Category Archives: Miscellaneous

May 20

Watch Yo Mouth, Boy!

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confession_t_ntGrowing up I remember my buddies and I having this phrase we would say in response to an ugly, mean or even arrogant statement. When one of us would say something one of us deemed wrong, someone would reply, “Watch Yo Mouth, Boy!” This phrase was used to help the offender think about his statement and hopefully not say the same thing again.

I know, you’re thinking that’s a silly thing for guys to say. Well, you’re probably right, but we said it anyway. Here’s my point in all of this. Although the phrase, “Watch Yo Mouth, Boy!” is goofy and something most adults would never say to one another, it is an important expression we could benefit from if we considered it in our daily lives.

The wise man said, “Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (Prov. 29:20). How many times a day do you say something in haste only to regret what you said moments, days or even weeks later? Perhaps it’s something you said to your spouse, your kids, your parents, your employer, your teachers, your friends or your coworkers. I know from personal experience that the words I spoke in haste, more often than not, were things I wished I could take back immediately.

Admit it. This is one area of our lives that could use some improvement, isn’t it? Possibly you’ve already said something in haste today you wish you could have taken back.

Notice what Solomon said in the verse mentioned above. He said there is more hope for a fool than for a man who is hasty in his words. A fool has more hope than a person who is quick to speak. As crazy as this may sound, it’s true. When we speak hastily we say things that are hurtful, mean, ugly and harmful. James said, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (Jam. 1:19).

As you deal with people who frustrate, irritate and even hurt you with their words and actions, be sure you “Watch yo mouth!” Let’s all be mindful not to be too hasty with our words. Otherwise, a fool will have more hope than we will.

Now that’s Something to Think About!

QUESTION: What are some things you do to help you control your tongue? Share in the comments section below.

May 08

Take A Risk

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falling for god_cb copyIt’s being called the best “Final Jeopardy” answer of all time and it was given by a teenager, Leonard Cooper during the Jeopardy Teen Tournament a few weeks ago. When given the answer, “On June 6, 1944 he said, ‘The eyes of the world are upon you,’” Leonard Cooper risked $0 and responded, “Who is some guy in Normandy, but I just won $75,000!” What may very well go down as the greatest “Final Jeopardy” answer in history, will certainly overshadow the events that unfolded moments before.

Trailing in overall money total, Leonard hit a daily double. Much to the shock of Alex Trebek, when asked how much he was willing to risk, Leonard responded, “$18,000.” If Leonard missed this question, he would have lost all his earnings and not been eligible for the $75,000 grand prize. Fortunately, for Leonard, he answered the question correctly and put himself in a position to take home the grand prize.

As I watched Leonard risk everything, I sat in shock. “How could he risk all his money? What if he misses the question? This kid is not smart.” However, the more I thought about his bold move, the more I began to realize how much we can learn from young Leonard. You see, this teenager was willing to risk everything because he knew the reward outweighed the risk. If he missed the question, big deal, he’s at no personal loss. If he answered correctly, he put himself in a position to reap a large reward.

As Christians, we should be a lot like Leonard in that we are willing to take risks. After all, aren’t the rewards worth the risk? This week, why not be bold and take a risk you wouldn’t normally take for Jesus. It just might prove to be well worth the risk when it comes to eternity.

Jesus said, “If anyone wished to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matt. 16:24-25).

QUESTION:What risks can you take this week for Jesus that might prove worth it in eternity?

Apr 02

A Needed Habit

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Habits Series

Click to read part 1 and part 2 of the habits series.

If you were to describe your life in one word right now, what word would you use? Hectic? Fast? Busy? Crazy? Uncontrollable? These words, or words very similar, would probably be the most likely words we would use when describing our lives. But what if when asked, we could respond, “My life is simple.” Can you imagine how nice it would be to live a simple life?

We live in a society that values things. People think to be the best you must have the most, be the highest paid, get all the awards and be the most popular. Yet, what does that do for you in the long run? Nothing! The only thing it produces is stress and busyness. Consider how much of our time is spent on doing things to impress others or to serve our own desires. Doesn’t this complicate our lives much more? Doesn’t this cause our lives to be everything but simple?

The key to having a simple life is not getting caught up in having the best of everything and working ourselves to death in order to gain more. Jesus made it clear the path to heaven was far more difficult for the rich than the poor (Mark 10:17-25). Why is this? Because having “things” can cloud our judgment to the point we have a greater love for possessions than eternal life. When we have a greater love for possessions than eternal life, we’re willing to do anything to obtain more, even live lives that are crazy, hectic and totally out of control.

It’s important for us to incorporate the needed habit of simplicity into our lives. By doing this we will keep things in perspective because we’re not so caught up in the next “big thing” and more caught up in Jesus.

Think about it this way: when our lives on this earth pass, will those “things” get us anywhere? Certainly not! So why not stop trying to keep up with everyone else, and just allow yourself to live a simple life. After all, Jesus never meant for your life to be so crazy. He simply wants us to follow Him (Matt. 4:20, 22).

QUESTION: How can people make their lives less hectic and more simple? What are the benefits of living a simple life?

Mar 28

A Necessary Habit

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confession_t_nvhere. Today, I want us to think about a Necessary Habit we need in our lives.

Have you ever tried to hide something you’d done from others? When I was a kid there were times I would try to hide things from my parents because I was afraid of what might happen if they ever found out I had disobeyed them. I’m sure most of you can relate to this. As children, we’ve all been down the road of hidden secrets. Sadly, many of us try to do the very same thing as Christians; we try to keep our sins hidden from others as well as from God.

One old saying says there is no stronger sin than sin that remains hidden. I believe the reason for this is because hidden sin has the potential to prove costly in our lives. Consider just a few of the ways secret sins can be costly:

1. Our secret sins keep us from enjoying the relationship with God we were created to enjoy. Isaiah told the people their sins had made a separation between them and God (Isa. 59:2). Our sins, including those we think we have very well hidden, will do the same to us today. All sin, whether public or hidden, causes a separation between us and God.

2. As long as we think our sins are hidden, we most likely will continue doing them. If we feel our secret sins are unknown to others, we won’t think about the consequences and will continue to practice such sins. Paul told the Christians in Rome that God would judge even the secrets of men (Rom. 2:16). Friends no “secret” sin is hidden from God so why not stop trying to hide them? Confess your sins and avoid continually practicing them.

3. When we try to keep our secret sins hidden, guilt begins to eat at us. Perhaps one of the biggest reasons this occurs is because we begin to feel as though we are fakes. We know others who hold us in high regard because they don’t know the secret lives we are living and this causes us to feel guilty. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocritical behavior (Matt. 23). Let’s be careful not to be people who look good on the outside but on the inside are living impure lives of secret sin.

Friends, instead of trying to keep our secret sins hidden, why not confess our shortcomings? James wrote, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed” (Jam. 5:16). Through confessing the very things we are trying to hide, we can find healing and forgiveness, both from others and from God (I Jn. 1:9).

May God open our hearts to the necessary habit of confession.

QUESTION: Why is confession a habit we find hard to practice?

Mar 13

A Neglected Habit

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One of the most important habits we can participate in is Bible study. Sadly though, this is one of the most often neglected habits in the lives of Christians. Even though this habit is widely neglected among the so called “religious” today, we would all agree Scripture speaks about the study of the Word and the importance of it. Consider just a few things that make Bible study important:

1). God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psa. 119:105).

2). The Word of God helps us in our battle with sin (Psa. 119:9, 11).

3). The more we study the Word, the more we accurately handle the Word of Truth (2 Tim. 2:15).

4). Through studying the Word, we discover the truth found in scripture (Jn. 8:31-32).

5). Spending time in the Word helps us to know how we are to live our lives (Col. 1:9-10).

Just the other day, I posted the following question on Twitter: “What is the biggest hindrance to you when it comes to reading the Bible?” Several of the answers were: I’m just so busy, I have a hard time concentrating and I’ve read and heard it all before. I’m afraid too many Christians don’t attempt Bible study because it seems too hard. Perhaps the reason it seems too hard is because we don’t know how to study the Bible.

Let’s consider a few tips that can help us in our study of the Word. Always remember, before you do anything else, begin your Bible study by praying and asking God to give you an open heart and mind.

1). Study the text over and over. This is the easiest way to learn. The more we study something over and over, the more it penetrates into the depths of our hearts and takes shape in our lives.

2). Know the context. Read the verses before and after what you are studying. Sometimes it’s beneficial to read a chapter or two before and after the text you are studying. If we don’t know the context, we may walk away from our study with the wrong idea about the passage we studied.

3). Make sure you are able to give your full concentration. Many things can distract us and get our minds off what we are studying. Find a quiet place and time so you can give the study your full attention.

4). Be sure you comprehend what you study. It’s okay if some days you don’t cover as much as you would like. Take your time and look up key words, phrases and things you don’t understand. It will make a huge difference in how much you truly comprehend.

5). Take time to make application. This is an area many struggle with. Studying the Word is good, but applying the Word is crucial. Find ways to use what you have studied in your daily life. Remember, “Thy Word is a lamp to our feet and a guide to our path” (Psa. 119:105).

In a few of my Bibles I have a book mark that reads, “Every time the Bible is opened knowledge is gained!” This statement is so full of truth. It’s time the people of God start opening the Word and digging deep within. Let’s take what is often a neglected habit and make it a part of our daily lives. You just might begin to see the difference the Word of God can truly make in your life!

QUESTION: What is the biggest hindrance for you when it comes to reading God’s Word? What tips would you give someone wanting to get the most out of their time of study?