Yesterday, we discussed how a word can construct or destroy. We also mentioned how the Word of the Lord is flawless (Read Part 1 of the article). Today we ask, is what are we saying aligned with God’s Word?

A HIGHER STANDARD

We know that as worldly men and women, our words are cheap and dispensable. But as Christians, our words carry authority and truth. We must align our thoughts, words and actions with God’s Word. Additionally, as Christians we are held to a higher standard. Regardless of what you think, you are being judged by a higher standard than non-believers. Are you holding your end of the standard?

How many times have you seen someone say one thing and do another? How that does makes you feel? We know our respect for that person changes when their words are not aligned with their actions. Likewise, when we say we believe in the True Lord and Savoir, but we act completely in disobedience with His commandments, are we becoming the person we tend to lose respect for?

THE PATH OF YOUR WORDS

Job 15: 5-6 says, “Your sin prompts your mouth; you adopt the tongue of the crafty. Your own mouth condemns you, not mine; your own lips testify against you.” God warns the wicked not to go on his wicked ways, and the righteous not to stray from its good ways. When we depart from our values and start devaluing our word, it leads us to a path of:

• Lying,
• deception,
• disappointment,
• justification,
• emptiness
• and Sin.

When we maintain God’s instructions, it leads us to a path of Strength, Blessings and helps us be a Role Model to others.

THE WORD OF A CHRISTIAN

As Christians, we must be full of the Lord’s teaching. Our words must be full of love and wisdom like His Words. God wants us to grow as His son, Jesus did. We must please the Lord with our words and actions. To develop that stature, our words must not be hollow. They must have:

• Faith - Our faith pleases God. When we speak, we must project the same faith that our Lord, a faithful God, provides to us. We must speak words of light and not of darkness. We must speak Words that spark the candle and do not blow out the flame.
• Wisdom - the man of God must increase his spiritual knowledge so he is equipped for every good work. (Luke 2:52)
• Favor - We must develop a vertical fellowship with the Lord and a horizontal relationships with others. We should seek opportunities to share our testimonies, about how we overcame obstacles and problems through the word of God, with those who are lost and all of our friends and family.
• Integrity - It’s the firm adherence to a code of moral value. It is an unimpaired condition. It is a synonym to Honesty. (Isaiah 55:11) The Word of the Lord has purpose and is not void.
• Accountable - We are obligated and bound by our words. We are responsible for what we say and we have to answer our Living God.

God instruct us to build up and not destroy. As Christians our word must build families, relationships, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and communities. I want to close this article with the following prayer:

Lord, your Word is life and I take refuge in it;
And Your instructions are my guide and my light.
May my actions and words be pleasing to You;
Fill me with Your love and wisdom, and help me to be the person you called me to be.
Amen

Filed under: Commentary by Roberto Montanez
No Comments »

Words are a vehicle for us to express our thoughts, feelings and beliefs. With words, people and nations have been built and crumbled. Words have the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). Our relationships are based on our words and the actions that follow them. Our words reflect character. It reflects who we are and what we are.

We all have been in relationships where words have helped us or hurt us. Just think back at those important people in your life; your father, mother, teacher or friend. Their words of encouragement have helped us become who we are today.

NOT ALL WORDS ARE EQUAL

As Christians we know that not all words are equal. The word of man is common, breakable, can be recanted, doubtful, at times hateful, and it is empty and inaccurate. (Psalm 5: 9). In contrast the Word of our Savior is strong, accurate, precise, correct, perfect and flawless. As Proverbs 30:5 says, “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.“

In addition the Word of God is full of life (Matthew 4:4). The worldly words are destructive, while the Word of God is constructive and powerful.

THE WORD OF THE LORD

Many, including Christians, forget how powerful the Word of the Lord is. His Words are so strong it is understood in ALL languages and in ALL cultures. For those who are bilingual, you can understand how an expression in one language is not fully translatable into another. But with the Holy Word there is no such a thing as “Lost in Translation”.

The Bible tells us what God wants us to know, and it does so in the best way possible. It does not mince words. But we must understand that the best way possible is not man’s way but God’s way. (Isaiah 55:8). Additionally, there is absolutely no equivalent to the Word of the Lord. No other word can fill you like the Word of God. His Word bring comfort during times of tribulation.

The Word of the Lord revives our soul and makes simple people wise. His word is our daily bread. By learning more about the Word, we can obtain the truth and wisdom that no other book in the world can provide.

My question to you, is what you are saying aligned with God’s Word?

Tomorrow we will address that question. In the meantime, I would like to hear your comments.

Filed under: Commentary by Roberto Montanez
5 Comments »

“I will praise You, because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well.” Psalm 139:14

When you look in a mirror, what do you see? Do you see God’s perfect creation or do you begin to focus on the things you consider to be imperfections? We live in a world where so much emphasis is placed on what society deems to be “acceptable”.

From magazines to movies, billboards and television programs, the focus is placed on the concept of what qualifies beauty. This notion crosses all age brackets, races and cultures and causes a wave of insecurities. As a result, so many people today alter their appearance in an attempt to meet those standards. But as Christians we have to stand bold and confident with whom we are in Jesus.

The Bible tells us that we have been wonderfully made by the Lord. God knit you together in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). You are His masterpiece. Do you tell an artist that his work of art needs to be altered? Of course not!

When we complain about how we look, what are we saying to our Creator? We need to understand that God made us in his own image (Genesis 1:27). We may all be different but we are perfect in His sight. He loves us unconditionally. We are His offspring.

WAL-MART GIFT CARDS

We continue to receive can foods for our Missions trip to Lexington, Georgia. Additionally, if you do not want to donate can foods, we encourage you to donate Wal-Mart gift cards. These gift cards will help families buy vital items for their household. We will be receiving donations until Sunday, July 19th.
Many thanks for your support!

Filed under: Announcements, Commentary by Yani Avila
No Comments »