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How to Set Your Mind on Things Above: 6 Ways to Let Go of Earthly Things

How to Set Your Mind on Things Above: 6 Ways to Let Go of Earthly Things Debbie McDaniel Set your minds on things above, not on earth...

Video Bible Lesson - Making the Most of Your Mouth by Lynette Kittle


Making the Most of Your Mouth

by Lynette Kittle


1/2 Hour of God’s Power with Scott Ralls

2/6/2020


02/06/2020


Making the Most of Your Mouth
by Lynette Kittle
“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them”—Matthew 15:11
In the current culture, it seems what goes into the mouth is given much more thought and priority than what comes out of it.
Even Jesus and His disciples discussed which is more important. As Mark 7:18 describes, “Are you so dull?’ He asked. ‘Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them?’”
Sadly in today’s setting much more focus and importance is put into what types of food goes into a mouth, while what comes out of it seems to be given very little thought.
Yet Jesus took great care to explain why what goes into the body through the mouth, is not as important as what comes out of it. “Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body?” (Matthew 15:17)
Continuing His dialogue with them on the topic, Jesus had more to say about it, “He went on: ‘What comes out of a person is what defiles them’” (Mark 7:20).
Current culture seems to foster hateful, hurtful, and careless words designed to humiliate and destroy others, and supports the sharing of it through public and social media for the whole world to hear or read.
Yet how many people might think twice about what they are writing or saying if they understood their words are defiling themselves?
If individuals truly understood how their words towards others are actually revealing more about their own heart, along with causing much harm personally, they might reconsider the things they say and write.
Luke 6:45 explains how “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
If you’ve been tempted to jump onto the social media insult wagon, consider your words as Ephesians 5:31 urges, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
Instead of lashing out with your words, Colossians 3:8 encourages, “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
Ask God to, “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).
When you do, Scripture assures, “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin” (Proverbs 13:3).


#Jesus, #Christian, #Bible, #Salvation, #Heaven, #God, #HolySpirit

The Effectiveness of God's Way

The Effectiveness of God's Way
Dr. Charles Stanley
Yesterday we observed the ineffectiveness of Moses' attempt to liberate his people from Egyptian slavery, but today we see him given a second chance to do it God's way. If we could learn the lessons Moses learned about the dangers of self-reliance and the advantages of depending on the Lord, we would save ourselves much hardship. 
When we choose to cooperate with God and submit to His way, He will do amazing things in and through us. Despite Moses' past failure, the Lord still used him to accomplish the divine plan, but only after he became usable—that is, humbled and broken of self-will. Just consider what God achieved when Moses did it His way.  
• He showed what great things He could do through one yielded, dependent person. 

• He got more done in less time, and with fewer resources. There was no insurrection or long, drawn-out war—just a dramatic display of His power.

• He proved the superiority of His way by freeing over two million people without the loss of a single Hebrew life. 

• He sent impoverished slaves out of bondage with their captors' riches (Ex. 3:21-22). 

• He proved to both the Israelites and the Egyptians that He alone is the God of heaven and earth. 
• He received all the glory.  
Our past failures never prevent God's willingness or ability to use us. In fact, our weakness is a great opportunity for the display of His glory. In our own strength, we are totally ineffective. But when we submit to the Lord's authority, we can experience His victory in whatever He calls us to do.












The Best Battle Plan

The Best Battle Plan
LYSA TERKEURST
“Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, ‘Are you for us or for our enemies?’” Joshua 5:13 (NIV)
We’ve all been there at one time or another. Facing impossible circumstances, while fear whispers in our ear about the certainty of our defeat.
That’s one of the many reasons I’m so thankful for God’s Word. Because tucked into its pages, we find story after story of people who help us learn in the midst of our battles. People who show us what it means to look to and depend upon the Lord.
Take Joshua, for example. If ever someone might feel overwhelmed at a situation totally out of their control, Joshua’s experience facing Jericho was it.
Not only did the wall surrounding Jericho look invincible, but there was also the issue of Israel’s army lacking proper weapons for tackling such an impressively guarded city. You can’t exactly pull down walls with arrows and spears. That’s a job for battering rams and catapults — items noticeably missing from their arsenal.
But they had come too far to turn back. And the people of Israel were counting on Joshua to lead them into this land promised by God.
With all these facts and details weighing on him, Joshua is suddenly confronted by a man with a drawn sword. Scripture reveals this is no mere human. This is the commander of the Lord’s army — God’s presence in human form. And this is no everyday occurrence either. It is an incredible encounter.
Seeing the man is ready for battle, Joshua asks, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” (Joshua 5:13b)
Wrapped in this honest question, we discover hesitancy in Joshua — a peek inside his thought life — and a need for reassurance. Such an honest question, but it makes me believe Joshua isn’t walking in complete confidence and assurance. If he were, he wouldn’t have asked. But he did.
This is where we assume, of course, God’s presence will answer, “Joshua, I am with you, for you, and on your side!”
But we would assume wrong.
When asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” the presence of God replies, “Neither, but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come” (Joshua 5:14a). Joshua falls face down in humility and reverence — asking what message the Lord has for him, His servant (Joshua 5:14b).
I wonder what kind of message Joshua was expecting, even longing for. Perhaps one overflowing with war strategy and tactics. But instead of detailed plans, Joshua receives a call to worship. He’s told to remove his sandals, for the ground is holy. (Joshua 5:15)
It’s an invitation and a reminder for Joshua to worship the One who’s not only big enough to handle the impending battle, but also loving enough to address the doubt, fear and insecurity running through Joshua’s mind. And as Joshua slips off his sandals, I’m reminded of what I need in the face of my own seemingly insurmountable situations: I need to worry less and worship more …
When I’m desperate for God to give me all the details …
When I’m wishing He would give me the tiniest peek at His plans …
When I’m starting to wonder if He’s for me or against me …
I need to pause, lift my eyes to the One willing to meet me in the midst of my fears and worship Him. Worshipping not only because it honors Him, but also because it changes me.
Worship might not be the first thing that comes to mind when we feel overwhelmed, but it truly is powerful. It reminds our trembling hearts and shaky knees that our God is mighty, our God is loving, and our God is a more-than-able God. It both quiets us and strengthens us — perfectly preparing our hearts and minds for whatever battles lie ahead.
I don’t know what “walls” you’re facing in your life right now, friend. I don’t know how overwhelming and daunting they seem. But I do know the perfect battle plan for each and every one of us.
Worry less. Worship more. And trust our God to lead us into victory.
Father God, thank You for reminding me the best way to prepare my heart and mind for battle is to simply and humbly worship You. So today, as I lay my fears down at Your feet, I lift my hands up to You in worship. You are worthy of my trust. You are worthy of my praise. Today and every day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Psalm 29:2, “Honor the LORD for the glory of his name. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.” (NLT)











A Prayer for Those You Love

Prayer for Those You LoveBy Mary Southerland
“Then people brought little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them.” Matthew 19:13
Praying for the people we love is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. And letting those people know we are praying for them is an important part of that gift.
Are you giving the gift of prayer to the people in your life? Do they know you are praying for them?
We try to make prayer complicated, but it really isn’t. Prayer is simply a conversation with God. Our helplessness is our most powerful prayer. God does not listen for the eloquence of our words. He listens for the voice of our need.
Prayer isn't a religious exercise. It isn’t a holy vending machine and does not require us to jump through a certain number of hoops in order for God to hear and respond.
Prayer is the declaration of our total and utter dependence on God. When we pray, we are telling God that we are desperate for Him. We are saying “yes” to whatever the minute, day or future holds … even before we know what that may be.
We don’t have to drop to our knees or close our eyes to pray. Prayer is the continual conversation between our heart and the heart of God … in every part of our day.
Prayer should be our first response … not our last resort, and it should be as natural as breathing.
When someone asks you to pray for them – pray. Pray with them over the phone. Stop in the middle of the store or sidewalk and pray. Pray with your children on the way to school. Write a note of prayer to a hurting friend or just to bless a friend. Ask your waiter or waitress how you can pray for them.
Make prayer a gift that you freely give.
Let’s Pray
Father, I want to be a prayer warrior, a woman of God who lives in a constant state of prayer. Please help me see the needs in the lives of the people I love as well as those needs in the lives of people I meet every day. Teach me how to pray, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.












Face Fear with Faith

Face Fear with Faith
By Ron Edmondson
Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.” But he said, “Yes, you did laugh.” Genesis 18:15 NIV
Sarah couldn’t believe God’s plan for her life was to have a child. So she laughed at His plan.
She was too old. It had been so long. Could God do this? Would God even use someone like her for such a plan?
It was probably scary to simply trust by faith… she had been disappointed many times… she didn’t want to hurt again… so she laughed.
Sarah’s probably not alone in her fear. Was she?
I’ve had those kinds of fears. Many times.
Chances are you have also. You know God is calling you to do something, but the thought of actually obeying God in the matter freaks you out… scares you to death. You know what it’s like to fail. You don’t feel you have what it takes. Could God do this? Would He do it with you?
Walk by faith… or laugh at the plan? Trust or run. Face fears or fold to them. Those are your options.
But know this…
Faith believes something that you cannot see.
The unseen or unknown is scary, so fear is a natural reaction to God’s plan for your life. God calls us to the unknown. God is always calling us to the unknown. His ways are not our ways. His plans are usually larger than we have imagined. God calls us to walk by faith, facing something we cannot see, and that in turn brings fear into our hearts.
So, what’s the fear that will require faith for you to accomplish?
Perhaps there is a better question:
If you are obedient, what kind of glory will God receive through your faith in Him?
Don’t laugh at what you sense God is calling you to do (or at least not for long). God calls people to tasks beyond our ability or understanding everyday! Maybe this is your day!
Walk closer to faith than fear. I’m praying for you.












Overcoming Disappointment

Overcoming Disappointment
by Ryan Duncan, Crosswalk.com Editor
Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. – 2 Corinthians 1:7 
We’ve all been there. It’s that letter from the college you wanted to attend, saying they are not able to admit you at this time. It’s that person on the stage surrounded by people, announcing that first prize goes to the other contestant. It’s watching all the time and effort you put into something crumble away in a matter of seconds. Sometimes disappointment can be more devastating than tragedy, because it requires you to have invested in the outcome first.
The Bible tells us that we should rejoice in our sufferings, but I’d be lying if I said that what I did every time I was disappointed. Most of the time I just want to crawl off and be alone, or I end up angry and resentful. Sometimes I even find myself arguing with God over what just happened. So, what are Christians supposed to respond when faced with disappointment? Personally, I think there’s only one thing we can do: hope.   
The early disciples faced their own share of letdowns. Paul in particular had his share of troubles in life, but look what he writes in Romans chapter 5,  
Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. – Romans 5:2-6
Sometimes disappointment can’t be overcome, only endured. In moments like that it’s important to remember that we have hope on our side. Hope in Christ’s love, hope for better days to come, the hope to maybe even try again. So when the storms of life come your way don’t let yourself be troubled, instead pick yourself up and remember with God there will always be hope.  
Intersecting Faith and Life: Whatever you may be going through remember to hope in the Lord.