T.H.I.N.K. before we speak

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… with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love… --Ephesians 4:2 You and I need to give careful consideration to how we engage our culture on behalf of Christ. That’s why I want to share with you a little acrostic that will help you “T.H.I.N.K” before you speak. Try using this simple little outline. It will help you present the Gospel in a positive manner. “T” stands for True. Before you speak and offer criticism of someone’s ideas or behaviors, make sure that what you’re saying is true. Don’t mistake spiritual discernment for merely opinion, innuendo, slander, or gossip. Are you addressing a true spiritual issue? “H” stands for Helpful. Ask yourself if the words you’re offering are helpful. Don’t judge, but seek to build up an individual rather than tearing them down. “I” stands for Inspiring. Be uplifting and point others toward what the Scripture says about Christ, his love, and restoration. “N” stands for Necessary. Don’t be a fault-finder regarding matters of little importance. Ask yourself if it’s really necessary to take action and what’s at stake. “K” stands for Kind. Be kind and humble in your approach. We’re to get the speck out of our eye before addressing the faults of others. In other words, get your own life right before attempting to deal with someone else.   BE UPLIFTING AND POINT OTHERS TOWARD WHAT THE SCRIPTURE SAYS ABOUT CHRIST, HIS LOVE, AND RESTORATION.

Busy or Productive?

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.”
Luke 5:4–6

Because of the huge crowd that came to hear Jesus preach, He borrowed Peter’s boat and stood in it while the people gathered on the shore. The water naturally carried the sound of His voice, and ensured that the people could hear what Jesus said. When He was done with His message, Jesus had a plan to repay Peter for the use of his boat—a great haul of fish. Peter pointed out that despite working the entire night, they had nothing to show for it. This was not merely a frustration of a hobby, but rather it was a major problem for a man who made his living catching fish. Peter needed results, not just activity.
Most of us know the feeling of working all day without feeling like we are getting anything done. There is no benefit in being busy alone. The answer for productivity in our lives is the same as it was for Peter—when God steps in, everything changes. Too many times we labor in our own strength, attempting to accomplish that which can only be done through divine enabling. R. A. Torrey said, “We are too busy to pray, and so we are too busy to have power. We have a great deal of activity but accomplish little. We have many services but few results.” God wants us to work hard, but He expects us to do that work in dependence on Him. He is the one who transforms our work into a harvest.
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Before we labor, we should seek God’s face and God’s power so that our work will be productive.