Written Name

Written Name

Revelation 19: ¹¹ Then I saw heaven open, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True; it is with justice that he judges and fights his battles. ¹² His eyes were like a flame of fire, and he wore many crowns on his head. He had a name written on him, but no one except himself knows what it is. ¹³ The robe he wore was covered with blood. His name is “The Word of God.” ¹⁴ The armies of heaven followed him, riding on white horses and dressed in clean white linen. ¹⁵ Out of his mouth came a sharp sword, with which he will defeat the nations. He will rule over them with a rod of iron, and he will trample out the wine in the wine press of the furious anger of the Almighty God. ¹⁶ On his robe and on his thigh was written the name: “King of kings and Lord of lords.”

 

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When I saw my nameplate on the desk, I said “Wow.” I quickly reflected on where I came from and where I was then. I was now responsible for duties of great importance.

 

• I had become a “name” within a company.
• I had my “name” written on a nameplate.
• I was the “name” who had authority.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the most amazing thing happen! He saw heaven open and there was a white horse with a rider called, or named “Faithful and True.” This rider had a name, or authority, that no one knew but HIMSELF. But to everyone else HE wore a name that could be understood with was “The Word of GOD.” HE then displayed a name “KING of kings and LORD of lords.”

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the KING of kings and LORD of lords!
• JESUS is the Word of GOD that I can follow!
• JESUS is the only authority who deserves a name!

 

Making a “name” for myself can be problematic. I mean, I may start to believe in “my” abilities and “my” title, thinking “I” have authority. Fame blinds me to GOD’s power and authority. JESUS is the only one who deserves a “name.”

 

HE Is above all and loves when I point people away from me and towards HIM. Every ability I have is because of HIM, so I should use them for HIM. I gladly mention JESUS as the authority of my life!

 

Challenge

• How many names does the writer mention?
• Have you ever tried to make a name for yourself?
• Have you given JESUS the authority HE deserves over your life?

 

Complete Joy

Complete Joy

1 John 1: We write to you about the Word of life, which has existed from the very beginning. We have heard it, and we have seen it with our eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it. ² When this life became visible, we saw it; so we speak of it and tell you about the eternal life which was with the Father and was made known to us. ³ What we have seen and heard we announce to you also, so that you will join with us in the fellowship that we have with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. ⁴ We write this in order that our joy may be complete.

 

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When the new amusement park opened, everyone asked the same question, “Have you been there yet?” When the family got tickets, I was elated! We went and the experience was amazing! When I got home, I couldn’t wait to tell everyone how great the experience was!

 

• I was excited, so I wanted to tell everyone.
• I was amazed, so I described my experience in great detail.
• I was enamored, so I recommended that if you had not tried it, you should consider it.

 

John, the disciple whom JESUS loved, starts off his letter with amazement! He goes into detail about something that everyone had been waiting on for centuries, namely the arrival of the Messiah. This cure for misery, problems and troubles had been manifested as a human known as JESUS. He then said that sharing this Good News would make his joy complete.

 

My Observations:

• Good News is not Good News unless it is shared with other people.
• GOD did something truly amazing by becoming a human, allowing HIMSELF to be murdered by HIS own creation and being raised from the dead to conquer all sins.
• JESUS is the Word of Life whom I can place my full trust in.

 

Everyone wants to spread some good news, but unfortunately there is a lot of bad news. I mean, when life hits, it seems like there is nothing good to say. BUT GOD loves when I open my mouth to tell others how exciting it is to be saved by the MOST HIGH!

 

GOD wants everyone to be saved and has given you and me the task of spreading the Good News. In spite of trouble, fear and doubt, GOD’s wonderful message of love can ring from my lips. I gladly tell everyone about GOD’s love for me, which is CHRIST JESUS our LORD.

 

Challenge

• How excited is the writer?
• Have you ever received some good news and could not wait to tell people about it?
• How do you feel when you have a lot of bad news?
• Will you consider how amazing GOD’s love is for you, enough to tell people about it, to encourage someone today?

Exposed

Exposed

Hebrews 4: ¹² The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart. ¹³ There is nothing that can be hid from God; everything in all creation is exposed and lies open before his eyes. And it is to him that we must all give an account of ourselves.

 

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After the night of drunken sex, I put on my best suit and went to church. Maybe this would erase the guilt, was my motive for going. As I transitioned from Sunday School to morning service, a guy called me out. “We had fun at the club last night!” “Why did he have to be there?” was my thought!

 

• I didn’t want anyone to know that I went to clubs and had drunken sex.
• I had plenty of sins that I was planning to take to my grave.
• I felt embarrassed when I was exposed, but it turned out to be a relief.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, tells everyone about the power of the word of GOD. This is the revelation of how GOD interacts with humans, given through prophets, poets and priests. This revelation also includes the fact that everything in all creation is exposed to GOD.

 

My Observations

• There is nothing I can hide from GOD.
• The more I try to hide my sins, the harder it will be for me to confess them and to let go of them.
• GOD called the Pharisees “hypocrites” because they refused to expose their own sins.

 

It is real easy for me to tell others “You have sinned” but it is tougher for me to say in front of everyone “I have sinned and her is how I did it.” I mean, it just feels better when the spotlight is not on me when it comes to something yucky. But GOD sees my yuckiness and loves me anyway.

 

There is nothing I can hide from GOD. HE sees every thought that pops in my head and allows me to decide to choose HIS way or mine. HE gives me HIS word as a revelation to HIS love and I have, at my fingertips, a guide that brings me back to HIS love. I gladly expose my sins I still make mistakes on and believe they will not sting as much when I stand before HIM someday.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about “Purpose” in this passage?
• Have you ever done something wrong and felt so insecure about it that you plan on taking the hidden sin to your grave?
• Are things going wrong in your life and you don’t know why?
• Will you expose your heart to GOD and confess everything directly to JESUS so HE will be faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you of all unrighteousness today?

Protected

Protected

Ephesians 6: ¹⁶ At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One. ¹⁷ And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you. 

 

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“Why is this happening?” has been the question I raised up to GOD many times. During several points in my life, it seemed like wave after wave after wave of calamity was happening. Peace could not be found.

 

• I was down.
• I felt like things were hopeless.
• I did not see any relief any time soon.

 

“Carry faith” was Paul’s analogy in the armor of GOD. He warns that the Evil One will try to attack everyone and a way to thwart the attack is through faith. He also gives us protection of the mind by belief in JESUS for salvation. He lastly provides the only weapon used in the armor of GOD, namely GOD’s word.

 

My Observations

• Despair, doubt and disappointments can be fought against with faith in the LORD.
• Fear, insecurity and uncertainty can be erased from my mind with salvation in JESUS.
• Lies, twisted words and manipulation can be destroyed with the Word of GOD.

 

Protection against the Evil One is highly important to GOD. HE knows we are simply sheep amongst wolves, so HE gives us a way to protect ourselves against a foe that seems relentless. Our fight is not against humans, rather against “wicked spiritual forces” according to the scripture.

 

Salvation keeps our minds clear and focused on the LORD. The world will keep coming up with things that can pollute our mind to turn away from GOD. Since our sin nature wants what it wants, GOD provided HIS word to guide our desires back in alignment with HIM. I am glad GOD gave me the whole armor to protect me daily.

 

Challenge

• When does the writer feel you should use faith as protection?
• Have you ever felt helpless, worried or overwhelmed?
• Will you seek GOD’s protection through faith in HIS power, belief in HIS SON and understanding of HIS word today?

Fed and Watered

Fed and Watered

Acts 15: ³⁰ So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. ³¹ The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. ³² Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. ³³ After spending some time there, they were sent off by the believers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. ^[34] But Silas decided to remain there. ³⁵ But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.

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Tired of being a “weakling”, I tried weightlifting. Struggling to pick up the heavy bar to bench-press, I made it obvious to those around me that I would forever remain the recipient of bully ridicule. A few guys came up to me and said, “Join us.” They showed me proper technique and encouraged me when I lifted the featherweight, compared to their impressive loads. I felt I could get stronger.

• There were many times when I was down and alone.
• There were many times when I wanted to get stronger but felt I had no help.
• There were many times when I tried some things under my own power and did not get very far.

Judas and Silas arrived with a letter to the Gentiles. The people read it and were very encouraged. They were prophets, so they encouraged and strengthened the believers. After some time, they were sent back with a blessing of peace.

• GOD wants me to thank those who have encouraged me.
• GOD wants me to thank those who have helped me.
• GOD wants me to thank HIM, for HE is the one who sent people to help me.

My life is like a vine. I get hungry and thirsty, and sometimes I cannot find water or food. BUT GOD sends someone to feed and water me. This grows my roots in GOD and strengthens the vine so I can reach others. My growth enables me to thank people and GOD because I can bear fruit. I am grateful for those who have encouraged me and for GOD who strengthens me.

• Do you need encouragement?
• Does someone you know need encouragement?
• Will you accept that GOD is extremely pleased with you and has a wonderful plan for you?
• Will you encourage someone who needs GOD’s strength today?

Higher Up

Higher Up

Acts 13: ⁴⁹ The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. ⁵⁰ But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. ⁵¹ So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. ⁵² And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

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Desiring to be the top at the company came natural to me after a while. The higher I climbed, the more political the decisions became. I reached a level where the politics became overwhelming. The position I had was eliminated and I found myself outside instead of on top.

• There was a time when I wanted to have a title.
• There was a time when I desired to be “the most high” in my industry.
• There was a time when I craved to be on top of the group.

People started believing in the true word of the LORD as taught by Paul and Barnabas. The jealous church leaders, who saw their popularity disappearing again, had to do something. They sought prominent women and men to politically have Paul and Barnabas and other disciples, ousted. The cast out group had a different reaction.

• GOD wants me to hold onto HIM in good times and difficult times.
• GOD wants me to work with a clear conscious.
• GOD wants me to be excited about HIM moving me from places I would normally hold onto.

Being fired, laid off, losing a contract or down-sized does not feel good. BUT GOD has a plan for this. When HE sees HIS purpose cannot be met at a location, HE moves me. HE wants me to take my prayer, servanthood, compassion and love elsewhere.

Instead of being hurt that I did not reach a certain level or status, GOD wants me to be excited that I can show HIS love to the next group of people. Each place I go, GOD gives me the chance to demonstrate HIS power. If it is not accepted, HE wants me to shake the dust off my feet, or forget about that place. I am grateful GOD is the Most High, whom I point my life to.

• Are you trying to be “the most high” in your industry?
• While you are climbing to be on top, are you speaking about GOD or yourself?
• Will you seek GOD’s kingdom, speaking about JESUS and not worrying about your status?

Then I Remembered

Then I Remembered

Acts 11: ¹³ And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, ¹⁴ who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ ¹⁵ And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. ¹⁶ Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ ¹⁷ If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

¹⁸ When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

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Trying to cross the pool seemed like a daunting task but it was required for the grade. As I jumped in, things seemed to be okay, but halfway through, I started losing momentum. Then I remembered what the instructor said about relaxing, turning my head face upwards and breathing through my mouth each stroke. I made it to the other side.

• There were some things I had to learn in order to apply it.
• There were some things that were taught to me that did not come in handy until I applied it.
• There were some lessons I discounted until I really needed them.

Peter continued explaining why he was speaking to another race about JESUS. He wrapped up the amazing recount of events with something that happened in common with those who questioned him. He said “Then I remembered the word of the LORD.”

• GOD teaches me so I can have the right words at the right time.
• GOD teaches me so I can have the right behavior at the tight time.
• GOD teaches me so I can believe, apply and teach what HE wants me to teach.

The HOLY SPIRIT brings things to my remembrance. When I read about GOD, the HOLY SPIRIT places the words in my heart. Someone else comes along to water the seed planted in my heart. The seed grows into a tiny bit of faith, or mercy or love, depending on the seed.

Eventually I am faced with a situation where I need to give someone a word of encouragement. Then I remember what GOD has planted in my heart from the lesson HE taught me. I am grateful for the HOLY SPIRIT, who leads and guides me.

• Are you trying to live life without learning who GOD really is?
• Are you busy learning everything else but not spending time learning about the ONE who cares about you?
• Will you take some time to learn about JESUS and what HE has done for you today?

Total View

Total View

John 10: ³¹ Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. ³² Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?”

³³ The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.”

³⁴ Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods” ’? ³⁵ If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), ³⁶ do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? ³⁷ If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; ³⁸ but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” ³⁹ Therefore they sought again to seize Him, but He escaped out of their hand.

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Angry at the situation, I scheduled a meeting with my boss’s boss. I was tired of my boss snooping around my desk, looking for ideas to steal and call his own. I voiced my frustrations and left. Later, I found out that my boss and my boss’s boss, were friends. I was now in trouble.

• There were times when I did not have the total picture.
• There were times when I did not see danger coming.
• There were times when I did not have enough information to make a decision.

The entire congregation, especially the leaders, were furious at JESUS. HE clearly called HIMSELF GOD and they labeled HIM a blasphemer. Unfortunately for them, they did not have the total view of the situation. They were gravely wrong.

• JESUS reveals HIMSELF to me through HIS word.
• JESUS shows me all I need to know in order to live an abundant life.
• JESUS discloses HIS will to me by giving me HIS Scripture.

“Scripture cannot be broken” is what caught my eye. This means GOD spoke specific words that HE wanted authors to write down. These words are binding and humans will be held accountable to them.

Since some of the words can be taken out of context, GOD wants me to see the total view of what HE has revealed. HE revealed that one day HE would return to collect those who believe in HIM. HE also said that while I wait for that day, the COMFORTER would be here with me. I seek the total view of JESUS.

• Are you living your life on a couple of scriptures you like?
• Are there parts of Scripture that you don’t agree with, so you discount their meaning?
• Will you seek the total revelation of GOD so you can live an abundant life for HIM today?

Root of Truth

Root of Truth

John 7: ¹⁴ Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. ¹⁵ And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?”

¹⁶ Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. ¹⁷ If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. ¹⁸ He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.

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After listening to many stories, I headed towards the door. “Do you know who that was?” someone asked me. “No” I replied. That was the owner and founder of this place. The stories he told now had more meaning as they expressed true experiences.

• I enjoy hearing stories about how someone struggled and then made it.
• I enjoy hearing stories that tell the truth with difficult details.
• I enjoy hearing stories I can use as a roadmap for what I am going through.

JESUS went to the feast anyway, knowing the church leaders were trying to kill HIM. HE taught in riveting detail and they marveled at HIS knowledge. JESUS said some pointed words that said HIS teaching comes from GOD to glorify GOD. Each word JESUS spoke could easily be checked.

• GOD wants me to learn as long as my learning points to HIM.
• GOD wants me to acquire more an more knowledge as long as my knowledge can be used to glorify HIM.
• GOD wants me to check what I say about HIM with the words HE says about HIMSELF.

Self-promotion is something GOD wants humans to avoid. While this practice is highly honored in politics and wealth chasing, GOD sees it as a prideful move away from needing HIM. Each time I speak about GOD, HE wants me to check with HIM first to see if my words will promote HIM alone. I am glad HE revealed the truth through the words of HIS SON.

• Are you seeking to be the center of attention?
• Do you want fame socially, politically or even theologically?
• Will you check your attitude towards GOD by seeking HIS teaching through HIS Word today?

No Coincidence

Luke 4: ¹⁶ So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. ¹⁷ And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:

¹⁸ “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
¹⁹ To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

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 “How in the world am I going to get out of this mess?” I said to myself. This time when the car stopped working, it felt final. I was stuck on the side of the road, in the dark in a place that I suspected was not friendly. After a long time of sitting on my trunk, a couple stopped to give me a ride. I was nervous about them because they did not look or sound like me. “Do you know the LORD?’ was one of their questions. I was relieved.

• I used to think things just happened by chance.
• I used to think things happened randomly.
• I used to think I could make things happen.

JESUS went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day and was handed the scroll written by the prophet Isaiah. The timing could not have been more perfect because the verses HE read was about HIM and they described HIS purpose undeniably. Was this a coincidence? No!

• GOD says to me “MY encounters with you are no coincidence.”
• GOD says to me “I knew you before I laid the foundations of the world.”
• GOD says to me “I chose you because of MY SON.”

I may think there are coincidences, but there really are not. Even a dust speck flying in my eye distracting me for a moment is part of GOD’s incredible plan. HE knows my sin and HE knows when I serve HIM with a filled heart.

HE sends people to me to speak about HIM and sometimes HE sends me to people so I can be filled up by them. Dry seasons and seasons of plenty are not flukes but are carefully placed in my life to enable me to be a better ambassador for GOD.

• Do you wish things happened differently in your life?
• Do you think situations happen by chance?
• Will you stop trying to control your life and believe that GOD’s plan for you is a solid well thought out plan?

Hard Choices

2 Samuel 20:Now a troublemaker named Sheba son of Bikri, a Benjamite, happened to be there. He sounded the trumpet and shouted,

“We have no share in David,
    no part in Jesse’s son!

Every man to his tent, Israel!”

² So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bikri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

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“The teacher is a drunk” I giggled. Normally quiet, I wanted to break in my new comedy routine but did it quite awkwardly. This particular teacher did not like me nor did I have any great feelings for her. She was mean, but with me, she seemed to go out of her way. My quip made those around me giggle so her investigation almost got me sent to the principal. I was given a choice, keep clowning or straighten up.

• Sometimes it’s not my peers that makes me do wrong things.
• Sometimes it’s not the situation that makes me want to do wrong.
• Sometimes it’s not someone else tempting me when I do something wrong.

It’s a hard pill to swallow when I’m at fault. I mean, I try to convince everyone around me that “they” are doing things to me, meanwhile I thicken my blinders to the root cause, namely me. The limelight feels great but I noticed my crowd quickly disappeared when the heat got turned up. Soon I was left standing there labeled as a troublemaker.

• GOD wants me to admit I need HIM rather than thinking other people are the problem.
• GOD wants me to trust HIS ways rather than speaking against HIM.
• GOD wants me to be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.

The attention I sought needs to be placed on GOD rather than myself. HIS path is far greater than any other path I could choose.

• Are you causing trouble?
• Are you talking about someone else without speaking about how you have failed in the past?
• Can you mature and get on GOD’s path?
• Can you check out your words today to see if they have poison rather than praise?

Is JESUS “the Word?”

John 1:  ¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning. ³ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴ In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

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Promises are a bind that requires the future task to be fulfilled. Many times I have said “I will do ” and it may not seem credible.  But when I tack on a very important expression it adds credibility. “I give you my word.” This means I will do everything in my power to accomplish the task.

Well… I only have so much power and my word is quite different than “The Word.” What is “the Word?”

• The Word is the final say nothing else can change it.
• The Word is the truth anything that opposes it is false.
• The Word is the light which shines bright and no darkness can overcome it.

In my opinion JESUS is “the Word.” I need to be careful when I do this illustration because I do not want to rewrite the Bible.

Read the first verse inserting JESUS.  In the beginning was JESUS, and JESUS was with GOD and JESUS was GOD. Now read the rest of the verses. Wow! What a discovery. JESUS is GOD who made everything, who has life in HIM and was with the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT from the beginning.

How did I come to that conclusion just by these verses? Well it wasn’t just by these verses that I draw my conclusion but when I did this exercise, something clicked and the Bible made sense. JESUS is the final say, the truth and the light. HIS way is the only way and when I argue with HIS way, I am against HIM who made me.

• Is JESUS GOD to you?
• What makes HIS death and resurrection so special?
• How do you know GOD can keep any of HIS promises?
• Will you stop thinking GOD doesn’t know everything about you and every situation?

Words are very important.

Matthew 4: ¹ Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. ² After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. ³ The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

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One word can make a huge difference in how I am perceived. Let me try an experiment on a short sentence. “I love you” or “I hate you.” It’s pretty obvious what the difference is in this simple sentence but it’s not always obvious to me when I goof and put my foot in my mouth.

In other words I make mistakes in the use of my words and so do others. Sometimes my words can escalate into small tiffs and enrage into huge battles of the will. Other times my words can bring peace and ignite the heart.

• I find it amazing that GOD has shackled HIMSELF to HIS own words written in the Bible that I can read.
• I find it amazing that words are more powerful than physical needs.
• I find it amazing that GOD’s words are supreme and there is no judge or jury higher than HIS words.

Fortunately there is a remedy for me and my sometimes awkward use of words.  I can use more words but they must be coupled with action.

• To show grace, I can make up first but my action needs to include forgetting the incident.
• To show mercy, I can tell the person the wrong but my action needs to include no punishment or retribution.
• To show faith in someone, I can say “I believe you” but my actions should be in a manner that follows that belief.

I can say “GOD I believe you will take care of my situation” but act like HE isn’t and I won’t like the result. I can say “LORD help me follow YOUR plan” and if I am open to the changes HE will make then I will be amazed at the wonderful adventure HE will take me on.

• Are you a man or woman of your words?
• Do you say stuff and not follow through on your promises?
• Can you try to understand GOD’s words by reading HIS Bible more often?

Words are more powerful than I think.

Hebrews 4:  ¹² For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ¹³ Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

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Foul language was the norm with those who were “cool.” It seemed like the fouler the better. Of course I wanted to be “cool” so I tried my first word. No one applauded or laughed, but wow “I can curse and nothing will happen to me” my simple mind thought.

Later I got good at “the Insult.” I had people laughing “at” other people. My words could tear you down to nothing. I never once thought “is GOD listening to me?”

• GOD spoke worlds and universes into existence.
• GOD spoke and what HE made was good according to HIS declaration.
• GOD spoke and gave humans HIS Bible to follow all of their days.

Words are extremely powerful.  I can use my words to “appreciate” or grow someone in value. I can also use them to depreciate or tear someone down. I can use my words to inspire or I can use them to cause division. It’s my choice but what will happen to my words?

• My words will be measured to my actions by GOD.
• My thoughts will be judged to see if I had the right motive.
• My attitude will be compared to GOD’s love and compassion.

Every word, every infinitesimally small thought, every secret, every encounter will be placed in front of GOD. HE will look at the sincerity of my belief and determine if it was true or if it was just mere “words.” When I said “I believe” in HIM, do I really?

• When HE says “I will be with you always” why do I fear HE left me?
• When HE says “I love you” why do I feel HE is trying to destroy me?
• When HE says “It is finished” why do I feel I have something to add?

GOD’s word is first, final, absolute and utmost. HIS word is supreme and HIS word is the SON.

• Do you truly believe in JESUS?
• Can you allow HIM to take control of some of your thoughts and actions today?
• Have you taken time to judge your own motives to see if they are selfish?
• Will you look at GOD’s Bible from now on to guide your life?