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Ten Reasons Why – Our Words
Ten Reasons Why Our Words Should Be Few
1. In the multitude of words, sin abounds.
“Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” (Proverbs 10:19 NLT)2. Wisdom is recognized by its few, well-chosen words.
“A truly wise person uses few words…” (Proverbs 17:27 NLT)3. Uncontrolled tongues can start fires.
“And the tongue is a flame of fire…It can set your whole life on fire…” (James 3:6 NLT)4. Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” (Proverbs 18:21 NLT)5. A fool is recognized by what he says.
“Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.” (Proverbs 17:28 ESV)6. Words are carriers of creative or destructive power.
“…wrongdoers…sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows.” (Psalm 64:2-3 NLT) “A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe.” (Proverbs 14:3 NLT)7. Worlds are framed, constructed, by words.
“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God…” (Hebrews 11:3 ESV) “and he upholds the universe by the word of his power…” (Hebrews 1:3 ESV)8. Words are seeds to a harvest.
“The sower sows the word.” (Mark 4:14 ESV) “Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.” (Proverbs 18:6 NLT) “…You will always harvest what you plant.” (Galatians 6:7 NLT)9. Words of faith don’t return void; they accomplish what we send them to do.
“It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” (Isaiah 55:11 NLT) “And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says…and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.” (Mark 11:22-23 ESV)10. Guarded lips, guarded life.
“Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” (Proverbs 13:3 ESV)Can you think of other reasons why it’s better to let your words be few? If so, what are they?
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Prophetic Words
I believe these are prophetic words from the Lord: I originally posted them about 8 months ago, but thought about them again after hearing a clip by Dr. Myles Munroe. [button href=”http://youtu.be/7hk2ZPrqnK4″ primary=”true” centered=”false” newwindow=”true”]Listen Here[/button]
A shaking is coming upon this land; the land of the free and the home of the brave. A land that is more brazen than brave, and more in bondage than free. This shaking, which will affect each and every person, rich and poor, young and old, will help right the wrongs done specifically in the Lord’s Name, yet against His Kingdom.
For He will display what His grace is really about. He will reveal His power to free the addict, but will call into judgment the things permitted and proclaimed as His will, but have only been the will of worldly-minded pastors and preachers. He will manifest to each person who hungers for freedom, the grace that frees them. But He will correct those who believe God’s grace is their license to pamper the flesh.
The coming shaking will identify and separate truth from error. It is part of the laundering process required to remove spot and blemish.
Anything and everything this nation is holding to, apart from the Lord, will be shaken from their grip, whether things or thoughts. It will be only for a short while, and when it stops many will grab hold of the same things as before. However…
Many, many prodigals shall be shaken off of their bunks, out from under their bridges, and released from the snares that have held them for years. They shall come to their senses, and shall see Jesus as the real and only Lover of their soul. They shall be shaken from the worldly trees they have joined themselves to. They shall fall like overripe fruit. They shall release their hold, and the world’s hold shall be released from them.
Shaking, shaking, shaking. Wind blowing, rain falling, hearts failing; but His Kingdom will remain and His prodigals shall return.
Spiritual doors will fall off their hinges, leaving wide open opportunities for God’s people to enter areas previously blocked. His Power and His Word shall be carried into these shaken places and new life will spring up. Yes, the prodigals are everywhere, hiding in their world of make-believe; but He has not forgotten them, and He knows exactly where they are. And they will come. Yes, they will come.
So release this word into their lives; by faith call them forth. Prepare your hearts for the shaking, and for the prodigal’s return.
Yearn for the prodigal. Believe for the prodigal. Embrace the prodigal – and you will embrace God’s restorative love. For understand this: He is calling the prodigals to come home. He is running after them. He is leaving the ninety nine to rescue the one. And He will find them.
And so will you.
As for the timing of the shaking, it’s already being staged. But within 14 months the shaking’s major effects shall be witnessed. There will be some news agencies that will refer to the shaken economy, the shaken weather patterns, and societal turmoil as an earthquake which cannot be seen or heard, but is being felt across the nation. Race issues will again be a hot issue; because it has not been resolved in His church. But He is forcing us to face it and resolve it.
For those whose hands are in His, you have nothing to fear. He will never leave you, nor forsake you. You can boldly say, the Lord is my helper; I will not fear. But if you feel things in your life shaking, release them to Jesus. Be free.
Smile, child. And warm your heart to His plans, His purposes, His gifts and callings… and His prodigals.
They’re coming home.
The more people struggle against it, the worse it will be. Defiance to His shaking will bring about certain ruin. Not right away. But as certain as the sun rises in the morning, ruin will come.
People of God, begin NOW to loosen your worldly grip, the lust for sensual entertainment, and your adulterous relationship with the world. Let it go, and discover how to love the world as He does.
Amen.
“His coming is as brilliant as the sunrise. Rays of light flash from his hands, where his awesome power is hidden. Pestilence marches before him; plague follows close behind. When he stops, the earth shakes. When he looks, the nations tremble. He shatters the everlasting mountains and levels the eternal hills. He is the Eternal One.” (Habakkuk 3:4-6 NLT)
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Disabilities
Today we attended the funeral of a 29 year old young man. For over 20 years he had battled diabetes and its complications, including blindness.
But there was something special about this young man named Josh. He was a real life version of Pollyanna. Always positive and affirming to others, he was known throughout the little town of Mitchellville. In fact, there were at least 200 people who attended the celebration service.
How could one young man impact so many lives? I kept asking myself that question as I listened to person after person share their stories of Josh. How could a young man, cursed with such a debilitating disease, and the disability of blindness, be so encouraging, so positive and full of love for others; and show such love for life?
There were two answers I settled on.
One, he had given his life to Jesus. That in itself is a powerful, life-changing thing.
But just becoming a Christian doesn’t necessarily change a person’s disposition, demeanor, or determination. Determination to live life to the fullest, in spite of the mounting disabilities.
That was the biggest reason Josh could live like he did. He refused to see himself as someone with a handicap. The fact he couldn’t see didn’t keep him from encouraging everyone he came in contact with.
Incredible!
As we drove away from the little town, I started thinking about the ways I’ve let my disabilities control my life; limiting my dreams, squelching my faith. No, I’m not blind, physically anyway, but I do limit my vision at times by concentrating too much on my lack of education, finances, personality, or anything else that tries to keep me from living life to the fullest.
I finally settled in on this one thought: every one of us is endowed by God with some sort of disability. No, I don’t mean physical sickness, or anything like that. But none of us were created perfectly; we all have flaws, disabilities, which can hold us back, OR, reveal the goodness and power of love.
And the God of love.
Disabilities? No. Just special frames to showcase God’s grace.
Thanks, Josh, for the life you lived. My life won’t be the same.
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Ten Reasons Why
I’m beginning a new series of posts called “Ten Reasons Why”. There will be a number of topics we’ll consider, but the first is this:
Ten reasons why you should think about God and His Kingdom.
Yes, one would suffice, but why not arm yourself with enough reasons to overcome any doubt? It just makes sense.
1. Perfect peace comes to those whose minds are fixed on God.
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)2. It reinforces your faith’s perspective.
“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2 NLT)3. You will be led by the Spirit into life and peace.
“Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” (Romans 8:5,6 NLT)4. God, through the apostle Paul, commanded us to think on certain things.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9 ESV)5. Everything we need is provided by God.
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ “For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:31-33 NKJV)6. Thinking about Him helps us act like Him.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8,9 NKJV)7. It’s a key aspect of spiritual warfare.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NKJV)8. Stability and fruitfulness are its outflow.
“…but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:2-3 ESV)9. It helps combat the sin nature.
“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.” (1 Peter 4:1 ESV)10. We’re in a much better position to hear Him speak.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26 ESV)I’m certain that if you search the scriptures you could probably find at least one more reason to think about God. But like I said; one is sufficient.
He told us to.
Why do YOU think about God? I’d love to hear why.
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Lessons From The Tower Of Babel
Hellish situations can yield Heavenly insights
1) Unity, solely for the sake of unity, is not necessarily good.
When man joins together to disobey, or ignore God and exalt man, it is disastrous
God’s anointing flows when brethren dwell in unity, submitted to God2) One language, one speech, might possibly be the wrong words
The majority isn’t always right; in fact, they seldom are
Listen carefully to what’s really being said. Don’t just agree automatically3) God is more interested in diversity than man is
God created variety, and walked among it saying, “this is good”
Man worked together until they had variety. They gave up.4) All the universe is full of God’s Glory when diversity points to One
Order is necessary with diversity
God alone is the Author and Sustainer of true order5) Though the whole world may agree with you, disobeying God results in confusion
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, of life
The wicked flee when no one pursues…6) The Lord says to spread out, replenish, give. The world says the opposite
The tower builders didn’t trust beyond what they could see. Stay here, they said
Fear limits your possibilities, keeps you from discovering a whole new world7) The builders, movers, and shakers in Shinar had only temporary influence
Don’t believe you have to compromise your belief to get ahead
Honor the Lord with what you have, what you get, what you do, and who you are8) Make certain the “name” you make for yourself will withstand God’s scrutiny
Everything we build will be inspected
A good name is to be chosen, rather than riches9) United we stand, divided we fall. United in rebellion guarantees we fall
Be confident in this, sin is always discovered. Somehow, someway
Determine what God thinks about something, and unite with His cause10) Anything man builds can be divided by God. What God builds is indivisible
Man builds by taking a part of this and a part of that
God is the glue that holds things together. Including this world11) A three-fold cord is not quickly broken
Two are better than one, unless there is strife and contention between the two
Three has to become one for there to be strength. Each gives its all to the others12) Unity without God is short lived, at best
You may last your lifetime, building teams without God
What will you have left the day after you die13) The Lord can restore unity out of confusion and chaos, and still celebrate diversity
The Universe declares the Glory of God, the Diverse Universe
The Garden of Eden, unity and diversity14) Those who speak the same thing can accomplish the same thing
God said, “Let US make an in our image…”
If two of you agree as touching anything on earth…15) Scattered throughout the earth wasn’t punishment. It was accomplishing God’s will
God has an order even in the various ways to plant different kinds of seeds
At times, God has to stop our dead end projects to move us to our destinyThe Tower of Babel began under the dark designs of man’s adversary, the devil. Scheming against God’s instructions, the devil’s influence was aimed at having man destroyed again by God. Why? To try and keep THE PROMISE of Genesis 3:15 from coming to pass.
But God sees through every scheme, every plot, everything designed against His plans and purposes. And He has an answer for anything the devil attempts to concoct!
So don’t be discouraged if something comes your way you didn’t plan for. And don’t be upset if your “building construction” is halted. God’s not stupid, blind, or away on more important business. Rather look around, He’s probably standing right beside you.
Learn the lessons from the tower of Babel – and you’ll find yourself grateful to God for His continued faithfulness.
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The Adultery Test For Preachers
There are a lot of quizzes out there in social media land. Here’s one that’s a bit different.
The Adultery Test For Preachers
Eight questions to help you see if you’re headed for the demon-filled, barren land of adultery.
1. Do you roll your eyes with disgust when you hear of a preacher who was caught in adultery?
2. Do you believe you are so strong in the Lord you can ignore certain bright red flags, or a suggestion from your spouse that a certain person seems a bit too friendly?
3. Do you think you can enjoy the special attention of a parishioner, maybe a few extra long glances, possibly a little innocent flirting, without the tentacles of emotional adultery dropping you to the ground?
4. Do you like to feel so important and indispensable to God’s Kingdom, you live loosely and recklessly, in spite of the warnings of the scriptures?
5. Do you try and look your best in front of everyone; everyone but the ones who care for you the most? In other words, who are you REALLY trying to impress?
6. Do you study all the sermons of the late, great preachers, but ignore the lessons to be learned from someone who’s failed?
7. Do you put all your resources into targeting certain demographic groups, while ignoring the target the devil has placed on your own heart?
8. Are you able to ignore the words of Jesus, “Watch out! You’re getting too far from Me”?
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Porn Is NOT Your Friend
Porn is NOT your friend.
Besides tainting one’s opinion of male/female relationships, promoting unhealthy and sometimes painful sex acts, and encouraging promiscuous behavior, sexual immorality reduces the sex addict to nothing more than a morally weak, out-of-control slave.
A slave to whatever desire pushes from within. It matters not that they may be caught. When the trigger is sprung, it’s time for action.
Action that is rooted in sexual addiction, the inordinate desire for self-pleasure, with or without a partner, will ultimately destroy the very life of a person: spirit, soul, and body.
“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18 ESV)
It’s time to use what strength you have left, flee the scene of the addiction, and run into the arms of the One who can deliver you from yourself.
Jesus.
And if you need help finding Him, please let me know. I know His phone number.
JER-3303
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” (Jeremiah 33:3 ESV)
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Follow Me
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1 KJV)
A more modern translation reads, “Imitate me, as I imitate Christ.”
It may seem like a hard thing to say, and the words may get stuck in your throat as you attempt to speak them, yet it’s what every follower of Christ should be willing and able to proclaim. “Watch my life, and do as I do.”
Allow me to break it down a bit more…
Whatever you see me watching, you watch. Speak the words I speak, use the language I use, believe like I believe, and live as I live.
If I get mad and lose my temper, you do the same…
Oops, maybe I shouldn’t have added that part.
But really; shouldn’t the follower of Jesus be able to say, just like Jesus, “If you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the Father. As He is, so am I. The Son only does what He sees the Father do.”
There’s a reason this walk with Jesus is referred to as a “high calling”.
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 KJV)
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A Word About Worship
We were created to worship. It’s something everyone does. We all worship something or someone.
Worshipping God is not a religious duty; at least it shouldn’t be. Our worship should not be contingent upon whether or not we feel God’s Presence, like the particular style of music, or are going through difficult times.
The first scriptural mention of worship is found in Genesis 22:1-14:
Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.”
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Thank You, Veterans
I am a veteran. I didn’t fight in any war or conflict, but I am a veteran. An Army veteran.
I enlisted in 1975, served four years active duty, and thankfully, never saw combat.
I am a veteran. Here are the words I said as I raised my right hand and swore allegiance to my country, its constitution, and its President:
“I, Jan Grace, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”
Yes, I am a veteran.
And there are many, many more like me.
My heart goes out to those veterans who were involved in combat situations. They were called upon to not only swear an oath, but to live it out. I cannot imagine what it was like to go to war; to be required to shoot at someone, or to be shot at.
I can’t comprehend what it was like to fight people from other nations; Germans, Japanese, Italians, or Koreans. I cannot fathom walking through the jungles of Vietnam or Cambodia, never knowing if you’d see home again.
It’s impossible for me to know what my fellow veterans experienced on the mountains of Afghanistan or the burning desert of Iraq. It’s simply beyond me.
I salute all of my country’s veterans; whether they carried a rifle in combat, or punched a typewriter in peace time. Regardless of their task, they answered the call to serve, they honored their oath of commitment, and they were prepared to defend not only the constitution, but every single person who is called an American.
Including people who couldn’t care less.
I salute the veterans, and I salute their families; the husbands, wives, children, and parents of those who served or are presently serving.
Veterans, though I don’t know what combat is like, I do understand your willingness to serve, and serve well.
Thank you.
I’m asking each of you who read this post to thank a veteran for their service. It matters not what you think of the military, the nation’s policies or its political leaders; you owe the veterans AT LEAST a word of thanks.
Because someone had to do it.
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
