encouragement

17
Mar
2024
Overflow of the Heart: Guarding Our Speech

Overflow of the Heart: Guarding Our Speech

Revealing Words

“You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” – Matthew 12:34 (NIV)

In this verse, Jesus addresses the root of our speech – the condition of our hearts.

He reminds us that our words are a reflection of what truly fills us, whether good or evil.

Heart’s Condition

Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to bring life or to inflict harm. But they are merely symptoms of a deeper reality – the state of our inner being.

If our hearts are filled with bitterness, envy, or selfishness, our speech will inevitably reflect those qualities.

The Need for Transformation

As followers of Christ, we are called to cultivate hearts that are aligned with the love and compassion of our Savior.

We must allow God’s truth to penetrate the deepest parts of our being, transforming us from the inside out.

Guarded Tongue

When our hearts are renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit, our speech will naturally follow suit.

We will find ourselves speaking words of encouragement, grace, and truth, as we reflect the character of Christ to those around us.

But this process requires vigilance. We must guard our hearts and minds against the influences that would corrupt them, and be intentional about filling ourselves with the Word of God and the things that are pure, noble, and praiseworthy.

May your speech be a testimony to the transformative work of Christ within you, as you strive to let your words flow from a heart that is fully devoted to Him.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Discipline, Holiness, Humility
02
Mar
2024
Set Your Mind on Things Above

Set Your Mind on Things Above

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)

Transcending the Temporal

As we go about our daily lives, it’s easy to become consumed by earthly concerns – jobs, money, possessions, problems.

These things demand our attention and weigh heavily on our minds. However, Paul exhorts us to lift our thoughts above the temporal things of this world.

Rather than focusing downward on the fleeting things on earth, we are called to gaze upward and set our minds on the eternal realities of God’s kingdom.

We must transcend the temporal mindset that traps us in trivial anxieties. Our perspective should be heavenly, not earthly.

Visualizing Our Eternal Destiny

What does it mean to set our minds on things above? Certainly we must think deeply about our Lord – His character, His promises, His works. But more so, we must visualize by faith the glorious future that awaits all God’s children.

Picture in your mind the splendors of heaven – the radiance, the joy, the beauty beyond measure. Envision the coming Day when you’ll see Christ face to face, perfected in His presence.

When our thoughts are occupied and enthralled by these coming eternal realities, our earthly troubles fade into proper perspective.

Living in Light of Eternity

Setting our minds above transforms how we live each day. Material possessions lose their grip as we realize our true treasures await in heaven.

Status and fame seem foolish pursuits when our names are already written for eternity in God’s book.

Even painful earthly troubles become light and momentary when weighed against the coming glory. By keeping our eyes fixed on the unseen eternal world, we can walk through this present darkness with hope, courage and purpose.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Thankfulness
01
Mar
2024
Sovereign Lord

Sovereign Lord

“Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.” (Acts 4:24)

As we read this verse, we are reminded of the awe-inspiring power of our God. He created absolutely everything – from the vast expanses of outer space, to the deepest oceans, to the tiniest microorganisms.

His creative abilities know no bounds. When we ponder the intricacies of His creation, it can only fill us with wonder.

Our Sovereign Lord holds ultimate authority over all He has made. He governs the universe and sustains all of life by His divine power. We can take great comfort in knowing that such an all-powerful Being cares deeply for us.

Even when chaotic storms arise in our lives, we need not fear, for our Lord reigns over every detail.

Unshakable Kingdom

What confidence and hope this truth instills in us as children of God! Though worldly kingdoms and rulers will crumble in due time, our Sovereign Lord’s kingdom shall never be shaken.

While others scramble after temporary power and riches, we can live at peace knowing our eternal destiny rests securely in His hands.

No agenda conceived in the halls of governments can overturn His purposes. No military force can overwhelm His angelic armies.

There is no philosophical argument can undermine the truth of His Word. Our Lord sits enthroned in the heavens; His rule and reign shall continue unhindered forever.

Our Eternal Security

We must continually renew our perspective and align our thoughts with this transcendent reality. When we face hardships, let us remember the one who spoke light into existence can certainly illuminate our darkness.

When we feel weak, let us draw strength from He who flung stars into space and still sustains them. Our security rests in Him alone.

As adopted heirs to His kingdom, we need not strive for status, provision or stability – these are gifts granted by His grace.

Our calling is simply to align our hearts with His – to love Him, trust Him, worship Him. He shall supply all our needs, now and for eternity.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Prayer
14
Feb
2024
Taming the Tongue

Taming the Tongue

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” James 1:26

The Heart’s Overflow

In this sobering verse, James warns that unchecked speech exposes worthless religion.

Our tongues reveal the true state of our hearts. If our faith lacks authenticity, our mouths will betray us. They overflow with bitter criticism, gossip, lies, and impurity, exposing our spiritual bankruptcy. But the redeemed heart produces good fruit – words of grace, truth, encouragement, and worship.

Does your speech bless others and glorify God?

Or does a restless tongue reveal a wayward soul?

Pray for the Spirit to purify your heart’s wellspring. As you abide in Christ, your words will refresh many.

Danger of Verbal Toxins

Like toxic chemicals poured into a river, our unwholesome words pollute relationships and poison our witness. James says such careless language deceives us about our spiritual state.

We think ourselves godly while inflicting harm with verbal daggers. But true religion requires control of the tongue. With God’s help we can harness its potential for blessing rather than cursing.

Ask Him to check any impulse toward gossip, complaining, deception, or retaliation. Make your speech a fountain of life! Guard your mouth; season words with grace.

You will be amazed what fruit a tamed tongue can bear.

Choosing Edification

If our words regularly tear down rather than build up, something is amiss in our hearts. The Spirit produces speech meant to edify and benefit those who hear (Ephesians 4:29).

God calls us to speak words of hope, truth, wisdom, gratitude, and testimony of His goodness. Through Spirit-empowered speech, we point others toward Christ.

We must tune our ears to Identify speech that dishonors God and redirect it toward praise. Pause frequently to ask, “Do my words build up or inflict harm?” Then adjust accordingly.

Blessing of Listening

Lastly, full control of the tongue requires learning the art of listening. We must temper our desire to be heard with an openness to understand others.

The book of James exhorts us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19). Humility listens well. Choose to limit monologues and self-focused chatter. Offer your full attention when others speak.

Seek clarification before passing judgement. Listening earns the right to be heard. It fosters understanding and demonstrates Christlike honor.

As you listen deeply today, your words will be fewer but full of wisdom.

Tongue’s Power and Potential

Our tongues hold immense power, for good or evil. With the same mouth we can worship God or wound people. James likens the tongue to a small rudder steering a great ship or a spark igniting a forest fire.

Like a restless evil, it needs constant guarding. But controlled and consecrated to God, our speech blesses multitudes. Words heal wounds, lift hearts, spread truth and joy.

Determine today that your tongue will build up Christ’s kingdom. Yield it to the Spirit’s cleansing fire and fruitful purpose.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
12
Jan
2024
Exhort One Another Daily

Exhort One Another Daily

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

Hebrews 3:13

Like taking a daily vitamin, we all need regular encouragement to thrive and avoid spiritual malnourishment. The writer of Hebrews prescribes daily exhortation as the preventative medicine that combats hardening of the heart.

Sin’s deceit, disappointments, and the strain of everyday life tend to harden our hearts over time if left unchecked. Ongoing encouragement provides the antidote to this gradual petrifaction. It softens and revives weary souls.

As believers, we have the privilege and responsibility to spur each other on daily through uplifting words, texts, notes, or other expressions of care. This daily vitamin of encouragement fortifies us to persevere.

Medicine We All Need

The command to encourage one another daily suggests we all need this regular spiritual medicine. No one is so strong that they can thrive without it.

Like a nourishing meal, encouragement is most effective when given consistently. Daily exhortation provides steady nourishment that sustains us through all seasons and situations. It should be part of the regular rhythm of Christian life together.

Extend and receive daily encouragement with humility, recognizing our shared dependence on God’s grace and the gifts of others. We all need this sustaining medicine.

Guard Against Hardening

A good dose of daily encouragement is essential because of the sobering effects of unchallenged sin. Sin subtly hardens hearts over time through layers of rationalization and self-justification.

Regular exhortation disrupts sin’s gradual numbing and callousing of our conscience. It shakes us from complacency and stirs us to repent and pursue holiness again. Together we must help guard against hardening.

Ongoing encouragement make us tender and responsive to the conviction and guidance of God’s Spirit within. Let us walk in the freedom and fullness of pliable hearts.

Encouragement for the Journey

As believers, we are exhorted, comforted, and cautioned so that we might finish the race strong. This ongoing encouragement equips us to withstand adversities and keep believing God’s promises.

We have only “Today” to spur each other onward through word and deed. Let’s be diligent to provide the daily encouragement that nourishes perseverance and guards against despair.

The day is coming when faith will be sight. Until then, we push on, sharing grace for the journey.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration