ Elijah was suicidal
~ Jonah ran from God
~ Naomi was a widow
~ Job went bankrupt
~ John the Baptist ate bugs
~ Peter denied Christ
~ The disciples fell asleep while praying
~ Martha worried about everything
~ The Samaritan woman was divorced (more than once)
~ Zacchaeus was too short
~ Paul was too religious
~ Timothy had an ulcer
~ Lazarus was dead!
So... what is your excuse? You may say I can't... but in through Christ, YOU CAN!!
Martin Luther said we should "Live as if Christ died yesterday, rose this morning and is coming back tomorrow"
Let us come to a place in our lives where we can say if we knew Jesus was coming back at midnight we wouldn't have to change a single thing that we had planned for today!
Three times in these 4 verses Jesus says WATCH. This word "watch" literally means to stay awake. We are not to work for a while and watch for a while. We are to watch while we work! We are to be vigilant in our service to the Lord. Everything we have belongs to the Lord. He has entrusted us with the task of "managing" or being good "stewards" of all that is at our disposal.
There are 3 things we must give to the Lord right now while we are on earth - 1- Our time, 2- Our talent, and 3- Our treasure.
One day, whether as a result of the Rapture of you leaving this walk of life by way of the grave you will stand before Jesus. At that Judgment Seat of Christ He will be Master and you will be Steward. You will give an account of your stewardship.
Would you like to hear your Master say these words to you... "Well done thou good and faithful servant."
If you long to hear those words, then you must be on guard and work diligently til Jesus comes again.
“Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in grave clothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!””John 11:43-44 NLT
One of the downsides of my job as pastor is that I’m around death and people dying. It’s hard to see people go through sickness unto death and it’s hard to see the people who love them suffer so much from their loss.
In this story we see a miracle taking place as Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. This was a great miracle - but it needed a finishing touch.
The man was raised but was not yet completely free. He was still wrapped in his grave clothes.
Jesus turns to his disciples and says, “Unwrap him and let him go.”
It’s the same message that Jesus is turning to you and I for our participation. People come to church who have been set free from sin and death and now Jesus looks at us and says, “Take their grave clothes off.”
There are many Christians who are still wearing their grave clothes. They have been made alive by the grace of Jesus Christ but they continue to wear their grave clothes.
Such was the case with the church at Corinth.
They were saints (I Cor. 1:2). But they were still wearing their old sinful grave clothes.
1. (1:10-13) - divisions
2. (3:1-4) - carnal
3. (5:1-2) - fornication and indifference to fornication
4. (11:17-22, 30) - heresies and abuse of the Lord’s Supper.
Lazarus was moving around but he was still bound hand and foot. He probably shuffled like a man in a sack. He was a Christian Zombie.
As a pastor, this is exactly how many people come to church - they’ve had an experience with God but they are not yet totally free.
They come to church but are still in the grave clothes of rebellion, sin, bad habits and addictions, etc.
But isn’t that like all of us? There are times when we need assistance and there are times when we’re called upon to give assistance.
It’s kind of like a butterfly’s cocoon. As an unbeliever, sin was your life. You wrapped yourself in sin and sought for fleeting peace and safety there.
But when Christ transformed you into His own righteousness you were expected to work out your salvation. This would mean struggling past the sins that had been such a large part of your past life.
The struggle is hard but it also strengthens you so that, once free, you may mount up with wings as eagles.
The grave clothes were left on so that the disciples might enter into rare fellowship with Christ.
They could say, "Our Lord raised Lazarus, and I was there and helped to unloose him from his grave-clothes."
There is a very special sweetness in the knowledge that we may have done something to cheer, or to teach, or to help sanctify a soul. This gives you a vested interest in that person.
There are 2 reasons why brothers and sisters in Christ ought to be quick and ready to help each other in the removal of grave-clothes.
1. The Lord commands it. He encourages us to comfort the feeble and support the weak. If He commands something - there need not be any other reason.
2. But there is this also, every child of God has, at some time, felt the pressure and imprisonment of the grave-clothes of our past life. We should be the first to sympathize and the first to run to the aid of those who need it.
Selfishness and pride are arrogant sins and God hates them. We must be willing to follow the example of Jesus and sacrifice for the benefit of others and so that the name of Christ will always be glorified.
Bring on the Zombies!
“As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you. ”” Luke 17:11-17, 19 NLT
If there is one sin that most prevalent today, it is the sin of ingratitude. God does so much for us. Our indebtedness to him is enormous and yet we rarely or at least infrequently offer thanks for what he has done. In fact, most professing Christians don’t even offer thanks over their meals much less offer thanks over all that God does in their lives.
Our passage of scripture today reveals a healing that Jesus does over 10 lepers. That is a huge miracle but it's not what this passage is about. The focal point of this passage is this: only 1 leper came back after being healed to ask for forgiveness.
Let's talk about leprosy first. From what I'm told - it's not the leprosy that kills a person but the absence of pain. Their hand could land in the fire and they wouldn't feel anything. They could bleed out without them even knowing that that they were cut.
It was a terrible disease that destroyed their bodies. It was highly contagious. But that's not the worst part. The worst part is the separation from family, friends and society that they have to live with.
I love this story. Jesus comes into the village and meets with them. There is no problem or disease that our Lord and savior is afraid of. Jesus went out of His way to a place that man had proclaimed as "unlawful" and reached in out to them to bring healing and deliverance.
When they could not get to Jesus - Jesus got to them.
Now look at verses 13 and 14. “And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.”
All ten utter the same prayer. Notice two things here quickly.
They cried out in prayer to Jesus for healing, which Jesus does. He then tells them to go to the priest and show them that they were healed.
They were all healed of their leprosy. Yet only one of the ten returned to offer thanksgiving.
I see God touch many lives but I also often see an ingratitude for what God has done for us.
All of the men had reason to praise God, but only one actually gave it.
The Object Of Praise- Where are the other nine? I have no doubt that after they were declared clean by the priest they made their way to be with their family and their friends. To hug and kiss the wife and the children. To visit with Mom and Dad. To talk with friends. Their minds were occupied on all that the blessing brought to their lives. But one. One loved his wife and children just as much as the others. One wanted to hug and kiss his wife and children just as much as the others. One wanted to spend time with his friends just as much as the others. One wanted to enjoy the blessing just as much as the others.
But one had his priorities in order. One did not get so wrapped up in the blessing that he forgot the blesser. One put family, friends and fellowship on hold so that he could worship the one that made his being with his family and friends possible.
Notice that with a loud voice he glorified God. With the same loudness and intensity he cried for mercy, he glorified God.
Many times we cry loud for help and low with praise. But with the same zeal we sought help we should praise him. And he fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks; and he was a Samaritan.
He was not a Jew, he was not worthy of this healing. He was not worthy to receive God’s help. But by grace he was healed and he comes to worship the one who unconditionally healed him.
Perhaps you've never been healed of a terrible disease like leprosy. But that doesn't mean that Godhasn't done anything for you.
I read a story recently about a father and mother of a young man killed in the military. One day they came to the pastor and told him the wanted to give a monetary gift as a memory to honor their son who died in battle. The pastor said, "That’s a wonderful gesture on your part. He asked if it was ok to tell the congregation and they said that it was. So the next Sunday he told the congregation of the gift given in memory of the dead son. On the way home from church, another couple were driving down the highway when the father said to his wife, "Why don’t we give a gift because of our son?" And his wife said, "But our son didn’t die in any conflict! Our son is still alive!" Her husband replied, "That’s exactly my point! That’s all the more reason we ought to give in thanks to God."
You have much to be thankful for today. Take a moment right now and thank God for what He's given you, for your family, for your health, etc. You've been blessed of God by so many things. Give Him thanks today.
““Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Luke 12:33-34 NLT
When it comes to finances there are plenty of opinions about what to do with and how to spend or save your money.
Some people are excessive saver's and others are excessive spenders. Both have their downfalls.
Jesus warns us to not put all our eggs into one basket and just store up treasures on earth but to invest in that which is eternal - by investing in God's kingdom.
Jesus said if we put God’s kingdom first (and by that he included our treasure) He will provide everything we need here on earth.
By storing treasure in heaven we break the bonds of greed and materialism, and we learn to trust in God as our provider rather than in our own ability to stockpile for the future, and we also build God’s kingdom here on earth, all at the same time.
When we do that - we break the bonds of greed and materialism because, as Jesus said, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Where you invest your treasure, that is where your heart is.
If we place our treasure in stuff, where is our heart? In materialistic things. If we place our treasure in God’s priorities, where will our hearts be? Our hearts will slowly become focused on God and His priorities.
The two are always tied together because we place our money where our real priorities lie. If you let me look at your checkbook and all your assets I could tell you where your heart really lies, and what your priorities really are.
Look at these surprising numbers about priorities of the average American...
- The average American spends - $1,350 per year for soda
- The average American spends - $1,100 per year for coffee and tea
- The average American spends - $3,500 per year for beer, wine, and alcohol
- And... the average American gives - $14 per year to the hungry and homeless
This should tell us a lot about where our hearts really are.
If our priority should be storing up treasure in heaven, how do go about doing that? Somehow I don’t think you can ship your cash or possessions to heaven. I don’t think UPS or FedEx deliver there. As the saying goes, ‘you can’t take it with you.’
A great way to store up treasures in heaven is to GIVE TO THOSE IN NEED.
Jesus tells us one way of storing up our treasure in heaven in 12:33 “Sell your possessions and give to the poor.”
Did you realize that 28 % of children in developing countries under age 5 are underweight because of malnourishment,
An infant born in a developing nation is 10 times more likely to die at birth than in a developed nation.
A mother is 32 times more likely to die during childbirth in a developing nation.
More than half the world’s children are suffering the effects of poverty, war and HIV/AIDS. UNICEF Annual Report, 2004
The United States has the highest homeless rate of the top 21 developed countries.
As a result of a tsunami a few years ago, 15 million people lost their jobs, their livelihood…over 5 million Indonesians had no clean water, no electricity, no medical care.
Right now the global orphan population is over 110 million children.
• 15 million U.S. children live in poverty…
• 12 million U.S. children go to bed hungry every night…
• 7 million U.S. children are homeless…
• 4½ million U.S. children lack adequate medical treatment.
There are 629 million children living in the world today…
- 72% -- 452 million -- will live at or below the poverty line…
- 76% -- 478 million -- will be functionally illiterate…
The Bible tells us that the very first Christians did exactly what Jesus said. They literally sold their possessions and gave to those in need. Listen to what the Bible shares about these first Christians.
Acts 2:44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.
If you want to invest in eternity - ask God to put a burden on your heart to help someone who is in real need. If you don't know of anyone or any situation - ask me. I can give you all sorts of needs that could use your help. I know of orphanages in Pakistan, Cambodia, Mexico, Sri Lanka and many more.
I know of some deserving young people that need help to go to Bible School to be trained for ministry.
I know of families that are living below the poverty line in our own city and in our own church.
I could go on and on with many needs that you can invest into "eternity."
As we end this year - I pray that God would stir your heart and that you would invest where the kingdom of God is going to outline you. It is then that you will feel "truly blessed of God."
“Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matthew 18:2-6 NLT
One of my favorite things to do is to greet people at the front door of our church. I enjoy "connecting" even if it's in a small way to each and every person - especially the children. I try to always get down to their level and look them in the eye and give them a big hug. To me, they are so precious to God.
Jesus felt the same way - Children are special in the kingdom of God. Jesus reminds us that if our faith is not like that of a child - we cannot get into heaven.
Here are some things about children that will help us in regard to our own faith.
1. A child is totally dependent upon his father.
He is trusting. A child knows that he doesn’t know very much and needs to trust to his wise father’s guidance.
This makes me think back on the times as a father that I would put one of my daughters on a high place and tell them to jump to me. They would jump freely because they trusted that I would catch them.
It is the same way with our heavenly Father. There are times He tells us to jump into His arms. It is at those times we must totally trust Him as we jump into His arms.
It is when the child starts to think that he knows more than the father that he gets himself in trouble. The wiser the child becomes...the more he realizes how much he doesn’t know and how much his father does know.
As a child we were dependent on our parents for all our needs.
The father doesn’t begrudge the son for asking him for food....or clothes....or a warm dry house. The father wants his son to look to him for his needs. No father would be pleased with a son who decided to eat grass, rather than ask his father for some food.
In truth, it would be an insult to the father if the son didn’t ask his father for his needs. It would also bring discredit to the father for others to think that he would not love his son enough to give him what he needed.
Another thing about dependence is in understanding the principle of waiting. A child learns to wait...he learns that he can’t have everything he wants...when he wants it.
He may not understand this, but sometimes he will not get what he want because the father has determined that it would not be best for him.
Many children have been injured in some way when they have decided to take things “into their own hands” and try to fulfill their own desires against the father’s advice.
2. A child is expected to be obedient.
A father expects his child to obey him immediately - without argument. Even if he may not fully understand.
A father expects a child to obey him without fussing, complaining, or murmuring.
A father expects the child to obey with respect for the father’s greater wisdom - even if that wisdom is not apparent or understood.
3. A child should submit his will to the will of the father.
The child knows that there is an order of submission and that he must submit for his own good. He also understands that the father will punish him if he refuses to submit.
Even though it displeases the father greatly, he will punish the child for trying to make himself equal with the father.
4. A child must grow.
He will grow slowly, at first. He will have to be fed and watched after for his every need.
Even if he doesn’t know that he has a need, the parent knows and will supply it for him.
As time goes on, the father expects that the the child will learn from the father and be able to do the right things on his own.
5.. The child will look like the father....act like the father.
He should imitate the father more and more as he grows. People will know what son belongs to what father by how the father and the son act.
6. . A little child would always want to know that his father was close by.
He would grieve if he thought that he was separated from his father.
This child’s security doesn’t come from knowing that we have a standing army or that the police are on duty. This child’s security and safety are directly linked to his father.
His peace of mind....comfort....and security are dependent upon his close relationship with his father.
Remember, if we don’t become as little children....we will not ENTER INTO THE
KINGDOM OF GOD!
Are you trusting God today with the faith of a child or are you trusting Him with doubt and skepticism? Are you willing to abandon yourself and jump into His arms and say "Daddy God, I am so dependent on you today?"
My prayer for each of you as you read this blog that you would realign yourself with God as a child that is so dependent on God that you will trust Him with the details of your life that He knows what is best for you.
4 Prayers Every Husband Needs to Pray over His Wife
by John UpChurch
You’ll never love your wife more than when you pray for her. Humbling yourself before an all-powerful God and asking Him to do what only He can in her life—that’s a level of intimacy beyond anything the world has to offer. Praying for her makes you realize how much of a treasure she is, the woman God gave you. You’re pouring yourself into her complete physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Let these four prayers guide you as you cry out to God for her each day. (For wives, don’t miss these 5 powerful prayers to pray over your husband.)
Thank you, Father, for the gift of my wife. You are the giver of all good and perfect blessings, and I’m amazed how You show Your love through her. Please help me to cherish such an amazing gift (James 1:17).
Each day, circumstances and frustrations can easily steal the joy from ________. Please keep her from letting these challenges turn her focus from You, the author of her faith. Give her the joy that Jesus had as He accomplished the Father’s will on earth. May she consider each struggle as a reason to find hope in You (Hebrews 12:2–3; James 1:2–3).
When she feels tired, Lord, renew her strength. Surround her with friends who love You and will bear her burdens. Give her reason to feel refreshed by their encouragement (Isaiah 40:31; Galatians 6:2; Philemon 1:7).
May she know that the joy of the Lord is the source of her strength. Protect her from growing tired of doing what You’ve called her to do each day (Nehemiah 8:10; Galatians 6:9).
Father, You supply all our needs according to Your riches in Christ. I’m amazed that you care about us enough to meet our daily concerns and to notice every detail of our lives. Even the hairs of our heads are numbered because You take care of Your children (Philippians 4:19; Matthew 7:11, 10:30).
I confess that I sometimes think of myself as being the one who takes care of _______. Forgive me for taking to myself what truly belongs to you. Her help comes from You. If she depends on me, I know I’ll disappoint her. But You never fail, and You make her like a garden that always has enough water. You’re always faithful, always enough. Help her to know that You are all she needs (Psalm 121:2; Lamentations 3:22; Isaiah 58:11; John 14:8–9).
If she is tempted to look for comfort in anything else, may she instead realize how the power of Your Holy Spirit allows her to overflow with hope and peace. Nothing on this earth compares to the greatness of knowing You (Romans 15:13; Philippians 3:8).
You, God, are a shield around us. You protect us from the enemy who seeks to destroy, and you will not let us be put to shame. Your arm is mighty, and Your Word is powerful (Psalm 3:3, 12:7, 25:20; Exodus 15:9; Luke 1:51; Hebrews 1:3).
When the enemy attacks her, let her faith in You protect her so that she may stand her ground. Bring your Word to her mind so that she may turn aside his assaults and fight the good fight. Help her to remember that You give us the victory through Christ (Ephesians 6:10–18; 1 Timothy 6:12; 1 Corinthians 15:57).
You have conquered and disarmed the spiritual powers, and everything is in complete submission to You. Because of the cross, ______ is a new creation, and nothing can separate her from Your amazing, unfailing love (Colossians 2:15; 1 Peter 3:22; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:38–39).
The enemy is defeated. You have crushed his head (Genesis 3:15).
Father, You loved us first—so much so that You sent Your Son to take our place. How incredible it is to think that while we were sinners, Christ died for us. Nothing we do could ever compare to the riches of Your grace (1 John 4:19; John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:7).
Help ________ to grow first in her love for You. May she be increasingly in awe of Your power, beauty, and grace. May she know more each day about the depth and width of Your love and respond with increasing love of her own (Psalm 27:4; Ephesians 3:18).
Help her to love me through all my failures while I learn to love her as Christ loves the church. May we see each other as You see us, and may we enjoy fulfilling each other’s desires in our marriage (Ephesians 5:25; 1 Corinthians 7:2–4).
Please give her a growing love for others in all that she does. Show her how to be Christ’s ambassador in the world and to be a woman defined by love so that others may glorify You. Because of that love, may she share the gospel with everyone (2 Corinthians 5:20; Matthew 5:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:8).
“It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.”” Matthew 15:11 NLT
You have probably heard the expression "you are what you eat." A more precise saying is "You are what you speak."
The words that come from our mouth yield much greater power than we realize. They reveal the real you - what is really on your heart.
“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” Proverbs 18:21 NLT
If we realized the power of what comes from our mouth – we would be far more careful in choosing our words.
““A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.” Luke 6:43-45 NLT
The words that we speak are fruit and we are identified by that fruit. There are Christians today who gossip, slander, backbite and curse – this is not good fruit.
Jesus said in Matt 12: "we will give an account for every word we speak."
What comes out of your mouth, reveals the content of your heart.
It is a spiritual discipline to watch our words
“Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.”Proverbs 21:23 NLT
“Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.” Proverbs 13:3 NLT
“Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” Proverbs 10:19 NLT
“A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” Proverbs 17:27-28 NLT
We've heard it said, "You are what you eat," but the more truthful saying is "You are what you speak."
Notice our scripture again...
It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.”” Matthew 15:11 NLT
It is not what goes into our flesh but what is in our heart that can damage us. It is what comes out of your mouth that yields your outcome.
In other words…
- Your declaration sets Your direction
- Your proclamation determines Your position
- Your speech releases Your success
- Your confession delivers Your conquest
- Your voice releases Your victory
- Your words produce Your wealth
There is a spiritual principle at work in our confession it is called sowing and reaping.
“Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.”Galatians 6:7 NLT
- If you are sowing bitterness, don’t be upset that people are bitter toward you.
- If you are sowing selfishness, don’t be upset if people are selfish toward you.
- If you plant word seeds – don’t be surprised when they grow.
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you.” Proverbs 23:7 NKJV
We have to realize that what is coming out of our mouths is the abundance of our heart.
Garbage in – Garbage out!
“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”
Joshua 1:8 NLT
If you want to guard your tongue – then get The Standard, The measuring stick, - God’s Word. Then ask Jesus to help you. Finally, ask the Holy Spirit of God to prick your heart every time something come out of your mouth that is not of the Him. May God help us all to have excellence of speech in all that we do.
