The Words We Speak..30 day Challenge!!!

"I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak" (Mt 12:36)

I was listening to the radio today and they were challenging listeners to try not saying one negative thing for 30 days. The scripture they read really got me thinking.... I will give an account to God for every word that is uttered from my lips. How often do I speak negatively? How often do I complain or say unkind things...even jokingly? How often am I using my words to lift someone up? How often do I use my words to tear someone down? EVERY WORD...man! That's a lot to think about. Can I go 30 days without saying ONE negative thing? So I have decided to give this challenge a try. Over the next 30 days, I will do my best to filter what goes through my head and out of my mouth.I will use my words to edify and encourage, to build up and not tear down. I will do my best not to complain about anything and stick to the old saying my mother used to tell me "If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all." Because seriously, what does negativity really get us? Negativity breads negativity. I would rather bring someone up than pull them down. I would rather use my words for good and not evil. What are you using your words for? It's something to think about ya know. <3

Excuses Excuses...SO WHAT!

I've just begun reading the book of Exodus and I'm reading about when God called Moses to set the people of Israel free. Moses clearly tries to give excuses to God as to why he cannot fulfill God's call. God counters every excuse Moses makes and in the process reveals a lot about who He is.

I've been thinking a lot about the call of God lately. We are all called to do something. Some may know what that is and are currently doing it. Some are not sure yet of what God is calling them to do. Then there are those who know exactly what God has called them to do, but sit around and make excuse as to why they can't do it or why they are not good enough or worthy enough to do it.

God's answers to Moses' excuses show us some important things about God that apply to all of us today who are called by God, especially for those who make excuses as to why they cannot do what God has called them to do.

1)Moses told God he was not worthy of this great task God was calling him to do. God answered Moses saying "I will be with you." (Ex. 3:11-12) Our worthiness means nothing. We are all unworthy. Our worthiness becomes of little to no significance when God's pressence is with us. When we have the Holy Spirit inside of us working it is Him doing the work anyway not us.

2)Moses told God that he did not have the propper knowledge. He did not know God's name. God again answers Moses' question and His answer tells us something about Himself and His character. God first told Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." I read that this could also mean, "I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE." Also in the study notes in my Bible it said this "God is self-sufficient, self-existing, all encompassing, and without limitations. He is the one being in the universe that isn't dependent on something else for his existence." God cannot be confined to one name. You can't put God in a box. God has many names.
Then God told Moses to tell the people that "Yahweh, the God of your ancestors - the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob - has sent me to you." This reminded the people of God's faithfulness in the past to the people of Israel's ancestors. It didn't matter that Moses didn't know it all or have all the answers. God provided him with the answers He needed. The same goes for us. You don't have to know it all, God will give you the asnwer you need when you need them.

3)Moses' next excuse was that he lacked power. God answered Moses by giving him threes signs to perfom in order to demonstrate God's power. (Ex. 4:1-9) We may feel powerless, but when God calls us, He will provide the power we need. It may be the power of influence or maybe something else but whatever power we need, God will give it to us in order to accomplish what He wants us to do.

4)In a last attempt at excuses, Moses tells God that he is not a very good speaker so he cannot be the one to talk to Pharoh. At this point God begins to get angry with Moses.(Ex. 4:10-12) Moses didn't understand that the outcome did not depend on his ability , but upon his willingness to let God's power operate through him. God specifically crafted every part of our bodies. He has given us particular abilities and He is able to use what He has made to fulfill His plan. We are God's tools. Don't tell God how to opperate His own tools. He created us with specific purposes and uses. If anyone knows best what we are to do and how we are to be used, I am sure it is God.

When Moses saw his excuses were getting him nowhere with God, he finally gave up and just begged God to send someone else. (Ex. 4:13)

I was like Moses, I knew God was calling me to do something and I made excuses and procrastinated and in the end at one point I just begged God to send someone else. I look back and am ashamed that I felt that way. God has given us so much, He gave us his son. How dare I not give Him everything I have. As christians we should stand up and say "PICK ME GOD!!! OOH OOH PICK ME!!!" The only reason we are here in the first place is to glorify God's name, further His kingdom, and work for His purposes.

My Pastor last night said this and it really stuck with me,

"My life is not my own."

Hmmm....My life is not my own....well then who's life is it?

My life belongs to God. I am His. He created me for His purposes. My life is God's, therefore, I will allow Him to use me in any way He sees fit and I will daily crucify my flesh so that I am better attuned to His Holy Spirit so that I am able to do what He has called me to do.