I asked God this morning, what do you want me to write about and this is where He led me. Not going to lie, felt convicted as I laid this all out. If we only have the love part and not the truth too, then it really isn’t love at all.

If you were to die tonight……

Do you really love God? Think about when you love someone, you want to spend time with that person. You want to put care into the relationship.

Are you sure you are going to Heaven? To be born again -that God will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. Jesus said to Nicodemus ” You need changing on the inside, and only The Holy Spirit can do that.” Being born from above is a supernatural act of God

If so, do you think there will be rewards for you? For we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so each one may receive what is due for what he had done in the body whether good or evil.

What do you think God expects of you in the here and now? Do you obey his commandments?

Are you a good steward of this life you were given? How do you glorify God in your daily life?

Excerpt from Simplify

Solomon lists seven character traits that are so offensive to God, they should act as a red warning lights, flashing Danger! As I list these, see if there is a nudge in your own spirit. Remember it’s not just you, it’s also the company you keep. God wants us to keep watch on all areas of our life. We have to be alert to the enemy’s schemes. The enemy always starts with people that are far from God and then uses those people through enticing into which he destroys.

There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush to evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

1. Pride- do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Pride is corrosive and it does rub off. Do you have pride issues? Are your friends arrogant, full of pride and think they are of importance?
2. Dishonesty- Most of us know to stay away from people who blatantly lie. But the Bible says is equally important for us to keep our distance from people who fudge the truth
3. Mean- Spiritedness- Solomon warns us to be wary of people who use their power to exploit others. Beware of those who oppress the weak and the poor. Beware of individuals who throw their weight around and like to “stick it” to people. Is this you or someone you know?
4. /5. Looking for trouble- Solomon warns about people who have no qualms about making a quick buck off someone’s else vulnerability or gullibility. Don’t justify by using words like “Free Enterprise” or ‘That’s within the law.” when you are clearly taking advantage

6.  Spreading gossip or slander- If someone is always giving you the lowdown on other people, you can be certain he or she is giving other people the lowdown on you. Keep     away from people who tell you the juicy stuff. We need to be truth tellers and confidence keepers.

7. Beware of anyone who spreads dissension- polarizing, pushy not gentle in spirit but wants only their way.

Now let’s turn this negative stuff on it’s head… Paul’s list or what we call the Fruit of the Spirit

love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. This list is not for the faint of heart especially in a world that is more drawn to selfishness, violence and entitlement. We can change from the inside out by being Born again and daily time with Jesus. Don’t forget about the Pharisee’s who looked the part and acting the part but were corrupt on the inside. Remember, no matter a person’s character, he or she is of infinite value to God. God gets the last say not us. We just use good judgment on where people fit into our lives.

Here is a quick little repentance prayer if you are struggling in any of these areas. I know I am so I’m going to speak it!

Lord I repent of all the sin in my life. I repent of the sins that I know of, and the sins that I don’t know of. If there is any sin that I don’t know of, please bring it to my mind that I may repent. Please forgive me Lord of any pride, rebellion, vanity, jealousy, judging, distrust, prejudice, dishonesty, theft, greed, spiritual adultery or fornication, or any spiritual murder. In the name of Jesus Christ.

Please forgive me if there is any refusal or inability to forgive others. Please help me forgive as you forgive. I thank you Lord for washing me clean with the blood of Jesus Christ. I thank you Lord for creating in me a clean heart and renewing a right spirit within me, a spirit that will worship you, glorify you, and serve you for the rest of my life. In the name of Jesus Christ.

Thank You Lord for blotting out my transgressions for Your own sake, and that You will not remember my sins. In the name of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 43:25

Thank you Lord that If I confess my sins, You are faithful and just to forgive my sins and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. In the name of Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:9

Thank you Lord that you forgive all my iniquities, you heal all my diseases, you redeem my life from destruction, and crown me with loving-kindness and tender mercies, You satisfy my mouth with good things, so that my youth is renewed like the eagle’s. In the name of Jesus Christ. Psalm 103:2-5   

Restoration

I thank you Lord that you will completely restore my soul and spirit so that I may fully serve You. Please help me overcome my past and heal me so that nothing hinders your plan and purpose for my life.