TALKING TO YOURSELF AGAIN?? That used to be a put-down … or a phrase used to tease someone when they heard that person muttering away to themselves. I think we need to re-visit this action, and see that it really does have some very powerful merit to it. You’re probably saying, “What kind of advice is that? You want me to begin talking to myself? People will think I’m crazy!” Well, it’s actually great advice – because it comes from God, first of all. And there’s no time like the present – to start. Today, in fact! And you know what? It really doesn’t matter what other people think! Besides, this kind of talking to yourself isn’t going to be in a verbal stance when you’re in the midst of lots of people. By then, it will be too late to be doing that kind of talking to yourself. You should have already been speaking to yourself before you encounter others throughout the course of your day. You’re probably saying, “What in the world are you talking about?! Get to the point, before I begin to think maybe you’re a little crazy!” Alright, here goes! Let’s see how briefly I can summarize such an extraordinary way to live life! The book of Deuteronomy is rich and clear in instructions that tell us simply: if we listen and obey our God, He will BLESS us … if we do not pay attention to God’s commands, He will CURSE us. It doesn’t get much plainer than that. But just how do we really live out our everyday lives “listening and obeying”? Again, let’s see what God is saying to us: “Place these words on your hearts. Get them deep inside you. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder. Teach them to your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning until you fall into bed at night. Inscribe them on the doorposts and gates of your cities so that you’ll live a long time, and your children with you, on the soil that God promised to give your ancestors for as long as there is a sky over the Earth.” (chapter 11, verses 18-21, The Message Bible) Talking doesn’t just mean senseless chatter. It means speaking what is … speaking the truth … declaring what we don’t see as though we will. It’s like getting up in the morning, as I did this morning. I felt as if the long list I had awaiting me today was insurmountable. I could feel the thoughts come, as I was “talking to myself”: I don’t see how I can ever get this all accomplished unless I stay up all night tonight after work – and then face a 12-hour work day tomorrow after not getting any sleep!” Wow, I was dooming myself before I ever started. God brought me up short and reminded me that what I really needed to be saying to myself was: “God, I speak blessing into this day! I declare that this intensely busy day is going to be incredibly orchestrated by You. I have faith that I will see things accomplished supernaturally by Your hand through me and others. I speak blessing into every hour, each moment of this day – for You are my Provider, my Helper, my Blesser!” Now which kind of “talking to myself” do you think is going to set me up for the better day? How my day would have been – would not be God’s fault, or anyone else’s – I was choosing to speak one way or the other. I would be responsible for the way my day turned out, by my very words that I chose to talk to myself with. Powerful, wouldn’t you say? And just as how we speak to ourselves is important, so it is in how we speak to others, and ultimately, how we speak to God. Of course, we can be honest and share what’s on our heart – with God, He knows everything about us anyhow; with others, they’d rather have honesty from us if we say it in the right way; and with ourselves … we’d better be honest or we’re kidding no one but us! But we must be careful to not speak negatively or in ways that curse … for if we do, we will be our own worst downfall. My challenge to you today is … listen to yourself – what kinds of things are you saying to yourself? Listen to how you talk to others – are your words blessing them or taking them down? Listen to what you say to God – are you thanking Him for Who He is and all He does, or are you giving Him a piece of your mind and blaming Him for everything that goes wrong in your life? We are standing at the point of this new year of 2011 just having been birthed ~ but there can be something new being birthed in you, if you will make the choice to allow God to do that “something new” in you! Talking to yourself in the right way … God’s way - will draw Him close to you. Talking to yourself using God’s Words - will bring blessings not curses to you and your family. Talking to yourself in a positive, godly way - will bring health and peace of mind to your body and soul. Run and get your Bible and soak yourself in the book of Deuteronomy, starting with the scripture I’ve shared with you. You can have a life you’ll be excited about … and God tells us exactly how to do it! So let’s get started “talking to ourselves” today, in Jesus’ Name! What we put into our heart – is what comes out of our mouths!!!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- EACH SUNDAY WE ARE SO AWARE that our God keeps His promises! We learn that from His Word, from hearing the testimonies of others, and from our own experiences! It’s so exciting to come to God’s House ~ He always has something special in store for us as His children! Pastor Doug’s final message in the series was outstanding – this one stirred us to be more active when it comes to setting goals in all areas of our lives!
- A SPECIAL WELCOME to Ryan and his family, who are here to minister to the Elevation North family in Pastor Doug and Debbie’s absence. May you be blessed by God even as you bless His people!
- LOOKING AHEAD . . .
- THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 16TH: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP with special guest speaker, Ryan, who will be sharing from God’s Word and his own heart about ministry in the marketplace. Come and soak in this message for these times – people need the Lord! And we can be used to share His love with others as He sets up God-appointments for us!
- NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 23RD: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP with Pastor Doug beginning a new series of messages and a time of passionate praise as we sing to our Lord! Come as you are – and lay everything at the feet of Jesus – and leave knowing that you’ve been in the presence of Almighty God!
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES for the entire family! Bring your Bibles and an eagerness to learn more about the God we love and serve! He never disappoints us when we open the treasures in His Word!
- WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26TH: 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. – ‘LEARN THE BIBLE IN 24 HOURS” STUDY at the home of Pastor Doug and Debbie – resuming our weekly sessions of time together in the Word of God!
- COMING SOON: RE: FUEL YOUTH sessions … 21 DAYS OF PRAYER & FASTING … ANNUAL VISIONARY MEETING … and FUN FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES! More details next week – be watching!
- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .
- BEING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD ON OUR KNEES brings a closeness to our Lord and answers to prayer! Pastor Doug and Debbie would appreciate your prayers for safety as they travel and that they will be a blessing to their family & friends. Let’s also remember to lift up Aletta, Roger, and Kay as they continue to look to God for healing from cancer. Nothing is too hard for our God!!! Claim miracles today … through the shed blood of Jesus!
- REMEMBER . . . “Let’s start ‘talking to live’ ~ not just living to talk!”
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
