Heart Check

I know we usually do heart checks on Tuesdays but with the week off for Thanksgiving, I thought it would be great to have a heart-to-heart. What is a lifetime pursuit that if left unchecked can take off without us and wreck havoc that cannot always be undone? You guessed it: Taming Our Tongues.

How many of us have looked back on a conversation and wished we would have just remained silent. We can all relate, right? And what about that seven-letter word that always gets each one of us: B-U-T-T-O-N-S. You know what I mean. Those little triggers in each of us that people know how to press to make the horrid, little troll come out.

The result of those pushed buttons is not always loving or becoming. But here we sit in the final weeks of our Bible study and we have to face the struggle to use words that heal instead of hurt, build instead of break, and motivate instead of mortify.

Let's be intentional this week and really take the challenge to tame our tongues. Share with us how you have chosen to use loving words to build up instead of tear apart a relationship at home, work, school or church.

Heart Check

Here are some great teachings on FORGIVENESS 

AUDIO TEACHING: 

Pastor Robert Furrow - March 16, 2014 (listen from minute 17:00 - 28:00)

http://wpc.a28a.edgecastcdn.net/00A28A/MP4/40_MAT_006_011.mp4 

"Forgiveness and LOVE”  “We are the most Christ like when we forgive…Christians, little Christ’s”  “With the command comes the power to do what He commanded us to do.”  “Forgiveness is not restoration…Forgiveness is letting them go and saying ‘they don’t owe me anything.’”  “Keeps us from being bitter.” 

VIDEO TEACHING:

Teaching by Pastor Joseph Gros on Matthew 18

http://wpc.a28a.edgecastcdn.net/00A28A/MP4/40_MAT_018_015SG.mp4

 

Heart Check

How many of you had major test moments this week as we continued to refine the character of love in our lives?  I am right there with you.  As your online facilitator, I am constantly reminded that I cannot lead without facing what you face each day.  I have to be honest because I do not love everyone in my life to perfection.  I wish I did but I fall short most days.  

Just this week I had to have a tough conversation with a loved one and another chat with someone that is not so lovely.  I prayed for three weeks on how to handle the situation with my loved one and when it came time to express my concerns, God totally intervened.  In the past, this person and I have struggled to communicate with love and respect.  Needless to say, the conversation was short and sweet.  We parted on good terms and I was able to have a pleasant conversation the following day with this person.  ~ Thank You, Jesus ~

The not so lovely person is not a believer.  They are a leader in the community that God led my husband and I to work alongside.  We shared concerns with how a program was being handled and her first response was to attack my cheerful demeanor and intellect.  Seriously?!?  Let me just say that I was livid but God held my tongue.  He was totally in control of the situation and allowed my husband and I not to engage in her banter but convey our thoughts in a clear yet firm manner.  By the end of the conversation her demeanor had changed completely.   ~ God is Faithful Always in All Ways ~

This study has been challenging yet rewarding and I hope you see the blessing in your own journey with Jesus.  May your reflection in the mirror reveal someone who is Patient, Kind, Confident, Humble, Meek, Respectful, Tolerant, Cheerful, Forgiving, Applauding Integrity, Does Not Give Up, Give In, Lose Faith and Always Enduring Through Every Circumstance.   

~ May we continue to become women who love what Jesus loves ~