Say or Nay

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Proverbs 17:27

Have you ever been in the company of someone who is easily disturbed by the least little things. And often in conversations you may hear them say, "that made me mad," or "you know he got on my nerves?" At some point, if that is us, we need to look within to determine if there's an anger issue gone unchecked. The spirit of anger causes us to look at others and believe they're the ones with the problem, when all along the problem resides in us. If we're unable to use our words without restraint and we're lashing out at people, then there's a lack of professed or applied knowledge from the Word of God. The Scripture goes on to say, understanding shows up when we're even-tempered.

If we say we belong to Christ and are His representatives, then we must show forth a level of restraint and be even-tempered when conversing with others. There is no reason for a Christian to be nasty, ABSOLUTELY no reason at all! When you feel the pressures of the day coming upon you, take a moment, breath in, exhale out, and then respond with knowledge and understanding. Besides, we never know what kind of day the other person may be having as well. Don't they deserve a lil grace sent their way?

Your thoughts!

A Measure of Faith

23 “if you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:23-24 NIV

Our text picks up with Jesus and a father of a young boy who was possessed by a spirit, are conversing about healing the young boy. As the father asks Jesus to heal his son, Jesus replies by saying, “if you believe, anything is possible.” The father’s response blesses me. He says, “I do believe.” All who are in Christ Jesus have faith, period! We could not believe He is who He say He is without it. But over time, the measure of faith we have, is tried and tested and this sometimes, causes us to waiver. If we all would be honest, just as this father admits, we too could use more grace to help us grow our faith. The father furthers his response by saying, “help me overcome my unbelief!” Wow!

When it’s time to grow our faith, a test has to come. Sometimes we pass the test, but then there are times when we need a re-take. This scripture reminds us that even though we’re saved and filled with the Holy Ghost, there are levels to our faith we have yet to unlock and we need God’s help in unlocking them. Don’t allow the enemy to keep you from saying, Lord, help my unbelief, in areas where you know you need it. We have not because we ask not! Jesus knew exactly where the father’s faith was, but used a teaching moment to show him where his faith was.

Have you measured your faith lately?

Your thoughts!

This Place

4 And why have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there? 5 And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? It is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink. Numbers 20:4-5

We’ve all been there at one time or another, where we feel we’re at the bottom and there’s no way up. It’s dark, cold, and most times, lonely. But this evil place the scripture speaks of is not a place where there isn’t seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates, or any water to drink. We must change our perspective. What has been sanctioned by God, shall live and perform its purpose! As my pastor, Lawrence Taylor taught just last night, “God creates everything with seed.” So even in your dark place there’s a seed and that seed is you. There’s water; the Holy Spirit resides in you. There’s also fruit; the fruit of the Spirit has been produced in you.

So if God allowed you to walk through the valley of shadow of death, you are to fear no evil for He is with you and is preparing you for the blessing at the end of it; be it a spiritual or natural blessing or maybe even both. The question is, ARE YOU READY to go through?

Your thoughts!

Weighing the Balance

A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight. Proverbs 11:1

If we’re not careful, life can pile up so high that we do not have the strength nor the desire to deal with it. This can lead to being burnt out. We have families, careers, duties at church, volunteering with local organizations within our communities and if not managed correctly, they can become burdens rather than blessings.

We serve a God of order and balance! There must be order and balance in our lives so that we can function properly. Our first responsibility as a child of God is to seek Him first so to get the order or plan for our day. God is also a God of purpose and His strategies for our everyday living fulfills His purpose and brings us blessings in return. We cannot continue to live an unbalanced life and succeed in the things God is calling us to. When our life is off balance and we are all over the place, God is not pleased. But when we have balance in our family life, church and community, God delights in it!

Is your balance off today?

Your thoughts!