Month: July 2019

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Day 12: Lying – part 2

“Wherefore putting away LYING, speak every man truth with his neighbor …” Ephesians 4:25

I apologize that I kind of left you hanging yesterday. I will try to pick up where we left off and cover the reasons why we lie and also the consequences of our lies … oh, yes, we do have consequences to pay! I will then conclude with how we can overcome lying … yes, it is something that you do not want to let hang around for long and it is possible to overcome it!

So, what are some reasons why we lie?

1) We were born liars (born in sinful flesh; born with fleshly desires) – John 8:44 “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do … When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”

2) We want to look better than someone else — II Corinthians 10:12 “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves.” If so, we are not wise.

3) We do not want to hurt someone else’s feelings — Ephesians 4:32 “And be ye kind one to another …” We have good intentions (we want to be kind as the Bible instructs us), but we lie to accomplish it. As Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. once said, “It is never right to do wrong in order to get a chance to do right.”

What are some of the consequences of our lies?

1) We will be caught — Numbers 32:23b “… and be sure your sin will find you out.” There is no way to hide lies. Eventually, they will come out!

2) Habitual liars will have a home in hell one day — Revelation 21:8 “But the fearful, and unbelieving … and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone …”

3) Bondage to sin (it controls you now) — Romans 7:23 “But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.” Also, John 8:32 “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” It did not say that lying would make us free. Lying puts us in bondage. The truth sets us free!

How can we overcome lying:

1) Confess this sin to God in prayer — I John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

2) Renew your mind (replace lying with truth) — Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

3) Follow God’s plan for success — 1) “Put on” the things of God (Romans 13:14), 2) Put away pride (Romans 12:16),     3) Follow in God’s truth (John 16:13), and 4) Cleansing is found in God’s truth … His Word (John 17:17)

Speak the truth! In God’s courtroom, truth and right will always prevail!

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3 Simple Things that turned my Health Around … without supplements!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means as an Amazon Associate I can earn from qualifying purchases.

As many of you know, I have been faithfully working on improving my health for over 2 1/2 years now. Gaining health comes with many ups and downs, as I am sure that you have also found out.

You may be at a point where you are very discouraged and ready to just throw in the towel … please, do not! I know that it can be very discouraging at times, but whatever you do, DO NOT give up! I am on your side even if no one else is!

That is why I want to share a few simple things that I have found to boost my health, that you can easily incorporate as well. They are not supplements, shakes, etc … and they are VERY inexpensive to do! Yay!

First, drinking 10 glasses of water each day.

Water is so important for good health in so many ways. It is a great way to hydrate and is also an excellent tool in flushing out the garbage that tends to easily build up in our bodies. Not only that, but it is a very important tool for helping to regulate blood sugar as well and who does not need help with this?

The best rule of thumb is to drink half of your body weight in ounces every day. You can drink more, but I do not recommend drinking less! So, let us see how this works … a 200 pound person will drink 100 ounces per day; 100 oz divided by 8 oz (one cup) equals 12 1/2 glasses of water per day.

I find that marking a calendar beside our water cooler is my visual motivator and then I also do not lose track of how much I have drunk that day … nor can I cheat! 🙂 This may not work for you. The key here is to find something that does work well with your set up and schedule.

Second, walking 5,000 steps per day.

For those of you who are natural walkers or whose job requires being on your feet walking and moving all day, this is going to sound like a ridiculously low figure. For me, the queen of sedentary, this is a fair amount and one in which I get good results with.

I have a Fitbit that I use to keep track. I just have to make sure that it is charged up each morning and I let it do its thing of keeping track. Remember I said that I am THE queen of SEDENTARY, so I have to check it throughout the day to increase my walking opportunities to make sure that I meet that goal.

If you do not want to face the cost of a basic Fitbit, you can also set time goals for your walking (example: 30 minutes per day). If you have a treadmill, they usually have features that give you other options as well (examples: distance or calories).

Third, eat 5 cups of veggies each day.

Yes, you heard me right! I found that I did not eat many veggies. My meals would stack up with carbs like cereal or filled with other carbs like bread for sandwiches or potatoes, rice or pasta for supper. When I really started evaluating my daily diet, I realized that I was really skimping on the veggies … especially the fresh ones!

What really got me to thinking about this, was a video that I watched by Dr. Berg and he recommended 7-10 cups of salad per day! Yikes! I am also a “sedentary” veggie eater, so I set a more modest goal of 5 cups of veggies (not solely salad) each day. Again, I am modifying to meet my current needs and still get results.

Ugh! Do you hate it when people tell you what to do, but not how to do it? Well, I will not leave you hanging here. This is how I do it … for breakfast, I eat 3 eggs with 2-3 cups of veggies sauteed in coconut oil (I LOVE this!). The veggies are replacing my normal carb-loaded potato hash browns. I also like half a Roma tomato and at least half an avocado on top of that as well. I do not like salads every day, but when I eat them, I easily get in 3 cups of veggies … I LOVE lots of different veggies in my salad! On non-salad days, I LOVE fresh cauliflower rice. It makes an excellent side dish and can be seasoned according to what I am eating it with.

I have bought the pre-chopped cauliflower before, but nothing beats a fresh whole head that I chop myself. My favorite chopper makes quick work of it even though it is manually operated. Once chopped, I put it into quart freezer bags (raw; non-blanched) and freeze. When I need some, I put some coconut oil in my skillet and throw in however much of the frozen cauliflower rice that I want and saute it until it is cooked but still a bit crunchy (my FAVORITE way to eat it).

My Story

So, how do I know that these three simple things have changed my health for the better. Well, I will say this … I did not ask the bathroom scales. When I incorporated these three things into my health journey, I actually made them my primary foundation.

I try to visit my reflexologist at least 1-2 times per month. When I incorporated these three things, I had just visited the reflexologist. I was very consistent with them and when I went back to see my reflexologist in two weeks, she was so surprised by how well my body responded! She said, “Whatever you are doing, KEEP doing it!!”

I since am adding things here and there to enhance my health more … but that is a story for another day! I hope that you have found some help here today through my story! Stick around to catch more as I journey forth!

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Day 11: Lying – part 1

“Wherefore putting away LYING, speak every man truth with his neighbor …” Ephesians 4:25

When someone lies they are actually hiding the truth. They are not being honest or open about something. I do not know if it is true or not, but I have heard it said that medical students spend more time studying what a healthy body looks and acts like, so that they can spot an unhealthy body easier.

Actually, when I worked for the chiropractor, I saw this. With the knowledge and experience that I gained while working there, it was easier to spot people out on the street who had certain types of back issues. So, in a nutshell, if we know what is the truth, then we will be able to easily spot that which is false. Truth is that which is reliable, trustworthy, and consistent with God’s character.

So, let us look at what lying really is. Are you ready? Lying is intentionally telling untruths. Before you start throwing stones, that is the definition in the  Merriam-Webster dictionary. The exact phrase is “with intent to deceive.” Wowzer! That is sharp! Yes, it is. But, think for a minute of the consequences of lying. They are pretty painful as well, are they not?

Lies are lies. There are no white lies, no gray lies, nor black lies. They are ALL lies. How do I know this? Well, the Bible tells me:

1) Telling the partial truth is a FULL lie. We see this in Acts 5:1-10 with Ananias and Sapphira. God judged them IMMEDIATELY for telling a partial truth. Can you imagine how short our lives would be if God did this to us when we “fibbed” or “joked” about the truth of something?

2) Blaming someone else for why we did something is also a lie because we are omitting the fact that we are to blame. We see this in Genesis 2:16-17 with Adam and Eve. God told Adam not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil or he would die. What then happened in Genesis 3:11b-13? Adam and Eve denied their part and focused on blaming the other person. What did God do? He judged BOTH of them!

3) Twisting the truth is a lie. We see this in Genesis 20:2, 12 with Abraham and Sarah. Abraham was afraid that the king would desire his wife, Sarah, because of her beauty so he told him that she was his sister. He twisted the truth and God caught him in his lie.

4) Thinking a lie is the same as telling a lie. We see this in Proverbs 23:7a … “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he …”

5) Avoiding or changing the question is also a lie. We see this with Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:9 “… am I my brother’s keeper?”

6) Even if it is for a “good cause,” it is a lie. Romans 12:17b says to “… provide things honest in the sight of ALL men”

So, do you think you lie? Or are you “Honest Abe?” Lying is definitely more prevalent than we ever imagined!

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Day 10: Love – part 3

“For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

      I truly intended to finish love yesterday with part 2, but then this popped up in my Facebook memories from a few years ago and it stopped me in my tracks. Who is needing to hear one more devotion on love? Is it me, Lord?

      Love means “a strong affection or liking.” God LOVES the person … not the sin. God sees the sin, yet LOVES the person despite the sin. He LOVES the person so much that He desires for that person to forsake the sin and believe in Him. Just because the person had sin in their life, Christ did not alienate Himself from them. Christ ate with “publicans and SINNERS.” Why would He do such a thing? How could He?! (shock)

      Let me say this … this devotion has not the first thing to do with what is going on in the world today, “black lives matter,” the gay movement, who is allowed in which bathroom, etc. But, this whole devotion is about what God said and what God set the example for us to do.

      I believe in Biblical separation [a break; division; not partaking of]. I believe that God clearly teaches that in His Word … I John 2:15a clearly tells us that we are to “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world …” and we also see that in II Corinthians 6:17 when it says to “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing: and I will receive you.”

      We do not have to immerse ourselves in other’s lives or do what they are doing to LOVE them and to share God’s LOVE towards them. If we are living our lives right/righteously, they will know what we stand for. But, at the same time, we do not have to lift ourselves so far up on a pedestal that we lose all our testimony and effectiveness and witness to them to where they would rather reject Christ, than receive Him.

      In John 3:17 it says that God didn’t come to condemn (punish … even though one day we all will stand accountable before Him), because just by not believing, that person has already condemned themselves (John 3:18). But, God has come through LOVE to bring this world to the saving knowledge of Himself. What greater LOVE is there … “Greater LOVE hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” There is nothing in my life or yours that a sinless, perfect, righteous and holy God would desire. Yet, He goes on to say in verse 16 that “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you …” God has chosen to show forth His LOVE and through that love for us to be the salt and the light of the earth.

      Who has God placed in your path to LOVE? Is it the cashier at the grocery store (who is covered in tattoos), the teller at the bank (who was rude to you), your child’s teacher at school (who disciplined your child when you didn’t think that they deserved it), the school bus driver (who doesn’t care if your child missed the bus or not), the mailman (who never puts your mail in the box right), the young adult that lives next door (who has blue and pink spiked hair and piercings all over their face) or your child (who has forsaken every word of advice you have given and has set their own path for their lives)?

      Who is it? Show them God’s LOVE today … that unconditional, one-way street LOVE; that love that knows no bounds, that is long-suffering, that is kind, that is not envious, that is not boastful or prideful, that seeks after the needs of others, that thinks kind thoughts, that rejoices in truth, that bears up under all things, that does not lose hope, that will endure unimaginable things and that never faileth … NEVER!

I John 4:7-8 “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God … He that loveth not knoweth not God: for God is love.”

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Day 9: Love (part 2)

“… Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Matthew 20:39

I fully intended to go on to another topic today, but God will not let me. Everywhere I turn, it seems like there is something else that pops up in my view reminding me that this topic is so much deeper than what I tried to convey in yesterday’s devotional. So, let us try this one more time! What do you think?

Love is probably one of the hardest battles that we will face as a Christian. Love? A battle? Yes, love is a battle for those who are saved. Why? Because, first of all, love does not come naturally to our human nature. I John 4:8 tells us that “God is love.” So, when we look at God or think of God, we must look and think of Him as the Love. I know that there are a lot of lovey-dovey religions and thinking in our society today, but even they fail to fully comprehend this type of love.

Christ paid that ultimate sacrifice of love on the cross for you and I. We see that in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Whether we love Him in return or not, does not matter … He will still love us!

Do you know why love is such a battle for the Christian? Because when we love as God loves, lives are changed! Our life changes, those we love their lives change, our churches change, and the community around us changes. This makes the devil super mad! He does not want our lives to change. He does not want us to live a life of love for our Savior. He does not want us to love the unlovely … the husband who does not love us in return, the rebellious child who shows hate     towards us, that prickly person who gets under our skin every single time that we are around them (or not!), that boss who just cannot understand where you are coming from, that person who repeatedly and endlessly disrespects you, that person who just loves to manipulate and take advantage of you, and even that in-law that is pulling your loved one away from you. He wants our churches to judge, backbite and slander others. It is no wonder that others do not want what we think that we have … because, sadly, we do not have anything or act any different than they do!

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity [love], I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” I Corinthians 13:1 This is the very first verse in the “love” chapter of the Bible. Why do you think it is first? Because all of the rest is of no value, if we have not gotten this main concept down. The devil wants us to be that loud, obnoxious noise to the world around us, but do not let him deceive you!

How are we going to change the lives of others around us? First, by changing ourselves. Then, as a friend posted on Facebook Sunday, “You have to love them, and when you have shown the love of God to them and are no longer a ‘tinkling cymbal’ to them, then, open your Bible and teach them [about] a loving, yet holy, God.” Remember, actions speak louder than words, my friend! May we change our words so that our actions will follow!

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The Ministry of Writing

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means as an Amazon Associate I can earn from qualifying purchases.

I am so excited to share with you about the up-coming Christian Writer’s Workshop at Canaan Baptist Church located at 400 W. Esplanada Street, Weslaco, Texas on “The Ministry of Writing!”

Important Info:

Dates: Thursday/Friday, August 15-16, 2019

Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (with a potluck following; please bring a dish and stay and eat with us)

Language/workbooks: It will be bi-lingual (English and Spanish)

Cost: There is no set price; please give a donation.

Who the Workshop is for:

For those who are interested in learning more about writing, for those who desire to sharpen their writing skills, and for those who desire to develop their talent for writing for the glory of God — whether you desire to publish your writings or not. In general, all are welcome!

Meet the Speaker:

Sister De Dorman of “Helping Hands Ministry” which was incorporated in the state of Texas in 2005. Sister De also has a Facebook page “Books by De.” God has greatly burdened her and used her in her writings of Bible lessons and studies for Hispanic speaking countries. God has richly blessed and multiplied with her materials now reaching around the world into 33 countries. She has the sweetest spirit and love for the Lord. You will not want to miss this opportunity to learn from her!

What to expect at the Workshop:

There will be a daily study from the Bible on John the Beloved. The purpose of writing as a Christian will be covered, as well as, areas in which your Christian writing can be used. Writing tips, copyright, editing (grammar/punctuation), steps and sources for self-publishing (including publishing with Amazon). We will also cover some social media tips.

Registration is required!

Registration is required due to the necessity of having enough workbooks on hand. To reserve your spot, please contact Bettina Shue at (956) 457-7937. Deadline for registering is August 1st. When registering, please provide first and last name, contact phone number and language preference for your workbook (English or Spanish).

Bonus: Writing T-shirts!

My friend, Corey, has designed a t-shirt especially for this Writer’s Workshop that we can order on Amazon! Purchase is not required to attend. This is just an extra, available for those who do desire to purchase one. They have multiple colors to choose from, as well as, being able to choose the fit (men or women).

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Day 8: Love

“And thou shalt LOVE the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” Deuteronomy 6:5

Love in our world today has so many faces … or so we are led to believe. But, the question is, “Is it true love?” Well, what is true love? What does it look like? I love the definition that I read one day by Jill Briscoe, author of “Love that Lasts,” that says this about I Corinthians 13 “It is as if Paul ‘painted a portrait [of love] with words, and Jesus sat for it. For in the Lord Jesus Christ we have the perfect picture of the perfect love’.” How can your love or my love even compare? Yet, God not only expects, but requires, the same of us, His children!

Due to space, I won’t type out I Corinthians 13 aka the love chapter so that we can go verse-by-verse to see what true love looks like. But, here is a shortened synopsis of it:

· It is NOT grounded in any external value

· It is NOT an act of self-completion or self-satisfaction by means of another

· It does NOT demand anything in return

· It is NOT based on how you feel, but rather on a decision to love

· It IS able to stand on its own; it doesn’t need someone’s love in return

· It IS a pure desire to care for another

· It IS a love that is seen in the marriage of a mature couple

· It IS strictly a biblical form of love and cannot be found in secular writings

· It IS a godly love

Our pastor has been preaching some on love the past couple of weeks. A few points that stuck out to me were the following:

1) Love is an action. We have all heard the phrase, “Actions speak louder than words.” This is true. You can say all of the words that you want to say. They can be quite eloquent even, but if the actions do not match the words, your words have just become a lie.

2) Our love is seen through our obedience. How do we know that our children love us? Through their obedience, right? If we truly love God, we will obey Him and His Word!

3) Do we truly love with our ALL? This is what God is asking of us. Do we truly love with ALL though? Do we love our spouse with ALL of our hearts? Do we love our parents with ALL of our hearts? Do we love God with ALL of our hearts? If so, self will be sacrificed and God will be first in our lives. Where does He place in yours?

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Day 7: Trust

“TRUST in the Lord with ALL thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

When fighting in the military, you can only have one Commander. If you had more than one, it would be utter chaos and a massacre would surely be the end result. The same goes for us spiritually. We need only one Commander and God fits that bill to a “T.” Why then can we not trust Him to get us through our battles?

Trust means “to be supported by something or someone else; firm belief in the reliability of someone else; confident   expectation.” There are so many great verses on trust in the Bible that it was hard to choose which one to use today … even though I would love to use more than one! Even if I were to use them all, what I want us to see clearly today is the one prominent thread that ties all of these verses on trust together … and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is like the glue that holds everything together.

Have you ever built something and very meticulously worked hour after hour after hour to get all the pieces together, even down to the smallest one, and then with one small accidental bump have it all come tumbling down? Why? Because you forgot to glue it together as you went.

Is there not a lesson to be learned here? How many times in our personal lives and our spiritual lives we have spent hours, days, weeks, months and even years sometimes trying to “put” our lives (and even the lives of others around us) altogether, yet, in the end to just have it all come crumbling down around us? We forgot that we are human. We are fallible. We are not perfect. We make mistakes. Are you with me here?

Sadly, oftentimes this is when we finally look to God. Oh, He has been standing there patiently waiting and watching you as you struggled and struggled through life. But, He was waiting for you to finally clearly see that it was not you who could be trusted, but HIM!

Why is it so hard for us to TRUST God? Has He not promised? Has He not proven? Has He not provided? Has He not      protected? Whatever your reason or reasons for not TRUSTING Him, may you set those all aside and wholly and           completely TRUST Him today! Don’t be like the story about the mountain climber who fell and his rope caught him but due to the heavy darkness and fog, he wasn’t able to see where he was and he cried out repeatedly to God to save him. God put him to the ultimate test in trust and told him, “If you trust in Me, cut the rope!” “Whoa! But, God, you don’t   understand where I’m at! I’m hanging here off this cliff and I am going to die if you don’t save me!” the man cried. God repeated Himself and said, “Cut the rope!” The man again refused and was found frozen to death the following morning hanging there with a death grip on the rope … two feet from the ground!”

What is holding you back? What is it going to take for you to see that God is the ONLY one whom we can fully TRUST in? Do not be like that mountain climber so close to victory, but continue to stubbornly refuse to trust God … and end up dying there stuck in that place. TRUST HIM TODAY, RIGHT NOW!! CUT THE ROPE!!

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Day 6: POW

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36

I realize a couple of days ago we had this same verse and we spoke about the freedom that we have through Christ. Today I want us to look at this freedom from a different perspective … from the perspective of a P.O.W. (Prisoner Of War).

Freedom means “independence; liberty; exemption from; privilege; a right; ease of movement.” I have never been a POW, but when I stop to think about it, it can be a very intimidating, scary thought what a POW goes through physically and mentally.

Yet, can you also imagine with me what the POW feels and thinks when he is finally set free? “Freedom is NOT free!”   Everything costs something. There is someone somewhere who has paid the price for our freedom in America.

Do you not think or know that that POW will never once see freedom the same again? Freedom has taken on a WHOLE new meaning to him. You will not find him sitting when our National Anthem is sung! When an American flag is flown or passes by him, you can guarantee that he will be the first one to his feet with his hand in salute! When the “Pledge of  Allegiance” is said, there is no question about this POW. He will be the one standing in the most respectful way and   speaking with the clearest, loudest voice. Why? Because He has personally experienced that FREEDOM!

I have told my Sunday School girls many times …. “Actions speak louder than words!” When a person has been truly saved … their lives have been set FREE from the bondage of sin FOREVER … there is going to be no question as to their FREEDOM! Why? Because they have experienced it on such a personal level. I have said before, “If we ever come face to face with a holy and righteous God, we will NEVER walk away the same!” NEVER!

The person, who has been truly saved, is going to be the first one at church on Sunday morning. They are the ones who pay attention to every word that leaves the pastor’s lips. They are the ones who sing the hymns with such gusto. They are the ones going to the pastor asking questions about the Bible. They are the ones who are working behind the scenes at the church, without anyone around and without any recognition. They are the ones finding things to do at the church without being asked first. What about you? Have you lost sight of your FREEDOM in Christ?

I have said it before … “A healthy person will desire to do healthy things.” and “Doing healthy things will not be a hardship for a healthy person.” This is so true physically AND spiritually. If you are finding it hard to read your Bible, or pray, or attend church every service, find a quiet place, my friend! Get on your face before God and ask Him to show you where you have gotten unhealthy. Sometimes it is very hard for us to see the sin, the unhealthy parts of our lives, so we must go to the true Physician for help and healing. Once He shows you, confess that sin and forsake that sin so that you may have that fresh spirit of freedom once again in your life! You will be so glad that you did!

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Day 5: Basics

“The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.” Proverbs 16:1

Any person going into the military, no matter which branch, knows that they will first be required to attend … and pass … Basic Training aka boot camp. As Christians, God does not require our attendance. We will not get an “F” on our report card. But, if we fail to attend … and pass … then we will find ourselves constantly defeated with zero wins under our belts. This is definitely NOT a place that we want to find ourselves … always living defeated and under the circumstances. Nor does God desire for us to be there either! So, let us do some preparing of our hearts and ask ourselves these questions:

1) Have I prepared my heart? Proverbs 16:1 “The preparation of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.”

2) Have I confessed any known sin? Psalm 66:18 “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” (see also Isaiah 59:1-2)

3) Have I prayed about it? James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (see also Philippians 4:6)

4) Have I asked someone (in confidence) to pray with me? James 5:16 “… The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

5) What does God say about it in His Word … have I searched His Word for answers and direction? II Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (see also II Timothy 3:16)

6) Will what I want to do bring honor and glory to God? I Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

7) Will what I want to do uplift others?  Romans 15:2 “Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification.” (see also II Corinthians 13:10)

8) Will I be rude by doing or saying what I want to do or say? Ephesians 4:32 “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

9) Will it cause someone to stumble? I Corinthians 8:9 “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.” (see also Romans 14:13)

10) Will it allow me to speak softly (in words and actions)? Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

11) Will it allow me to speak the truth in love? Ephesians 4:15 “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” (see also I John 3:16)

This list is definitely not all-inclusive, but, I believe, it definitely gives us enough food for thought to keep us busy for a good while! What do you think? Do you think that this will help you to pass Basic Training? I believe it is a very good place for you and I to start. Sometimes getting back to the basics is where we need to be. So, let us begin today!