Judge Yourselves

Romans 14:10-12

Why do I judge you, when I see flaws in myself? Why do I take time to worry about your life, when mine has its own issues? Why do you get away with the same things I’ve been punished for doing? Why is it so hard to leave you alone, and focus on me? These are valid questions that come from those who have devalued their self-worth. When a man knows his place in God, he’ll spend most of his time working to keep himself humble, and less time worrying about others and their issues or criticisms.

The time will come, when all men will stand before God, and give account of himself, and how he lived in the earth. So, rather than waste precious time concerning yourself with the affairs of others, and how they choose to live, keep your mind on the things of Christ. This way, your inevitable meeting with the Father will be peaceful and pleasant, rather than hopeless and dreadful.

“Real men don’t make excuses, they make adjustments”

-Ell

Evil Tidings

Psalm 112:7

What do you do, when someone brings you bad news? Whether the tidings be true, or the usual talebearing, our first instinct should be to keep our trust in the Lord. Rather than becoming uptight and nervous over bad news, when we are consistent in our faith, evil tidings should only push us closer to God. The world, and some church folk, seem to be fascinated with keeping up mess, and spreading bad news is something they look forward to. But, those who walk in holiness are encouraged to speak those things that edify, rather than tear down.

The Butterfly Song

If I were a butterfly
I’d thank you Lord for giving me wings
If I were a robin in a tree
I’d thank you Lord that I could sing
If I were a fish in the sea
I’d wiggle my tail and I’d giggle with glee
But I just thank you Father for making me, me

For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me, me

If I were an elephant
I’d thank you Lord by raising my trunk
If I were a kangaroo
You know I’d hop right up to you

If I were an octopus
I’d thank you Lord for my fine looks
But I just thank you Father for making me, me

If I were a wiggly worm
I’d thank you Lord that I could squirm
If I were a fuzzy, wuzzy bear
I’d thank you Lord for my fuzzy, wuzzy hair

If I were a crocodile
I’d thank you Lord for my great smile
But I just thank you Father for
making me, me

For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me, me

(Written and composed by Brian M. Howard 1980)

Listen And Live

Psalm 81

If the children of Isreal had only listened to, and obeyed the commands of the Lord, they would have avoided years of unnecessary shame and punishment. Their lives would have been completely different, had they not ignored the voice of God, while heedind to strange gods, and seducing spirits. What was so fascinating about worldly lusts, that drew them away from the God who performed many mighty works before their own eyes? What more could they have wanted God to do for them, when He had already delivered them from bondage, sustained their health, garments, and wealth for years? Our texts reads, if the people had only hearkened to the Lord, and walked in His ways, He would have subdued their enemies, and turned His hand against their adversaries. God called His own people, “haters”, because they literally loved the world, and hated His ways.

Are you in a position in life, where things could have turned out better, if you had only listened to, and obeyed God’s word? Unlike the children of Israel, we are still alive to change our ways. Take a moment now to talk to God (as you would a loving Father), and apologize for allowing other things to take priority in your life over Him. Then, make it your business, to always seek first the kingdom of God, so that your next outcome will benefit from God’s favor, and not His judgment.

A Ride With The Devil

Matthew 4

Have you ever wondered, why Jesus willingly tagged along with the “tempter”, after He had fasted 40 days, and was hungry? We are taught in James 4:7 to submit ourselves to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from us. Rather than resist the devil, Jesus allowed the devil to take Him along on a short journey, with hopes of tempting Him to disobey the will of God, His Father.

Jesus has always been submitted to God, so why would He freely tag along with the very one who caused man to sin in the beginning? Contrary to worldly belief, the enemy has absolutely no power to stand against the Son of God. In fact, satan has already been condemned to the pit of hell, then eventually will spend his eternity in the lake that burns with fire. I have come to believe, Jesus allowed the devil to tempt Him, in order to show the children of God how to handle themselves whenever their seasons of tempting comes. The most effective way to stand against any attack of the enemy is, utilize the word of God as your countermeasure. Every situation satan presented to Jesus, He used God’s word to shut down his wicked motives and intentions.

The body of believers will most certainly be tempted during their lifetime, but using the word of God when faced with difficult times, will prove effective to counter anything that’s intended to sway them from the truth.