Articles for June 2017

Philippians 4:8, “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” 

I could easily say – devotional done for today. This verse says it ALL.  This is God’s list of what He desires for us to think about.  This is how He wants us to occupy our minds.

Look at that list again. What you think about should be:

True,     Honest,    Just,     Pure,     Lovely,     of Good Report,     things of Virtue and Praise.

Now think about the things that you DO think about. More than likely it is quite different.  Often our minds are filled with worries and concerns, problems of life, even pleasures of life, but they do not always fall into the category of the things that God desires for us to be thinking about.

God knows that what we fill our minds with will eventually dictate our actions. So…He in His great wisdom and love for us is telling us (quite clearly) what types of things He wants us to be thinking about.  Learn to squelch any thought you know is displeasing to God.  When the Holy Spirit prompts you, listen to Him, and change the direction of your thoughts.

You know that kind, thoughtful, God honoring person that you would like to be – it can happen if:

YOUR THINKING IS RIGHT!

Proverbs 23:7a “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…”

You’ve probably heard the statement, “You are what you eat.” This is probably true concerning your physical body.  Our health does depend on eating properly.  But, WHO we are depends on what is in our heart and what is in your heart depends on what you feed your mind.

If what goes into your mind and heart is God honoring – reading the Bible, meditating, prayer, doing good, seeking to please God, etc., then that is what your life will demonstrate – godly traits. If what goes into your mind and heart is T.V. programs, selfish thoughts, computer addiction, ungodly things, etc. then that is what will show in your life.

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.”

God says to keep our hearts with all diligence (this means a steady, earnest, and energetic effort on our part.) Sure sounds like hard work to me!  It is hard work to keep your heart focused on the right things: focused on serving God, focused on making right choices, focused on walking in God’s ways.  God tells us that we have a responsibility here – but He does not expect us to do it alone.  It’s like He is saying, “You (meaning us) take that first step and from there, I (God) will be with you to help you the rest of the way.”  I honestly think if we do not make that initial effort that we will never be on the path to serving God the way we should.

We must follow Philippians 4:8 and think on things that are pure and that please God.  

God says – keep your heart right and your life will be right – plain and simple!

(Excerpt taken from book,  ‘I Want to be a Better Me for God’,  Chapter 21)

Proverbs 22:13, “The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.”

The Bible has much to say about the slothful or lazy person. This in one of my favorites.  Among excuses this is definitely one of the most creative.  It’s even better than the dog ate my homework!

Picture this person explaining away his laziness. “I can’t go out to work or do anything constructive because there is a lion out there and he is waiting to slay me.  Alas, I must stay inside and do nothing.  Can’t you see that I am forced to do this, it’s not my fault!”

Now, this really seems bizarre. But wait a minute.  Our excuses as to why we cannot do what God is asking us to do probably sound just as bizarre to Him.  We should examine our reasoning when we are making excuses as to why we can’t do this or that.   Such as:

• I can’t go to church because……
• I can’t read my Bible because……
• I can’t help out a friend because. ……
• I can’t find time to pray because…..

I’m sure you get the idea. Are your excuses as crazy as this man’s reasoning in Proverbs 22:13?  If so, examine yourself to see if you are just being lazy or even slothful.  If that is the case you’d better reexamine your position and get up and get out and do what needs to be done for God. No excuses.  Remember, if God is the one directing you, He will take care of that LION!

THINK ABOUT IT! Nothing good is ever said in the Scriptures about the slothful person.

Psalm 68:19 “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.”

This verse tells us that God daily (every day) loadeth (means lots and lots) us with benefits (blessings).

How can we combat the problems of life, the hardships, and the disappointments?   The answer is quite simple – instead of focusing on the difficulties of life, focus on the blessings!  This is great advice.  We often miss the blessings of God because we are not looking for them.  God tells us that He daily gives us loads of them.

So, how is it possible to live an optimistic life while facing all the difficulties a day can bring?  You can live this kind of life only when you get your eyes off of your problems and focus on your blessings. Don’t narrow your vision so that you can only see the things that are going wrong in your life.  Purposefully expand your line of vision so you see the loads of blessings that God has provided every day.

God doesn’t say in Psalm 68:19 that once or twice a year He will throw a blessing our way. No, He says He daily loadeth us with them.  God says they are right in front of you – lots of them.  We need to pay attention, we need to look for them.  We need to acknowledge our blessings and we need to name them and thank God for them  –  EVERY DAY!

I don’t believe it is possible to have a gloomy, down spirit if we are acknowledging and focusing on the wonderful blessings that God is showering us with daily.  Be the kind of person that lights up the day for others because you are praising God and thanking Him!

(Today’s blog is an excerpt from my book, “I Want to be a Better Me for God”,  chapter 8)

Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” 

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines ‘first’ as: Before all others in order of time, or progression. Preceding all others in rank.

Now, I know, that you know, what first place means. It’s the top, above everything else.  This verse is telling us that this is where God is supposed to be in our lives.  TOP priority in all our considerations.  But, I fear, if we are honest, that this is not where He is located in the scheme of our activities.  It would probably surprise us as to how far down on the list He is in our daily lives.  Often, we work Him in – if possible.  Other times, He is below the line of what we have time for.  SHAME ON US!

In the earlier verses of this chapter God is talking about meeting the essential needs of our lives – food, drink, and clothing. Verse 32b says, “for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”

The problem comes when these needs became the ‘top priority’ in our lives and not God. We can get caught up in the survival mode and feel everything is depending on us.  God is telling us plain and simple that we are to put Him first and then He will take care of everything else.  (Now, God knows that you have to work and He encourages this throughout the Scriptures.  In fact, He has nothing good to say about the sluggard or lazy person.)

It really is a condition of the heart. Are you thinking about and seeking God in all the demands of the day?  Do you acknowledge His presence and talk to Him as you walk through the activities of life?  Do you spend time in His Word every day? Do you choose God’s ways over your own desires?  All these areas are ways that we put God ‘first’ in our lives.

Life is demanding. These is a constant battle going on for your time.  You will have to fight to keep God in first place.  It is possible – just keep your focus where it should be – ON GOD!

Psalm 118:24 “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” 

Two wonderful thoughts are conveyed in this verse:

One –   God has made today and He is in control of ALL that happens in it.  Focus on this fact and not on the circumstances that a day may bring forth.  You may be tempted to grumble and complain about life OR  you can do what God says in I Thessalonians 5:18, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Be thankful when things are going the way you desire and be thankful when they are not.Good times and hard times are all part of the “everything” represented in this verse.

Two –   Rejoice.  We need to have a good and joyous attitude about each day that God has allowed us to live through.  To be glad is to be happy and happiness is a CHOICE we need to make every day.  Happiness is not centered around what is happening around you, it should be centered in the fact that God loves you and has promised never to     leave you nor forsake you.  We have an eternity with God to look forward to and this    truth alone gives us cause to be joyous through each and every day.

TODAY – Thank God and remember to rejoice in His love and presence in your life!

Galatians 6:9, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” 

Being tired is a natural part of working hard, but this verse is talking about something else.

It’s talking about getting tired from doing good deeds. It’s about getting weary trying to follow God’s ways in an ungodly world.

• It’s about choosing right over wrong.
• It’s about doing good works that are a testimony for God.
• It’s about helping others and being kind.
• It’s about showing God’s love through your life.
• It’s about putting self in the back seat and putting others first.

Often times there is no one out there saying thank you or appreciating the efforts that you are putting forth. Always remember, that God knows all about it, and He tells you quite simply – don’t get weary and don’t give up.  Keep on keeping on. You are doing it for Me and I care.  I see the work you are putting forth because you love Me and I will bless your life and your efforts.

You sow the seeds of doing good and God promises you will reap – if you don’t give up!

Proverbs 12:25 “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop, but a good word maketh it glad.”

God understands the heaviness of heart, the hurting soul, the difficulties of life that make us want to give up and quit. He understands the “what’s the use” times in our lives.   But, He also understands the nature of man.  “A good word maketh it glad.”  Wow!  We have the power of a good word with us at all times.  We have the ability to help those that are down trodden and sad.  God says that something as simple as a “good word” can help those who are hurting.

So…what is a “good word”? It could be to encourage someone, to help them see that this too will pass.  It could be to let them know you love them and are there for them if they need you.  It could be to share a word of Scripture that is uplifting (now that really is a “good Word”).  It could be _ _ _ _ _ , you fill in the blanks.  The Holy Spirit is available to help you choose words that will be helpful.  All you have to do is ask Him!

God says you can encourage, support, build up, and comfort others. What a great opportunity we face every day to use our words to serve the Lord and make someone’s heart glad.

(This blog is an excerpt from my book, “I Want to be a Better Me for God,”  Chapter 25)

Proverbs 29:18a “Where there is no vision, the people perish; “

When we look at people around us – what do we see? Are we looking with our eyes or with our heart?  Our eyes see what they are wearing, how they behave, how they comb their hair, etc.  But if we are looking with our heart, we will see – if they are hurting, if they have a need, if they know God, if they are saved.

I think God wants us to look at the world through caring, compassionate eyes. Do you look at people and care about their eternal destiny?  Certainly, if we don’t care, we won’t share the Gospel with them.  We need to ask God to help us see as He sees, to help us care as He cares.  We need to become the fishers of men that God talks about in
Matthew 4:19.

Think about it – if Christians are not telling others the good news that Jesus saves, then the world is not hearing the message that God intended for them to hear. Thousands are dying every day and going to hell.

We need to care that people are perishing all around us. We need to pray that God will give us a vision.  First, that we will reach out to those immediately around us. Secondly, we need to see the possibilities of what God can do through us.  Let’s get up, let’s get out, and let’s care enough to be the witnesses that God wants us to be.  Let’s have a vision of what happens to people who die without the Lord and let’s have a vision of what God will do through us if we present the gospel to them.

(Excerpt taken from book, “I Want to be A Better Me for God,”  Chapter 15.)

You’ve all seen signs at the beach that say, “No Swimming Allowed”.  Or, signs in public places that state,  ‘No Loitering Allowed.”

Well, God’s Word could have a big sign on its cover that says, “No Bitterness Allowed.”

God knows all about the nature of man. We can get angry and we can hold grudges.  The Bible covers every scenario concerning the scope of man’s emotions – it goes against our natural tendencies to follows God’s ways above our own.

Luke 6:27,28 says, “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” 

This verse is very graphic in its description: there is no wiggle room to misinterpret what God is saying:

Enemy –  A foe, one who hates another and wishes him injury, an adversary.
Hate  –  To dislike greatly, to have a great aversion to.
Curse –  To issue a wish of evil against someone.
Despiteful –  Full of spite; malicious.

These are the people that we are to love, – we are to do good to them, – we are to bless them, and to top it off – we are to pray for them.   Now if this doesn’t go against the very nature of man I don’t know what does!  But, this is GOD’S WAY and if we are going to be living in God’s will than we must follow these instructions.  To do any less is SIN.  Don’t justify your feelings of anger and possibly thoughts of revenge because God clearly says to forgive them and love them.

Love, forgiveness, and kindness are always God’s way. Ephesians 4:32 sums it up quite nicely, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you,.” God forgave us of our sins and clearly tells us we are to forgive others, (no matter how justified we may feel to be angry).  To do any less is to be in direct disobedience to His Word!

Remember, “No Bitterness Allowed.” –  Only love and forgiveness!