Judgment vs. Fruit Inspection

"If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom." ~ James 3:13 

In today's culture, there's a certain sensitivity around judgment and "being judged." So much so that any critique, criticism, or words of wisdom is characterized as one person judging another. 

But be clear, there's a difference between judgment and fruit inspection. God cautions us against judgment - that is, making a final determination about someone or something based on a limited set of facts. The key word there is final. We should not be saying a person is going to hell, for instance, if we don't really know what's in the person heart. And even if we do know what's in their heart, we don't know how God might change that heart.

We can, however, inspect fruit. In James 13:3, the Word challenges us to live out what we claim through our conduct. So if someone asks you to trust them, but their conduct isn't trustworthy, it's perfectly ok to say so. Sometimes we can act as mirrors to others to show them where they really are in life. God calls us to live in truth. Knowing the difference between living in truth and living in judgment will be key to us living out our purpose.

May what you claim in word show in your conduct. And if it doesn't, may God send people and revelation into your life to show you the discrepancy. 

God bless,

J.W.

Actions > Words

"Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister." ~ 1 John 4:20-21

So many times we fall for the okie doke and trust people based off of what they say. 

But I'm here to tell you that a person's actions reveal much more than their words can.

It's a biblical principle that John tries to teach us in 1 John 4.

How can we say we're a Christian and that we love Jesus if we're not showing love to our fellow man?

How can we claim to represent Him and we're not doing what he commanded us (John 14:23)?

Actions over words. All day, every day.

God bless,
J.W.

#PassionWeek - #GoodFriday - "You Can't Tell Me Nothing"

"And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing. Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, 'Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!' But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled." ~ Mark 15:3-5

This day, 2014 years ago, Jesus stood accused of various crimes in front of various judges, but “answered nothing.” 

Why?

Because Jesus’ actions spoke louder than anything He could have ever said in those moments.

There’s a lot of people with the gift of gab; a lot of people who can talk a good game; a lot of people with an abundance of things to say. But when it’s all said and done, what will your actions say about you? 

#TeamDontTellMeShowMe 

God bless,

J.W.

#PassionWeek #GoodFriday #EasterIsComing

Heart Surgeon

“My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.” ~ Proverbs 3:1-2

As Christians, we often focus on making sure that our actions comport with God’s Word. But God looks at our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7). As such, He not only seeks obedience in what we do, but also in what we think and feel. Not that we must be perfect, but we should strive to have purity of heart in addition to purity in deed.

God bless,

J.W.

Faith Without Works

"But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?" ~ James 2:18-20

You know what I hate?

When people talk a lot.

You know what I hate even more?

When people talk a lot but don't do anything.

We murmur and complain a lot nowadays, but God asks us one simple question - "what are you doing?" What are you doing with your life? Your time? Your resources? Your talents?

It's not enough to just talk a good game. You've gotta actually put things in motion.

Faith without works is dead.

God bless,
J.W.

How Will You React?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in being married is the importance of staying focused on my own actions.

Why?

Because at the end of the day, as much as I may not like the things my wife does or says, my actions are the only thing I can control.

And as far as I’m concerned, it’s the only thing that God cares about.

That may sound selfish, but, at the end of the day, God won’t take into account what the other person has done. Rather, he’ll hold each of us accountable for our own actions.

So…

My wife could hate my guts, and I would still be called to love her.

She could call me every name in the book, and I’d still be called to uplift her.

She could hit me, push me, kick me, spit on me, and I would still be called to honor her.

Why?

Because the Bible gives us directions on the best way to live, and how effective a life we have depends solely on how well our actions match up with what’s written in the Holy Book.

As far as we should be concerned, God doesn’t care about what others do. He’ll deal with their behavior.

What he really cares about is how we react to what they do.

Will we get upset and curse them out, or will we act in a way that’s pleasing to Him?

How will you react?

God bless,
J.W.

“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.” ~ Luke 6:27-31

The Power of the Tongue

I thought I'd share this with you. These are not my words, but very poignant and important to each of us living a better life. Enjoy!

YOUR TONGUE CAN BE YOUR WORST ENEMY!

Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have power to create conditions in your life.

What you speak about, you can bring about.

If you keep saying you can't stand your job, you might lose your job.

If you keep saying you can't stand your body, your body can become sick.

If you keep saying you can't stand your car, your car could be stolen or just stop operating.

If you keep saying you're broke, guess what? You'll always be broke.

If you keep saying you can't trust a man or trust a woman, you will always find someone in your life to hurt and betray you.

If you keep saying you can't find a job, you will remain unemployed.

If you keep saying you can't find someone to love you or believe in you, your very thought will attract more experiences to confirm your beliefs.

If you keep talking about a divorce or break up in a relationship, then you might end up with it.

Turn your thoughts and conversations around to be more positive and power packed with faith, hope, love and action. Don't be afraid to believe that you can have what you want and deserve.

Watch your Thoughts, for they become Words.

Watch your Words, for they become Actions.

Watch your Actions, for they become Habits.

Watch your Habits, for they become Character.

Watch your Character, for it becomes your Destiny.

The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settle for.

Thought I would share this with you.

In the search for Me, I discovered Truth.
In the search for Truth, I discovered Love.

In the search for Love, I discovered GOD.

And in God, I have found Everything.

Watch how your circumstances and situations begin to change when you change the way you speak.

Be blessed!