GOD SPEAKS

YOUR LIFE ANSWERS THIS QUESTION EACH DAY.

Regardless of what anyone else believes about Jesus Christ, you must decide who Jesus is to you. Your answer is ultimately revealed through how you live your life.

However, if you struggle with uncertainty, you can become sure today. Choosing Jesus to rule your life will be your greatest decision ever and forever!

HOW YOU CAN KNOW JESUS

Believe Jesus is who he claims to be: The Son of God. – Hebrew 11:6-10
6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Obey Jesus’ instructions on how to have God in your life each day – John 14:15-17
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,[a] to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be[b] in you.

Follow Jesus’ teachings to figure out your life’s purpose – John 8:12
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Feel free to let others know who Jesus is to you or ask your questions about knowing Jesus by clicking here.

JUDGING OTHERS: My greatest challenge

Any intentional, negative, interpretation or conclusioon about another person’s behavior is what Jesus calls “judging.” Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 7:2 that we will reciprocate whatever we pronounce on others. (This, alone, is my greatest motivation to quit judging)!

5 Ways you and I can stop judging others.

  1. Recognize when our thoughts are just criticisms (Matthew 7:1-5).
  2. Pair your thoughts about another’s behavior with prayer. (Peter 3:12).
  3. Stop before you speak negative thoughts aloud. Do something else. For example: Take a deep breath. Count to ten (Ephesians 4:29).
  4. Excuse yourself from gossipers. Even if you remain in the same space, you do not have to participate with their gossip (Proverbs 20:19).
  5. Consider your own behavior. Be honest. What do you need to change about yourself (1 John 1:9)?

3 spiritual blessings we receive when we stop judging others

  1. We grow increasingly peaceful (Philippians 4:9).
  2. We become more productive in reaching our goals in life (Galatians 6:4).
  3. We are able to show sincere love to others because we aren’t criticizing or gossiping about them (Romans 12:9-10). 

Please join me by declaring this affirmation every day.

Today I choose God’s peace; I will not bring  negativity on myself by judging others.  

A NEW DEVOTIONAL SERIES

GOD SPEAKS

Face it. Like the wind, you will never be able to change that loved one that you care so deeply about. However, you can absolutely change yourself.

Read what God speaks to you as you pursue positive self-change in 2019.

  1. God Is With You.  This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 
  2. God Is Leading You.  For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10
  3. God Is Blessing You.  So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.            Galatians 6:9

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HERE’S HOW I PLAN TO STOP JUDGING OTHERS!

Today I’m reading Matthew 7:1. It is telling me to not judge others. I say, “Amen.” But the truth is, I judge others all day long!
Do you often comment on what someone else should do, or how others should handle their problems? You too, could be guilty of judging. Even worse, you are also judging yourself. Read on.

What we actually see or hear from another person are mere facts. But, before we form an opinion about the person, we should look very carefully at our own behaviors.

Any intentional, negative, interpretation or opinion about another person’s behavior is what Jesus calls “judging.” Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 7:2 that we will reciprocate whatever we pronounce on others. (This, alone, is my greatest motivation to quit judging)!

Here is how you and I can stop judging others. Let’s start right now!

  1. Recognize when our thoughts are just criticisms. You can tell the difference between caring and criticizing if you just stop and think.
  2. Pair your thoughts about another’s behavior with prayer. Pray for the person instead of making rash judgements.
  3. Stop before you speak negative thoughts aloud. Do something else. For example: Take a deep breath. Count to ten. Recite Matthew 7:1 five times.
  4. Excuse yourself from gossipers. Even if you remain in the same space, you do not have to participate with their gossip.
  5. Consider your own behavior. Be honest. What do you need to change about yourself? Confess it to God. Study scriptures that will help you to change.

As we learn to take our focus off the behavior of others and practice self-examining:

  1. We grow increasingly peaceful (Philippians 4:9).
  2. We become more productive in reaching our goals in life (Galatians 6:4).
  3. We are able to show sincere love to others because we aren’t criticizing or gossiping about them (Romans 12:9-10).

Please join me by declaring this affirmation. Let’s say it every time we are tempted to judge someone.

We love hearing from you. Please click here to leaving comments or questions. God bless! 

 

 

5 REASONS WHY YOU CAN’T GIVE UP NOW

Today’s post was originally posted on May 30, 2016, but recently re-written with the scripture citations.

5 Reasons Why You Can’t Give Up Now!

James has finally found a job! Just 3 weeks ago, he wanted to give up. What happened? He did not quit. Like James, you may feel like giving up on something or someone. Read on.

There are at least 5 reasons why you can’t give up now!

1.You are not alone. “…for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6.
Stop isolating yourself or burying your distress during hard times. Reach out to someone you trust: a therapist, friend, or your pastor. Use the library, bookstore, or Google, along with your Bible, to research possible solutions.

2. You are on a journey. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” Psalm 23:4
Compare your life’s journey with driving to a location far away. You will come across some lovely places as you travel. You will also see some not-so-lovely places. However, you keep moving down the road.

Keep in mind you are not in either place to stay.

3. You can make it through this day. “Do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself…” Matthew 6:34
“One day at a time,” sounds simple. It is not. Some days, it takes all your energy to make it through one minute. That’s okay. Keep bringing your thinking back to a positive place.

When you feel yourself obsessing or dreading, try flipping the switch in your mind. To do this, imagine your thoughts are attached to a light switch. You can literally turn off negative thinking by flipping your mind’s “off” switch. Then, you are free for positive and productive thinking.

4. You are loved. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10
Young children need to experience unconditional love from their parents. As adults, we may never find this kind of love in our relationships. However, unconditional love is still possible for you.

God loves you unconditionally. Let go of any pre-conceived ideas about who God is. When you open your mind, you will experience God’s infinite love for you.

5. You are making our world better. “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Unbelievably, by going through this difficult time, you are living out your purpose! There is someone who needs to hear your story. By sharing your experience and strength with others, you make our world better.

Finally…Stay on the journey. Don’t give up now. God loves you. He is your navigator throughout your difficult journey.

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YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND WHAT GOD IS DOING…BUT IT’S OKAY!

Is it difficult for you to follow God’s lead because you don’t understand what He is saying or where He is leading you? Relax. In one of the most important periods of history, Jesus’ disciples found themselves in a similar situation.

One day, Jesus called his twelve disciples aside to tell them about their upcoming trip into the city of Jerusalem. While there, He would get arrested, badly beaten, and executed. However, the disciples did not understand what Jesus was saying. (Luke 18:31-34).

Read on to discover 3 steps you can take when you don’t understand God’s plan concerning you.

 

You don’t understand what God is doing? Do this in the meantime.

  1. Follow the leader. After dropping that bomb on them about his arrest and execution, Jesus continued to work. He kept healing, preaching, teaching, praying, and loving all the way to the end. The disciples followed his lead. You should do the same. Explore the way Jesus dealt with people and problems! He wants you to follow him.
  2. Faithfully commit. They may have been clueless about Jesus’ discouraging message. However, the disciples stayed faithful. They were committed to Jesus’ cause. Why? Because they knew him well enough to know they could trust him.  Get to know more about Jesus through Bible study. Trust him completely. He has the plan for your life.
  3. Focus.  Like the disciples, you may feel uncertain about your immediate future. Whatever happens, focus on this: God loves you. Keep your focus on God’s love and his care for you. Rest assured. Your future is safe in your heavenly Father’s hands.

Finally,…

God’s plan for your life is perfect. Keep following Jesus. Stay faithful to him and keep your focus on God’s unconditional love to you.

We love hearing from you. Click here to leave comments or questions. Thanks and God bless!

ARE YOU LIVING WITH A SHAMEFUL SECRET?

T.D. Jakes, on his TV talk show, discussed how people spend many years of their lives managing their hurtful secrets.  Furthermore, author and pastor, Rick Warren stated, “You’re only as sick as your secrets.”

Do you live with an embarrassing secret? If so, read on to discover how you can experience healing from its emotional devastation.

IS THIS SECRET HURTING YOU?

Whose secret is it? (Ecclesiastes 12:14)  Does this secret belong to you or someone else?  No matter what, you can get rid of its emotional grip on you.

How is this secret affecting you? (Ephesians 5:12-15)  Life coach, Martha Beck, advises,“First ask yourself, and possibly an impartial adviser, whether the secret is harmless or destructive.”

Why are you carrying this secret? (Luke 12:2-3)  Your answers could include: “I’m afraid.” “I have to protect someone.” “I am ashamed.”   However, keeping any secret that harms you mentally and spiritually is never advisable.

HEALING THE PAIN

Pray about your secret.  God wants you to be healed from the secret’s devastating grip on your emotions.

  • Talk to God about your secret. Do this if you do nothing else.
  • Believe in God’s power to heal you from the hurt you are feeling.

Confide in someone else. Martha Beck also suggests confiding to whoever can be an honest, open, and positive source: A professional counselor, minister, or a trusted friend.

  • Share how the secret is making you feel.You do not have to betray someone’s confidence by sharing the details of her secret.
  • You should certainly tell someone your secret if you or someone else is in immediate danger or is the victim of a criminal act.

Have a meeting with the person whose secret you share. Here are some suggestions for how to release your hurt from the harmful secret that you share with another person.

  • Meet with the person face-to-face if it is safe to do so.
  • Speak to the person using only “I” statements such as “I feel…”
  • Avoid using “you” statements such as, “You made me feel…”
  • Let the person know you are now releasing the secret’s power over you.
  • The person may not be sympathetic to you or understand your feelings.  Expect it. This is ok.

Have a solitary meeting.  You may not feel comfortable having a face-to-face meeting with a person. The person may have moved out of your life or died. In these cases, you can try the following exercise alone.  If it becomes too painful for you, stop immediately. Seek professional counseling to help resolve this issue.

  • Sit while facing a vacant chair. In the vacant chair is the person whose secret is hurting you.
  • Talk to the person as if he or she was there. Again, using “I” statements, tell them how this secret has harmed you.
  • Let the person know you are now releasing the secret’s power over you.
  • Literally say, “Goodbye” to the secret.
  • Pray each day for help to let the pain go until you no longer feel victimized by it.

Forgive. Whatever method of release you use, the final step is forgiveness.

  • Keep in mind, forgiving someone does not let the offender off the hook.
  • Forgiving is God’s remarkable way of healing your hurt.
  • You must make a decision to forgive. You cannot base forgiveness on how you feel.
  • If needed, be sure to forgive yourself also.

FINALLY…

If your secret involves abuse with someone who may physically hurt you or another person, do not try these interventions. You need professional help. Please dial 911 for help as soon as it is safe to do so.

Help is available. We are praying for you.

 

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