Working to Progress

In striving to be like Christ, sometimes I feel that the bar is set impossibly high. Yet, God's word instructs us to make Jesus our ultimate example in how to lead our lives. (1 Peter 2:21-25)

One facet of Jesus' character has be weighing on my mind lately. With the coming of Easter, I have been reflecting on Jesus' journey to the cross, and His response (or lack thereof) has been challenging me.

Jesus was falsely arrested. He was mocked and beaten by Jewish leaders. He was deserted by His disciples. He was questioned by rulers. Crowds, who just days before had heralded Him as their king, screamed for Jesus' death. Jesus was whipped, forced to carry His own cross, and nailed to that cross. All the while, He was being mocked, berated, and cursed.

He never said a word in anger.

He never opened His mouth in rage.

He had no accusing words, hurtful retorts, or vengeful speeches.

Jesus was nothing but respectful and gracefully went through the trial that He faced. He kept the end goal in mind, and remained true to His destiny.

Often, we go through trials and attacks - mind you, no where near the level of attack that Jesus faced. Yet, we "forget" who we are and say things out of character. We arm ourselves with vengeful weapons and go into defense mode. We snap and say things we don't mean. We hurt those who hurt us. We do things that we regret.

We are called to be like Christ. We are challenged to be more like Him.

I am working on having Jesus' character in the face of an attack. I'm working on keeping my mouth closed to nonsense and only speaking words seasoned with grace and respect. I'm working on recognizing the enemy and not giving him any ground in adverse situations. I'm working on keeping my end goal in mind, and staying true to my God-given destiny.

We are all works in progress. Let's just make sure we're working to progress!

Verse of the Day: For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21

No Cause for Complaint

It is far too easy to complain. Reasons to gripe seem to appear everywhere: the pain we feel, the trouble we have to tangle with, the attitudes others give us, the injustices poured upon us... the list for reasons to complain is never empty.

Yet, it is not Christlike for us to complain. Jesus never complained. Even though he was constantly stalked by throngs of people, even though he had no real place to call home, despite being constantly challenged by the Jewish leaders... He never said a word.

Paul chose not to complain. In fact, he counted it a joy to suffer for the cause of Christ! Even when he was beaten, imprisoned, mocked and ridiculed, Paul counted everything a blessing. (Philippians 4)

We have been redeemed by Christ's sacrifice. We no longer are bound to sin, hell, or the grave. We have been counted righteous before God. We have the privilege of direct access to the throne room of God. The Holy Spirit is always with us, ready and waiting to guide and direct us as we go through life. Whatever obstacles or challenges we face, we were already declared victorious over it all.

We have not one reason to justifiably complain about anything.

Today, let's challenge ourselves to rejoice in the Lord always. Let's look to send up words of thanksgiving in place of complaints during today. We are blessed beyond measure! There's no need to complain.

Verse of the Day: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4

Afternoon Ti: Speak Life!

I'm irked to no end when people call each other by detrimental names. Calling someone 'stupid', 'crazy', or 'psycho' does not sit well with me, even if the words are in jest. I take it to heart that our words have power.

Our Heavenly Father gave us the example of the power of words when He created the heavens and the earth. All He did was speak, and life sprang up. His words also changed the fates of Adam and Eve. With God's words, the ground would make Adam work for a harvest and Eve had to endure pain during childbirth.

The same life-giving power that the Lord has, we have as well in our mouths. We just have to learn how to combine our words with faith and be patient to see the manifestation of what we say.

Joshua's words held the sun and moon in pause position, so he could defeat his enemy in battle. (Joshua 10:12, 13) When Abraham was tasked with sacrificing his son, he put out words of faith with his actions that culminated in his son's life being spared and God providing a ram in the bush. (Genesis 22:8)

Jesus' life was full of examples of how our words can work. He healed with His words. He caused storms to cease with His words. He raised Lazarus from the dead with His words.

What are you doing with your words? Are you speaking life, or are you causing hurt because of what you are saying?

Your words hold power. What you say does have an effect. Don't allow yourself to fall prey what you yourself put out into the atmosphere. Speak life!

Verse of the Day: Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21

Showing Love for All

In 2 Kings chapter 5 we find the story of a young girl who was taken into captivity by the Syrians. She was made a slave to the wife of one of the captains who defeated her country. Yet even while enslaved, the young girl displayed the love of God.

Her master, Naaman, was a leper. Seeing his sickness, the young girl spoke up. She mentioned to his wife that Naaman should go see the man of God because she knew that Naaman could be healed if he went to see him. As a result of this young girl's suggestion, her master was ultimately healed after following the prophet Elisha's instructions.

This young woman had every right to be bitter. She was taken captive from her home and she was now forced to be a slave to a family of her enemy. But, this young woman was not bitter. She recognized a need and knew how it could be fixed. She spoke up in faith believing that God would heal even her enemy. In showing her faith in God, she was able to give Naaman his miracle and ultimately show him that the Lord was the one true God.

Are you in a "captive" situation? Do you find yourself working with someone or in a situation that you see as totally against your favor? Don't get so caught up in what you see as a slight that you allow bitterness and anger to cloud your vision. Choose to remain full of God's love. Bless those that curse you. Do good to those who despitefully use you.

As you showcase God's love - even to your enemies - He may point out some problems that only He can fix. As you speak up in faith, you may be just the instrument to bring someone their miracle and ultimately lead them to the Lord.

Verse of the Day: And he [Naaman] returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel... 2 Kings 5:15a

Calling Things That Be Not

So, today, we are going to do an exercise of faith. We are going to call things that be not as though they were. (Romans 4:17) We are going to speak life over our day, and watch the Lord put His power behind our words.

Ready?

Today will be a great day in Jesus name! Today will be a day filled with unexpected blessings, opportunities to witness, and moments to spend time before God's face.

We will not be overwhelmed or stressed out today! We will be able to meet every challenge and solve every problem. The Holy Spirit dwells on the inside of us, and He helps us in every situation!

No weapon formed against us shall prosper, and every tongue that rises up against us shall fall. (Isaiah 54:17) Even now we bless those that curse us, and pray for those who spitefully use us. (Matthew 5:44)We will look for a chance today to show them the love of Christ.

Today will be a day for the books! We will lay down at the end of it smiling because of what the Lord was able to do through us.

Amen! Hallelujah!

Now let's get to it...

Verse of the Day: For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Mark 11:23

Zip the Lips!

Currently I am on a quest to diminish and eventually eradicate my complaining. It's gotten to the point where I notice when I'm in the middle of the complaint, and I get ticked at myself for what I'm saying. It's just so unnecessary. Half the time nobody's around to hear me groan anyway.

Things are bound to happen that we don't appreciate, and people are going to act in ways that make us cringe. There is a time and place to acknowledge those moments. However, every little thing that rubs us the wrong way does not need an accompanying comment of derision.

As Christians, we are the salt of the earth. (Matthew 5:13) We are supposed to be living our lives in a way that "seasons" the world with God's love. Walking around spreading our sour grapes is counter-intuitive to our mission. We should be speaking life. We should be recognizing the good in others. We should be praising and uplifting those around us.

Also, we have been blessed with the privilege to live our lives in direct fellowship with the Creator of this universe! We live with the benefit of being His children and with the knowledge that we will spend eternity in heavenly splendor! Every moment we breathe should embody our remembrance and gratitude for these things.

So, that one person messed up. - A-gain. Yeah, it's extremely hot out, and you hate the heat. Your boss is getting on your nerves with the same old foolishness. Yes, you have to repeat the same thing to the same people over and over and over again!

Trust me - out of anybody - I GET IT! But, we also need to get an understanding of Whose we are and what we have been blessed with.

We're King's kids! Blessed by the Best and headed for eternal glory. Those other things are minuscule in comparison! Let's zip our lips and keep it moving.

Verse of the Day: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4:29

Your Words Have Power

Words hold power.

God Himself demonstrated this fact when He created the universe. He merely spoke and things became. When He created man, He fashioned a creature in His image and likeness giving Him dominion over the earth. One of man's first assignments was to name the creatures of the earth. Whatever Adam called the being, that is what it became known as.

Our words hold power. Many people recognize what positive speaking and thinking can do for a person's outlook, behavior, and destiny. How much more can be accomplished through speaking the Word of God!

I often remember the story of Abraham when God challenged him to sacrifice his only son. Abraham had waited years for Isaac to be born. Then God asked him to give him up as a test of Abraham's love for God.

In the midst of facing his greatest heartbreak, Abraham's mouth stayed in faith. Even as his son inquired where the animal was for the sacrifice, Abraham merely stated, "The Lord will provide the lamb for the offering." (Genesis 22:8)

He didn't sink down into fear or despair. He didn't rail in anger. Abraham stayed in the position of faith down to his very words. And God honored Abraham's faith-filled words by providing a ram in the bush sparing Isaac's life. (Genesis 22:13)

How often do we allow pressures, trials, and concerns to cloud our speech? When we go through trials, do we continue to speak the Word of God? Do our mouths consistently reflect the God that we serve?

Don't allow your circumstances to circumvent your positive speech. Stand in faith believing that God will do what He said and speak His words of life. Your very breakthrough might depend on the words that come out of your mouth!

Verse of the Day: The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness. Proverbs 10:32