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#196: Our Identity in Christ Feb 23, 2021

Show notes

In the mid 1900’s Fritz Kreisler, an Austrian born violinist was regarded as on o f the world’s greatest musicians. One day he had a ticket to board a ship in Hamburg, Germany. He was going to sail to London for a concert. Kreisler had an hour before his boat sailed. He wandered into a music shop, where the proprietor asked if he could look at the violin Kreisler was carrying. He then vanished and returned with two policemen, one of whom told the violinist, "You are under arrest."

"What for?" asked Kreisler.

"You have Fritz Kreisler's violin."

"I am Fritz Kreisler."

"You can't pull that on us. Come along to the station." As Kreisler's boat was sailing soon, there was no time for prolonged explanations. Kreisler asked for his violin and played a piece of music he was well known for. "Now are you satisfied?" he asked. They were!

If you have given your heart and life to Jesus Christ, you have a new identity. That identity has been given to you by God. You are now a child of God. You belong to Him. No one can take away or steal your identity.

The Gospels are filled with stories of men and women who came to Jesus because they had lost their identity or didn’t like their present identity and were seeking a new, more meaningful one.

Nicodemus lost his identity in his personal search for righteousness. He had become completely self-centered.
Zacchaeus lost his identity in his all-compelling drive for personal wealth.
Jesus helped them to gain a new identity through faith in God. Another man had been sick for so long that he was now finding his identity in being sick. Jesus’ first question to him was, “Do you want to be healed?” In other words, are you willing to give up your present limited identity of being a sick person for new one? He had gotten used to being the blind man!

One of our fundamental problems is we don’t understand who we are – children of God made in his image. Instead we define ourselves by any number of things other than Jesus.

Why we struggle:

•Identity gives us a sense of security.

•We crave the approval and affirmation of other people.

•We are afraid of rejection so we attempt to meet social expectations

•It requires us to let go of what has always defined us and to see ourselves the way God sees us.

You might not realize this, but there is a spiritual war going on over your identity. Satan cannot create anything. Only God can create. Satan can only pervert, distort, or destroy. So what he likes to do is take what God has created for good and pervert it, distort it, or destroy it.

Satan can’t hurt God. But what he likes to do is attempt to hurt God by hurting God’s kids. If you want to see my worst side, you go after my wife and kids. Right? This is what Satan does. Satan know that if he can keep you from being who God has made you to be, if he can steal or destroy your God given identity, he can attack God.

So today, I want to encourage you by reminding you who you are in Christ. You have God-given identity.

1 Peter 2:9 - “for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

Listen to what God’s Word says about your new identity in Christ. You have been chosen by God. You are his very own possession.

Today’s Challenge: We abandon any image of ourselves that is not from God. We stop accepting what others have said about us, how others label us, and how others define us.

You are defined by God and God alone. 2 Corinthians 1:22 – “He has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our lives.”

#195: What is Repentance? Feb 21, 2021

Show notes

Today as I record this episode, the wind is howling here in my city. My weather app says it’s blowing 25 miles per hour. As I drove to the store this afternoon, I came up beside a man riding his bicycle directly into the blowing wind. The man seemed to be straining with all the power he had to pedal his bicycle into the strong wind.

As hard as it is to ride into the oncoming wind, if you simply turn the bike around, that same wind that hindered you will now help you. It will push you forward. It’s amazing what can happen with a change of direction.

In Acts 3:19 Peter says, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

Throughout scripture we see God calling us to repent. In fact, someone once counted and said the words repent, repentance, or repented is mentioned over 100 times in the Bible.

So, what is repentance? Repentance is a change of direction. Just like the bicycle rider who turned around and rode in a different direction, true repentance is a new direction. Often people mistakenly think repentance is feeling sad. Maybe they are upset they got caught or they are upset at themselves for making a poor decision. But repentance is more than a sorrowful emotion. It is a decision to change and a determination to live a new way.

As Peter mentioned, repentance is a component of our salvation experience. The grace of God responds to our faith in Jesus and our repentance of our sins. God is so good to forgive us and to remove the record of our sins. We then stand before God clean and forgiven.

One thing that is very clear in scripture is that sinners must repent in order to be saved. Consider these verses:

Luke 5:32 - Jesus said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance”
Luke 13:3 - “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
2 Peter 3:9 - “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

In the New Testament, the word repentance is the Greek word metonia. It literally means “a change of mind.” It is a turning away from our sin. Paul asked in Romans 6 is it okay for us to continue in our sin, now that we have received the grace of God. The answer is a strong no. The King James Version says, “God forbid.”

When Jesus started His public ministry, He called for repentance. Matthew 4:17 records, “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’” Jesus says of repentance, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7).

So how does a person repent? Like faith, repentance is a response to the work of God, who convicts and convinces us that we are in error.

First, we come to God in honesty. Repentance requires honesty. No one comes to God with true repentance in their heart unless they’ve first acknowledged their need for forgiveness and reconciliation with him.

Second, we confess our sins to God. We admit we are sinners. We lay it all out before him without hiding. In Psalm 32: 5 David says, “I acknowledged my sin to you and did not conceal my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.”

Third, we believe God’s promise to forgive and to remove our sins. The Bible says, God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins.

Finally, we change direction and live a new way through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Today’s Challenge: Maybe today, you feel the spirit of God leading you to repent. Don’t resist, come to God with full confession, receive his forgiveness, and begin to walk in new life.

#194: Grace for the Humble Feb 20, 2021

Show notes

#193: Questions About Water Baptism Feb 19, 2021

Show notes

Recently, I was having a conversation about baptism with a new Christian. Several questions came up about the necessity and importance of baptism.

Water baptism is more than a religious tradition or ritual. Baptism is you and I publicly demonstrating our allegiance to Jesus.

Pastor Tony Evans once said, “We would think it odd if a husband never wanted to go out in public with his wife. It would be so unusual if he wanted to be secretly married, but not let anyone else know. He might say, “I’ll eat dinner with you as long as it’s at home”, or “I’ll watch a movie with you as long as it’s at home,” or “I’ll talk to you as long as it’s at home.” That kind of behavior would be insulting to the wife. Pastor Evans goes on to say, “Christ is insulted regularly by His children because in private they will identify with him, but in public they don’t want people to know they are associated with him.

Does water baptism save us? The Bible clearly teaches us that our salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone. No work that we can do in our human ability, including baptism, has the power to save any of us.

Titus 3:5 – “he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

If baptism doesn’t save us, why should be be baptized in water?

It’s an act of obedience. Throughout Scripture, we are taught to live a life of obedience—to back up our faith with actions—so that we grow closer in our relationship with God and live a life that points others to Him. Baptism is the first step for those who choose to follow Christ.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

It’s an opportunity to follow Jesus’ example. Jesus, Himself, was baptized. He was not a sinner, yet He humbled Himself in obedience to identify with us and give us an example to follow. All genuine Christ-followers should want to obey Jesus by doing what He said.

What is the meaning and significance of water baptism?

It allows you to identify with Christ’s death and resurrection.

Baptism is a symbol of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Our entrance into the water during baptism identifies us with Christ’s death on the cross, His burial in the tomb, and His resurrection from the dead.

It’s a celebration of your new life.

Baptism is also a symbol of your new life in Christ. When we come out of the water during baptism, it symbolizes that we have buried the old life of sin and have been raised to a new life in Christ.

When should a person be baptized?

The New Testament pattern – Reading through the New Testament you notice that people were baptized quickly after placing their faith in Jesus Christ.

In the Early church, there was no such thing as an unbaptized Christian.
On the Day of Pentecost, Peter concluded his sermon with this charge, “Repent, and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

I believe it’s important to be baptized sooner rather than later as a sign of your faith and allegiance to Christ.

Today’s Challenge: If you have not been baptized in water, I encourage you to contact your church today and let them know you are ready to obey Jesus by being baptized. It’s time to go public with your faith.

#192: When God Interrupts Your Schedule Feb 18, 2021

Show notes

20 years ago, I was on staff with a campus ministry at the University of California Santa Barbara. One day I was on campus and on my way to a meeting when God interrupted my schedule. I had stepped onto an elevator and before pushing the button for the third floor, I noticed a man hurrying to catch the elevator before the door closed. I held the door and invited him to jump on. I introduced myself and he said his name was Eugene. He was a visiting professor from Shanghai, China. We talked for a few moments before each of us had to move on.

But what’s interesting is from that encounter, I kept running into Eugene on campus. Over and over our paths kept crossing. Eventually we had lunch together and I asked Eugene if he was a Christian. He was not, but I invited him to a weekly investigative Bible study I was leading for international students. Amazingly, Eugene accepted my offer.

Eugene and I became friends. We invited him to celebrate Thanksgiving in our home. Eugene kept attending our Bible studies throughout the school year. At the end of the year, he invited me to travel to Shanghai to spend a couple of weeks with his family. God opened wonderful doors for me to share Christ with his family and friends. All these encounters occurred because one day God interrupted my schedule on an elevator.

Do you believe in “divine appointments?” Have you ever considered the fact that the traveler you with with on a plane, the waiter at your table, the clerk at the department store might be in your life by divine appointment?

Divine appointments are those times when God arranges lives to intersect at crucial moments. Divine appointments are those orchestrated interactions when you know in your heart God is asking you to do something and to do something now.

In Acts chapter 8 we see the story of Christ-follower named, Phillip. We learn that one day God interrupts his schedule so he can lead a stranger to Christ.

Acts 8:26-29“Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian[a] eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

I am amazed at how far God will go to reach ONE person! I’m also amazed at the obedience required to win ONE person.

When the Holy Spirit prompts us to minister, he empowers us to carry it out. Where God guides, God provides.

The key to evangelism isn’t boldness, it is obedience. If we take the first step of obedience, the Spirit will guide us and empower us with boldness.

As Philip is walking next to the chariot he hears the man reading the prophet Isaiah and Philip knew at that moment that God had given him an open door. God had arranged this meeting between Philip and the Ethiopian. This is a DIVINE APPOINTMENT!

As Christians we simply pray for open doors, then we must keep alert to the opportunities God presents.

#191: Does God Answer Prayer? Feb 17, 2021

Show notes

I remember reading the story of three friends who decided one Saturday to go fishing. They jumped in a boat and motored off the west coast of Florida. Suddenly, and without warning, the wind picked up and five foot waves swamped the boat, drowning the engine. Helpless before the tide, they drifted into the Gulf of Mexico. The men weren’t worried though because the sea lanes had a lot of boat traffic and surely they would be rescued. On their third day at sea, a Coast Guard jet flew overhead. They felt they had been seen and they celebrated by eating nearly all the food left aboard.

But no deliverance came. In desperation, they watched thirty ships pass close by and move on, despite their frantic gestures for help. They ate fish to survive and drank water by the sip morning and night to prevent dehydration. Finally, on their tenth day adrift, a freighter spotted and rescued them. Later when being interviewed, the men expressed their anger that no one seemed to notice they were in trouble.

Over the years, I have talked to a lot of people who wondered if God noticed them. Maybe you have been there. I know I have. As we go through the adversity life brings we pray but sometimes it seems like God is far away. We wonder, is he listening?

"How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?" —Psalm 13:1

Maybe today you are like David and you are questioning:

•Has God forgotten?

•Is God hiding?

•Does he see all of this pain that is happening?

•Why is God not stopping it?

I’m learning as we pray that we must trust the plan of God and the timing of God. We also trust his character. We know he is a good Father and will do what is best for us.

When we pray we understand that our trust is not in our feelings. We may feel God is listening, or we may not feel he hears us. Our confidence is not in our feelings. Our confidence is in what the Word of God teach us.

I love 1 John 5:14 it says, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

Notice what John says… “This is the confidence we have in approaching God.” John was confident God would hear him. What about you? Do you have this confidence?

One reason we know God hears our prayers is because He has promised to hear them! Even if He doesn’t always answer the way we think He should, He still hears us. Psalm 55:16-17 says, “As for me, I call to God … and he hears my voice.”

How can we establish the confidence that John talked about. I believe confidence is established through relationship! If I need something from someone I have built a close relationship with, I am certain they will do their best.

There is one key element to what John says. Again, he says, “if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” It’s here that we learn that prayer is not about my will. It’s about God’s will.

Pastor E. Stanley Jones wrote, “If I throw out a boat hook from the boat and catch hold of the shore and pull, do I pull the shore to me, or do I pull myself to the shore? Prayer is not pulling God to my will, but the aligning of my will to the will of God. ”

I’m tempted when I pray to give God my grocery list of things I want him to provide and things I want him to do. Sometimes I even tell God how to solve my problems, as if he needs my help and guidance.

God designed prayer not so much so we could have the things we want . . . but so that we could have Him. Our goal in prayer is not to get what WE want but to become what HE wants.

Today’s Challenge: If you are struggling with prayer and wondering today if God is listening, be assured that God has promised to hear your prayers. In his way, in his time, and according to his will, he will answer.

#190: A Call to Holiness Feb 16, 2021

Show notes

A couple of weeks ago, I had a reconstructive surgery on my face to close the wound left by the removal of a large skin cancer. I arrived early at the surgery center to go through the pre-opp set up. At the appointed time, I was taken into the operating room where I met with the surgeon and the anesthesiologist. Once again, the surgeon explained the procedure and they began to apply the anesthesia. As I looked around the operating room I noticed how clean and sterile the room was.

As we all know, cleanliness is very important in the hospital. In fact, the closer you get to the operating room, the more important it is. Doctors in an operating room know that the smallest amount of impurity can contaminate the procedure. Great effort is made to sterilize the equipment so that all impurity is removed and no infection can set in.

If human doctors go through great detail in an operating room to make sure the environment is free from contamination, then it not to surprise us that God calls us to purity in our lives.

1 Peter 1:14-16 - “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

I know these aren’t popular verses today, but this is the Word of God to us. Peter calls us to live holy lives before the Lord.

So, what is holiness? What does it mean to be holy?

First, let’s look at the holiness of God. He is absolutely perfect. There is no trace of sin within him. He is high above us all. No one can compare to Him. God’s holiness spreads through His entire being and shapes all His attributes. His love is a holy love, His mercy is holy mercy, and even His anger and wrath are holy anger and holy wrath.

The biblical word “holiness” means to be “set apart.” In the Old Testament when God called the Israelites to be holy, it meant they were separate and distinct from the other nations as they served the one true God and obeyed his commands.

Today as believers, we need to be "set apart" from the world unto the Lord. We need to be living by God’s standards, not the world’s. God isn’t calling us to be perfect, but to be distinct from the world.

Our faith in Jesus calls for us to live by a different set of values than the unbelieving world around us. We seek to honor God by living lives that are obedient to His Word. We let God’s Word define morality. We don’t follow popular opinion, we follow the Word of God.

Listen to these words from 1 Peter once again. God is saying to us: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Here’s another interpretation. God says, “Be like me.” That’s right. God wants us to be like him. Holiness is at the essence of who God is, and God says, “Be like me.”

To be holy is to be like Jesus. It’s to be like Jesus in our attitude. It’s to be like Jesus in our thoughts. It’s to be like Jesus in our conversations. It’s to be like Jesus in our actions, choices, and decisions. It’s to be like Jesus in our motives, and in our character.

When I see people who have known my family for a long time, I often hear them say, “You look so much like your Dad.” It’s in my genes. There is a family resemblance. If you and I are Christians, there ought to be a family resemblance. God’s children ought to reflect their Heavenly Father to the world.

We want to live in such a way that God is honored and glorified in the way we live. With true humility in our hearts, let’s live so that others may see the Jesus who lives within us.

Today’s Challenge: Determine to let your daily prayer be, “Lord, I want to be more like you.” As we pray this prayer, the spirit of God will lead and guide us in each area of life.

#189: Joy in Adversity Feb 15, 2021

Show notes

A few years ago, Joni Eareckson Tada wrote an article called “Reflectons on the 50th Anniversary of My Diving Accident.”

Just shy of her 18th birthday, Joni Eareckson Tada dove into the Chesapeake Bay. The water was shallower than she realized and she hit her head, fracturing her spine. She has been paralyzed from the shoulders down ever since. This young woman with a bright future was now faced with a lifetime of apparent limitation and suffering. What would you expect her life to be like? How would you expect her to view her circumstances?

50 years later, here is what she wrote, ““...affliction isn’t a killjoy; I don’t think you could find a happier follower of Jesus than me. The more my paralysis helps me get disentangled from sin, the more joy bubbles up from within. I can’t tell you how many nights I have lain in bed, unable to move, stiff with pain, and have whispered near tears, ‘Oh, Jesus, I’m so happy. So very happy in you!’ God shares his joy on his terms only, and those terms call for us to suffer, in some measure, like his Son. I’ll gladly take it.”

Her experience reminds me of something the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:2-4 – “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”

In Philippians 1 Paul informs us that we can experience joy, even though we may be going through difficult times.

Usually we don’t think of the words joy and difficulty going together. We think of joy as an experience or a feeling we have when our circumstances are pleasant. Joy accompanies good times, not difficult times.

But part of our problem is that we have a narrow view of joy. Joy is something deeper than anything we have conceived with our minds. Joy comes from the Lord. It is a blessing that comes with having Christ in our lives. Joy is independent of circumstances.

Let’s talk about Paul for a moment:

•He is in jail in Philippi. He was in prison for preaching the good news about Jesus. Imagine how most of us would feel. What thoughts and emotions would you be fighting?

•His freedom has been taken away.

•He is unable to do what he loves to do

•His future (and his life) is uncertain

I don’t want you to miss something here: Paul is a bold example that things to do always go well in the lives of Christians. Times can be difficult. Circumstances are sometimes bad. Difficult times come to those who are living faithfully for God.

Paul rejoices because:

The palace guards are hearing the gospel
Chained to a guard…if replaced every four hours…he had a 6 different guards….captive audience.
Others are speaking God’s word with more courage and boldness.
What Paul is really saying to us is that he is now realizing that because of his present circumstances (chains) God is actually giving him greater influence and greater opportunities. The gospel is advancing more because of his chains than if he had been free.

I believe that Paul would say to us that no matter what you are facing today, you can choose to live in the joy of the Lord. You may not understand your circumstances, but you can trust that God is up to something.

Today’s Challenge: Choose joy in the midst of your adversity. Look for the hand of God at work in your life. Decide to be grateful anyway and let the joy of the Lord be your strength.

#188: A Name Above All Other Names Feb 14, 2021

Show notes

My wife and I are blessed with three daughters. While they are all just about grown now, I still remember those months before their birth when Linda and I were discussing names. I remember us purchasing a book at Barnes and Noble that lists all the popular names. We each read through the names and made lists of the names we liked. We narrowed it down to a few and had many discussions about the name we would give our child, a name she would carry with her for life.

If you read the Bible, you’ll be struck with the importance of names. Names are repeated. We have lists of genealogy tracking families back for many generations. I love it that the Bible gives clear details. It’s not obscure. The names track history.

But there is a name that leaps out of the pages of Scripture like no other. It is the name of our God. Just listen for a moment.

Proverbs 18:10 - The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

Psalm 20:7 - Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Normally when someone dies, their impact on this world begins to decline. Eventually, there is no one alive who knows your name. But it was different with Jesus. Jesus’ impact was greater 100 years after his death than during his life; it was greater still after 500 years; even more 1,000 years laters. But today, more than 2,000 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, it’s estimated that more than 2 billion people have confessed the name of Jesus. 120 in the upper room have led to 2 billion today because we have obeyed the great commission.

There is no name like the name Jesus. It is above every other name in significance, authority, and power. We acknowledge His lordship when we call upon His name.

In our culture today, it’s not uncommon to hear people use the name of Jesus as a curse word. In a moment of frustration people will say “Jesus Christ.” I cringe every time I hear someone do this. Your curse word is the name of my savior, the one I love, and the one who gave everything for me.

If there is any question in your mind about the importance, majesty, and power of the name of Jesus, listen to what the Apostle Paul says in Philippians 2:9-11…

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

List the names of the famous orators: Aristotle, Cicero, Socrates, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King Kr, and Ronald Regan. Their speeches have gone down in history, but there is one who when they speak, the winds and waves obey his voice. Sick bodies are healed, blind eye open, and the dead are raised.

Matthew 1 tells us that Mary and Jospeh did not give him his name. It was given to him by his heavenly Father. Matthew 1:21 - “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

The name Jesus means “Jehovah is salvation.” Every time the name of Jesus is spoken it speaks of his salvation.

Acts 4:12 - “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

At the name of Jesus every knee will bow. Every leader. Every President. Every king and queen. every ruler. every court justice. will bow. Every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Today’s Challenge: Join me today in expressing your worship and praise to the one whose name is above every other name. Make time to lift him up and to exalt him in worship.

#187: Being Slow to Speak Feb 13, 2021

Show notes

In 1866 a man named Alfred Nobel invented dynamite. He developed the explosive power of nitroglycerin in stick form so that it would be beneficial primarily in mining and demolition work. People began to use dynamite to clear debris for the building of roads and bridges. The power of dynamite had the ability to improve the progress of construction and the development of roads and communities. But soon, nations discovered how to use it for war. That same dynamite that was created to build society could also be used to destroy life by bombing an enemy. Alfred Nobel was so impacted by the negative use of dynamite that before he died, he bequeathed his vast fortune to the establishment of the Nobel Peace Prize. He didn’t want his legacy to be connected to destruction; he wanted it to be connected to peace.

Like Aldred Nobel, we too possess a great power. It’s a power that can be used for good, or a power that can be used for evil.

What is this power we possess? It is the power of our words. With our words, our attitude, and even the tone of our voice, we have the power to inspire, encourage, uplift, bless, motivate, and influence others. We also have the power to discourage, tear-down, devalue, hurt, wound, and offend others. Each one of us possesses this power.

In James 1:19-20 the Bible says, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

There has never been more communication than there is today. There have never been more outlets and opportunities to speak. I am painfully aware that everyday I have the opportunity to make a difference with my words. Regretfully, sometimes I fail. But I want to speak words of life, hope, encouragement, and blessing.

This doesn’t mean that I don’t speak the truth, quite the contrary. We speak truth, we share Christ, we point people to Scripture….but how we do it matters greatly. When I speak from a position of anger it usually closes the ears of my listener and I do more damage than good…even when my intent was to share truth.

James says we should be slow to speak. Let’s think this through. Slow to speak. Slow to react. Slow to respond. Slow to comment on social media. Slow to fire back a text. Slow to speak out of judgment, criticism, frustration, or anger. God’s Word is asking us to be slow to speak.

Proverbs 13:3 - “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”

Proverbs 10:19 - “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”

So, how can we honor God with our words and our conversations? A tool to help us slow down is a filter. You can filter your words by first asking a few questions. Consider what you are tempted to say and then answer these questions:

Is it helpful?
Does it build others up?
Does it benefit the listener?
What is my motive in speaking?
Am I speaking from a place of anger?
Are my words critical and judgmental?
Am I using wisdom as I speak?

We might be tempted to say, “It’s the truth, so I’m going to say it.” But the Holy Spirit wants to guide, not only what we say, but how we say it. Remember the fruit of the Spirit. These character traits are the ongoing evidence of the Spirit of God in our lives. God wants us to grow in the fruit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We can apply all of these character traits to how we speak whether it’s verbal or in written form.

Today’s Challenge: We desperately need to help of the Holy Spirit to become slow in our speaking. Make some time to pray and ask God for his help and his wisdom. Today you’ll have the opportunity to practice this new skill. May God give you strength.

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