Tag: inside

  • Planted

    “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you”.  James 1:21 NIV

    The Greek word emphyton (ἔμφυτον) means “implanted,” “inborn,” or “engrafted”. It describes something that grows inside or takes root naturally like a plant. It is not words just written on a page in your bible.  The words must be planted in your heart! Then the words will change and guide your daily walk and behavior.

    The words planted deep inside you will save you.  The knowledge of the words written in your bible will not save you.

    We are told in James 2:19 that even the demons believe and have knowledge of God’s words.  Yet that knowledge will not save them.  They let Satan change their hearts and they did not put the word of God in their hearts.

    Before a plant can grow well, gardeners clear out weeds. James says to “get rid of all moral filth and evil” so that nothing blocks the growth of God’s word in your life.  This goes along with the verse in James 1:27 where it speaks about keeping oneself from being polluted by the world.

    You must stop putting in your mind or heart outside influences and worldly thoughts.  One of the greatest ways Satan enters people’s lives is through Social Media Influencers. Someone else convinces you what is the best way to live or act.  Everyone on social media is telling you that if you do it their way, believe in the things they believe in, that you will be happier and a better person.

    One of the harms in social media is the “Like” button.  You post some thoughts or beliefs about anything, and you get some ‘likes’ and you start believing that you are doing God’s work. You start to think that you are helping people be a better person or helping the world be a better place to live.

    Every time you watch a news program your mind and attitude are directed to a certain kind of belief that is 100% worldly.

    Jesus says that there is only one way.

    John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

    Acts 4:12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

    1 Timothy 2:5: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.

    Where should the word of God be?

    Proverbs 3:3: “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.”

    Proverbs 7:3: “Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.”

    Jeremiah 31:33: “I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

    Today let the word of God be planted deep in your heart and mind.  Let it take root so that when the storms of life come, you will stand firm in God.

    Remember it is not a religion it is a relationship.

    Prayers and Love for all.

    Larry

  • Working on the Inside

    God forms my heart to get ready for any circumstance.

    God changes us from the inside out by renewing our hearts and minds first, so our outward actions naturally follow.

    Ezekiel 36:26: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

    Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

    Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

    “2 Corinthians 4:16: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

    “2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

    If you want your circumstances to change, let God change your heart.

    God only promised to be with you when you are in the valley of the shadow of death.  He never promised to change the valley of the shadow of death.

    Jesus knew the storm was coming over the Sea of Galilee, but he sent His disciples out in the boat anyway. He could have told them to wait until morning or the next day.

    He knows what storms or temptations are coming your way. What family tragedy or health event is coming your way. What addiction that will you be afflicted with. What pain, suffering and depression you will be going through. How hard it will be for you to give up control and surrender fully.

    God worked on the hearts of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and then He was with them in the fiery furnace. God did not remove the furnace or lower the heat inside the furnace. He did not change anything about the situation. God had already changed the hearts of those three men so that they could utter the words, “But if not”.  Their hearts were fully prepared to endure death to follow their God.

    God is attempting to build a strong spiritual strength within you. A deeper trust in Him. He is trying to refine your character. He is getting you ready for trials and hardships ahead.

    Stop praying for your circumstances to change and start thanking God for what you are going through and the work He is doing inside you.  Accept the change and be born again.

    “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. Romans 8:28 NIV

    All things, good or bad, painful or enjoyable work for your good.  God has a purpose for you, and He knows how to get you there.

    Remember it is not a religion, it is a relationship.

    Prayers and Love for all.

    Larry