We must put away the old and fully embrace the new.  Replacing all filthiness and improper talk; making no provision for the flesh. Instead, we embrace the purity of Christ and with grateful heart let our lips be filled with thanksgiving and praise. 

The world would take notice if we as Christians would carefully use every word for His glory rather than letting whatever come out of our mouths like a firehouse.  Not only would it take notice, but it would be blessed and uplifted. 

Reflection

Where, when, and with whom are you most likely to have improper talk?

Ask God to help you change the manner in which you speak; replacing sarcasm and filthy talk with thanksgiving. 

Prayer

Father, help us to remain focused on You in all things, especially in our speech.  For we know that it is not what goes into the man that defiles him, but what comes out of him.  May our words, actions, and thoughts be pleasing in your sight.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!

The first truth we need to understand is that justice doesn’t always happen immediately.  Instead, it happens in the timing and context of God’s perfect will.  Justice can be served quickly, but often we might feel that it is delayed longer than we think it should be.  This could be because God is not willing that any should perish and His grace draws even our accusers and abusers to Himself.

Secondly, where we would seek punishment, He desires repentance. Being rich in mercy, He has offered the most miserable of sinners the greatest gift of grace.  Would we really want God to operate as we do?  Where would we be ourselves, if God only sought punishment? Not in a good place for sure!

Lastly, vengeance is not ours but god’s.  Our focus needs to be on Him, which in turn, brings forth Thanksgiving, testimony, and praise.  These three are well within your grasp and authority.  When we trust God is the perfect balance of Grace and justice, we are truly free to worship Him as He deserves!

Reflection

What injustice is distracting your worship of God?

What would happen if you let go of that injustice and clung tightly to our Father in heaven?

Rather than vengeance make your life about thanksgiving, testimony, and praise. For the problem of injustice is that it distracts us from our worship and enjoyment of our Father in heaven.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are all knowing. For only You can judge rightly.  By Your Spirit, we ask the You would empower us to trust in Your justice and perfect will.  You will bring down the stronghold of our enemies in Your time.  You will break the greatest of enemies to pieces and all will one day know you as LORD; whether as an enemy or Your child.   Use our perceived injustice to demonstrate Your grace, teach us who You are, and carry out your mission.  Let us be focused on You and our worship be unhindered. Fill us with thankfulness, testimony, and praise, in the power of Christ, Amen!

As we celebrate Thanksgiving today, I’m reminded that I’m most thankful that my Savior is with me during times of smooth sailing and times of prolonged storms.   

Read Acts 27:1-44

1) What observations did you make (who,what,where,why,when, and how?)

2) What challenges or questions need to be answered to fully understand the text?

3) What is the main theme?

4) What is the application to the original readers?

5) How does this passage apply to believers today and you personally?

Hoping you have an amazing time of Thanksgiving today.  For those processing through difficult times today, we can always give thanks for our Savior who walks with us through these difficult times. Praise God for His faithfulness!

So if God’s will for you is to constantly rejoice, be in communication with Him, and to do it all with a heart of thanksgiving, then why are we so sad, quiet, and full of complaints?

It’s possible we missed one little word in the text that changes everything.  It’s the word, “in”.   God will for us  in what? In Christ Jesus. You see scripture is clear apart from Christ you can do nothing.  If we are in Christ, we are a new creation, the old has gone the new has come.  The old sad, quiet, and complaining you is gone and the new rejoicing, praying, and thanksgiving you had come. 

So when we walk in the flesh we will see our old self. When we walk in Christ, deeply reflecting on the love He has shown us by ransoming our lives with His very own blood,how can we not rejoice?  How can we not be communication with our Father to praise Him? How can we not have a heart of gratefulness?

Personal Reflection

So who are you in today…self or Christ?  Do a quick assessment are you rejoicing, praying and giving thanks or are you sad, quiet and complaining.  Close your eyes and call to mind the moment you first understood and believed the gospel.  Remember the location, time of day, circumstances, the feeling of being freed from sin and death for all eternity.  Don’t you want to rejoice and talk to your Heavely Father, praising Hima be telling Him thank you?

If you have never given your life over to Christ, know that you have broken God’s law and instead of His wrath being poured out on you, His son willingly went to the cross and took the wrath that was yours, poured out His blood to pay for all of your wrong-doing, past,present, and future.  Surrender and  receive this gift today.  Rejoice, be in constant communication with your Him, praise and thank Him for the wonderful gift you have in Jesus!

Prayer Focus

Gracious Father, thank you for opening our eyes to see the difference of one little word.  Help us to be all in.  All in Jesus.  Let our minds never forget the price that was paid, the power of this gift, and the depth of the love you have given us.  May our hearts rejoice, our souls commune with you, and may our hearts be filled with praise forevermore, in Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Rather than running to solution, let us kneel to solution.  Have you ever considered your plan may solve the problem but God’s plan will not only solve the problem, but also change someone’s eternity and secure peace that is a stronghold for your every thought. Which plan is better?

Personal Reflection

What the biggest challenge ou are facing right now.  Have you kneeled for a solution?  Rejoicing that God has allowed you the opportunity of this challenge for his glory and York strengthening.  If not put down your phone or step away from your computer and pray with Thanksgiving

Look for ways you can encourage others struggling in the same things.  Better yet invite them to rejoice with you and pray without ceasing and with thanksgiving

Prayer Focus

LORD, you are our stronghold.  We are all searching for answers only you provide. Grow our minds and hearts  to trust you by whatever means necessary and teach us to sincerely pray with thanksgiving, anticipating and trusting in your answers. For all things are possible with you. In Christ’s Name we pray, Amen!

@brianfriedl

#prayer #thanksgiving #truthtalk4lif

Rather than running to solution, let us kneel to solution.  Have you ever considered your plan may solve the problem but God’s plan will not only solve the problem, but also change someone’s eternity and secure peace that is a stronghold for your every thought. Which plan is better?

Personal Reflection

What the biggest challenge ou are facing right now.  Have you kneeled for a solution?  Rejoicing that God has allowed you the opportunity of this challenge for his glory and York strengthening.  If not put down your phone or step away from your computer and pray with Thanksgiving

Look for ways you can encourage others struggling in the same things.  Better yet invite them to rejoice with you and pray without ceasing and with thanksgiving

Prayer Focus

LORD, you are our stronghold.  We are all searching for answers only you provide. Grow our minds and hearts  to trust you by whatever means necessary and teach us to sincerely pray with thanksgiving, anticipating and trusting in your answers. For all things are possible with you. In Christ’s Name we pray, Amen!

Nothing destroys a ministry faster than Immorality, Impurity, or Greed and we are all in ministry (2 Corinthians 5:17-21).  Rather than filthiness, silly talk, coarse jesting, let the giving of thanks abound from your lips.

There are a few take-aways that hit me today:

1.) Know that you are in a war.  You must allow your heart to be guarded in Christ Jesus.  Spend time in His precious word and hide it in your heart!

2.) Protect your testimony and ministry.  Know your weaknesses and be serious about infusing God’s truth daily and surround yourself with other brothers and sisters in Christ that will keep you focused on Jesus and held accountable.

3.) Be aware of what is coming out of your mouth.  Words have power, especially God’s word!  We only have so many words before we die.  Let it be our desire, that our lips would be filled with praise and thanksgiving.  Let them be filled with the Word of God!

#truthtalk4life #klsthetruth #praiseGod