Speak with purpose!

Do we speak words of life and truth?

When Jesus spoke, all the people hung on his words (Luke 19:48). He didn’t always say what they wanted to hear or what they were accustomed to hear, but somehow His words were interesting and thought provoking. That makes me think…
Do people listen with interest when I speak? Do I speak words of life and truth? This is certainly one area in our daily existence that needs constant guidance and correction. If we speak, we should do it with His example in mind. Personally, I want people to walk away elevated, encouraged and enlightened after we had a conversation; not wondering what in the world that was all about. I will try to speak with purpose! Colossians 4:6 calls us,

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Question from Jesus

LIVIN' IT!
The majority of Christians doesn't seem too excited about God's law. Books about the subject have a tendency to be boring and most teachings ... well, most teachings we have heard too often. Maybe you do not even expect to receive revelation on the ancient words. I have discovered, however, that there is always more to learn about God's word and His commandments. The books I am writing testify to that. God's word is so refreshing!

For example, Jesus had an interesting way to point believers to fulfillment of the law as a way of life (livin' it). One day a man asked Him how to inherit eternal life. Well, Jesus knew for sure that He Himself was the way, the truth and the life, but that is not what He told the man (bummer... wouldn't that have been convenient?) He answers the man's question with a question and in doing so He makes the man think and urges him into action:

What is written in the law? How do you read it? (Luke 10:26)

He did not say, what do the commentaries say, what does the priest say, what does your theology say? No, his question was very personal: how do YOU read it? I think His question is the same for us today. It is not about what others say about the Law, it is about what the Bible says about it and the way we read it, the way we receive it. We should make it our goal to read the Bible that way and always ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth to us!

Prayer against fear

Jesus had some weird messages

One of Jesus’ boldest statements and commands can be captured in two words: ‘fear not’. His words almost sound like a cruel joke. Fear not? That’s like telling someone who is sinking not to drown. One look at today’s headlines tells me there are many things to fear, such as epidemics, terrorism, foreclosures, and cancer, just to name a few. Only a heart of stone would be untouched and unshaken by such scares. So, was Jesus mistaken or did He take things too lightly? I don’t think so, His messages were sometimes weird, but always serious; don’t fear the things of the world, fear God! Put all of your energy there!
David prayed sincerely

Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
(Psalm 86:11)

May that be your prayer today!