good fruit

Hey BCU Family!

As usual, you have the option of listening to our podcast (click the BCU avatar below to listen), reading the notes or BOTH. In any case, we pray the podcast blesses you. If so, please thumbs up or leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy your study!

About a year ago, I posted a chart I saw on Linked in–outlining what we tend to say to ourselves (I’m not good at this) vs. what we should say (what am I missing?) So as I looked at the post again, while the “positive affirmations” still resonated with me, the Lord spoke to my heart and mentioned the many negative things we say to ourselves can and SHOULD be overridden with the The Word of God.

Paul reminds us that we are to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). That’s important because what we think translates into words and they effect our actions. In fact, Proverbs 18:21 says death and life are in the power of the tongue and you will “eat the fruit of your words”. Every self-depreciating comment, negative affirmation or put-down is like eating rotten, deadly fruit. How many of us would knowingly eat harmful food? If you’ve ever had food poisoning or ANY gastrointestinal trouble after eating a particular food or at a place, you would totally avoid it! We need to incorporate God’s Word in our thought and word choices.

Instead of thinking this…	Think on THIS
I’m no good at this!	I can do ALL thing through Christ that strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
They will never change!	The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, and just like the rivers of water, He turns it wherever He wants. (Proverbs 21:1).
What did I do to deserve THIS situation?	And we know that ALL things work together for good, to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Seems like they get away with doing wrong. Why do right?	But you, brethern, be not weary in well-doing (I Thessalonians 3:13).
This situation will not get any better..	With God, all things are possible (Mark 10:27).
If only I had more…	But godliness with contentment is great gain (I Timothy 6:6).
This is scary AND I’m lonely!	Fear not, for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am Your God who will strengthen, help and uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness (Isaiah 41:10).
I do not feel special..	I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works and that my soul knows well (Psalm 139:14).
I will NEVER forgive.	How often should you forgive? Seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22).

If we don’t change the way we speak, the rotten fruit of our lips not only effects you to the point where you feel like you cannot do anything correctly, it either draws other “flies” to you (fellow bad fruit eaters–that’s another post) and/or can drive away the folks who prefer to speak life. Moreover, it is a like a slap in the face to God, who has made us and not we ourselves (Psalms 100:3).

Thank you so much for stopping by! If this was a blessing to you, please comment below and share it with someone–you’ll never know how the Lord may use you to encourage someone else! And if you have not done so, please like BlenCouragesU on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram! And PLEASE subscribe to the podcast on Stitcher Radio , Google Play, and iTunes. You’ve already done that? Then please tell someone you love AND your enemy–I’m trusting they will soon become your friend! 🙂

Until we are together again, may God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you—-and #StayOnTheWall!

God bless you and thank you for reading!

Love,

BCU

Hey Family!

Take a look at the chart below. I saw it on Linked in—I’m not sure who the original author is (if anyone knows, please let me know), but this SPOKE to me!

The Word of God reminds us that we are to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). That’s important because what we think translates into words and they effect our actions. In fact, Proverbs 18:21 says death and life are in the power of the tongue and you will “eat the fruit of your words”. Every self-depreciating comment, negative affirmation or put-down is like eating rotten, deadly fruit. How many of us would knowingly eat harmful food? If you’ve ever had food poisoning or ANY gastrointestinal trouble after eating a particular food or at a place, you would totally avoid it! We need to incorporate this in our thought and word choices.

Additionally, the result of the rotten fruit not only effects you to the point where you feel like you cannot do anything correctly, it either draws other “flies” to you (fellow bad fruit eaters–that’s another post) and/or can drive away the folks who prefer to speak life. Moreover, it is a like a slap in the face to God, who has made us and not we ourselves (Psalms 100:3).

Bottom line: If it you are reading this, it’s not too late to repent for thinking and speaking in the negative. We all say things on the left side of the list from time to time, myself included—the thing is not to continue practicing this behavior. How different would our lives be if we spoke life into ourselves, children, co-workers, et cetera? In fact, after praying, the Lord blessed me to tell a couple of folks with God’s help, they would be a blessing to all they came in contact with. Do you know they came back with a victory report?! Thank you, Jesus!!! So it’s best to ask God to help us line up our thoughts, words and actions with His Word and enjoy the fruit of the spoken labor. Amen?! Amen!

God bless you and thank you for reading!

Blen