Our thoughts are words. We may think in different languages, but regardless of the language, we still think words. This may sound pretty elementary, but I want to stress the correlation, because we are talking about word power. What we think is powerful because words are power! I believe that God “in the beginning” first thought the words He spoke to create the world and all that’s in it. In the same way, what we think influences what we say and do. It colors our perception of every facet of our lives.
Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man thinks, so is he.” If we are what we think, who are we now? What do we want to be, or who do we want to be? What have we been thinking , or thinking about, and meditating on? I recently made a list of wrong thinking about my own life. And I can follow those wrong thoughts to wrong results in my life. It was quite an eye opener, but it’s not too late, even for me, to change those thoughts and thought patterns. In fact, I’ve started, and it is working! How powerful it is that we can be who we want to be just by changing what we think! That’s very thought-provoking!
Fast From Wrong Thinking:
God is so amazing! He brought revelation to me through two Christian television programs just this morning. One revelation was the idea of a “fast from wrong thinking, instead of a fast from food”. The people who did that saw fantastic results in their lives. We should try it! When negative or wrong thoughts come our way, let’s take those thoughts captive and change them! (2 Corinthians 10:4-5) Sometimes we don’t recognize that we’re thinking negative, or thinking wrong thoughts. We just think that’s who we are and how we think.
The test of wrong thinking is this: Wrong Thoughts Are Thoughts That Do Not Agree With God’s Word.
The other revelation was Galatians 6:3, “If any man thinks he is something, when he is not that thing, he deceives himself.” Sometimes we think something wrong about ourselves! When we do that, we deceive ourselves. The following are some examples of wrong thinking, and how we might correct that wrong thinking.
“I’m just never going to get ahead.” “I’ll never be able to pay the bills.” “I’m always going to be stuck in this situation.” “No matter what I do, it never works.” To start with, try turning the negative thoughts into positive thoughts. One way to do this is by adding the word but… We can say, “It might look like I am defeated, but I always triumph in Jesus Christ, because He always causes me to (and leads me in) triumph!” (2 Cor. 2:14). Or we might think, “I am lonely, no friends, and no one loves me, but Jesus loves me, because His love never fails. He is always with me, because He said He would never leave me nor forsake me. Jesus is my friend, and He sticks closer to me than a brother. Since He cannot lie, I know I am loved and never alone!” (Heb. 13:5; 1 Cor. 13:8; Prov. 18:24; Titus 1:2) These are examples of the true, positive, life-altering words we should think.
Other ways we think something wrong about ourselves have to do with how we see ourselves, and what we think about ourselves. “I’m fat, I’m ugly, I’m too short, I’m too tall, I’m un-likeable, I talk too much, I can’t talk right, I can’t talk to people, and My mind doesn’t work right.” Those are only a few of the wrong thoughts that we might think. The way to make sure we are thinking right is to find out what the Bible says about us. Who are we in Christ? How does God see us? We can find these answers in God’s Word. God has a personal word to us! If we ask Him, He will lead us to the right words we need to hear and think.
Remember Philippians 4:8, “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” If you consider these words, you might sum them up as, “Think about only positive, life-building, life-affirming words and things.” These words are powerful and can change our lives. When the Bible tells us what we are to think, we must value those words or thoughts, and practice thinking them. God gives us instructions for our good! Out with the wrong thoughts, and in with the right!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
2009 - A Christmas to Remember...or forget???
2009 will be a Christmas to remember, or maybe one to forget what lies behind... if it ever is behind enough to forget!
Kansas City had a snow blizzard Christmas Eve day... It was still snowing last night-Saturday. The first blizzrd actually wound its way around in a circle and came back to us again yesterday, although it never really stopped snowing for long in-between. We had 7-10 inches of snow, with snow drifts well over 2 feet. Our porch was covered with snow up to the door step. And our neighbors had snow up to their front doorknob!
In spite of this, we had a great time with our daughters and families. Since both girls live here close by we were able to have dinner, and opened our presents on Christmas Eve, a family tradition. It was fun watching our grandsons open all of their presents and getting so excited!
After they left, and we were on our way to bed, Harlas said, I think it's cold in here, I'm going to turn the heat up. Only our thermostat said EE. (What in the world does that mean? Our manual made no reference to it.) In essence, we had no heat. We called our heating guy on Christmas morning (and his birthday, no less) and he came out and told us we need a new furnace! So, we have been without regular heat since Christmas Eve. Supposedly we are getting a new furnace tomorrow, but since he doesn't take charge cards, we have to arrange financing first thing, and still get a furnace delivered and installed.
But this Christmas is still giving.... Last night, with all the snow on the roof, our roof started leaking! We have high vaulted ceilings, and the leak has now stopped, but has torn away a huge chunk of plaster. And of course the leak is above the stairs going down to the garage and ground level, (we live in a tri-level), so it is almost completely inaccessible to the ceiling...with the bottom of the stairs being the furthest distance from the ceiling. And there is nothing to be done until spring, probably, when someone might be able to get to the roof.
More snow is predicted on Wednesday, with no weather above freezing in the imminent future. I think this is one Christmas I'd rather forget than remember.
But I have remembered to be thankful! We have electricity, and are using space heaters during the day, and heating with our gas oven, and have plenty of food, and our family for moral support and cheering up! Other than being cold and wearing 3 layers of clothing, we are all doing just fine!
Here's hoping all your Christmas celebrations were full of fun and family!
Sharon
Kansas City had a snow blizzard Christmas Eve day... It was still snowing last night-Saturday. The first blizzrd actually wound its way around in a circle and came back to us again yesterday, although it never really stopped snowing for long in-between. We had 7-10 inches of snow, with snow drifts well over 2 feet. Our porch was covered with snow up to the door step. And our neighbors had snow up to their front doorknob!
In spite of this, we had a great time with our daughters and families. Since both girls live here close by we were able to have dinner, and opened our presents on Christmas Eve, a family tradition. It was fun watching our grandsons open all of their presents and getting so excited!
After they left, and we were on our way to bed, Harlas said, I think it's cold in here, I'm going to turn the heat up. Only our thermostat said EE. (What in the world does that mean? Our manual made no reference to it.) In essence, we had no heat. We called our heating guy on Christmas morning (and his birthday, no less) and he came out and told us we need a new furnace! So, we have been without regular heat since Christmas Eve. Supposedly we are getting a new furnace tomorrow, but since he doesn't take charge cards, we have to arrange financing first thing, and still get a furnace delivered and installed.
But this Christmas is still giving.... Last night, with all the snow on the roof, our roof started leaking! We have high vaulted ceilings, and the leak has now stopped, but has torn away a huge chunk of plaster. And of course the leak is above the stairs going down to the garage and ground level, (we live in a tri-level), so it is almost completely inaccessible to the ceiling...with the bottom of the stairs being the furthest distance from the ceiling. And there is nothing to be done until spring, probably, when someone might be able to get to the roof.
More snow is predicted on Wednesday, with no weather above freezing in the imminent future. I think this is one Christmas I'd rather forget than remember.
But I have remembered to be thankful! We have electricity, and are using space heaters during the day, and heating with our gas oven, and have plenty of food, and our family for moral support and cheering up! Other than being cold and wearing 3 layers of clothing, we are all doing just fine!
Here's hoping all your Christmas celebrations were full of fun and family!
Sharon
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Hearing Words
Jesus had a lot to say about hearing and what we hear. In Mark 4:23-24, Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.” This tells us to take heed, or pay close attention to, what we hear. I believe it also implies that we need to develop a “hearing ear”.
What or how we hear affects the thoughts that we think, and even the words we speak, or the actions we take in response to what or how we hear. What we hear can influence us for good or bad. When we constantly listen to depressing or violent words, it affects our thinking about ourselves and maybe about life in general. Or if we hear good, positive things about ourselves, it makes us feel good, and can change how we look at ourselves.
When we listen to someone speak, are we hearing with preconceived ideas? Are we listening with biases that color and influence what we hear? At some point in our lives, we have probably all taken offense to something someone has said, and responded, “What’s that supposed to mean?”. Are we listening to prove someone wrong, or are we listening to hear truth? Are we listening with “selective” hearing, so that we tune out everything we don’t want to hear? That’s like the old saying, “In one ear, and out the other.” Or are we listening intently to glean all we can from what’s being said?
“Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use it will be measured to you, and to you who hear, more will be given.” This scripture also brings to my mind the question, are we good listeners? When people talk to us, do we really listen to them? If the same measure that we listen with will be measured back to us, will anyone really listen to us? Or will they tune us out like we have tuned other people out?
The Old Testament in the Bible (Numbers 13) tells us the story of the 12 spies. The Israelites had been miraculously delivered from the Egyptians, crossed the Red Sea and were in the desert waiting to cross over into the Promised Land. Moses sent 12 spies into the Promised Land to spy out the land and report back to him. When they returned, two of them, Joshua and Caleb, had a good report of a land flowing with milk and honey and that the Israelites were well able to conquer the inhabitants of the land. However, the other 10 spies reported that there were giants in the land that made them look like grasshoppers, and they could not take the land. The people in the desert believed the “evil” report, or the negative report of the 10, instead of believing the good report given by Joshua and Caleb. They then wandered around in the desert until they died. They did not see the Promised Land. Joshua and Caleb did! While this is talking about what they believed, I think it also points to what and how they “heard”. They obviously did not have a hearing ear to hear what God was saying. They didn’t hear truth! This is a good example of the majority being wrong.
The Bible tells us in Romans 10:17 that “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” If faith comes by hearing, we need to be hearing the right words. It is important for us to be hearing the Word of God. It’s also good when we hear ourselves speaking it.
In hearing God’s Word, do we stretch our minds – stretch our faith – listen intently for the voice of God, listen intently to hear truth, hear life? To hear in the Spirit, see in the Spirit? Do we listen for His voice? Do we measure out our hearing in large, finely-tuned doses to be able to hear more? For the more we hear, the more we will be given. Jesus said in Mark 4:11 that we have been given the ability to know the mystery of the Kingdom of God. So if we listen, we will hear! Jesus also said in John 10:1-18 that He is the Good Shepherd and His sheep know His voice. If we are born again believers, we know His voice. Let us listen with hearing ears for His voice in everything we hear or listen to. There is life in His words. His words have power that can change our lives.
What or how we hear affects the thoughts that we think, and even the words we speak, or the actions we take in response to what or how we hear. What we hear can influence us for good or bad. When we constantly listen to depressing or violent words, it affects our thinking about ourselves and maybe about life in general. Or if we hear good, positive things about ourselves, it makes us feel good, and can change how we look at ourselves.
When we listen to someone speak, are we hearing with preconceived ideas? Are we listening with biases that color and influence what we hear? At some point in our lives, we have probably all taken offense to something someone has said, and responded, “What’s that supposed to mean?”. Are we listening to prove someone wrong, or are we listening to hear truth? Are we listening with “selective” hearing, so that we tune out everything we don’t want to hear? That’s like the old saying, “In one ear, and out the other.” Or are we listening intently to glean all we can from what’s being said?
“Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use it will be measured to you, and to you who hear, more will be given.” This scripture also brings to my mind the question, are we good listeners? When people talk to us, do we really listen to them? If the same measure that we listen with will be measured back to us, will anyone really listen to us? Or will they tune us out like we have tuned other people out?
The Old Testament in the Bible (Numbers 13) tells us the story of the 12 spies. The Israelites had been miraculously delivered from the Egyptians, crossed the Red Sea and were in the desert waiting to cross over into the Promised Land. Moses sent 12 spies into the Promised Land to spy out the land and report back to him. When they returned, two of them, Joshua and Caleb, had a good report of a land flowing with milk and honey and that the Israelites were well able to conquer the inhabitants of the land. However, the other 10 spies reported that there were giants in the land that made them look like grasshoppers, and they could not take the land. The people in the desert believed the “evil” report, or the negative report of the 10, instead of believing the good report given by Joshua and Caleb. They then wandered around in the desert until they died. They did not see the Promised Land. Joshua and Caleb did! While this is talking about what they believed, I think it also points to what and how they “heard”. They obviously did not have a hearing ear to hear what God was saying. They didn’t hear truth! This is a good example of the majority being wrong.
The Bible tells us in Romans 10:17 that “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” If faith comes by hearing, we need to be hearing the right words. It is important for us to be hearing the Word of God. It’s also good when we hear ourselves speaking it.
In hearing God’s Word, do we stretch our minds – stretch our faith – listen intently for the voice of God, listen intently to hear truth, hear life? To hear in the Spirit, see in the Spirit? Do we listen for His voice? Do we measure out our hearing in large, finely-tuned doses to be able to hear more? For the more we hear, the more we will be given. Jesus said in Mark 4:11 that we have been given the ability to know the mystery of the Kingdom of God. So if we listen, we will hear! Jesus also said in John 10:1-18 that He is the Good Shepherd and His sheep know His voice. If we are born again believers, we know His voice. Let us listen with hearing ears for His voice in everything we hear or listen to. There is life in His words. His words have power that can change our lives.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Words and Goodness
We talked about the importance of us believing God’s Word, and that it can even keep us from harm, like stepping in a hole. Now, I want to talk about another underlying characteristic of God’s Word, and that is the goodness of God. Here again, you might ask, what’s this got to do with words, or word power? And again, I say, everything! We must believe in His goodness, otherwise we miss the heart of God when we talk about His Word, our words, and the power of His and our words.
I always get excited when I think about the fact that God’s Glory is His Goodness! Just think! His Glory, which we equate with ultimate power and perfection, is Goodness! In Exodus 33:18-23, Moses said to God, “Show me Your Glory.” Then God said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the Name of the Lord before you.” God allowed Moses to see His back because that is all the glory or goodness Moses could see and still live. Also, in Exodus 34:5-7, God declares Goodness as part of His Name. His essence, name, and character is goodness. God’s goodness is that powerful!
Goodness is also listed in Galatians 5:20 as one of the fruits of the Spirit. And then it says, “against such there is no law.” Think about it. There is no law against goodness, speaking good things, doing good things! Since God created us in His image, that same goodness resides in us, whether or not we acknowledge it or live by it. Jesus said in Matthew 12:35, “A good man out of the good treasure of His heart brings forth good things.” God’s goodness is in His Word, is His Word. His Words are good! When we put the good Word of God into our hearts, we are able to bring good treasure out of our own hearts.
God’s goodness shows up in other ways, too. Romans 2:4 says, “Do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads to repentance?” It is God’s goodness, not His wrath, which leads us to repentance. When we do or say something wrong or hurtful, someone’s wrath only ignites more anger in us. But God comes along and forgives and is good to us, which in turns melts our hearts and causes us to repent, and be restored into fellowship with Him. That’s true power!
James 1:17 goes on to tell us that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no shadow of turning.” God, out of the goodness of His heart and nature, gives us good and perfect gifts. All the good things that happen and that people do and say are good and perfect gifts from God above.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man (and woman) of God may be completely, thoroughly furnished for every good work.” Did you notice the good work? God’s goodness gives us good words so we can think and speak good words, and carry out His good work. Everyone benefits when good comes into their lives. When the Word of God comes into people’s lives, they are changed! That’s power!
Philippians 4:8 says, “ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things.” We are to think on the good things!
Before we talk about our words and thoughts, we need to understand the motivation of God in telling us what to say and think and do! It is because of His goodness that He gives us instruction and tells us to pay attention to His Word. He is endeavoring to see good and not evil triumph in our lives. He also wants to equip us to do every good work. We carry His Name of Goodness in us to speak and do good things.
I always get excited when I think about the fact that God’s Glory is His Goodness! Just think! His Glory, which we equate with ultimate power and perfection, is Goodness! In Exodus 33:18-23, Moses said to God, “Show me Your Glory.” Then God said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the Name of the Lord before you.” God allowed Moses to see His back because that is all the glory or goodness Moses could see and still live. Also, in Exodus 34:5-7, God declares Goodness as part of His Name. His essence, name, and character is goodness. God’s goodness is that powerful!
Goodness is also listed in Galatians 5:20 as one of the fruits of the Spirit. And then it says, “against such there is no law.” Think about it. There is no law against goodness, speaking good things, doing good things! Since God created us in His image, that same goodness resides in us, whether or not we acknowledge it or live by it. Jesus said in Matthew 12:35, “A good man out of the good treasure of His heart brings forth good things.” God’s goodness is in His Word, is His Word. His Words are good! When we put the good Word of God into our hearts, we are able to bring good treasure out of our own hearts.
God’s goodness shows up in other ways, too. Romans 2:4 says, “Do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads to repentance?” It is God’s goodness, not His wrath, which leads us to repentance. When we do or say something wrong or hurtful, someone’s wrath only ignites more anger in us. But God comes along and forgives and is good to us, which in turns melts our hearts and causes us to repent, and be restored into fellowship with Him. That’s true power!
James 1:17 goes on to tell us that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no shadow of turning.” God, out of the goodness of His heart and nature, gives us good and perfect gifts. All the good things that happen and that people do and say are good and perfect gifts from God above.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man (and woman) of God may be completely, thoroughly furnished for every good work.” Did you notice the good work? God’s goodness gives us good words so we can think and speak good words, and carry out His good work. Everyone benefits when good comes into their lives. When the Word of God comes into people’s lives, they are changed! That’s power!
Philippians 4:8 says, “ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things.” We are to think on the good things!
Before we talk about our words and thoughts, we need to understand the motivation of God in telling us what to say and think and do! It is because of His goodness that He gives us instruction and tells us to pay attention to His Word. He is endeavoring to see good and not evil triumph in our lives. He also wants to equip us to do every good work. We carry His Name of Goodness in us to speak and do good things.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Words and Faith
Luke 18:8: … when the Son of man comes, shall he find faith on the earth?
As a believer, my first response is yes, of course, “I’m a believer, I have faith!” And I would venture to say that most everyone who goes to church, and a lot of people who don’t, would have the same response.
The whole story is found in Luke 18: 1-8. This passage talks about an unjust judge, who after being pestered continually by a woman, grants her justice. After this parable, Jesus says, “And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"
What does this have to do with words? Everything! Faith is believing what someone says is true, and believing they will do what they say. It is sometimes acting on what they say because you believe it is the truth. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word.” Faith and the Word are linked!
2 Corinthians 4:13 says, “It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak.” Faith or belief in the words we hear or read causes us to speak words with conviction and power. It is the foundation of what we will be talking about throughout this series of articles. We must believe that what God says in the Bible is true, because it impacts the power of our thoughts and words.
We found out in Numbers 12:19 and Titus 1 that God cannot lie. And it is important to God that we believe what He says. Remember that saying, “A man’s only as good as His word?” Since we’re made in God’s image, you might say God’s only as good as His word. And He cannot lie, therefore His word is good, never changes, and always remains true. Think about if you were to tell someone something that is true, and they kept saying, “Nuh-uh! I don’t believe you.” Imagine how frustrated you would become. Eventually, you’d probably say, “Just forget it”, and walk away. Perhaps you were trying to tell someone “I love you,” and they just wouldn’t believe you. Or, you were trying to warn someone of something, like the hole they were about to step into, or something a lot worse, and they refused to believe you and stepped into the hole, etc.” And you just had to watch them do it. Think how sad or horrified you’d be to have to stand there and watch it happen!
Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” It is essential for us to have faith in God and in His Words. How much of God’s Word do we really believe, and/or believe in enough to act on. When He warns us, do we heed His warning, or does He have to watch us walk headlong into the “hole” in front of us? Although this is an endless subject for consideration, let us each look at our own beliefs and lives, and let God speak to us through His Word.
Remember Isaiah 55:11? “So shall My Word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” If God’s Word is that sure, and He cannot lie, then let’s be encouraged to have faith in Him and in all His Word, so we will be able to emphatically say “Yes, He will find faith in me!”
As a believer, my first response is yes, of course, “I’m a believer, I have faith!” And I would venture to say that most everyone who goes to church, and a lot of people who don’t, would have the same response.
The whole story is found in Luke 18: 1-8. This passage talks about an unjust judge, who after being pestered continually by a woman, grants her justice. After this parable, Jesus says, “And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"
What does this have to do with words? Everything! Faith is believing what someone says is true, and believing they will do what they say. It is sometimes acting on what they say because you believe it is the truth. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word.” Faith and the Word are linked!
2 Corinthians 4:13 says, “It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak.” Faith or belief in the words we hear or read causes us to speak words with conviction and power. It is the foundation of what we will be talking about throughout this series of articles. We must believe that what God says in the Bible is true, because it impacts the power of our thoughts and words.
We found out in Numbers 12:19 and Titus 1 that God cannot lie. And it is important to God that we believe what He says. Remember that saying, “A man’s only as good as His word?” Since we’re made in God’s image, you might say God’s only as good as His word. And He cannot lie, therefore His word is good, never changes, and always remains true. Think about if you were to tell someone something that is true, and they kept saying, “Nuh-uh! I don’t believe you.” Imagine how frustrated you would become. Eventually, you’d probably say, “Just forget it”, and walk away. Perhaps you were trying to tell someone “I love you,” and they just wouldn’t believe you. Or, you were trying to warn someone of something, like the hole they were about to step into, or something a lot worse, and they refused to believe you and stepped into the hole, etc.” And you just had to watch them do it. Think how sad or horrified you’d be to have to stand there and watch it happen!
Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” It is essential for us to have faith in God and in His Words. How much of God’s Word do we really believe, and/or believe in enough to act on. When He warns us, do we heed His warning, or does He have to watch us walk headlong into the “hole” in front of us? Although this is an endless subject for consideration, let us each look at our own beliefs and lives, and let God speak to us through His Word.
Remember Isaiah 55:11? “So shall My Word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” If God’s Word is that sure, and He cannot lie, then let’s be encouraged to have faith in Him and in all His Word, so we will be able to emphatically say “Yes, He will find faith in me!”
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Words are Food
Jesus had much to say about “bread and the word”. He made the following statements:
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
“I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and He who believes in Me shall never thirst.”
“I am the living bread, and the words I speak are spirit and they are life.”
He went on to teach His disciples to pray “Give us this day our daily bread.”
Matthew. 4:4, 6:11; John 6:35, 63
When our physical bodies are hungry, we go and eat. It’s as simple as that. We can even do it without giving much thought to it other than, “What is there to eat?” or “What do I feel like eating?” And in my case, if there’s a bag of chips, or leftover popcorn anywhere near me, I can start eating without even thinking, because I’ve developed some bad eating habits. I’ve found out in my own life that hard as it may seem to be, bad habits are breakable, and good habits are “makeable.” I’ve actually developed a taste for foods I never thought I could eat. I did this by tasting them, eating them because I knew they were good for me, and telling myself over and over, “I sure do like this!” Truthfully, (weren’t we talking about speaking truth in Article 3?) my husband Harlas taught me how to do this. He was the one who learned to like Diet Pepsi as opposed to Pepsi by telling himself that he sure liked it, and how good it tasted. And He’s the one who keeps saying to me, “Here, Sharon, just try a bite/drink of this.” Thanks, Harlas!
The same dynamic applies to our spiritual “body”, our “inner man”, or the “hidden man of the heart” as our spirit is sometimes called. Our spirits need spiritual food daily. Spiritual food feeds our spirits so they can grow and be healthy and strong. Jesus’ words are spirit and they are life. God’s words are our spiritual food and they are life, they build and sustain life in us! Come on, try a bite!
From my experience, the more of the Word I read and speak and put into my mind, the more of the Word I want to read. I can “eat” until I’m full! Referring to the Scripture verses above, this fullness is meant to be achieved daily. In that sense, every day I can eat my fill and not be hungry for that day. We Christians talk of hungering and thirsting after more of God. That may sound like an opposite stance from never hungering or thirsting, but the meaning behind that is that we don’t have to go hungry or thirsty, for when we come to Jesus, He fills us up. The daily part means that every day we can eat until we are saturated with the Word. Then we go away from the “table” and let the Word settle in our hearts; we meditate on it, and let God speak to us through those words. Then the next day we eat or read more. This is the way our spirits grow, and the way we increase our capacity to learn more, and understand more of the Word. And our lives are changed by this! We grow as a person on the inside.
God’s Word is Spirit and Life! When we read His Word, it is like pumping life into us! Picture it as getting a blood transfusion of pure untainted, healthy blood. And the Holy Spirit is sometimes referred to as the Breath of Life. Reading God’s Word is like breathing in oxygen, which our lungs need desperately to live! Our inner man is literally hungering and thirsting for the Word of God.
When God reveals or makes a verse in the Bible clear to me, it is the most exciting thing! Has your life become humdrum or sort of blah? Do you want to feel alive? Try “eating” a daily dose of God’s Word! This will sustain you throughout your day, and change your life!
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
“I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and He who believes in Me shall never thirst.”
“I am the living bread, and the words I speak are spirit and they are life.”
He went on to teach His disciples to pray “Give us this day our daily bread.”
Matthew. 4:4, 6:11; John 6:35, 63
When our physical bodies are hungry, we go and eat. It’s as simple as that. We can even do it without giving much thought to it other than, “What is there to eat?” or “What do I feel like eating?” And in my case, if there’s a bag of chips, or leftover popcorn anywhere near me, I can start eating without even thinking, because I’ve developed some bad eating habits. I’ve found out in my own life that hard as it may seem to be, bad habits are breakable, and good habits are “makeable.” I’ve actually developed a taste for foods I never thought I could eat. I did this by tasting them, eating them because I knew they were good for me, and telling myself over and over, “I sure do like this!” Truthfully, (weren’t we talking about speaking truth in Article 3?) my husband Harlas taught me how to do this. He was the one who learned to like Diet Pepsi as opposed to Pepsi by telling himself that he sure liked it, and how good it tasted. And He’s the one who keeps saying to me, “Here, Sharon, just try a bite/drink of this.” Thanks, Harlas!
The same dynamic applies to our spiritual “body”, our “inner man”, or the “hidden man of the heart” as our spirit is sometimes called. Our spirits need spiritual food daily. Spiritual food feeds our spirits so they can grow and be healthy and strong. Jesus’ words are spirit and they are life. God’s words are our spiritual food and they are life, they build and sustain life in us! Come on, try a bite!
From my experience, the more of the Word I read and speak and put into my mind, the more of the Word I want to read. I can “eat” until I’m full! Referring to the Scripture verses above, this fullness is meant to be achieved daily. In that sense, every day I can eat my fill and not be hungry for that day. We Christians talk of hungering and thirsting after more of God. That may sound like an opposite stance from never hungering or thirsting, but the meaning behind that is that we don’t have to go hungry or thirsty, for when we come to Jesus, He fills us up. The daily part means that every day we can eat until we are saturated with the Word. Then we go away from the “table” and let the Word settle in our hearts; we meditate on it, and let God speak to us through those words. Then the next day we eat or read more. This is the way our spirits grow, and the way we increase our capacity to learn more, and understand more of the Word. And our lives are changed by this! We grow as a person on the inside.
God’s Word is Spirit and Life! When we read His Word, it is like pumping life into us! Picture it as getting a blood transfusion of pure untainted, healthy blood. And the Holy Spirit is sometimes referred to as the Breath of Life. Reading God’s Word is like breathing in oxygen, which our lungs need desperately to live! Our inner man is literally hungering and thirsting for the Word of God.
When God reveals or makes a verse in the Bible clear to me, it is the most exciting thing! Has your life become humdrum or sort of blah? Do you want to feel alive? Try “eating” a daily dose of God’s Word! This will sustain you throughout your day, and change your life!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Speaking and Creating Life
We’ve discovered that God is into creating life with His tongue, with His words. Since we are made in His image, He is into our creating life and prosperity with our tongues. That’s a lot of power that God has trusted us with. He has given us the choice which kind of words we speak - words of life and good or words of evil and destruction. But He wants us to speak words of life, encouraging words, words that uplift or “uphold”, and impacting words that accomplish His purpose in our lives and the world around us. He wants us to join Him in His purposes! When God speaks, He creates, upholds and accomplishes! And He encourages us to do the same.
Abiding, Meditating, and Speaking
And Jesus says in John 15:7, “If you shall abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” When we read and meditate on God’s Word daily, we are abiding in His Word. We are putting His Word in our heart so we can speak it. This means we can speak life! And God says we can ask what we desire, and it shall be done for us! As I read these scriptures, I’m struck over and over again what power there is in God’s Word! I get more and more excited, the more I study about words!
Death and Life
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Proverbs 18:21. ::::: And God says in Deut. 30: 14-15, “The Word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commands, His decrees, and His laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.”
God Cannot Lie
Another fact we should know about God is that “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change his mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?” More simply put, “God cannot lie.” (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2) ::::: God cannot lie. His Word is true, therefore we can believe that what He says is true, and He will perform or finish whatever He has spoken. God created us in His image, of His essence, and breathed His life into us, making us living souls, or speaking spirits. Words are so important to God that He made the whole world with words and upholds it with words. He even sent His Word to earth as a man, who is the Son of God, Jesus. That’s a mighty emphasis on words! And He created us to be just like Him. He wants us to think words and speak words like Him (We are not God, but we are made in His likeness, and of His essence.) In fact, Ephesians 4:15, 25 tells us that the way to “grow up” and be more like Jesus, who is the Word, is to speak the truth in love, to put off falsehood and lying, and speak truthfully to each other.
Created in God's Image
God created the world and all that is in it by speaking words. He even upholds the world by the Word. And the words that God speaks always accomplish and prosper in what He sent them to do. (John 1:1-3, 14; Genesis 1:1, 3; Hebrews 1:1-3; Isaiah 55:11) ::::: With that in mind, I want us to consider that God created us in His image. Genesis 1:26-27 and 2:7 says, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. So God created man in his own image. And the Lord formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being (soul).” One translation says ‘man became another speaking spirit’.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Today's Question for Dialogue
2 Timothy 2:13 says, "If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny himself." ::::: (my paragraph marks) :::::
My question is, "What does this mean or say to you? Use examples if you want." ::::: This has long been a scripture I hang on to when I have "blown it" in my relationship with the Lord. Example: I ignore him for days, but have learned that when I come to Him, He is always still there ready to share His heart and life and revelations with me. He is a constant in my life. ::::: I recently read the commentary in my Bible that says that Jesus will deny us before the Father if we deny him in times of persecution or trouble. I purposefully paraphrased that. ::::: This has bothered me for a few days, as these commentators are well known Biblical scholars (I won't tell you what Bible I'm using other than it is a NKJ.) So, I decided this would be a good dialogue question. I am a journaler, and have had a prayer journal of sorts for at least 20 years. I neglect it for sometimes months, but every time I come back to it, God pours out His heart and gives me pictures and words and revelations. As for me, when I am faithless, He remains faithful to me. ::::: Again I ask, "What does this scripture mean to you?"
My question is, "What does this mean or say to you? Use examples if you want." ::::: This has long been a scripture I hang on to when I have "blown it" in my relationship with the Lord. Example: I ignore him for days, but have learned that when I come to Him, He is always still there ready to share His heart and life and revelations with me. He is a constant in my life. ::::: I recently read the commentary in my Bible that says that Jesus will deny us before the Father if we deny him in times of persecution or trouble. I purposefully paraphrased that. ::::: This has bothered me for a few days, as these commentators are well known Biblical scholars (I won't tell you what Bible I'm using other than it is a NKJ.) So, I decided this would be a good dialogue question. I am a journaler, and have had a prayer journal of sorts for at least 20 years. I neglect it for sometimes months, but every time I come back to it, God pours out His heart and gives me pictures and words and revelations. As for me, when I am faithless, He remains faithful to me. ::::: Again I ask, "What does this scripture mean to you?"
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Today: Another Answered Prayer
I would like to thank God for another answered prayer. I guess you might call it ongoing answered prayer. I have been praying about my weight and health for at least a couple years now. 3 and 1/2 months ago, a friend of mine told me about an antioxidant drink called Jus and got me to try it. (Jus is made from 23 superfruits, berries and herbs, plus Resveritrol.) My life hasn't been the same since! I've now lost 31 pounds, am able to run up and down stairs without losing my breath, and I have tons more energy. My cholesterol and blood pressure counts are now normal, whereas they were high before. I have been able to exercise some where I haven't been able to for several years due to back and joint problems. I've noticed too that my mental health is a lot better. I've been willing to tackle doing new things that before I thought were too complicated and scary, like this blogspot and facebook, and other endeavors. I don't get depressed any more, and if I get attacked in that manner, I'm able to say "I don't have to be depressed." and am able to shake it off. I feel younger, more like I used to feel. Harlas, also has seen a lot of health benefits. His energy level has increased, and he doesn't get so tired from his physically demanding job. He's able to go up and down stairs normally, whereas before he had to go up sideways. He hasn't taken any nitro at all since he started taking Jus. (He had a stent put in his artery 2 years ago and would need the nitro once or twice a week.) So both of us are extremely thankful that God brought Jus into our lives. I feel like a new woman! Thank you God! PS If anyone is interested in knowing more about Jus, check out http://www.myjus23.com/sseidel and/or email me.
Today: Answered Prayer
God is so very good. Harlas' (husband) car is almost dead, so we are forced to buy another car. Car shopping is a pain and sometimes discouraging. But I felt I should call a local dealership where we bought my car in Feb. I did, and we found the right car for Harlas, a 2006 Nissan Altima with low miles and good mpg. We will pick it up on Monday. Thank you God for once again answering our prayers and meeting our need! Now I can concentrate on looking for work. Another prayer for God to answer. I'm glad he enjoys answering our prayers. I would appreciate prayer for finding a job.
Words Accomplish and Prosper
Isaiah 55:11 ... “My Word that goes forth from My mouth shall not return to Me void or empty. But it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” ..... When God speaks words, those words always accomplish or finish what they were sent to do. Another way to say it is that they always prosper in what they were meant to do. Success and victory always follow God’s Words. Always! That’s awesome power! ..... Parting Thought: Not only do God’s words create, uphold, accomplish and prosper, our words do too!
Words Uphold
Hebrews 1:3 ... “…God’s Son (Jesus, The Word) is upholding all things by the Word of His Power.” ..... Notice the tense here is present – upholding. God’s Word is currently still upholding all things, including the world and all that is in it. Some definitions of uphold are: hold up, carry the weight of, support, bear, shore up, bolster, maintain, sustain and preserve. This world is being supported and upheld by The Word of God! How awesome!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Words Create
Words Create
Genesis 1:1,3...
“In the beginning God created the heavens and earth.” - “Then God said, ‘Let there be light.’” ..... These words were followed by a lot more “Let there be’s”. Another way to put this, God said, “Light Be”, and by inference, “Heavens and Earth, be.”
God created by speaking words. ..... John 1:3...“All things were made through Him (The Word), and without Him nothing was made that was made.”
God created all things by The Word. ..... Hebrews 1:1-2...“God has spoken to us in these last days by His Son…through whom also He made the worlds.”
God created the worlds through His Word, who is Jesus.
Genesis 1:1,3...
“In the beginning God created the heavens and earth.” - “Then God said, ‘Let there be light.’” ..... These words were followed by a lot more “Let there be’s”. Another way to put this, God said, “Light Be”, and by inference, “Heavens and Earth, be.”
God created by speaking words. ..... John 1:3...“All things were made through Him (The Word), and without Him nothing was made that was made.”
God created all things by The Word. ..... Hebrews 1:1-2...“God has spoken to us in these last days by His Son…through whom also He made the worlds.”
God created the worlds through His Word, who is Jesus.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
In the Beginning...
The origin of words is God and The Word, Himself, who is Jesus.
John 1:1-2,14,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…”
Take a minute to consider this statement, and think about the power it took for a word to become flesh! That’s pretty awesome!
The Bible tells us some amazing things about words, and about the power of words! I want to look at three truths which are the foundation for what we want to build in our own lives. They are not the only truths about the Word we will find on our journey, but we will start with these. These three things are: Words Create, Words Uphold, and Words Accomplish and Prosper.
John 1:1-2,14,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…”
Take a minute to consider this statement, and think about the power it took for a word to become flesh! That’s pretty awesome!
The Bible tells us some amazing things about words, and about the power of words! I want to look at three truths which are the foundation for what we want to build in our own lives. They are not the only truths about the Word we will find on our journey, but we will start with these. These three things are: Words Create, Words Uphold, and Words Accomplish and Prosper.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Word About Following My Blogs
I am recreating a series of articles I did about Word Power. Until I discover a better way of doing this on this blogspot, to follow these you need to start with the first one I did (at the bottom of the list) and go forward from there. Since I am new to this, suggestions are welcome. From time to time I may want to add something current or relevant in my life, so will try to think of something "clever" to preface my titles with that will give you a clue that this is what I'm doing. By the time I've exhausted my Word Power articles, I should have a better idea of what else I want to do with this blogspot. Whatever I write, remember, words have power, and whatever words I write, they are my word creations. The same goes for your word creations, too. I've enjoyed glimpses of your lives. It's a nice way to get connected, or to stay connected. Thanks for tuning in to Word Power Creations. Sharon Seidel
Origin of Words
I’ve discovered the origin of words! This will be an ongoing adventure, so let’s begin the journey now. First, let me say this: I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe the Bible is God’s Word and is Truth and Life. If you don’t believe these things, don’t let that stop you from continuing this journey, because there is power in words, and the Bible is full of information about words and how words affect everyone’s life. I believe you will find truth about words that will indeed impact every area of your life, and may even cause you to place more value on the words you think and speak. You may experience the power of words in your own life. Okay, here we go ... In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God….
Words Impact Our Lives
Our whole lives are impacted or ruled by words. Words are all about communication, about expressing what’s inside of us, who we are, what we think. Words connect us to other people. We think words, we read words, we hear words, we speak words. We play word games, we watch word game shows on television, we play word games on the computer. Talk shows and reality shows are based on people speaking their words or thoughts and beliefs. Movies, plays, and television shows are often judged, not just on acting abilities, but on how well written they are. A good script can make or break a movie! Books are written with words, and are critiqued not only on plot or interest, but often on how well written it was. Songs are often dependent upon the words to speak to the audience. Good lyrics may make or break a song. Poems are all about painting pictures with words. The right words are absolutely imperative in communicating the intent of the poet. We talk about people being good communicators and good speakers. We say a man is only as good as his word, his word is his bond, his word is as good as gold. We talk about people being “wordy”. (Oops, maybe being “wordy” is hitting a little too close to home!)
Power In Words
A man is only as good as his word.
His word is his bond.
His word is as good as gold.
Watch your words.
As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
These words are food for thought. (What words are you feeding your thoughts?)
The above statements are fairly common and we’ve all heard them (or words like them) over the course of our lives. Maybe we’re sick of hearing them!
Did you know there is power in words? Probably you’ve already noticed that! Words can make us feel good, or feel bad. Words spoken to us can influence the way we think about ourselves. Words spoken can also change our actions and reactions. They certainly can affect our emotions!
His word is his bond.
His word is as good as gold.
Watch your words.
As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
These words are food for thought. (What words are you feeding your thoughts?)
The above statements are fairly common and we’ve all heard them (or words like them) over the course of our lives. Maybe we’re sick of hearing them!
Did you know there is power in words? Probably you’ve already noticed that! Words can make us feel good, or feel bad. Words spoken to us can influence the way we think about ourselves. Words spoken can also change our actions and reactions. They certainly can affect our emotions!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Blogs of Note...not mine. What are these? Can I get rid of them?
I just clicked on the "Blogs of Note" and got a bunch of weird blogs. Does anyone know where they came from and how I can get rid of them?
I did add Mary Lee Glassburn's blog to my "Reading List" though.
I did add Mary Lee Glassburn's blog to my "Reading List" though.
Word Power Creations is Officially Here!
I now have a blog spot. That part was easy. The hard part will be deciding what to post. Thank you Mary Lee Glassburn, for strongly encouraging me to do a blog spot.
Words are powerful! They do lots of things. They teach, instruct, encourage, rebuke, exhort, criticize, tell about something, describe something. They can also tear down rather than build up. They have creative power. Therefore, Word Power Creations.
I love words! From the time I learned phonics, and learned to read, I have loved words. I love to read and I love to write. Several years ago, I created a Christian magazine called “Listen to the HEARTBEAT of the Spirit” (through the church we were attending at that time). A year ago, spoke to me that it was time to write again. Thank you, God! Word Power seemed like a good choice for me, since I am passionate about God’s Word and how important words are in our lives. And now it's time to share some of this with you on Blog Spot.
Words are powerful! They do lots of things. They teach, instruct, encourage, rebuke, exhort, criticize, tell about something, describe something. They can also tear down rather than build up. They have creative power. Therefore, Word Power Creations.
I love words! From the time I learned phonics, and learned to read, I have loved words. I love to read and I love to write. Several years ago, I created a Christian magazine called “Listen to the HEARTBEAT of the Spirit” (through the church we were attending at that time). A year ago, spoke to me that it was time to write again. Thank you, God! Word Power seemed like a good choice for me, since I am passionate about God’s Word and how important words are in our lives. And now it's time to share some of this with you on Blog Spot.
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