Character Is Inside and Out

Text: Luke 6:39-49 Theme: God wants our doing lined up with our saying flowing from our being. Key verses: “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” (v. 40) “You hypocrite, first take the plank our of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (v. 42b) “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” (v. 45) “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (v. 46) What God said to me: Dwayne, welcome back to journaling. I am glad you made the commitment to have your QT before you check your email each day. That practice needs to continue beyond your short-term goal of Easter. I must be your first priority. My Word must dwell in you richly. I have so much more for you to do. But the enemy desires to sift you like wheat. Be on your guard now more than ever before in your life. Keep your priorities of QT, family and physical/mental sharpness in careful tow. Behold, I come quickly. Regarding today’s passage, Dwayne, the one thing I want you to take away from today’s time with me is the clear reminder and stern warning that you must constantly put in good things. What are you taking in to your mind through your eyes and ears that feeds your soul? What books are you reading? How much time do you invest in my Word on a daily basis? How often do you seek for wisdom in my Word as for hidden treasures? I know you enjoy vegging out on the couch and watching movies. I am generally ok with that. I want you to rest and re-create. However, in those times, particularly, it is easy for you to let your guard down and see images that war against your soul. Dwayne, I want to use you to write more books and inspire more people, but what will flow out onto your pages are the very things you are putting into your mind’s pages each and every day. It is a discipline you must embrace and viciously pursue. What I said to God: Holy and faithful El-Shaddai, my Jehovah-jireh, I am desperate for You today and every day. Thank You for speaking so loudly and simply to me this morning. I too miss those days when I don’t journal, making ample time for You to illuminate my mind and soul and cleanse my heart. Praise You from the highest high and the lowest low. My soul does magnify the Lord. I am Your servant today and always. Help me guard my eyes, my ears, my thoughts, my mouth, and my heart. May my feet take only ways that are firm. Show me what You want me to read and concentrate my mind on today. Please also guard the minds of my children and wife today. I love You, my precious Lord and Friend!