Wednesday, July 28, 2010

A Word Fitly Spoken

Confession gives expression to what is believed. The confession of the mouth must accurately express the belief of the heart. To defeat Satan, we must speak forth the Word of God, which is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17).

As a young immature mom of three, not a believer in Christ Jesus, I remember the times when I spoke so negatively to my children. I would venture to say that the no's outweighed the yes's by at least 10 to 1. No, don't do that! No, you can't go there! No, don't hit your brother! No, I said no!!! Well, along with the no's how many times did I think or say oh for stupid? Oh, for dumb! That was stupid! Even to this day I will catch myself speaking a poor confession over myself. I will have to say that through the help of the Holy Spirit and a good accountability group that I am really becoming aware when I do make a negative confession over myself or someone else. Why do we entertain that mindset, habit or whatever you want to call it so naturally?

I occasionally find myself humming or singing that cute little Steve Green children's song that has these lyrics in it, "Encourage one another and build each other up, build each other up, build each other up..." That is it! We are called to build one another up just like it says in Romans 14:19 "Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." That is just so rich and sweet although we must purpose to offer that  to one another! What kind of a world would we live in if only we would take that approach with those in the world around us?

Let's together see just how much we can be an encourager to one another and then watch what that influence has on our sphere of influence! Let me know how you encourage others along and build each other up! We are in this together for Christ's sake!



Father, I really enjoy those times when I can be an encourager to a brother or sister in the Lord.  And even for myself Lord, I need to speak life and peace into my own spirit!  Holy Spirit, show me when I slip back into my old ways and remind me that the power of death and life is in my tongue as it says in Proverbs 18! In Jesus' name.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

No Excuses!

"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with that temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13


This is a Scripture that should be on the top list for memorization (at least in my opinion!) How many times can we slip into that 'devil made me do it' mode? I think it becomes an out to basically do what we want to do but the truth is contrary to this mindset! Every temptation (not just some) that comes our way has an opportunity to prove God's faithfulness in His word to us. Every temptation has an escape route so that we won't be trapped. And, if it begins to feel unbearable, God's word also tells us that we are able to endure that temptation until it passes!

So friends, no excuses, Kimberly Dawn, no excuses! Today I choose to not give in when I am feeling pressed by temptation, but will surrender my fleshly desires to the Lord and escape before harm can come to me or another that I might have an effect upon. No cranky responses, gossipy tongue, judgmental thinking, it has to go! Because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me--and you too!