Volume 9 Post/Email 2 – Exaggeration
Another specific practice related to speech is exaggeration. The character flaw in exaggerating stories and details is the lack of honesty, humility, and integrity.
Not only is exaggerating a form of lying, but the book of Proverbs discusses letting our words be few. Furthermore, that we are not to praise ourselves, nor to use flattery.
Proverbs 27:2 reads, "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips."
Proverbs 26:28 states, "A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin."
A similar reflection question as the previous week: Will I practice verbal integrity this week?
-Brian
Volume 9 Post/Email 1 – Verbal Integrity
I genuinely hope this morning's message finds you doing well. When this is sent Jamie and I should be enjoying our vacation at Myrtle Beach. Also, I hope all the father's experienced a blessed day on Sunday.
Scripture addresses hundreds of areas related to our life, including numerous issues related to our behavior and character. One such matter is our words and conversations.
We are told to avoid unwholesome speech, such as complaining, gossiping, slandering and lying. Some of the proverbs even instruct confidentiality and the sin and damage that occurs when we break it.
We are also told to speak healthy words that build others up, to give testimony to the gospel, and to share words of faith with others.
Reflection Question: Did my life reflect verbal integrity last week?
-Brian
Volume 8 Post/Email 8 – God’s Presence
Exodus 3 communicates that God's presence is all that is required to turn ordinary desert sand into the Holy of Holies!
Luke 2 teaches that God's presence is all that needed to change a straw-stuffed manger into the birthplace of the Lord.
Genesis 28 reveals that Jacob may have missed the point when he built an altar and called the place "Bethel," meaning "House of God," because God does not stay put. Bethel is everywhere.
2 Corinthians 4:7 says that we are ordinary jars of clay, yet because of the presence of Christ we have all-surpassing power.
Reflection Questions:
Am I neglecting daily worship?
Is God who I worship and trust daily?
Is God's presence and available power through His Spirit evident in my life and decisions?
-Brian
Volume 8 Post/Email 7 – An Alternative Vision
The Bible tells me that God can make a barren old couple the proud parents of a chosen people.
If I believe that, then I cannot also believe myself or anyone else to be a lost cause.
Nor can I believe only what any culture tells me about myself. The Bible gives me another authority to consult.
When the culture treats me as if all I am good for is to produce or consume, the Bible invites me to love.
When the culture encourages me to think of myself as a rugged individualist, the Bible calls me to be a neighbor.
When the culture conditions me to be a spectator on life, the Bible bids me to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
Over and over, the Bible offers me an alternative vision, not only of myself, but also of other people, and ultimately of the whole world.
Reflection Questions:
Do I desire and pray for eyes of faith to see what God wants me to see?
Do I see what God wants me to see in others? In myself?
Do I desire and pray for an open heart oriented to do what God wants me to do?
Do I have the heart that God desires for people, relationships, and ministry?
-Brian