Devotion
What Are You Feeding Yourself?
Chipo Biti
The words that we speak are always a reflection of our hearts - the state of our minds. The things that we choose to dwell on will affect the mindset we choose to base our life decisions and actions on. If your mind is focused on the right things, the right things will flow from your mouth. If your mind dwells on negative things that bring no life, dead things will flow from the words that you speak. By "dead things" I mean that no refreshing words will be able to come out of your mouth. You will not be able to edify the people around you.
This is why we need to be mindful of the things we feed our minds. These things will be the things our minds will dwell on and formulate beliefs and convictions. If you feed your mind things that tear down and hurt others, you will end up hurting others yourself. If you feed yourself with godly material, material that gives life, you will end up giving life-giving words to the people that you encounter. It is profitable to be wise and walk in the counsel of the Lord. The words you speak and the advice you give will give life and restoration to those who are in need of it. When your words are based on the Word of God, you will be able to refresh the souls of many.
But if your mind dwells on foolish, unfruitful things like gossip and foul speech, your words will not be profitable for anyone - they won't even be profitable for yourself. If you let foolishness lead your life, you will find yourself in many terrible situations. Focusing on the wrong things, things that are not godly, will always lead to painful mistakes.
Prayer
Let your words be rooted in the word, so that you can edify yourself and you can edify those around you.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
