There was a time when God’s name was referenced more. We need to be careful how we refer to God casually and not in reverence…how we let what is meant to be praise be reduced to idle words. Look at what Jesus said about idle words…

Matthew 12:36-37(NKJV)

³⁶ But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. ³⁷ For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

We must make sure that we never play with His praise. Many movies, plays and songs, have turned what is meant to be sincere praise into a joke, or cliché…

Please don’t say HALLELUJAH unless you’re really praising Him.
And, don’t play with it.

And, please stop saying “HALLELUYER!”

Remember this…

JAH (YAH) is the part of the word that’s His name. You don’t have to say GD to take His name in vain. 

Exodus 20:7 (NKJV)

⁷ “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

For more on this please read…IS ‘OMG’ TAKING GOD’S NAME IN VAIN? 

BE BLESSTIFIED!

God only had Israel march around a city seven times to bring the walls down…ONCE. (Joshua 6)

There was only… ONE…man who had superhuman strength through his hair. (Judges 13-16)

We only know of Jesus putting clay on the eyes of a man to heal his sight…ONCE. (John Chapter 9)

Why?

God wants us to have faith in WHO did it, not HOW He did it.

Putting faith in HOW God did it builds…

SUPERSTITION instead of FAITH.

Put your faith in THE WAY, not THE WAY He does it.

Don’t allow superstition to sneak into your faith.

John 14:6 (NKJV)

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

BE BLESSTIFIED

It may be a group of friends, professionals, artists, singers, musicians or preachers.

It’s a circle that you wanted to be a part of…

That you tried or even prayed to get in…

And, they rejected you.

It may not have even necessarily been a ‘bad’ group, that’s why you wanted in.

Even if it’s a good group doesn’t mean that it’s the group God has ordained for you.

You have influence too!

You are anointed too!

You have purpose too!

God has purpose for you that’s beyond and sometimes greater than that group or circle you wanted to be a part of.

And, even that group had to start with somebody. Every industry had to start with a single idea.

So, here it is…

​The reason some people won’t accept you into THEIR circle is because God is trying to build HIS circle AROUND you.

Look at Yeshua, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Psalm 118:22 (NKJV)

The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.

He was rejected by His own…By those He came to save…By the religious leaders who were supposed to represent Him.

John 1:11-12 (NKJV)

11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

Don’t try to force your way into a circle when God is trying to create one around you.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

I once heard a man tell his son in the barbershop, “Son, you aren’t old enough to ‘cuss’. When are you old enough to cuss?

America is obsessed with profanity. The enemy has convinced people it makes…

Words more powerful…

Jokes more funny…

Arguments more convincing…

Authority more authoritative…

Good parents will allow coaches to ‘cuss’ their children to ‘get the best out of them’.

People who deal with those who use profanity claim you have to ‘speak their language’ to get through to them.

Our movies, television shows, comedians, songs and sometimes even those in authority reinforce a culture of profanity.

God said very clearly that we are to not allow corrupt, unwholesome, coarse language come from our mouths…

Ephesians 4:29  (NKJV)

²⁹ Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

He said that we aren’t to participate in or entertain ourselves with coarse joking…

Ephesians 5:3-4 (NKJV)

³ But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; ⁴ neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 

His word tells us that we are to only use words that build others up (Ephesians 4:29)…

But, far too many Christians justify, use and excuse ‘cussing’, profanity and vulgarity. And, it goes beyond ‘stumping your toe’. It’s far too many in the Body of Christ who use it in their daily language.

What’s the harm?

Well, here are 5 Catastrophic Implications of when Christians ‘Cuss’

1. IT’S OPEN REBELLION AGAINST GOD

If God forbids us to do something, then it’s rebellion. All sin is rebellion against God’s will for our lives. But, profanity is OPEN rebellion, letting the world know we’ve made a decision to disobey God verbally. Just as our children embarrass us, it puts God to open shame. Remember this…

1 Peter 2:12  (NLT)

¹² Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.^[a

2. IT’S FROM THE DEVIL

Profanity and cursing is straight from the devil. So many people say “Hell yeah! “Hell no!” Or, even jokingly “Hell to the naw!” to emphatically drive home their point when Jesus Himself tells us…

Matthew 5:37 (NKJV)

³⁷ But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

God told us that unclean language is from the devil himself. It is not of God. When we decide we have to resort to profanity to get our point across, or to reach someone else who uses it, we are implying that God can’t handle it, but the devil can.

3. IT JUSTIFIES ‘CUSSING TO THOSE WHO ARE WEAKER

When some who are weaker hear those who they respect ‘cuss’, it can justify that it’s okay to do it. “Wow, if I hear __________ use that type of language, knowing what a devoted Christian he or she is, then it must not be that wrong. When we make it easier for someone else to sin, then we become a stumbling block to them, and don’t forget what Jesus said about that…

Matthew 18:6 (NKJV)

⁶ “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

4. OUR WORDS HAVE POWER

God’s word gives us some powerful reminders in the power of our words…

Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)

²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.

 James 3: 5-10 (NKJV)

See how great a forest a little fire kindles! ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. ⁷ For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. ⁸ But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 

 And, what Jesus said in Matthew Chapter 12 is very powerful, but often overlooked…

Matthew 12:36-37 (NKJV)

³⁶ But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. ³⁷ For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Those scriptures speak very well for themselves to drive home the point that words can both bless and curse, and that…

God leaves no room for ‘slips of the tongue’. That’s why we should never take grace for granted. 

5. ALL OF OUR WORDS ARE A TESTIMONY 

Our testimony is evidence of not only who we are now, but who we were when we are gone. Both our actions and words are our testimony, but our words are our verbal testimony. Our words are what release the power of God into the atmosphere, our lives and the lives of others, but they also can release the power of the enemy. Remember that it’s our testimony…our words that give us the power to overcome the enemy…

Revelation 12:11(NKJV)

¹¹ And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

Your words play a huge role in how people perceive you and whether or not they take you seriously when you speak as a Christian. Think for a minute..Do you know anyone who is KNOWN as a powerful encourager? Now, do you know anyone is KNOWN for their dirty mouth? See what I mean?

Be careful what you say. As Christians we must never reinforce a ‘culture of cussing’.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

​

A few years ago I was at a funeral in my home town and while there, I visited my grandmother’s grave with my family. It had been a while, so as I approached the grave I broke down. As I wept on my knees, I felt my son’s hand (he was 19 at the time), gently touch and rub my back. That gave me so much comfort and I will NEVER forget that simple gesture.

There are few things as powerful as a gentle touch. Sometimes you can communicate your heart and show your love with a touch in a way words can’t say.

When you touch someone, you touch their heart. A touch shows intimacy and connection. Maybe that’s why so many times when Jesus could have healed with a WORD, He still chose to TOUCH.

Matthew 8:3 (NKJV)

3 Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Two fathers. Two families. Two situations. One question…

One father in the comfort of their home looks happily into the eyes of his children and says, “What are we going to eat tonight” before taking them out to eat.

The other father huddles with his family under the highway overpass hopelessly looks into the eyes of his children and says, “What are we going to eat tonight” before going out to look for something to eat.

Never take for granted the blessing of…

Having something to eat.

Having a place to sleep.

Of having enough for EACH day as it comes. Anything more than that…is abundance.

Matthew 6:31-34 (NKJV)

³¹ “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NKJV)

⁶ Now godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain^[a] we can carry nothing out. ⁸ And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

Remember that when you see someone in need. You aren’t just blessing them by helping. They are blessing you with an opportunity to share God’s love, to be an answer to a prayer, to plant good seed in good soil.

Deuteronomy 15:7  (NKJV)

2 Corinthians 9:12-15 (NKJV)

¹² For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, ¹³ while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, ¹⁴ and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. ¹⁵ Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Whether you are a father, mother or caregiver…which conversation did you have with your family last night?

BE BLESSTIFIED!

The Chamber, that’s what they called the room on the 4^th floor in which the Information Technology team worked. They were intentionally shut off from the rest of the building…There were no windows. They enjoyed the privacy and freedom from interruption, but unless they left the room, they didn’t know if the sun shined or if it rained.

Unfortunately, one day something went wrong with the alarm system, and they didn’t get warning there was a fire in the building. As Jim, the Department Manager opened the door he noticed smoke coming from the stairwell designated as the fire exit. He quickly told his team they must hurry into the fire exit before it’s too late. However, rather than rush into the fire exit as Jim said, the team immediately team looked at Dorothy, who was an Analyst.

Why?

Because Dorothy was the person on the team everyone went to with their problems. She was kind. Dorothy always seemed genuinely concerned. She always listened. She always honored her commitments. She remained calm at times of crisis, and she very rarely complained. In fact, she was almost always positive in negative situations.

They liked her.

They respected her.

They trusted her.

Jim had the TITLE, but Dorothy had the INFLUENCE.

Dorothy paused a moment and deduced the fire might have actually been set in the fire exit , and she advised to take the main stairwell, which would normally be avoided. The team quickly moved on Dorothy’s advice and exited the building.

You don’t have to be the President, CEO, Governor, Mayor, General Manager, Director or Pastor to change things…all you need is influence.

When people feel you believe in them, they will believe in you.

Remember, Jesus took a rag-tag group of men, and inspired them to change the world after a shameful death.

If you inspire people, make them smile, or comfort them, they will always value you.

Use your influence to be a blessing to the Kingdom of God…

Use your influence to save souls…that’s why God gave it to you.

1 Corinthians 1:27 (NKJV)

²⁷ But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;

BE BLESSTIFIED!

We all make claims sometimes. We all make promises…

Unfortunately, there are times when we prove our claims are just words…and our promises, though not necessarily empty, went unfulfilled.

We all know about how Peter ‘claimed’ he was ready to die with Jesus, but the Lord quickly told Peter that he would deny Him three times before morning…

Matthew 26:33-35 (NKJV)

Matthew 26:41 (NIV)

⁴¹ “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

For example, one claim that we as Christians often proclaim is that if put in the position…we would die for Christ.

However, most of us never get the ‘opportunity’ to prove it…or do we?

How much do you sacrifice for the Lord…daily? (1 Corinthians 15:31)

How much do you deny yourself in following Him…daily? (Luke 9:23)

How much of YOU do you give up for Him…daily? (Matthew 19:21)

How much do you do for ‘the least of them’ (who are Him)…daily? (Matthew 25:31-46)

How many unbelievers do you reach out to, or believers do you encourage…daily? (Matthew 28:19)

You don’t have to die to lay down your life for Christ or your ‘brother’. (John 15:13) Click here to read… YOU DON’T HAVE DIE TO LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE FOR SOMEONE…

Going back to my example of Peter…his denial of Jesus wasn’t the end of the story. He went on to live His life for Christ, putting it on the line to spread the Gospel.

Remember this…

YOU PROVE YOU WOULD DIE FOR CHRIST…BY LIVING FOR HIM!

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Have you ever been tired and didn’t know why?

You’re not sad. You’re not depressed. You trust God. You even laugh and smile though everything isn’t ideal in your life.

You’re tired, yet still lie awake at night.

Are you stressed? No, not really because you trust God.

When someone tells you, “Be encouraged!” You say, “You know what? When I think about it…I really am encouraged.”

So why are you tired? Why do you feel drained?

That’s why…because you ARE encouraged.

Sometimes, it takes great effort to stay encouraged.

Being encouraged in difficult circumstances takes more than just ‘mustard seed faith’.

Staying encouraged can be spiritual, mental and psychological HEAVY LIFTING.

Especially when you’re not only carrying the weight of your own burdens, but you’re also encouraging those around you.

How many times have you been down and either no one else knew, or you knew there was nothing that no one else could do? So, you encouraged yourself in the Lord.

If you’re both tired but encouraged today, I pray that God renews your strength and refreshes  your mind body and spirit in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)

³¹ But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

They say there’s a thin line between love and hate.

It may not be that the line is so thin, but that people should be totally honest with themselves, because God knows the heart. The fact is…

YOU DON’T HAVE TO HATE SOMEONE TO NOT LOVE THEM

The enemy knows that God commanded us to love everyone….

Everyone means everyone.

That’s why he (the enemy) manipulates situations and circumstances to provoke us to NOT LOVE someone who mistreats us, or someone we close to us.

The enemy convinces people to engage in behavior to where what we feel for them may not be HATE, but it’s definitely not LOVE.

He then he manipulates you to lie to yourself and say “I love everybody” because it’s the right thing to say, but your feelings and behavior don’t reflect love.

God didn’t tell us to LIKE everyone…but to LOVE everyone.

Just as Jesus says in Matthew 5:46, even evil people love those who love them.

So, we must be very careful to be honest with ourselves and WATCH THE LOVE LINE! Make sure that what you feel doesn’t CROSS the line from LOVE to NOT LOVE to HATE. The bible says it is impossible to truly love God who we can’t see and hate one another who we can see…

1 John 4:20  (NKJV)

²⁰ If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can^[a] he love God whom he has not seen?

Examine yourself, and be honest about your feelings. Give yourself what I like to call the TEST FOR LOVE. It’s easy to find in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7…

1 Corinthians 13:4-7  (NKJV)

⁴ Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; ⁵ does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; ⁶ does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; ⁷ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
If what you feel and your behavior towards everyone doesn’t measure up to the criteria in 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7…then it’s not love. And, if it’s not love, in God’s eyes, it’s not enough. And, remember, if you have trouble loving those who may seem they don’t deserve our love, ask yourself, what have you done to deserve God’s love?

BE BLESSTIFIED!!!

This happened time and time again…Jesus would heal and the religious leaders would seek to kill Him…

John 5:12-16  (NKJV)

¹² Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” ¹³ But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. ¹⁴ Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” ¹⁵ The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. ¹⁶ For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him,^[a] because He had done these things on the Sabbath.

The truth is that the religious leaders felt threatened by Jesus. They were threatened because they could not deny the authority with which He spoke and certainly could not deny the miracles that He did. They could see the peoples’ hearts turning to Jesus, and they did not like it.

They felt that Jesus threatened their authority…

They felt that Jesus threatened their influence…

They felt that Jesus threatened their affluence…

And, the enemy used that as an opportunity to influence them. Once threatened, they very well could have considered the scriptures, believed and been blessed just as those who submitted…

 Luke 5:17  (NKJV)

¹⁷ Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

However, rather than humble themselves and submit, they felt threatened. They let feeling threatened turn to anger. They let their anger turn to wrath. They let their wrath turn to action, and even though they unwittingly fulfilled the scriptures, unless they repented, they will receive the reward of their actions – that began with feeling threatened…

Romans 6:23 (NKJV)

²³ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

So, please, please, please (in my James Brown voice) be very careful when you feel threatened. Yes, we have a natural and spiritual right to protect ourselves, but don’t let the enemy have a foothold through you feeling threatened.

When you feel someone is threatening…

Your family…

Your marriage…

Your job…

Your influence…

Your position…

Your reputation…

Your rights…

Your money…

Your ‘way of life’…

Even your life!

Be very careful how you react. Be careful how you respond. Be careful who you talk to. Be careful of with whom you align yourself.

Don’t let your emotions get the best of you and bring out the worst in you. Think about the times that Jesus, the Son of God, felt threatened before His time…

Luke 4:28-31  (NKJV)

²⁸ So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, ²⁹ and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. ³⁰ Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way.

John 10:38-39  (NKJV)

³⁸ but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe^[a] that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” ³⁹ Therefore they sought again to seize Him, but He escaped out of their hand.

ALWAYS RESPOND IN WISDOM AND NOT WRATH

God has promised that maintaining your spiritual integrity, uprightness and waiting on God will protect you…

Psalm 25:21  (NKJV)

²¹ Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
For I wait for You.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

If its something that you feel uncomfortable praying about first, you probably…

Don’t need to do it.

Don’t need to say it.

Don’t need to go.

Don’t need to buy it.

Psalm 32:8-9  (NKJV)

⁸ I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye.
⁹ Do not be like the horse or like the mule,
Which have no understanding,
Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle,
Else they will not come near you.

If it’s something you can’t ask God to bless or protect you need to leave it alone.

It it’s something you would be ashamed for your angel, the one that God has assigned to protect and minister to you, see you doing – you need to NOT DO IT.

Hebrews 1:13-14  (NKJV)

¹³ But to which of the angels has He ever said:

“Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool”?

¹⁴ Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?

If it’s something you feel you will need to ask God to forgive you afterward…let it go.

Proverbs 3:6  (NKJV)

⁶ In ALL your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct^[a] your paths.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Of course you aren’t going to ‘click’ with everyone with whom you work. Yes, you can meet some life-long friends at work, and sometimes even a spouse. But, many times we work with people who are so much unlike us that we will never be buddies or friends.

However, we do have to learn to work with everyone in a productive and hopefully cordial manner. Whether you work in an office, a school, a factory or a store, we all have to work in a team environment. That’s why so many organizations try to integrate ‘team building’ activities to encourage healthy, productive, efficient and effective interaction.

But,

WHEN DID FORCING PEOPLE TO ‘SOCIALIZE’ WITH THE CO-WORKERS THEY DON’T ‘LIKE’ BECOMING TEAM BUILDING?

Team building should take place during the workday. Team building should be integrated into the processes. It should be a part of the culture.

When you work on projects together…go to meetings together…have working lunches together…work on the line together…have in-service together…go on business trips together…when you WORK together, that’s team building.

It’s the organization’s responsibility to facilitate team building in or at the facility. Forcing people to ‘hang out’ together isn’t for everybody, and that should be respected.

In fact, after work is the time for FAMILY BUILDING.

After work is the time for SELF BUILDING.

After work is the time for BUILDING our RELATIONSHIPS with GOD.

I’m persuaded to believe that God intends for us to separate work from our personal lives. I think He wants us to have a healthy work-life balance.

Psalm 128:1-4  (NKJV)

Sometimes the best team building activity is time away from your co-workers.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

We don’t PROVE Christ lives in us by:

How LOUD we are in worship…BUT how QUIET we are when we get bad service in a restaurant.

Not by how EXCITED we can get at church…BUT how CALM we remain when cut off in traffic  (ouch).

Not by how many scriptures we KNOW… BUT how many scriptures we LIVE.

Not by what we do when EVERYONE is looking…BUT what we do when NO ONE is looking.

Not by how many THINGS we’ve AQUIRED, BUT by how many HEARTS we’ve INSPIRED for God. 

WE are the greatest PROOF that God lives!

 Matthew 7:16 

You will know them by their fruits.

BE BLESSTIFIED!!!

What offends you? Disrespect? Seeing others hurt? Injustice? Intolerance? Insults? Sometimes when led by God we’re offended by evil. And sometimes, when being influenced by the enemy we’re offended by good – all of us.

We all get offended sometimes. And, many times we have a right to be offended – even justified in being offended.

But, we must use Godly wisdom in how we respond to being offended. We just first be honest with ourselves as to whether we are being offended by good or evil. The Pharisees were constantly offended by Jesus. They were offended by good…

Matthew 15:1-13  (NKJV)

Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, ² “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.”

³ He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? ⁴ For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; ^[a] and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’^[b] 5 But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”— ⁶ then he need not honor his father or mother.’^[c] Thus you have made the commandment^[d] of God of no effect by your tradition. ⁷ Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:

⁸ ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And^[e] honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
⁹ And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”^[f]

¹⁰ When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand: ¹¹ Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.”

¹² Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?”

¹³ But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.

One of the most powerful things you can do is exercise the emotional control of not letting someone know how they have offended you.

If you really want to know what someone is really like. If you really want to know what’s inside someone’s heart…let them think that ‘nothing really offends you’. That’s when they will feel comfortable to share what’s really inside them. That’s when they will reveal to you who they really are. That’s when you can with wisdom ‘meet them where they are’. That’s when you will know how to manage your relationship with them…whether it be family, co-worker, friend, associate or even an enemy.

One of the powerful attributes of being emotionally intelligent is the fact than when you learn to control your emotions, you can actually control the emotions of those around you.

Controlling your emotions is a powerful way to control your world.

Emotional Intelligence is behavioral science that aligns perfectly with scripture.

Even the bible teaches us to…

Ephesians 4:31  (NKJV)

³¹ Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

1 Peter 2:1  (NKJV)

2 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,

God teaches us to ‘put away’ our bitterness and anger. It teaches us to lay aside our malice.  Remember this that…

Controlled anger shouldn’t turn into wrath, but into action.

When you don’t let some offend you, or when you control your emotions when offended you gain the upper hand. Many the offender is speaking or acting out of emotion, which if not controlled puts them at a disadvantage. At the very least they are more transparent of their true heart, intentions, motives and self.

You aren’t showing weakness by not letting someone know just how much they have offended you. You are showing your true strength. You’re showing the same strength that our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus displayed each and every time He controlled His anger. You are displaying the same strength that our God displays when He withholds His wrath.

So, don’t shut them up. Let them run their mouth and continue to let you know what’s inside them, and be led by who is inside you.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Why do we as a nation ‘under God’, who acknowledges His the presence and sovereignty by asking people in court to back up their testimony by SWEARING on a bible in which He clearly forbids swearing and taking oaths? Jesus Himself said…

Matthew 5:33-37 (NKJV)

³³ “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ ³⁴ But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; ³⁵ nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ³⁶ Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. ³⁷ But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

And, this was reaffirmed in the book of James…

James 5:12 (NKJV)

¹² But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.^[a]

Why do we ask our leaders who are ordained by God..

Romans 13:1(NKJV)

13 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

…to take an oath of office on a bible the clearly forbids us to swear.

If someone doesn’t believe in God or acknowledge the bible to be His inspired word, then what do we accomplish by asking them to swear or take an oath on it? As a matter of fact, it’s silly if not foolish to trust that swearing on a bible reinforces anyone’s testimony, especially someone who is accused of a crime.

What greater weight or significance does ‘putting your hand on the bible’ or over your heart have to imply that one feels more compelled or bound to tell the truth?

The truth is…we are asking people to do is to SIN before you testify or begin your term in office.

When we act in direct opposition to what God has told us to do, that is rebellion and of the devil.

I recommend that you’re asked to testify in court, that you affirm to tell the truth without placing your hand on the bible. Let your “yes” be “yes”, and your “no” be “no”.

Don’t let the law provoke you to sin.

It seems to me that those who began the practice of swearing on the bible – didn’t read the bible.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

One thing we have to admit is that the enemy is clever. He’s knows how to quickly adjust to either provoke us to sin, or distract us from God. Remember, Peter wasn’t sinning when he stepped out of the boat and began to sink. He was just distracted with what was going on around Him and took His focus off of Jesus…
Matthew 14:29-30 (NKJV)
²⁹ So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw that the wind was boisterous,^[a] he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

But, storms and chaos are not the only distractions that we can allow to make us lose focus. Consider this verse…

Luke 21:34 (NKJV)

³⁴ “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.

It’s not just partying, drinking, carousing and ‘sinning’ that can allow Jesus’ return to sneak up on us…but life.

Not just sin…but everyday life.

The cares of this life, our everyday lives can become a stumbling block if we allow them – Our families…Our careers…Our hobbies…Our leisure can come between us and our calling.

How many days have you put Jesus on the back burner? How many days have you totally ignored your calling. Not in the casino or strip club. Not with someone else’s husband or wife. Not cursing, lying, cheating or stealing, but…

Taking the kids to school or ball games…

Working over time…

Furthering your career…

Doing your yard work…

Customizing your vehicle…

Worrying about your bills…

Campaigning for your favorite politician…

Protesting for your favorite cause…

Even your church culture.

None of these things are necessarily sinful or wrong. But if we aren’t careful, we can go through an entire day without praying, studying God’s word, or sharing His love. In fact, if we aren’t careful, we can allow everyday life to harden our hearts.

BUSINESS CAN BE THE DEVIL’S WORKSHOP TOO!

God expects of to make the most of every opportunity for Him and be His representative everywhere we go…

Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV)

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Colossians 4:5-6 (NKJV)

⁵ Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. ⁶ Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

I’m not saying your should be overbearing with your faith, and fill every conversation full of clichés and ‘praise the Lords’. That will only turn people away…CAN WE BE TOO RIGHTEOUS?

But, I am saying don’t allow an entire day go by without giving real quality time to God and your purpose.

I’m saying that sometimes there are opportunities to work your purpose into your daily routine.

But, I am saying don’t allow an entire day go by without giving real quality time to God and your purpose.

So many people are ready to claim that they would die for Christ, when they actually go day-in-and-day-out without living for Him.

Please don’t allow your life to get so busy that you leave God out.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

If you’ve been in church or been around church people any amount of time, you’ve heard them…

You hear them in church, in songs and in everyday language.

‘Churchy’ clichés.

Those familiar sayings, sometimes one liners, that may not be the same in every church culture, but every church culture has them.

Of course there are many ‘churchy’ sayings that are biblical and encourage us, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But, some aren’t really biblical, and are even sometimes mistaken for scripture.

It’s those that we have to either avoid, or be VERY careful of how we say it, or of our attitude towards it.

Here are 7 ‘CHURCHY’ clichés that we need to be careful of how we say.

1. GOD HAS NEVER FAILED ME YET (Avoid)…

This one is so NOT biblical, and it’s one word that messes it up…”YET”. It’s true that God has and will never fail us…but where did yet come from? “Yet” implies that God could possibly fail us in the future. It’s catchy, it helps make a song rhyme, but It’s not biblical.

Psalm 136:1 (NKJV)

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
    For His mercy endures forever.

The fact that God’s mercy endures forever means it can NEVER fail.

2. PRAYER WORKS (BE CAREFUL)…

This one is true, but we’ve got to be careful of how we say it, or our attitude about it. God always answers prayer, and through prayer people are healed, restored, delivered, led to Christ…lives are changed. So what’s the problem? If we are careful, saying ‘prayer works’ in the wrong context or with the wrong frame of mind can reduce prayer to a gimmick…just something else you can try to make things right. This can lessen the true intimacy of conversation with God to be to mindless, superstitious, empty words that we hope changes things. It leads to an, “I’ve tried everything else, so now I’ll try this attitude”.

1 John 5:14(NKJV)

14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

When we pray to God, not only are we talking to Him, but He actually hears and responds. When you start a car, turn on a television, install software or successfully repair something…it WORKS…God RESPONDS. Be careful how you say it.

3. THIS IS MY SEASON (BE CAREFUL)…

This one is also true, but be careful when you say it. Most of the time we are implying it is our season for Good things. But, the bible teaches us there’s a time and season for EVERYTHING. We have seasons of rest and peace, but we also have stormy seasons and trials. We have seasons of progress and celebration, as well as seasons of consequences and struggle. As one the lyrics to one popular Gospel song says, “This is my season for grace and favor”. This is my season to reap what I have sown.” We must remember that sometimes our ‘grace and favor is NOT reaping what we’ve sown. We must be very careful when proclaim, or sometimes brag, “This is my season!”

4. WHAT GOD HAS FOR ME IS FOR ME (BE CAREFUL)…

This is a very popular cliché, and is even in songs. We’ve got to be VERY careful about approaching God actually and selfishly. Too much “ME”, “MY”, and “I’s” can mean we are leaning too close to covetousness, which is idolatry.

Colossians 3:5(NKJV)

5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Yes, what God has ordained for you is for you, but too many time this is said from a selfish, I want what’s mine point of view. Plus, everything that, “God has for you” isn’t necessarily pleasant. Some trials, tests, challenges and struggles God has ‘for you and no one else’, but you don’t hear many people singing about that. God had Joseph of Genesis struggle, ‘Just for him. God had Job’s struggle, ‘Just for him’. This isn’t necessarily based on any scripture, and I think it’s best to leave it alone.

5. I’M BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVORED (BE CAREFUL)…

This one is true and based on scripture, but we must be careful of our attitude about the phrase and we say it around. Again, we must not say it with a covetous or arrogant attitude. God promised that all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). But, the contingency is, those who are called according to His purpose, but some boldly say this inferring their own purpose. The bible also tells us His favor is for life in the same context of His anger and weeping. And, don’t forget, God showed Joseph on Genesis favor while he was in prison for something he didn’t do…

Genesis 39:21(NKJV)

21 But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

God’s favor is sometimes working things out for our good in very difficult, undesirable circumstances.

Plus, saying ‘blessed and highly favored’ around the spiritually immature can not only make them think God has respect of persons, but make us sound spiritually arrogant, I’ve seen it happen. We need to be careful with this one.

6. I HAVEN’T ALWAYS BEEN SAVED (BE CAREFUL)…

If this is said with a humble attitude in an effort to encourage someone who is unsaved or weaker to let them know the dramatic change God made in your life…then cool. But, most of the time I’ve heard this said in pride or arrogance, with a threatening tone after they’ve been made angry. I’ve most often heard it said implying they will revert back to the ‘old them’, if prompted. I have more often heard it said with an attitude of they are proud of what they used to be, rather than ashamed, and we all know what God said about that…

James 4:6(NKJV)

6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

7. IF I’VE EVER DONE ANYTHING TO OFFEND YOU, PLEASE FORGIVE ME (BE CAREFUL)…

This is often used as an easy ‘way out’ to ask for forgiveness. Too many times people say this either to a group or an individual…the problem is that if it’s a group they fully know EXACTLY WHO IN THE GROUP they hurt, and if it’s an individual, they know EXACTLY WHAT THEY DID. Simply saying, “If” is not good enough…

Matthew 5:23-24(NKJV)

23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

God expects us to go to the person and make things right…and remember, a public embarrassment deserves a public apology.

‘CHURCHY’ clichés sound good, and help define church culture, but we must be very careful how we use them…and know which ones to leave alone.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Has anyone ever told you that you’re too sensitive? Do you sometimes feel that you’re too sensitive…especially when someone has hurt you? When someone didn’t live up to your expectations? When you were legitimately wronged?

The world we live in now is becoming more and more harsh…more and more hard. It’s becoming accepted to view sensitivity as a weakness.

But, we are made in our Father’s image. As I often say, that’s less about how we look and more about our character. We are capable of having the attributes…the essence…the character…the personality of our creator.

I think that sensitivity is a spiritual check and balance. Sensitivity, when controlled, helps prevents hardening of the heart. It both leads to remorse and prevents wrath. It takes sensitivity to cool the anger on both sides of a disagreement. Sensitivity leads to both forgiveness and repentance. Sensitivity leads to reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV)

¹⁰ For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

The next time someone asks you, “Why are you so sensitive? The next time someone tells you that you need to toughen up!”

You tell them…

God was always HURT before He was angry…

Judges 2:1-3 (NKJV)

Then the Angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: “I led you up from Egypt and brought you to the land of which I swore to your fathers; and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you. ² And you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall tear down their altars.’ But you have not obeyed My voice. Why have you done this? ³ Therefore I also said, ‘I will not drive them out before you; but they shall be thorns in your side,^[a] and their gods shall be a snare to you.’”

Notice what God says at the end of verse 2… “Why have you done this?”

He sounds just like a hurt lover…because He is.

Sounds sensitive doesn’t it? Because our God is sensitive.

God sounds sensitive in Judges 6:7-10.

God sounds sensitive in Judges 10:10-15

God sounds sensitive when Israel rejects Him insisting on having an earthly king just as the nations around them…

1 Samuel 10:17-19 (NKJV)

¹⁷ Then Samuel called the people together to the Lord at Mizpah, ¹⁸ and said to the children of Israel, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all kingdoms and from those who oppressed you.’ ¹⁹ But you have today rejected your God, who Himself saved you from all your adversities and your tribulations; and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us!’ Now therefore, present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and by your clans.”^[a]

Yes, our God is sensitive.

Denial hurts Him.

Betrayal hurts Him.

Sin hurts Him.

Disobedience hurts Him.

He is hurt when we don’t live up to His standard.

He is hurt when we choose the enemy before Him.

But there is one individual who is not sensitive. You know who I’m talking about. He is the accuser of the children of God…

Revelation 12:10 (NKJV)

¹⁰ Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

He is an insensitive liar whose goal is to darken and harden hearts against not only God, but God’s children…

John 8:44 (NKJV)

⁴⁴ You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

Doesn’t this sound sensitive to you…

Ephesians 4:2-3 (NKJV)

² with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, ³ endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Doesn’t this sound sensitive to you…

Galatians 5:22-23  (NKJV)

So, the next time someone accuses you of being too sensitive…

Remind them of who’s the original accuser…

Remind them that our God is always hurt before He gets angry…

Remind them that sensitivity is not a sign of weakness…

Remind them that our God is a sensitive God,

Then ask them are they stronger than He is.

If this blessed you, then you may also enjoy…BRINGING UP THE PAST (IN LOVE )

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Many times we hear people say, “What I do in my house is my business”. That’s true, but if it’s wrong…it’s wrong.

Think about the fact David committed his greatest sin while watching ‘soft porn’ at home (2 Samuel 11).

Notice how he affirms to behave at home in Psalm 101…

Psalm 101:1-3 (KJV)

I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O Lord, will I sing. 2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

Yes, sinning ‘in the street’s’ affects others, but sinning at home alone can be more harmful than many may think.

How?

1. SINNING CAN BECOME EASIER

When we become comfortable sinning alone, it makes committing that sin, and other sins easier.

2. IT DEFILES OUR SPIRITS

God wants us to strive for holiness. That’s why He tells us to lay aside all filthiness and sin because it defiled our spirit.

2 Corinthians 7:1 (NKJV)

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Remember, God’s Spirit wants to live in a clean ‘temple ( 1 Corinthians 6:19).

3. IT MAKES OUR ‘HOUSE’ (BODIES) A COMFORTABLE PLACE FOR DEMONS

Piggybacking on #2, when our spirits are defiled, we make our bodies and spirits a comfortable place for demons to dwell. And, not just dwell, but thrive.Notice that Revelation 18:2 (KJV) called Babylon a ‘habitation’ for devils. Notice what Jesus said in Matthew 12…

Matthew 12:43-45 (KJV)

43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

We must make sure our spiritual and physical house comfortable for God and not the enemy. What we do or don’t do at home sets the atmosphere.

4. EVEN THOUGH WE’RE ALONE, WE STILL HAVE AN AUDIENCE

Just because you’re in your house with the doors and blinds closed doesn’t mean you’re alone. You’re personal angel(s) watching…

Hebrews 1:14 (NKJV)

14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

What has your angel(s) witnessed in your IN PRIVATE?

Be just as careful, if not more careful of your behavior at home. Watch what you watch, listen to, say and do. Watch who you allow inside your house.

Sin at home led David to greater sin, and it can do the same to us.

And, please…please…please don’t ask God to leave only to invite a demon inside…(please click to read) DON’T ASK GOD TO LEAVE FOR A DEMON TO COME IN…

BE BLESSTIFIED!

When everyone’s playing his or her own God-given role in God’s Kingdom…there’s NO competition!

Competition only arises when someone seeks or feels threatened by someone else’s assignment.

Matthew couldn’t do James’ assignment.

John couldn’t do Paul’s assignment.

Peter wasn’t sent to the Gentiles, Paul was. If Peter started trying to plant churches for the Gentiles, that would have caused competition for Paul’s assignment, and neglect to Peter’s. The Kingdom would have suffered.

Jesus can’t even do the Holy Spirit’s assignment.

The Holy Spirit didn’t save you…the Son did (Matthew 18:11). Jesus doesn’t convict you…the Holy Spirit does (John 16:8). One God, with three different ‘assignments’ or authorities.

You can’t do my assignment, nor can I do yours.

There are people who God has assigned for you to reach…and no one else.

No one else is equipped to complete your assignment but you.

Too many people in ministry, in music ministry, in churches, are competing because we aren’t focused enough, satisfied with or aware of our own assignment.

For example, I think that so much Gospel music within genres sounds the same because artists are pressured to do what sells, rather than what God places in them…in other words, to do what someone else is doing!

Notice what 1 Peter Chapter 4 says…

 1 Peter 4:9-10 (NIV)

9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.10 Each of you SHOULD USE WHATEVER GIFT YOU HAVE RECEIVED to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its VARIOUS FORMS.

If you don’t like someone’s preaching style…maybe they weren’t assigned to you.

If you don’t like someone’s singing style…maybe they weren’t assigned to you.

If you don’t like Gospel hip hop…may be it’s not meant to reach you. The music is the medium, but the ministry is in the lyrics.

God knows what rhythms and melodies touches each person emotionally, just as a love song touches someone in love…so everything isn’t for everybody.

If you aren’t getting the response from your ministry that you hoped for…maybe you are trying to reach people who weren’t assigned to you.

Also remember this…

Some assignments will reach more people than others, and that’s okay. The pastor of a small congregation is just as important to his 50 members as the pastor of a large is to his 5000…the pastor of the smaller church shouldn’t question, judge or be jealous of the larger…just be true to his assignment.

We can’t let the enemy trick us into comparing ourselves to others.

Ministers,

Preachers,

Pastors,

Evangelists,

Musicians,

Artists,

Writers,

Authors,

and yes Bloggers!

You don’t have to be threatened by or jealous of others ministry, calling anointing or ‘following’. We’re all supposed to be on the same team.

Galatians 6:4-5 (NKJV)

 ⁴ But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. ⁵ For each one shall bear his own load.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

SOME OF THE BIGGEST LIES WE TELL ARE…

Not intentionally (most of the time)…have any of these come from your mouth????

I love you…

I’ll pray for you…

I’ll call you back…

That’s okay…

I’m okay…

What’s wrong? “Nothing!”…

That’s hilarious…(and you don’t laugh)

Oh yeah, I remember that…

I don’t remember…

I don’t have it on me…(when asked for money)

That tastes great…

You look great…

I like that…

I’ve got your back…

I love everybody…

I don’t see color…

I’m doing this for you…

That didn’t bother me…

I don’t even care…

I’m over it…

It doesn’t matter…

Remember what Jesus said in Matthew Chapter 12…

 Matthew 12:36 (NKJV)

 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

Take a moment and thank God for His grace and mercy for the lies we tell…intentional and unintentional.

 BE BLESSTIFIED!