Tongue Training

Reading: Jeremiah 9-10, Psalm 100, and Acts 22

Scripture: Jeremiah 9:5, Everyone deceives his neighbor, and no one speaks the truth; they have taught their tongue to speak lies; they weary themselves committing iniquity.

Thoughts: “They have taught their tongues to speak lies,” When I first read this passage it blew my mind, I had never thought about my tongue being taught. Then James 3:3-5 draws the compassion between a horse and its bit, and the ship and its rudder, and how the tongue can spark a great blaze, for most of my life through example, and letting my emotions guide my tongue. I have taught my tongue to be harsh and cutting, even to the ones I love. Now in my forties with a wife and children I need to break the habits and retrain my tongue. I can also see that I have been training my children’s tongues, they have the same harsh cutting tongue that I have been showing them for years. When we train our tongue in the harsh cutting ways as James says it leads our body in the same way and can easily move to a place where we hurt someone. When we train our tongue to worship and praise; to have kind tones and words; to lift up and encourage we will shine God’s light and love brighter than we ever thought. What are we training our tongue to do?

Prayer: Lord God, you are so wonderful, you are worthy of all honor and praise. I confess my inadequacy, that I have trained my tongue to be harsh and cutting. I need your help to retrain my tongue so that I can speak life and love into my wife, my children, my coworkers, and the world around me. Take the coal of your refining fire and touch my mouth that it may burn away the evil I have taught it that you may rebuild it in your image.

Nations that do not obey.

Reading: Jeremiah 7-8 and Acts 21

Scripture: Jeremiah 7:28, And you shall say to them, ‘This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the Lord their God, and did not accept discipline; truth has perished; it is cut off from their lips.

Thoughts: The United States was founded on biblical principles, and Israel was formed from a family seeking after one God. Both ebb and flow on how well they follow God. Through prophets, nations are warned of their departure from the calling and direction God laid out before them. I feel that this warning that Jeremiah was posing was not just for Israel and for that time. I feel that this warning is to our nation and to us personally. When we allow the world to influence us into becoming someone who does not listen to God and over time as each person ignores the discipline, so goes the nation. It is our job to continually redirect ourselves and those around us by pointing to God. We need to constantly be seeking Him who created us and shining His light into the world. Truth is perishing around us every day. The truth that God created male and female is being pushed out to encompass the various sins that people want to be accepted. Stand firm on God’s truth and who he calls us to be in His Word.

Prayer: Father God, you are the creator of all things, and you declared it was good. I am in awe of how nature cries of your greatness and so many still deny that you exist. I thank you for your grace and mercy. I thank you for your provisions. I thank you for my family. I long to hear your voice. I ask that you open my eyes and ears so that I can follow after you better. Help me to steward what you have given me well that I can honor you with all I have.

I need to do WHAT???

Reading: Jeremiah 5-6 and Acts 20

Scripture: Acts 20:22-23, And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.

Thoughts: When you hear that a hard task or situation is coming, what do you do? I know that most people will do everything they can to avoid or postpone that situation. I would love to have not lived in a travel trailer for the past 18 months. We knew that there would be hardships and challenges, selling our home and moving into a 32-foot trailer. We also had our plan for this time, and it was not this long or had as many detours as we have had. Paul was told that going to Jerusalem would involve imprisonment and affliction, yet he also knew that he was to go to Rome. We knew we would have a home on the family property; we sold our house in town in March of 2024 and today we are still waiting for a delivery date for our house. We may not have the house yet, but we have a home in a cramped approximately 300sqft. Are you putting off what God has called you to because it looks hard in our human eyes? Or are we running toward the fame knowing God sent us and he will equip us for what he called us to.

Prayer: Lord God, only you know what is truly in store for us. I thank you that you will equip us and teach us through these hard times. You have called us to be a part of your plan that you have set forth from the beginning. I thank you that you have a part for me and for deeming me worthy to fight in your army. I thank you for your provision and blessings. Help me to step boldly in your way and shine your light in this dark world.

Run Away???

Reading: Jeremiah 3-4 and Acts 19

Scripture: Acts 19:9, But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus.

Thoughts: I know that there have been times when things got tough; instead of digging in and pushing through, I would often give up and leave. That is the easy thing to do, just walk away. Paul as he did started in the synagogue speaking to the Jews but when they were moving against him and the Gospel of Jesus, he didn’t pack it in like it was said in an earlier chamber, “may your blood be on your own head” Acts 18:6. As he removed himself from the Synagogue he took those who believed and became disciples with him to the hard to Gentile teaching the hall of Tyrannus. This was not a retreat from the fight it was jumping from the pan into the fire; Paul and the disciples headed straight into the next battle. When we have done all, we can do we sit down and lick our wounds, or do we see the victory of how far we came and start marching for the next battle that God has pointed out.

Prayer: Father God, you are the great strategist, you have already won the war and defeated the enemy. I walk in your victory and seek my part in the battles that continue to rage around us. You are the great I AM and deserve all the glory and honor. May your kingdom come and your will be done. Help me to curb my anger and aggression, so that I may not hurt those I love, but rather use it as a tool for protection and victory in your name.

The Duck and The Sword

Reading: Jeremiah 1-2 and Acts 18

Scripture: Acts 18:6, And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

Thoughts: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is offensive. The Gospel tells us that nothing we can do can get us to Heaven, that we are sinners, and that only through Jesus can we get to Heaven. I suspect that nobody likes being told they are not good enough. When sharing this offensive news there are bound to be those who will oppose and revile us. This is a great reminder that there are times to be a duck, in the sense that like a duck with a water drop on its back, we need to just let it roll off. Even though we are letting things go, we need to stay aware and keep our Armor on and our Sword at the ready. I have been reading/listening to fantasy novels and as these heroes get ready for battle one of the things they do is to clear their sword (if I’m remembering my term correctly) which is moving the sword in, out, and around in its scabbard a little. This is to make sure that when the time comes to pull their sword it does not get stuck. In “The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe” Aslan tells Peter, “Never put your sword away dirty.” In the heat of or after a battle anything that was on that sword is now in the scabbard and as it dries your sword can get stuck. A sword stuck in its scabbard is little more than a club. We are also not to neglect keeping our swords clean and sharpened. Between battle and in the calms we need to keep those swords(The Word) sharpened and practice with them that when that battle comes not only do we have an effective tool but we are prepared to use it.

Prayer: Lord God, you are worthy of all praise and honor. You are the alpha and omega. I thank you for paying me any attention. I am in awe that you know me and the hairs on my head. I thank you for the provision and blessings you pour out on us. I ask that you continue to mold me and make me into the man you call me to be. Open my eyes to my faults and failures so that I can seek forgiveness and restoration. Please help me to take the steps needed to remove the impurities in my life and fill them with things of you.

Turning the wold upside down.

 Reading: Zephaniah 1-3 and Acts 17

Scripture: Acts 17:6, And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,

Thoughts: I love this turn of phrase, “These men who have turned the world upside down.” When we look at Jesus’ ministry, he was the first to turn traditions and culture on its head. After around 1500 years of only having a cold law to guide them. Jesus brought life and love. Showing the value of all not just those who followed the law. The law said “tooth for a tooth” or in how I would say it, “Turn about is fair play” or “if you can’t take it don’t dish it out.” Jesus said to “turn the other cheek” I have recently heard a couple of different perspectives on this verse. First, after being hit on the cheek you were hit on is hot, you are now angry you are hot. In this instance turning the other cheek could mean to use your calm cool and collected side not the hot angry side. The second view focuses on a word in the verse in Matthew 5:39 Jesus “But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” And the word focused on was right. In that culture, they would limit the use of their left hand because of what they used it for. So, the only way someone could be struck on the right side by the right hand when people are facing one another is with a backhand. As far as I under the meaning of a backhand has not changed, it has always been a very demanding and disrespectful hit. So, in this perspective turning the other cheek is saying, hit me like an equal. Both perspectives turn the culture of the time on its head. Let’s shine God’s love to the world around us and let it be said of us that we turned the world upside down.

Prayer: Lord God you are so wonderful. I thank you for all you are doing in my life. I ask for boldness to speak when you tell me to speak the strength to be silent when you say be silent, and the wisdom to hear and listen. Help me to be a light to this broken world that your loving kindness can be known.

Whose are you?

Reading: Habakkuk 1-3 and Acts 16

Scripture: Acts 16:38-39, The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city.

Thoughts: Paul and Silas had been beaten, thrown in jail, and had stuck around after God opened the doors to the prison for them during a prayer and worship session, allowing them to preach to the Jailer and not only save his life but his soul. These two didn’t worship because of who they were but because of whose they were and where their citizenship was. They knew they both had citizenship in Heaven and Rome. It is so easy to listen to the world and forget who we belong to. We were bought for a price. We have also been given full citizenship and authority in Heaven. The world wants to beat us down; tell us we are no good and take our authority away. Stop listening to the evil one spewing lies about you and remember what God says about you and where your citizenship lies.

Prayer: Lord God, your mercies overwhelm me, your loving kindness overflows. I thank you that you know me and know the hairs on my head. I thank you that I get to be a part of your work. I ask for your strength and wisdom as I walk through this storm. I thank you that you are here with me and that you hear the groaning of my heart where my words are not enough. Open my mouth to speak your words, open my ears to hear your voice. Speak through your servant.

The ease of evil

Reading: 2 Kings 23, 2 Chronicles 35, and Acts 15

Scripture: 2 Kings 23:31, Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his fathers had done.

Thoughts: Josiah had just spent his time as king cleaning up and removing all the idols and bringing the nation back to seeking after God. Just after his death his son takes over and in three months, he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. This is a prime example of how seeking God and building our relationship with Him takes a lifetime, yet chasing the things of this world only takes a moment to lead you astray from God’s plan. The United States was founded nearly 250 years ago on Biblical principles. Just in my lifetime I have watched how the depravity of a hundred years ago is now acceptable in public. We have been so desensitized since the free love movement of the 60s and sexual sins being played out on TV. Today you are almost unable to find a show that does not have something that the Bible says is evil, and some of these kids' shows are so blatant that even I feel gross when I have seen them. Seek God and His kingdom every day, we can not keep ourselves from idols and evil on our own we need a fresh outpouring from Him every day.

Prayer: Lord God, I struggle with words to praise you and worship you, you are Holy and worthy, your grace abounds and your mercy never ends. Your creations cry out your greatness and wonder. I thank you for all you have done and all you are doing. I thank you for your loving kindness. I thank you for your provisions and the blessings you pour out on us. I thank you for my family and friends. I ask that you help me to seek you daily and shun the evil of this world. May your kingdom come and your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Just keep swimming…Just keep swimming

Reading: 2 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 34, and Acts 14

Scripture: Acts 14:7, and there they continued to preach the gospel.

Thoughts: Paul and Barnabas were teaching and there were leaders, both Jew and Gentile who stirred up the people against them. After leaving due to the threat of stoning this passage says, “and there they continued to preach the gospel.” In the United States, we are insulated from much of the persecution and threat of death because of what we believe. How far are we willing to go when faced with death? My pastor used the example of going downtown and preaching the gospel if aliens and most people will not blink an eye at it. But the moment you preach the gospel of Christ you will get hate. Let us make up our minds now to continue to preach the gospel of Christ no matter what they due to us.

Prayer: Lord God, you are worthy of all praise and worthy of all my life. I commit that I will stand for you no matter what. You give and you take away. All I have is yours, my family, my things, my finances all belong to you. I ask that you give me wisdom to steward them well, to lead them well. Help me to be your light.

Lincoln Log Towers

Reading: Nahum 1-3 and Acts 13

Scripture: Nahum 3:12, All your fortresses are like fig trees with first-ripe figs— if shaken they fall into the mouth of the eater.

Thoughts: As I read this passage I hear the warnings of Nahum that what was being built was not on a firm foundation. We are being pursued by a roaring lion, seeking to devour us so that we will not be effective for God. When we build on our own no matter how good an architect we are in comparison to what God has for us and his plans we are only working with Lincoln logs. What looks like a fortress to us is easily knocked down. We need to come alongside God’s plan and work under His plan and that fortress will not fail.

Prayer: Father God, you are our strong tower, what you build no man can tear down. May your will be done. I strive to walk in your plans and seek your ways. Help me build with you your fortresses that we can overcome the evil one. I put on your armor so that I can be effective in your army. Help me to see where I'm lacking and grow in your ways. Help me to remove the sharp edges of my life.

OOOH Shiny!!!

Reading: 2 Kings 21, 2 Chronicles 33, Psalm 75, and Acts 12

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 33:10-11, The Lord spoke to Manasseh and to his people, but they paid no attention. Therefore the Lord brought upon them the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria, who captured Manasseh with hooks and bound him with chains of bronze and brought him to Babylon.

Thoughts: Time and time again Israel would seek after God for a while then turn to the gods of the nations around them. In this instance, God was speaking and trying to draw them back into relationships with Him. Israel would have kings who would rule for decades and would lead the nation to or away from God. They would have lots of time to change the world. Today every four to eight years our president gets changed out and there are swings in how this country is looking. As children of God, we need to be listening. I know how hard it is to listen to the still small voice, especially with the world screaming at us to pay attention to it through our phones, tablets, and TVs. We have so much information and opinions about everything bombarding us every minute of the day, it is easy to tune out what God is saying. There are those whom God has called to step away from these distractions completely and others whom He asks to take a break or even find a way to limit it. What are you called to? How are you going to listen?

Prayer: Father God, you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You are the answer. I ask that you help me to see where I need to put limits, where I need to remove things, and if just a break is needed. You know how these distractions affect everyone. I long to stand in your presence. I praise you in the storm of my life. I praise your name, all honor and glory be to you. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Help us to walk in your presence so that we can shine your light and point to the one who made it all.

They just keep coming!!

Reading: Isaiah 65-66, Psalm 124, and Acts 11

Scripture: Psalm 124:6-8, Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Thoughts: For the last two years I have been working on building a home on some land, and for the last 18 months of that time we have been living in a 32-foot travel trailer. Throughout the process, we have seen our ups and downs. There have been times when the issues seemed to be insurmountable, and we thought the time in the trailer was only going to be six months to a year. My wife is a stay-at-home mother, homeschooling our kids and we are constantly tripping over each other and have little storage. On top of the process and steps for the house, most recently we have both taken steps to deepen our relationship with God and to support others in their deepening. Just as we took those steps we were attacked. Car problems, issues at work, issues with the house all coming at us at once. We are feeling at the end of our ability, and we possibly have been for a while. Yet, as this Psalm says, we have not been given over as prey, the snares are broken, and we are escaping. Our help is from the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, I thank you that you are our help, that in our times of need and when we don’t know what to do you are there with us. I are the great I AM you are the creator of all things. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I thank you for the strength to overcome these challenges. I thank you for the blessings and provisions you have for us. Help me to honor you with all I do and all I am.

Traditional traditions

Reading: Isaiah 62-64 and Acts10

Scripture: Acts 10:14, But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.”

Thoughts: Peter was just shown a sheet full of what tradition and Mosaic law said was unclean and should not be eaten and was told to eat. We have all grown up in some sort of tradition and rules, some very lax and others strict. When we stand back and look at the rules and traditions we grew up with do we tell God, “I cannot” when he is saying to go. I grew up in a tradition that said that the spiritual gifts were for during biblical times and are dead, but today I walk in those gifts and am a part of a church that teaches proper uses and practices of those gifts. I am not going to say one group is right or wrong we each have to listen to what God is saying to us through His Word(The Bible) and make our choice on what He is calling us to. Speak life and unity not division and death.

Prayer: Lord God your kingdom come, your will be done, draw your children into unity, that in one voice we can call this broken world to you. I thank you that you sent your Son that I may have an abundant life. I thank you that you are providing for us. Help me to steward what you have for me well so that I can use it to grow your kingdom.

Who are we sharing with?

Reading: Isaiah 60-61, Psalm 111, and Acts 9

Scripture: Acts 9:15, But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.

Thoughts: I know that there have been many times that I have asked to hear God more. To know the next steps that I can walk them out. Yet, I also have heard God and like Ananias, said, “I do not want to go there.” We do not know what God is doing through our obedience. Saul may never have spread the gospel and written so much of what we call the New Testament if Ananias had not swallowed his fear and pride and gone to Saul. Where are we being sent?

Prayer: Lord, you are so wonderful, your grace is sufficient for me, and I thank you that you do pour it out on me. I ask your kingdom come and your will be done. I ask that you be reflected in my life. Help me to walk in your ways and leave myself behind. Open my heart to seek you more, to hear and walk in your ways. Help me to walk in your path that others may see your truth and light.

How much does that cost?

Reading: Isaiah 58-59, Psalm 5, and Acts 8

Scripture: Acs 8:18, Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money,

Thoughts: Growing up in the age of the televangelists of the 80s and 90s, there were countless times where I heard someone say Be healed and to confirm your faith in that healing give some amount of money. Or you will be blessed if you send us a contribution. The fact that these televangelists made as much money as they did shows that people are willing to pay for a blessing. Simon the Sorcerer was looking for the same thing, not only had his popularity waned due to the true power of God brought by the apostles he also saw them sharing the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands. How often do we try to pay for something that is a gift? God wants to give us grace and mercy, yet it is easy to throw it in His face and say I want to pay for it. Whenever we try to add anything to the Gospel, we are trying to pay for our own way. Jesus plus anything says that what Jesus did was not enough and we have to make up the difference. What Jesus did was a gift and we just need to accept it.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for all you do. Thank you for the gift of your Son and the sacrifice He made on the cross. You are the way, the truth, and the life, the only way to the Father. I ask that you help me to walk with you, that I may be a part of your plan and a light to the world around me. Open my heart and my ears to hear your voice.