Key Verse:
(21)Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to the mountain, go throw yourself into the sea and it will be done.(22)If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
(Matthew 21:21-22)
Central Truth:
Mountains in our path are God's way of refining our faith.
MOVING MOUNTAINS
As believers in Christ, we all know that mountains will be placed in our paths.
On October 31, 2006, a huge mountain was placed in my path. Life was moving along great when suddenly I had to make a decision about the path of my career. I had to decide if I was to continue doing the job that I had been doing for six years and was comfortable with or change to a completely new career. The only way I knew to get around this mountain was through prayer and faith in God. My prayer was not for me to get the new job, but for God's guidance and wisdom in making the decision. The verse states that all things will be given to you if you ask God and have faith. We are not to pray for our own selfish desires. Prayer is not a way to "get what we want" but is a way to seek God's will in our lives. During this time, God placed many people and opportunities in my path that pointed me in the direction that I felt that God was leading me. Without prayer and the faith in God during this time, I know that I would not have been able to move the mountain of confusion that was in front of me.
If we doubt God, we should not expect God to answer mountain moving prayers. When we doubt, we are doubting God's promises and His abilities. Faith must accompany your prayers because only God can move mountains.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Jan. 28, 2010
Key Verse:
Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
(Matthew 20:34)
Central Truth:
Jesus “sees” the unseen and changes their lives. We are called to do the same.
WE JUST DON’T GET IT
I find myself repeating things, a lot. “Pick up those toys! Get your pajamas on! Stop fighting! JUST LEAVE EACH OTHER ALONE!!” I often become frustrated with how often I have to repeat simple instructions,
“I asked you to pick your books up off of the floor.”
“Books?”
“Yes, your books right there. Would you please pick them up?”
“Oh, I didn’t know you meant those books.”
I want to let out a loud, “AAAARRGGGHH!” I stifle this urge. I then find myself wondering if Jesus had (or has) to stifle the urge as well?
In the chapters leading up to Matthew 20, Jesus has been teaching his disciples about reward, grace, humility, and serving. Yet, the disciples are still arguing and vying for position within the Kingdom where they know the first shall be last! How many times must he tell them?! Good grief! James and John even have their mom doing their dirty work!
Jesus and the disciples are leaving Jericho with a large crowd of people following them. As they pass, Jesus is called by two blind men, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” These men are outcasts, unseen by many, if not all who walked by them. Needy, unable to work, they sat by the road begging for help. When they called out to Jesus, the crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet. Basically, the crowd reinforced the idea that these men had no value and were not worthy to have their needs met. Jesus looked at these two needy, blind and unseen men and asked them what they wanted. When was the last time these men were asked that? Asked anything?
“Jesus had compassion on them” and touched them. Wow! Who touches beggars on the street? “Immediately they received their sight and followed him.” Now, this is what Jesus has been talking about! This is serving! Through compassion Jesus met a physical need that carried into the men’s spiritual lives. He didn’t do it because it was the “right thing," because he had the means, or because he was obligated or felt guilty. These men followed Jesus because he served them out of the compassion of his heart, and it changed their lives.
Jesus has to repeatedly show us how to do this because we don’t always get it. There are unseen needs and people in our lives everyday. Unfortunately, I am often too busy or inwardly focused to see these needs. He showed us how to serve so we could see what serving looked like and follow his lead.
Where can you meet an “unseen” need? How can you and I touch someone with compassion? It may be little like changing a tire or cleaning a sick woman’s bathroom. It can be big like filling a pantry with groceries or giving someone a car. Filling unseen needs changes people’s lives, including our own. When done with compassion and humility it can also point people to Jesus.
Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
(Matthew 20:34)
Central Truth:
Jesus “sees” the unseen and changes their lives. We are called to do the same.
WE JUST DON’T GET IT
I find myself repeating things, a lot. “Pick up those toys! Get your pajamas on! Stop fighting! JUST LEAVE EACH OTHER ALONE!!” I often become frustrated with how often I have to repeat simple instructions,
“I asked you to pick your books up off of the floor.”
“Books?”
“Yes, your books right there. Would you please pick them up?”
“Oh, I didn’t know you meant those books.”
I want to let out a loud, “AAAARRGGGHH!” I stifle this urge. I then find myself wondering if Jesus had (or has) to stifle the urge as well?
In the chapters leading up to Matthew 20, Jesus has been teaching his disciples about reward, grace, humility, and serving. Yet, the disciples are still arguing and vying for position within the Kingdom where they know the first shall be last! How many times must he tell them?! Good grief! James and John even have their mom doing their dirty work!
Jesus and the disciples are leaving Jericho with a large crowd of people following them. As they pass, Jesus is called by two blind men, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” These men are outcasts, unseen by many, if not all who walked by them. Needy, unable to work, they sat by the road begging for help. When they called out to Jesus, the crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet. Basically, the crowd reinforced the idea that these men had no value and were not worthy to have their needs met. Jesus looked at these two needy, blind and unseen men and asked them what they wanted. When was the last time these men were asked that? Asked anything?
“Jesus had compassion on them” and touched them. Wow! Who touches beggars on the street? “Immediately they received their sight and followed him.” Now, this is what Jesus has been talking about! This is serving! Through compassion Jesus met a physical need that carried into the men’s spiritual lives. He didn’t do it because it was the “right thing," because he had the means, or because he was obligated or felt guilty. These men followed Jesus because he served them out of the compassion of his heart, and it changed their lives.
Jesus has to repeatedly show us how to do this because we don’t always get it. There are unseen needs and people in our lives everyday. Unfortunately, I am often too busy or inwardly focused to see these needs. He showed us how to serve so we could see what serving looked like and follow his lead.
Where can you meet an “unseen” need? How can you and I touch someone with compassion? It may be little like changing a tire or cleaning a sick woman’s bathroom. It can be big like filling a pantry with groceries or giving someone a car. Filling unseen needs changes people’s lives, including our own. When done with compassion and humility it can also point people to Jesus.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Jan. 27, 2010
Key Verse:
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
(Matthew 19:26)
Central Truth:
With God all things are possible, even saving a terrible marriage.
IT IS POSSIBLE
There was a time divorce was bad. When the word was spoken it was whispered, "divorce" - sort of like "cancer." Today divorce is treated as an alternative to marriage. It is a simple "out" to an unpleasant situation. You can even start the process on the internet. I bet there is an app for that.
If divorce is not an issue with you right now, remember one thing: Divorce is not what God wants; it is a sin regardless of the situation.
In verse 6 Jesus said, "Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” The sentence ends with a period. It does not say, "let man not separate unless your are unhappy or unless your spouse is a jerk or unless your spouse has been unfaithful."
The Bible does not give an out to a bad marriage. It gives an in for another marriage, if your spouse was unfaithful. That is a key point many couples unfortunately gloss over. God put you together; he wants you to stay that way.
"But, he cheated on me. I will never trust him again." "But, she does not respect me. I can’t live like that." Really???? On your own, probably not. Over 50% of married couples can’t do it on their own either. "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Mt. 19:26).
So what do you do? Get your Bible out, go to websites that will guide you, and see what the Bible says about Divorce, Marriage, Love, Faith, Trust. Let time pass, Learn what God wants you to do, seek Christian counseling, and let someone listen to your concerns and guide you. Is this guaranteed to save a marriage? No. My first marriage ended. But when it did, I knew God still loved me, and He would forgive me. Now, He has blessed me with a wonderful wife and daughter.
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
(Matthew 19:26)
Central Truth:
With God all things are possible, even saving a terrible marriage.
IT IS POSSIBLE
There was a time divorce was bad. When the word was spoken it was whispered, "divorce" - sort of like "cancer." Today divorce is treated as an alternative to marriage. It is a simple "out" to an unpleasant situation. You can even start the process on the internet. I bet there is an app for that.
If divorce is not an issue with you right now, remember one thing: Divorce is not what God wants; it is a sin regardless of the situation.
In verse 6 Jesus said, "Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” The sentence ends with a period. It does not say, "let man not separate unless your are unhappy or unless your spouse is a jerk or unless your spouse has been unfaithful."
The Bible does not give an out to a bad marriage. It gives an in for another marriage, if your spouse was unfaithful. That is a key point many couples unfortunately gloss over. God put you together; he wants you to stay that way.
"But, he cheated on me. I will never trust him again." "But, she does not respect me. I can’t live like that." Really???? On your own, probably not. Over 50% of married couples can’t do it on their own either. "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Mt. 19:26).
So what do you do? Get your Bible out, go to websites that will guide you, and see what the Bible says about Divorce, Marriage, Love, Faith, Trust. Let time pass, Learn what God wants you to do, seek Christian counseling, and let someone listen to your concerns and guide you. Is this guaranteed to save a marriage? No. My first marriage ended. But when it did, I knew God still loved me, and He would forgive me. Now, He has blessed me with a wonderful wife and daughter.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Jan. 26, 2010
Key Verses:
The disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Jesus called a little child to him and placed the child among them. Then he said, I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
(Matthew 18:3-4)
Central Truth:
The path to find spiritual greatness is through humility, not worldly pride.
KING OF THE MOUNTAIN
I can just envision the disciples strutting up to Jesus with their chest bowed out, asking, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?“ Much to their dismay, Jesus’ answer wasn’t the disciple who had the biggest boat, the designer fishing pole, or even the one who had caught the most fish. His answer was simple. A child.
This lesson in humility reminds me of the childhood game, “King of the Mountain” that my brothers and I use to play on a pile of sand behind our house. The object of the game was to fight to get to the top of the hill to be declared “king” of the backyard kingdom. Once someone became king, the others would gang up on the new king and knock him off his throne. This was a constant, ugly cycle that usually ended with all of us piled at the bottom with scraped knees and mouths full of sad. So much for greatness!
One of my favorite stories in the Old Testament is about King Nebuchadnezzar who was the king of his own mountain in Babylon. One day, he was hanging out in his palace admiring the greatness of his kingdom. He declared that Babylon’s greatness all came to pass by his own might and for his own glory. “Is not this great Babylon that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” (Dan 4:29) Before King Neb had finished his gloating, God stepped in and knocked him off his royal mountain. “While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven: 'King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you.'” (Dan 4:31) Ouch! Next thing old King Neb knew, he was eating grass with the oxen.
I must admit that my old childhood game has crept into my adult life many times. Like the disciples and King Neb, I have often been consumed with my earthly kingdom and getting to the top of society’s mountain. Worldly pride has tempted me to lose sight of God’s divine purpose. God’s purpose is for me and for you to be totally consumed with Him and not with status or stuff. He is calling all of us to put aside our childish pride and to have child-like humility.
In his book, Humility: True Greatness, C.J. Mahaney describes the world’s definition of greatness as, “motivated by self-interest, self-indulgence, and a false sense of self-sufficiency pursuing selfish ambition for the pursuit of self-glorification.” In the words of our Savior, Jesus describes greatness with the simplicity of a child. “Whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 18:4)
My prayer is that this biblical truth will break us of worldly pride. I pray that you and I will seek greatness through humility to show the world the glory of God.
The disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Jesus called a little child to him and placed the child among them. Then he said, I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
(Matthew 18:3-4)
Central Truth:
The path to find spiritual greatness is through humility, not worldly pride.
KING OF THE MOUNTAIN
I can just envision the disciples strutting up to Jesus with their chest bowed out, asking, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?“ Much to their dismay, Jesus’ answer wasn’t the disciple who had the biggest boat, the designer fishing pole, or even the one who had caught the most fish. His answer was simple. A child.
This lesson in humility reminds me of the childhood game, “King of the Mountain” that my brothers and I use to play on a pile of sand behind our house. The object of the game was to fight to get to the top of the hill to be declared “king” of the backyard kingdom. Once someone became king, the others would gang up on the new king and knock him off his throne. This was a constant, ugly cycle that usually ended with all of us piled at the bottom with scraped knees and mouths full of sad. So much for greatness!
One of my favorite stories in the Old Testament is about King Nebuchadnezzar who was the king of his own mountain in Babylon. One day, he was hanging out in his palace admiring the greatness of his kingdom. He declared that Babylon’s greatness all came to pass by his own might and for his own glory. “Is not this great Babylon that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” (Dan 4:29) Before King Neb had finished his gloating, God stepped in and knocked him off his royal mountain. “While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven: 'King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you.'” (Dan 4:31) Ouch! Next thing old King Neb knew, he was eating grass with the oxen.
I must admit that my old childhood game has crept into my adult life many times. Like the disciples and King Neb, I have often been consumed with my earthly kingdom and getting to the top of society’s mountain. Worldly pride has tempted me to lose sight of God’s divine purpose. God’s purpose is for me and for you to be totally consumed with Him and not with status or stuff. He is calling all of us to put aside our childish pride and to have child-like humility.
In his book, Humility: True Greatness, C.J. Mahaney describes the world’s definition of greatness as, “motivated by self-interest, self-indulgence, and a false sense of self-sufficiency pursuing selfish ambition for the pursuit of self-glorification.” In the words of our Savior, Jesus describes greatness with the simplicity of a child. “Whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 18:4)
My prayer is that this biblical truth will break us of worldly pride. I pray that you and I will seek greatness through humility to show the world the glory of God.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Jan. 25, 2010
Key Verse:
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
(Matthew 17:20)
Central Truth:
Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is all we need in today's world. He alone will get us through everything that is put in our path.
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES ?
Jesus tells His disciples that they could not drive out demons because they were relying on their own ability, not God's ability. How often do you feel that you can handle things on your own? How often do you get upset and angry when things don't go your way? Well, if you are like me--it happens more often than you would like to admit. This does not make us "bad people." But, just think how much more we could accomplish knowing that Christ was in the middle with us.
The Webster's Dictionary definition of faith is "belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence." That is, believing in things that have not been seen or proven.
One of my daily readings, From the Edge, my mission trip journal for Matamoros, Mexico, was entitled "Not by Sight." The overall theme was what if, instead of letting what we see determine what we do, we let our faith be what drives our actions? God wants us to walk by faith and not by sight. God has an amazing adventure for all of us. But how much of this adventure have we missed because we chose to look at a situation with our own human eyes rather than eyes of faith? We need to trust God's promises more than we trust ourselves.
Today, try to expand your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Spend some time praying and asking God to increase your faith. Turn over all of your cares and worries to Him knowing that He will take care of them. And let FAITH be what determines your thoughts, words and actions. What mountains are you allowing to stand in your way because of your lack of faith?
Prayer: Lord, I pray for boldness to be faithful to you always. God give me the faith to turn over my fears, problems and insecurities to you and to know that You will walk through the storm with me and never leave my side. Thank you Lord Jesus for always being there to carry me. Help my faith in you grow so that I may share it with others and someday maybe help them move their mountains.
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
(Matthew 17:20)
Central Truth:
Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is all we need in today's world. He alone will get us through everything that is put in our path.
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES ?
Jesus tells His disciples that they could not drive out demons because they were relying on their own ability, not God's ability. How often do you feel that you can handle things on your own? How often do you get upset and angry when things don't go your way? Well, if you are like me--it happens more often than you would like to admit. This does not make us "bad people." But, just think how much more we could accomplish knowing that Christ was in the middle with us.
The Webster's Dictionary definition of faith is "belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence." That is, believing in things that have not been seen or proven.
One of my daily readings, From the Edge, my mission trip journal for Matamoros, Mexico, was entitled "Not by Sight." The overall theme was what if, instead of letting what we see determine what we do, we let our faith be what drives our actions? God wants us to walk by faith and not by sight. God has an amazing adventure for all of us. But how much of this adventure have we missed because we chose to look at a situation with our own human eyes rather than eyes of faith? We need to trust God's promises more than we trust ourselves.
Today, try to expand your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Spend some time praying and asking God to increase your faith. Turn over all of your cares and worries to Him knowing that He will take care of them. And let FAITH be what determines your thoughts, words and actions. What mountains are you allowing to stand in your way because of your lack of faith?
Prayer: Lord, I pray for boldness to be faithful to you always. God give me the faith to turn over my fears, problems and insecurities to you and to know that You will walk through the storm with me and never leave my side. Thank you Lord Jesus for always being there to carry me. Help my faith in you grow so that I may share it with others and someday maybe help them move their mountains.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Jan. 22, 2010
Key Verse:
"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it."
(Matthew 16:25)
Central Truth:
True living is only found through a life in Christ.
LOSING LIFE IN ORDER TO FIND LIFE
There is a tremendous difference between existing and living. On the surface, that sentence states a very obvious fact. Living a fulfilling life is certainly better than living an unfulfilling life. What is the definition of "living" though? That depends on whether we take a worldly viewpoint or we look to Christ for our answer.
Our key verse today, Matthew 16:25, states that "whoever wants to save his life will lose it." Jesus is not referring to physically saving ourselves. Instead, he is speaking of our tendency to make decisions from the standpoint of searching for ease and comfort for ourselves only. When we do that, we lose what makes life worthwhile. Jesus states that people who reach outside themselves and take risks for Him are the ones who actually find true life.
God is probably not going to call us to sell our possessions, quit our jobs, and jet overseas to do foreign mission work. That is His plan for some but not most. We already live on fertile ministry ground. God's call for us to reach outside ourselves and live for Him could lead us to places such as our church, our community, or even our families. He wants our hearts and souls to be completely centered in Him so that we are constantly aware of His leading and direction for our lives, wherever that may take us.
Opening ourselves to total obedience and service to God takes practice -- and nerve. We naturally fear what His call for us might be. Who are we, though, to think that we can carve a life for ourselves that is superior to the great plan our Creator has for us? He loves us beyond our earthly comprehension. Allowing God to achieve His plan through us will lead us to joy, contentment, and true fullness of life.
"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it."
(Matthew 16:25)
Central Truth:
True living is only found through a life in Christ.
LOSING LIFE IN ORDER TO FIND LIFE
There is a tremendous difference between existing and living. On the surface, that sentence states a very obvious fact. Living a fulfilling life is certainly better than living an unfulfilling life. What is the definition of "living" though? That depends on whether we take a worldly viewpoint or we look to Christ for our answer.
Our key verse today, Matthew 16:25, states that "whoever wants to save his life will lose it." Jesus is not referring to physically saving ourselves. Instead, he is speaking of our tendency to make decisions from the standpoint of searching for ease and comfort for ourselves only. When we do that, we lose what makes life worthwhile. Jesus states that people who reach outside themselves and take risks for Him are the ones who actually find true life.
God is probably not going to call us to sell our possessions, quit our jobs, and jet overseas to do foreign mission work. That is His plan for some but not most. We already live on fertile ministry ground. God's call for us to reach outside ourselves and live for Him could lead us to places such as our church, our community, or even our families. He wants our hearts and souls to be completely centered in Him so that we are constantly aware of His leading and direction for our lives, wherever that may take us.
Opening ourselves to total obedience and service to God takes practice -- and nerve. We naturally fear what His call for us might be. Who are we, though, to think that we can carve a life for ourselves that is superior to the great plan our Creator has for us? He loves us beyond our earthly comprehension. Allowing God to achieve His plan through us will lead us to joy, contentment, and true fullness of life.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Jan. 21, 2010
Key Verse:
"What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.'"
(Matthew 15:11)
Central Truth:
What is in my heart is reflected in my speech. I need to choose words and topics that are encouraging and reflect Jesus.
THE MOUTH TRAP
As a young person, I attended Sunday School every Sunday morning, and I paid attention most of those Sundays. I'm sure that many times I remembered my lessons and my Bible verses for a few days after hearing them, but there is only one lesson that I can still recall to this day.
Our teacher, Mrs. Betty Carroll, gathered a our group of pre-adolescent 5th grade girls around a table in the center of the room. She handed one of us a tube of toothpaste and instructed her to squeeze out as much as she could onto a napkin on the table. The girl took great delight in squeezing the tube, and we all laughed as she made designs (and a big mess) with the blue goo. "Now," she told us, "put the toothpaste back in the tube and clean up the mess." We looked at her and at each other and back to the big pile of snakey goo. "There's no way!" we protested. It was impossible to get more than just a drop or two of the toothpaste back into the tube. "This is what it's like when you gossip," Mrs. Betty said calmly. "What goes out of your mouth can never be put back in."
In this scripture, Jesus says that what comes out of the mouth is a reflection of what is in the heart. He lists some of the "big" sins (the ones we think are so far beneath us): murder, adultery, sexual immorality, and theft. Maybe those don't resonate with you, but he also includes false testimony and slander - definitely from the mouth and definitely a reflection of an unclean heart. Ouch. A little closer to home.
Let what comes out of your heart and mouth reflect Jesus today. To be able to do that, your heart has got to reflect Him. What fills your heart will be what comes out of your mouth. Invite Christ to fill your heart. Then, ask Him to lock your jaw shut when it comes to passing along that "interesting" office rumor or the juicy tid-bit about the room mom. Use your words to encourage and build-up your children and your friends. Whatever comes out of your mouth today can never be inhaled back in. Make the most of it.
"What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.'"
(Matthew 15:11)
Central Truth:
What is in my heart is reflected in my speech. I need to choose words and topics that are encouraging and reflect Jesus.
THE MOUTH TRAP
As a young person, I attended Sunday School every Sunday morning, and I paid attention most of those Sundays. I'm sure that many times I remembered my lessons and my Bible verses for a few days after hearing them, but there is only one lesson that I can still recall to this day.
Our teacher, Mrs. Betty Carroll, gathered a our group of pre-adolescent 5th grade girls around a table in the center of the room. She handed one of us a tube of toothpaste and instructed her to squeeze out as much as she could onto a napkin on the table. The girl took great delight in squeezing the tube, and we all laughed as she made designs (and a big mess) with the blue goo. "Now," she told us, "put the toothpaste back in the tube and clean up the mess." We looked at her and at each other and back to the big pile of snakey goo. "There's no way!" we protested. It was impossible to get more than just a drop or two of the toothpaste back into the tube. "This is what it's like when you gossip," Mrs. Betty said calmly. "What goes out of your mouth can never be put back in."
In this scripture, Jesus says that what comes out of the mouth is a reflection of what is in the heart. He lists some of the "big" sins (the ones we think are so far beneath us): murder, adultery, sexual immorality, and theft. Maybe those don't resonate with you, but he also includes false testimony and slander - definitely from the mouth and definitely a reflection of an unclean heart. Ouch. A little closer to home.
Let what comes out of your heart and mouth reflect Jesus today. To be able to do that, your heart has got to reflect Him. What fills your heart will be what comes out of your mouth. Invite Christ to fill your heart. Then, ask Him to lock your jaw shut when it comes to passing along that "interesting" office rumor or the juicy tid-bit about the room mom. Use your words to encourage and build-up your children and your friends. Whatever comes out of your mouth today can never be inhaled back in. Make the most of it.
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