Spiritual Checkup/Surgery!

Mark 9:42-48 reads-And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.' God is telling me here that whatever causes sin in my life, drastic and urgent action is needed-perhaps, a spiritual surgery(allowing God to mold and purify our hearts and live by the Spirit). Of course we should not literally harm our bodies as they are God’s temple. Our eyes, hands and feet are simply the agents used by Satan for our fall into sin. The issue at hand is our HEART. Gal. 5:16-17 tells us to live by the spirit-that which is contrary to the sinful nature. Also, Romans 8:6 "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

Watching the 'flapper', A reflection of the heart!

I often remember something a special friend/brother in Christ (Ed) would remind his class/audience. He brought out the warning from God regarding our words via the tongue. As my friend Ed would say, ‘the thing that flaps between our gums’. From it can come beautiful tones of kindness, love, encouragement, respect, praise, etc. Unfortunately, much harm, negativity, disrespect, and abomination too. Look at these passages; Proverbs 15:4, "The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." Proverbs12:18, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." James 3:5b-6a, "Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body." Even when ‘joking around’(my struggle), I must be careful/vigilant. Remember what it says in Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." My friends, our words and thoughts are reflective of our hearts. Yes, even unspoken thoughts must be dealt with. I may not say something that is in my mind, but it’s in my heart. I may spare someone of hearing these thoughts, but God knows. I need the Spirit of Christ in my mind/thoughts/speech. I must flee Satan’s constant pull. Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

Value Added

Several years ago while working in Corporate America, we had a national meeting with the focus on a typical business buzz-word for that particular time. This theme was centered around ‘Value Added’. What were we as employees adding to the company, the mission, goals, to our customers, etc. This is an excellent evaluations tool to assist in one's focus, eagerness, learning, improving ourselves/company in order to develop/maintain positive attitudes and add value. As scripture says about our work in Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..."
My challenge is this, what am I adding spiritually to others I come in contact, towards the relationships I have with friends, family or co-workers, and yes, even my own personal salvation-how are my actions influencing these special lives? Is it a positive value by letting my light shine, showing authentic love and compassion? Or, a negative affect through self indulgence, pride, hypocritical deeds. I/we must be mindful of what value we project. What is watched/said (tv, movies, gossip, certain jokes, pride, etc ) and how I conduct myself every step as I never know who may be watching at those moments. Someone may fool humans, but God knows each of our hearts. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 says, "And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right." Also, Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." I don’t know about you, but I want to exemplify positive Christ-like value to my life, family, friends, co-workers, strangers………….everyone! Look to scriptures as we inwardly search/take self-inventory of our daily walk and keep guard of what we are sowing- 1 Peter 4:1-2, Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like Him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want. Jesus’ life is our example to show love-what a responsibility-yet joy- to have ETERNAL VALUE to share with others. Blessings in your pursuit…….TO