Your Words Matter

Today's post is a guest post from Bethel Church Associate Pastor Keith Fife.

"Sticks and stones my break my bones but names will never hurt me!"  As children we have all recited those words to someone who may have called us a name or said something ugly about us. Unfortunately, that little saying isn't true.  Calling people names, and speaking words of anger, ill will, and even hate does hurt people.

The Apostle Paul told the believers at Colosse to "Let your conversation (speech) be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." (Colossians 4:6). Our conversation or speech means exactly what is sounds like it means: any word uttered by a living person!  It is anything reported in speech or conversation.  According to Paul, as a believer, our speech should have two qualities:

1.  Full of grace:  Grace is that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: It is a "grace of speech."  When we talk and converse with others our words should be words of delight, charm, and grace. Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful (good) for building others up according to their need that it may benefit those who listen.”  Unwholesome talk is the opposite of graceful talk.  Unwholesome is that which is identified as: 1) rotten, putrefied; 2) corrupted by one and no longer fit for use, worn out; 3) of poor quality, bad, unfit for use, worthless.  Our conversation should never be "unfit" and "rotten."  It should always be full of grace!

2.  Seasoned with salt:  Seasoned means:  1) to prepare or arrange, with respect to food. 2) to season and make savory.  Just like we spend time preparing to cook food so that it will taste good, we should also “prepare” what we are going to say so that it may "sound" good and be "received" well.  Unfortunately, too many people shoot from the lip! when it comes to their words. The words come into their head and right out their mouth.  Think about what you are saying.  Is it helping? Is it building up?  Is it beneficial?  Does it meet someone’s need?  Take the time to prepare and arrange your words so that it makes the situation better and more tasty if you will.

The purpose of salt is to keep things from rotting and becoming putrid.  Seasoning our words with salt, will make the situation better and keep it from deteriorating and rotting.  Let’s face it, salt just makes green beans taste better!  Our speech should make things taste better not bitter!

The Purpose of Our Speech

"To know how to answer everyone."  1 Peter 3:15-16:  “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”  If anyone is going to be ashamed let it be those who speak slander against you, and not the other way around.

Our words do matter!  Be careful with your words, use them to help and build up rather than to destroy and tear down!

--Keith Fife
keithfife.com

When Opportunities Appear

From the moment we receive Jesus, until we see Him face to face, our lives are filled with opportunities and should be characterized by excitement and adventure!  This is accomplished through the Lord's continual invitation for us to draw closer to Him and to participate with Him in touching the lives of others.  God wants us to be wise in our decision making and alert to opportunities that He provides.  There are seven areas that God provides opportunity for us to make a difference.

1.  To Share.  In John 6:1-14 a small boy "shared" his lunch with Jesus and as a result of what he gave, it was multiplied and thousands were fed.  Just like this little boy, you and I will rarely anticipate how God wants to use us.  So watch for opportunities to experience the joy of giving.

2.  To Serve The Lord.  Jesus called Peter to leave his successful fishing business and embark on a risky new venture of being His disciple (Matthew 4:18-20).  Because he stepped out in faith, God used him in powerful ways to help establish the early church.  Likewise, we can be confident that no matter how unqualified we feel, the Lord will always enable us to walk through the doors He opens.

3.  To Grow In Relationship With Christ.  Mary, the sister of Martha, wisely chose to listen to Jesus' teachings instead of being overly concerned with meal preparations (Luke 10:38-42).  We should never let unnecessary busyness rob us of our chance to know the Savior better.

4.  To Help Others.  In Luke 5:17-26 the paralytic's friends were determined to help their friend. And as a result they had the joy of seeing their friend not only healed but also saved from his sins. We, too, must be willing to do whatever God asks of us, even if helping others involves pressing through a challenge.

5.  To Witness For Jesus.  When Paul was in jail he had the opportunity to witness to the jailer and as a result the jailer and his entire household was saved.  We too, must be willing to do whatever God asks of us, even if helping others involves pressing through a challenge (Acts 17:22-34).

6.  To Understand Who Jesus Is.  Zacchaeus' life was transformed when he determined to understand who Jesus really was and Jesus reached out to him and went to his home.  Don't let other people or difficult circumstances discourage you from responding to the opportunities God sends your way (Luke 19:1-10).

7.  To Receive Salvation.  A rich young ruler asked Jesus what he needed to do in order to inherit eternal life.  Knowing that the man's wealth was a stumbling block to his faith, the Lord answered that he should sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him.  Unfortunately, the ruler chose not to heed Jesus' instruction and missed his chance at salvation.  The wisest choice anyone can make is to receive eternal life through Jesus Christ.  There is no greater thrill than to have a vibrant, personal relationship with the Make of the universe! (Mark 10:17-22).

What opportunities has the Lord set before you today?  Did He bring to mind someone who needs to hear the gospel, despite your fears of what that person might think?  Or maybe your compassionate Father is asking you to endure a circumstance He knows will bring about good, but one that also carries with it a measure of difficulty.

Regardless of what God prompts you to do, my prayer is that you will realize the promise and excitement of the Christian life as you walk carefully, make wise decisions, and lay hold of the opportunities before you.

Pastor Temple

A Determined Cry Of Faith

Mark 10:46-52 records an encounter that Jesus had with a blind man by the name of Bartimaeus. I believe Bartimaeus, in his hopeless condition, is representative of a lot of people today who are blind spiritually, living hopeless lives, and feeling useless and of no value.  Although none of that is true, that is exactly what the devil wants people to think and it is the lie he has put in many people today!  I want to share with you four lessons about faith that we can learn from Bartimaeus.

1.  OPPORTUNITY

Wherever Jesus went there were large crowds and many opportunities for him to heal and deliver those who had no hope in their lives.  When he came into Jericho "revival" was breaking out over God's Spirit.  Revival always provides for opportunity to be healed and to heal!  If you feel as though you are in the same hopeless condition as Bartimaeus, then grab the opportunity to cry out to Jesus and receive your need met.

the town and there was a great outpouring of

2.  THE CRY OF FAITH

No one prompted Bartimaeus to cry out to Jesus.  I believe he was tired of living in his condition and he knew that Christ was his only hope.  Bartimaeus made a confession of faith when he declared, "Thou Son of David, have mercy on me!"  He knew who Jesus was and what he could do.  If you are in a hopeless situation, cry out to God with your confession of faith.  Recognize who Jesus is and what he can do for you.

3.  DETERMINATION

Even though Bartimaeus knew who Jesus was and what He could do, he met opposition from the crowd.  Many who were there rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but Bartimaeus' response was to "shout all the more."  Bartimaeus had determination.  When we are struggling with life, we must have a spirit of "determination."  Never give up!  Press on!  Ignore your detractors and just cry out to God.  He is the source of delivery for whatever it is that you are going through.  Be determined!

4.  THE ANSWER

Because of Bartimaeus' determination, he received the answer he was seeking.  Although the crowd tried to quiet him, Jesus "called for him" and asked him what he wanted.  Bartimaeus responded with "I want to see" and Jesus told him "Go, your faith has healed you!"  If you want to receive the answer to your situation, just tell Jesus what you want and your faith will heal you!

Are you ready to make your "determined cry of faith" to God for the answer to your situation? If so, then God's ready to speak the words to you: "Go, your faith has healed you!"

-- Pastor Temple

Where Is Your Focus (Part 2)

If we aren't careful, it becomes very easy for us to lose interest in the things of God.  And because of all the distractions the world has to offer, it is evident that we need God more today than ever before.  As I discussed last week a decrease in your interest in the Word of God, prayer life, giving, and worshiping with other believers are all signs that you have lost your focus.  I want to share with you some of the causes and consequences of losing focus and how to prevent it and get back on track.

Causes

There are many reasons people lose their focus from God but I want to share just four of the main causes.

1. The influence of others.  Don't be swayed by poor influences.  It's very important that you
   
   establish good godly friends who will encourage you in your faith rather than discourage you.
2. The lure of the world's ways.  The world will always have it's attractions.  John identified them as "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" (1 John 2:15-17). These are all a part of the world and its desire to lure you away from God.  Don't be caught up in the world's attractions.  Keep your focus on God.
3. Doubting that God really cares.  When we begin to doubt God, we begin to lose hope and start operating in unbelief.  Doubt is the opposite of faith.  Your faith is what will see you through the difficult times.
4. Giving in to temptation.  This is the end result of the previous three reasons people lose focus.  After being influenced by others, giving in to the worlds allure, and doubting that God cares, people are in prime position to just give in to the temptations of the flesh.  Be careful that sin isn't causing you to lose focus.

Consequences

Some of the consequences of losing focus are:

1. Your conscience becomes dull.
2. You step out of the will of God.
3. You shrink away from spiritual things.
4. You lose your ability to hear God.
5. You fall into the sin of unbelief (Hebrews 3:12).
6. You miss God's best for you life.
7. It affects every area of your life.
8. You have a negative impact on others when God wants us to be salt and light.
9. You have no peace.

Prevention

The question then becomes "how do I prevent this from happening?"  Well the answer is to:

1. Anchor yourself in the Word of God by reading, studying, and meditating on it (Psalm 119:15-16).
2. Obey what God says in His Word.
3. Submit to Him when He shows you an area that needs correction (James 4:7-8).
4. Surrender your life to Him each morning.
5. Stay on guard (1 Peter 5:8-9; 2 Peter 3:17-18).

How To Get Back On Track

If you find yourself "out of focus" when it comes to the things of God, the first thing you need to do, is recognize what has happened in your life.  Once you do that then simply confess it and repent and trust the Holy Spirit to enable you to follow Christ.

God has a real interest in your success.  He will give you clear warnings about any spiritual decline in your life, so pay close attention to it.  Be wise enough to recognize the warning signs and allow God to help you get back on track.

What are you doing to prevent losing your focus when it comes to the Lord?  Leave me a comment.

Pastor Temple

Where Is Your Focus (Part 1)

What is it in your life that has most of your attention and focus?  Our interest in the things of God should be increasing and should permeate every area of our lives. Unfortunately, there are many distractions but we must be careful to not allow them to draw us away from our relationship with God.  This happens when we "compartmentalize" our relationship with God from all the other areas of our life.  God should be the focus in all aspects of our being, our family, career, schooling, etc.  In this day and time we are living, we can't afford to take our eyes and our focus off God.  He must be the "all in all" of our life.  I want to share with you "why" it is important for God to be first and foremost in your life and what some of the "danger signs" are that you may be losing your focus on God.

Why?

Without God you can't survive in this present world and because of that, you need God more today
than ever before.  With all the problems we face in this world and sin more rampant than ever, we can't afford to lose interest in our relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ.  And now more than ever, is not the time to give up, but rather to press forward.  We can't afford to take our eyes off of Jesus and lose interest and give up.  We have to stay focused on God, no matter how hard that may be.

Danger Signs

I want to make you aware of six danger signs that you may be losing your focus on God.

1. Your interest in the Word decreases.  Psalm 119:9-11 tells us "How can a young man keep his way pure?  Buy living according to your word.  I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.  I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."  It's God's Word that will help keep us focused on Him.  If you find yourself reading and studying the Word of God less and less, it is a clear sign you are losing focus on what is really important.
2. Your prayer life begins to diminish.  Whether you realize it or not your prayer life is extremely important to you and your success in following God. 
3. You no longer have a desire to gather with other believers to worship God.  It is important that you make time to be with other believers.  You will find that when you take time to pray and attend church, God will multiply your time!  The purpose of joining with other believers is found in Hebrews 10:24-25 -- "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
4. You aren't giving faithfully.  God has blessed us so much, we should be giving  back to others who have need.  Luke 6:38 -- "Give and it shall be given unto you, good measure pressed down, shaken together, and running over shall me give unto your bosom.  For with the same measure you use, it shall be measured back to you."  
5. You no longer have a desire to share your faith with others.  Sharing your faith with others is an important part of following Jesus.  This should be done humbly and with much love for people.  Don't worry about being politically correct, just be concerned about following God's Word and being "biblically" correct.
6. You no longer feel close to God.  This feeling generally comes about as a result of the first five.  When you lose interest in the things of God, you will begin to feel that God is distant and doesn't care about you.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  God never moves away from us, but we move away from Him.  

Be aware of the danger signs of losing interest and focus on God.  When you see them creeping in, reject them and submit yourself to the Lord.  He will deliver you from any of the dangers of falling away from God if you will only let Him.  What changes will you make this week to stay focused on the One who is of utmost importance?  In my next post I will cover some of the consequences of losing focus on God and how to get back on track.

Pastor Temple

Facing The Battles of Life

No one likes facing battles, yet life can at times be very challenging and it is a fact of life, that we will all face various battles whether they be financial, physical, or spiritual.  The big question we must answer is "how will we deal with the battle?"  In today's post, I want to share with you an Old Testament story of how King Jehoshaphat faced a serious battle but won it only through the help and strength of God (2 Chronicles 20:4-12).

What Jehoshaphat Did

As Israel faced the armies of the Moabites and the Ammonites, Jehoshaphat took six very important actions to ensure that Israel would win the battle.

• He set himself to seek the Lord, and he fasted.  In 2 Chronicles 20:3 once Jehoshaphat realized what was about to happen, he immediately "resolved to inquire of the Lord and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah."  Jehoshaphat knew that his army was no match for the armies coming against him, so he turned to the One what was a match...the Almighty God. You can't handle many of the battle in your own ability.  Turn to God, seek His counsel and fast if necessary.
• He asked God's help (v. 4).  People from all over Judah came to seek help from the Lord.
  
  No battle is "too small" for God.  Never be ashamed to seek God's help in every situation. In Matthew 7:11 Jesus told his disciples that if a earthly father knows how to give good gifts to his children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask.
• He acknowledged God's ability, and rehearsed past victories (v. 6-8).  You have to remember that God is bigger than any problem or battle you have faced, are facing  now, or will face!  Thank Him for past victories knowing with full confidence that future victories are in store!
• He identified the problem so it could be solved (v. 12).  Don't ignore the problem. Speak about it to God in prayer.  Even though God knows what it is, it's important for you to tell Him in prayer.  This is the beginning to seeing the problem solved.
• He identified the enemy so he could defeat him (v. 12).  Jehoshaphat knew the enemy was to vast an army for them to handle.  He acknowledged he didn't know what to do, but he knew God did!  Know who your enemy is.  Acknowledged them to God and allow God to fight for you.
• He put his eyes on the Lord (v.12).  We have to get our eyes off the problem and on to God! The Psalmist David declared "I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:1).  Look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith!  He will deliver you!

How To Win The Battle

I want to close with nine guidelines for helping you win the battle.

• Don't be afraid.  Fear paralyzes, shuts down creativity and locks up wisdom of God (v. 15).
• Don't be dismayed or discouraged (v. 15).
• Know that the battle is God's not yours (v. 15).
• Your part is to put your faith in God not yourself.
• Your job is to believe the Word and act on what you believe.
• Know that God will give you a plan (v. 16).  This comes through prayer and meditation.
• Stand still; position yourself; don't give up (v. 17).
• Worship the Lord (v. 18).
• Be confident that the Lord will give you the victory (v. 19-23).

What are the battles you are facing today?  Will there be different ones tomorrow?  Be ready for them.  Don't be taken by surprise and when the battle comes follow the steps of Jehoshaphat to ensure you have a winning battle!

Pastor Temple

Why Knowledge?

Have you ever wondered why some people find it so easy to "change" what they believe?  This propensity to change beliefs with every "new" idea that comes along has resulted in an instability among many Christians.  Many people will try to build their lives around making money, being important and popular, or going to church just for the sake of going without creating a real stability in their lives.  The only foundation that will offer true stability is one that is built on faith in God and in His Word.  But we can't have faith in something we don't know.  God's Word is the source of truth and knowledge and it is vital for you and I to understand and know His Word.  I want to share with you why it is important as a believer to have the proper knowledge of God's Word.

1.  WE ARE TO STUDY AND KNOW THE TRUTH

Paul instructed Timothy to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15).  Knowing the "truth" enables you to better use the "truth."  It is very difficult, if not impossible, to use something you don't know and understand!  When you are studying God's Word here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your study so that you may "rightly divide the word of truth":

• The Bible is a "spiritual" book; therefore as you read it, you must accompany it with prayer and a sensitivity to the Spirit.
• Read slowly and carefully.  It's better to read less in order to meditate and comprehend more.
  
• Study and read each passage within the context of which it is written. Review background of the text. As someone once said, "A text without a context is a pretext for a proof-text!"
• Read it with the hope and expectation that it will change you.  Scripture should be received "personally."

Don't always rely on what others tell you.  They can be a great source of information, but they may also have "biases" that can lead you astray.  Study for yourself to learn the truth of God's Word.

2.  WE ARE TO DEFEND THE TRUTH

Do you know why you believe what you believe? Are you able to articulate what you believe to someone who asks?  It is important for you to know what you believe and to be able to "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." (1 Peter 3:15).  If you believe the Bible is true, that salvation is true, and the promises of God are true, then you need to have a Biblical knowledge of that truth in order to defend it.  When you're confident about the truth you know, you are better able to defend it and do it with confidence, gentleness, and a quite reverence.  

3.  BIBLE TRUTH ACQUAINTS US WITH GOD

According to Proverbs 2:2-5, we become acquainted with God and have a knowledge of Him when we "incline our ear to wisdom" and our "heart to understanding."  When we seek wisdom and understanding as silver and search for them like a hidden treasure, we become acquainted with God.  You can't have a relationship with God based on what you "think" He may be.  Your relationship must be based on what the "truth" of His Word says about who He is.

4.  BIBLE KNOWLEDGE IS AN ESSENTIAL FOUNDATION

Everyone builds their lives on a foundation that guides the decisions they make and the directions they take.  But the only foundation strong enough to build upon is the Word of God.  Ignorance of God's Word is incredibly dangerous.  A sound understanding of God's Word is necessary for a good foundation of faith.

5.  BIBLE TRUTH FEEDS YOU

Liquids may be enough for a baby to start to grow, but for an adult, we must eat "solid food." Eating solid food is a sign of maturity.  Without solid food, we will remain babies.  This is true in our physical life and it is true in our spiritual life as well.  If you stop feeding on God's Word your spiritual life will weaken. Read Hebrews 5:12-14 for more on this topic.

6.  KNOWING TRUTH PROTECTS YOU AGAINST ERROR

Once you are rooted in the truth of God's Word it becomes very difficult for anyone to lead you astray with false doctrine.  The best way to protect yourself against error of any kind is to simply know "the truth."  When you know the truth, you will recognize a lie immediately.

Knowledge is vital.  But not just any knowledge.  It is the knowledge of God's Word that will set you free, give you life, and give you a firm foundation on which to stand.  Don't allow yourself to be tossed back and forth with every wind of doctrine.  Stand firm on the truth of God's Word and you will be secure!

Pastor Temple