What words do others hear coming from your mouth?   Are your words good and helpful?  Are your words an encouragement to those who hear them?

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.  (Ephesians 4:29 NLT)

Do your words express appreciation or complaints?

Do everything without complaining and arguing … (Philippians 2:14 NLT)

Are your words and thoughts pleasing to the LORD?

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 ESV)

What thoughts are filling your mind?

… For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.  (Matthew 12:34 NLT)

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  (Philippians 4:8 NLT)

Challenge:

For the next 24 hours let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.  Do not lie to one another … (Colossians 3:8-9 ESV)

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

If you liked this post, share it with a friend.

+3

You eat three good meals each day and are still not satisfied.  Something is missing.

Just had a big dinner

and still not satisfied?

We were designed, by God, with an inner hunger that will not be satisfied by only eating three meals a day.  Scripture tells us that we need more than food to live the life that God has planned for us to live.

“It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 ESV)

We need to be passionate about learning God’s will for our lives.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied”. (Matthew 5:6 ESV)

True satisfaction comes from abiding in Christ and filling our thoughts and minds with His Word.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. (John 15:7-8 ESV)

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. (John 6:35 ESV)

God’s Word is powerful and life changing.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 ESV)

Have you spent time reading your Bible today?

Are you filling your mind with scripture?

Is prayer included in your daily activities?

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5 ESV)

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

If you liked this post, share it with a friend.

+2

Most of us know the importance of eating a healthy and balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting the right amount of sleep, and going to the doctor for physical checkups.  We do these activities because we are concerned about our physical well-being.

What about our spiritual well-being?  Are we concerned about our spiritual well-being?

Are you growing spiritually or is your spiritual growth stunted?

What does it take to be spiritually healthy?

Acts 2:42 lists several activities necessary for good spiritual health.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. (Acts 2:42 NLT)

• Teaching – Good spiritual health requires knowledge of the scripture.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16- 17 NIV)

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105 ESV)

But he (Jesus) answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 ESV)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16 ESV)

• Fellowship- Good spiritual health is stimulated by interacting with other Christians.     Worshiping with other believers in church provides opportunities for spiritual growth.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.  And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.  (Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT)

…  addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:19-21 ESV)

As iron sharpens iron,    so a friend sharpens a friend. (Proverbs 27:17 NLT)

• Sharing in meals-Mealtime with other believers can create an atmosphere for spiritual growth.

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. (Acts 2:46-47 NLT)

 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV)

• Prayer- Communication with the LORD is essential for good spiritual health.

Never stop praying. (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT)

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (Psalm 145:18 ESV)

Prescription for good spiritual health

• Expose yourself to good Biblical Teaching – Good spiritual health requires knowledge of the scripture.
• Fellowship with other believers- Good spiritual health is stimulated by interacting with other Christians. Worshiping with other believers in church provides opportunities for spiritual growth.
• Share meals with other Christians-Mealtime with other believers can create an atmosphere for spiritual growth
• Pray- Communication with the LORD is essential for good spiritual health.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.                                                  (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV)

 Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

If you liked this post, share it with a friend.

+2

At times it appears that government policies, educational reforms, and the culture in general are against everything that Christians value.  Some of these attacks are subtle and some are outright hostile.  Christian beliefs and values are being mocked and Christians are labeled as the “bad guys”.

Jesus addressed this matter when He was here on earth.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12 ESV)

Christians are members of God’s family.

… you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”  For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.  And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. (Romans 8:15-17 NLT)

Christians need to remember that “… the LORD will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; (Psalm 94:14 ESV)

If God is for us, who can ever be against us?  Read what the LORD says.

“People will make weapons to fight against you, but their weapons will not defeat you. Some people will say things against you, but anyone who speaks against you will be proved wrong.”
The Lord says, “That is what my servants get! They get the good things that come from me, their Lord.  (Isaiah 54:17 ERV)

But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed.
You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you.
These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me.
I, the Lord, have spoken!  (Isaiah 54:17 NLT)

Sing praises to God, sing praises!
  Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
For God is the King of all the earth;
  sing praises with a psalm!
God reigns over the nations;
God sits on his holy throne.
                      (Psalm 47:6-8 ESV)

 Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

If you liked this post, share it with a friend.

+5

How many times have you heard the expression, “I guarantee it” or “Try it, you’ll like it”.

For many of us, these phrases have been so over used that we tend to ignore them.

If you are not currently experiencing God’s goodness, there is a phrase I would like for you to take seriously.

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!

Give the Lord a chance to show you how good he is.

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!  Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!  … those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:8-10 ESV)

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.  (Isaiah 40:31 NLT)

If you are not experiencing God’s goodness, spend time reading your Bible on a daily basis.  Tune in to what God is saying to you.  The more you read the scriptures, the better you will know God.  As your relationship with the Lord matures, you will experience more of His goodness.  Try it.  You’ll like it. I guarantee it.

 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.  (Jeremiah 29:13 NLT)

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

If you liked this post, share it with a friend.

+3

God told the Israelites that they would be blessed if they chose to obey His commands and they would be cursed of they chose to reject his commands.

“Look, today I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse! You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today.  But you will be cursed if you reject the commands of the Lord your God and turn away from him and worship gods you have not known before.” Deuteronomy 11:26-28 NLT

Jesus taught a similar principle.

 Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” (Luke 11:28 NLT)

  “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.  Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.  But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.  When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” (Mathew 7:24 – 27 NLT)

 This is not “rocket science”.  When individuals (or nations) consistently choose to obey Biblical principles the long term outcomes are blessings from God.  When individuals (or nations) consistently choose to reject Biblical principles the long term outcomes are curses from God.

If you want to experience God’s blessings you need to know God’s Word and then choose to obey God’s Word.

 “… choose this day whom you will serve …
as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
(Joshua 24:15 ESV)

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

If you liked this post, share it with a friend.

+4

How much of the Bible do you believe?  Do you have the option of labeling selected parts of the Bible as “God’s truth” and other parts of the Bible as being irrelevant or unnecessary?

Is it ever o.k. to “fill in the gaps” to make scripture relevant for us today or delete parts of scripture that appear to be unnecessary? NO!

 “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it. (Deuteronomy 12:32 ESV)

You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you. (Deuteronomy 4:2 ESV)

Every word of God proves true; … Do not add to his words, … (Proverbs 30:5-6 ESV)

Is it ever o.k. to “modify” parts of scripture? NO!

Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. (Joshua 1:7 ESV)

Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:19 ESV)

 We may not understand everything that we read in the Bible but God does expect us to believe that everything written in the Bible is true.

 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.  (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT)

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

If you liked this post, share it with a friend.

+3

Are you experiencing the joy that comes from giving to the LORD?

Recently I was reading 1 Chronicles.  King David was gathering supplies and resources for the temple that his son Solomon was about to build.  King David challenged the leaders of the land to contribute to the temple’s “building fund”.

Here is their response.

Then the leaders of fathers’ houses made their freewill offerings, as did also the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officers over the king’s work.  They gave for the service of the house of God 5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold, 10,000 talents of silver, 18,000 talents of bronze and 100,000 talents of iron.  And whoever had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the LORD, in the care of Jehiel the Gershonite.  Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly. (1 Chronicles 29:6-9 ESV)

The verse, “Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD.” jumped out at me.

What had just happened?

• People were asked to help finance the building of the temple.
• The people responded willingly.
• The people rejoiced. (Their hearts were filled with joy.)

David challenged his leaders to give.  God challenges us to give.

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. (Malachi 3:10 ESV)

Scripture tells us to give willingly.

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9: 7 ESV)

Good things happen when we give to the work of the LORD.

… give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38 ESV)

Challenge:

Give generously to your church and to other Christian ministries.  Give and experience real joy in your heart.

 … remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35 ESV)

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

If you liked this post, share it with a friend.

+4

Are you able to say,

^“ …I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”  (Philippians 4:11-12 NIV)

or are the words in Ecclesiastes 1:8 a more accurate description of how you feel?

 Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we (I) see, we are (I am) never satisfied. No matter how much we (I) hear, we are (I am) not content. (Ecclesiastes 1:8 NLT)

Contentment is priceless.

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.  After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.  So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.  (1Timothy 6:6-8 NLT)

Be content with the life God called you to live.

Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him… (1 Corinthians 7:17 ESV)

Be content with your resources.

 “…. And be content with your pay.”  (Luke 3:14 NLT)

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NLT)

Trust God to supply all of your needs.

Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.  (Psalm 37:3-4 NLT)

If you feel that something is lacking in your life tell God what you need.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)

Hopefully you are able to say ^“ …I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”  

 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?  Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?  (Matthew 6:25-26 NLT)

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

If you liked this post, share it with a friend.

+3

Recently I was rereading some papers written by one of my students nearly a decade ago. The following paragraph was included in his writing.

“After I became a Christian, I realized that being a Christian is a gift that we have to receive and we should receive it because he (Jesus) died on the cross for our sins, and going to heaven is a really good thing because there is no sin, death, or pain in heaven.  So I think whoever isn’t a Christian should become one because you never know when you are going to die.”

This student included the following verse in his writings.

 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life …” (John 3:16 ESV)

This student’s writing showed that he had a basic understanding of a number of Biblical truths.

• Salvation is a gift from God.
• Jesus paid the penalty for our sins.
• We need to believe Jesus died for us.
• Heaven will be a good place to spend eternity.
• We need to accept God’s offer of salvation while we still have the chance.
• Most of us do not know when or how we are going to die.

It was very encouraging to me to be reminded of how well some of my students understood and responded to the message of salvation.

I was saddened to hear that this former student was recently killed.

If you have never accepted the gift of salvation you need to seriously reflect on this student’s challenge to you. “So I think whoever isn’t a Christian should become one because you never know when you are going to die.”

And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment,  so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.  (Hebrews 9:27-28 NLT)

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

If you liked this post, share it with a friend.

+5