Appearances Can Be Deceiving
We idolize the rich, the smart, the glamorous, and the famous. When we pass God‘s pearly gates in Heaven are only beautiful and unblemished people going to be allowed through? No, God does not look at you the way people do. Our Father is looking for a different kind of beauty.
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:3-4) “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” (1 Samuel 16:7) God is looking at the beauty in a person’s heart; a heart that is willing to serve Him. Submitting to God’s will is far more important than outward appearance. God loves the ugly, the ordinary, and the beautiful all the same when we devote ourselves to God’s purposes.
On a side note, in my career as a Social Worker I have noticed people have many faces or masks. They act one way in one situation and then totally different in others. Do you act different at church and then different at home, school, and work? Is there anything away from church that you would not do while attending church? “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30) “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness ‘ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1) Are you a hypocrite? When we gather to worship God and His son Jesus Christ do not hide behind a mask. Be honest and open. God is looking at the beauty of those who worship Him and give themselves in love to others.
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, you eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:14-16) God formed and God made us the way we are for a reason. The Lord is more concerned with how our heart looks than how we appear to others.
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Sticks Break Bones But Words Wound Deeply
In todays society we are quick to judge others and speak our minds. Often times negatively. Some people are so angry and bitter that they are ready to strike out at everyone.“When words are many, sin is not absent.” (Proverbs10:19)
Research shows that hurtful words are stored in the brain’s memories, a pain matrix if you will. When triggered it reminds us to avoid painful situations and people in the future. Those words can scar you emotionally for life.
Does being a Christian make any difference in the kinds of things you choose to do or say? It should. “Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22) “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” (Ephesians 4:31) Be so sensitive to everyone’s needs, hurts, and disappointments. Let no unkind words come from your mouth and heart.
“‘You have heard that is said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the the evil and the good, and sends rain on on the righteous and the unrighteous.’” (Matthew 5:43-45) Jesus pointed out in the Sermon on the Mountto love the people who treat you right but the hard part comes in the commandment to love those who are not so nice.
King Solomon wrote: “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18) We desire words of encouragement, understanding, and reassurance. A lot of times all we need is a kind word to pick us up or get us through the day. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6) “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15) “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles” (Proverbs 21:23) Always be vigilant and evaluate your behavior and what you say to others. A sharp tongue leaves a scar, while a helpful word heals the heart.
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Plan For The New Year
I know it is cliché but plans for everyone’s New Year resolutions for the upcoming year are being made right now. How can you make your life different? There are always things we can change, improve on, or are unhappy about. Have you given any thought to your spiritual modifications?
Are your devotional habits weak, inconsistent, or nonexistent? One of the simplest things is to read 5-10 minutes from your Bible. Jesus said, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24). The prophet Ezekiel also wrote: “As for you, son of man, your countrymen are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the Lord.’ My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you and listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain.” (Ezekiel 33:30-31)
Psalm 119 tells of the importance of God’s words, the Bible. Within the pages we find what God wants us to believe (Acts 16:31), how to be (Ephesians 4:32), and what to do (Mark 16:15). “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
The Bible is God’s truth and is full of His promises. “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a lier.” (Proverbs 30:5-6) The Bible is the word of the living God.
When reading God’s word take special care and thought into what you are reading. If we read too hurriedly or without thought, we will miss His important messages. During that 5-10 minutes give your devotional time your complete attention.
Now take what knowledge you have gathered from the Scripture and go out and practice what you have read. God’s word will strengthen you in your walk with Him. The scripture is there to give us direction, correction, and protection in our daily life. Start off the new year by having a great foundation to build each day on.
Sometimes our resolutions are carried out only for a little while (a few weeks experts say) and then forgotten. What one promise can you make to our Heavenly Father that you can stick to all year? Ask yourself how you can live to please God.
Read the Bible…live God’s words.
Read: Psalm 119:11-12 & 16; Palm 119:105; Psalm 119:130; Psalm 119:162; Colossians 1:27-2:3; Colossians 2:2-3
Here are some things you can concentrate on and strengthen your spiritual growth for the coming year:
“But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” (Matthew 5:44)
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:15)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfullness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
“ Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5)
“And this is, love; that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning his command is that you walk in love.” (2 John 1:6)
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What Shall I Give For Christmas
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It seems there is a holiday around the corner every time I turn around. Here we are, one year later, and it is Christmas once again. I bet you have some, if not all, of your present shopping done by now. The gifts are all wrapped and possibly even mailed to far away family and friends. You worked hard to get that right gift to the right person. Now you and your family are all eager to open those gifts and find out what you received.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) God gave you a very important gift; His Son. Jesus gave you another gift; His life to save your soul. In the hustle and bustle of shopping for family and friends we forget this gift. Some of us have even went as far as trying to erase the whole historical event.
There is one more issue I would like to discuss. We all like to get presents on our birthday. How many of us give gifts on our birthday? Here we are, every 25th of December, celebrating the birthday of Jesus and we are the ones exchanging presents to each other. When, during the whole day, do we give a gift to Jesus?
Jesus Christ does not want high-tech toys and gadgets. He does not want money or jewels. He does not even want shoes, clothing, food, shelter, or safety. All Jesus wants on His birthday and everyday is for you to believe that our Savior was born, taught, and died for us all. He saved us from sin. If you are already a believer then give Him your body, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1) Offer God and Jesus your heart, love, worship, service, and your soul. “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:20)
When you give that gift to a loved one let it represent the gift God gave you. Concentrate more on the real reason for Christmas. Commemorate God’s greatest gift to mankind, His Son Jesus Christ. God keeps giving to you everyday so make this Christmas and others Christmases to follow an opportunity to point others to the Savior Jesus Christ.
Read: Matthew 2:11-15; Luke 2:1-10; Luke 2:8-20; John 1:1-14John 3:13-21
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From Whence Help Comes
Life can be scary. The burdens and cares can seem enormous. We need a hand to steady us and to help us during life’s problems.
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God will hold your hand and lead you through tough times. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8) God helped Joshua lead Israel and He will help you too, “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13) Offload your cares onto the Lord, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalms 55:56)
Are you in need of help? No one can, nor should, face troubling situations alone. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” (1 Corinthians 1:3-4) “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) God can and always has helped His believers . There is always hope in God. Ask God for His help in your prayers today.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalms 119:105) Our Bible is the one sure means for getting the right answers to the complicated questions. Where To Find Help, When ….
Afraid …. Psalms 34:5; Matthew 10:28; II Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 13:5-6
Anxious …. Psalms 46; Matthew 6:19-34; Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:6-7
Backsliding …. Psalms 51; 1 John 1:4-9
Bereaved …. Matthew 5:4; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Bitter or Critical …. 1 Corinthians 13
Conscious of Sin …. Proverbs 28:13
Defeated …. Romans 8:31-39
Depressed …. Psalms 34
Disaster Threatens …. Psalms 91; Psalms 118:5-6; Luke 8:22-25
Discouraged …. Psalms 23; Psalms 42:6-11; Psalms 55:22; Matthew 5:11-12; 2 Corinthians 4:8-18; Philippians 4:4-7
Doubting …. Matthew 8:26; Hebrews 11
Facing A Crisis …. Psalms 121; Matthew 6:25-34; Hebrews 4:16
Faith Fails …. Psalms 42:5; Hebrews 11
Friends Fall …. Psalms 41:9-13; Luke 17:3-4; Romans 12:14,17,19,21; 2 Timothy 4:16-18
Leaving Home …. Psalms 121; Matthew 10:16-20
Lonely …. Psalms 23; Hebrews 13:5-6
Needing God’s Protection …. Psalms 27:1-6; Psalms 91; Philippians 4:19
Needing Guidance …. Psalms 32:8; Proverbs 3:5-6
Needing Peace …. John 14:1-4; John 16:33; Romans 5:1-5; Philippians 4:6-7
Needing Rules For Living …. Romans 12
Overcome …. Psalms 6; Romans 8:31-39; 1 John 1:4-9
Prayerful …. Psalms 4; Psalm 42; Luke 11:1-13; John 17; 1 John 5:14-15
Protected …. Psalms 18:1-3; Psalms 34:7
Sick or in Pain …. Psalms 38; James 5:14-15; Matthew 26:39; Romans 5:3-5; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; 1 Peter 4:12-13, 19
Sorrowful …. Psalms 51; Matthew 5:4; John 14; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Tempted …. Psalms 1; Psalms 139:23-24; Matthew 24:41; 1 Corinthians 10:12-14; Philippians 4:8; James 4:7; 2 Peter 2:9; 2 Peter 3:17
Thankful …. Psalms 100; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Hebrews 13:15
Traveling …. Psalms 121
In Trouble …. Psalms 16; Psalms 31; John 14:1-4; Hebrews 7:25
Weary …. Psalms 90; Matthew 11:28-30; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 6:9-10
Worried …. Matthew 6:19-34; 1 Peter 5:6-7
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