Category: Priceless Minute

The Blessing of the Tongue

The tongue is small, but its power is immense. James reminds us that the same tongue can bless and curse, and as believers, we are called to use it for good. How often do we find ourselves praising God one moment and speaking harshly the next? It’s a struggle I’ve faced more times than I’d like to admit.

There was a season in my life when my words were sharp, reflecting my frustrations rather than my faith. I remember feeling convicted after a conversation where my tone didn’t reflect the love of Christ. James 3:10 echoed in my heart: “My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” That moment led me to prayer, asking God to transform my heart so my words would align with His character.

The tongue is a gift, and when we use it to bless, it becomes a powerful tool for God’s kingdom. Speaking life, encouragement, and truth can bring hope to others and reflect the love of Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you use your tongue to bring blessings instead of harm?
  2. Is there a relationship in your life that needs healing through words of encouragement?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of speech. Teach me to use my words to bless and build others up. Transform my heart so my tongue reflects Your love and truth. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

The Power of Words

Have you ever been deeply hurt by someone’s words? Or have you experienced healing and encouragement from a kind word? The Bible repeatedly highlights the power of the tongue. Our words can wound or heal, destroy or restore.

There was a moment in my life when someone’s words left a scar on my heart. For years, I carried that hurt until someone else’s kind and thoughtful words brought healing. That experience reminded me of the weight our words carry.

Proverbs 12:18 contrasts reckless and wise speech. Reckless words cut deep, but wise words bring healing. As followers of Christ, we’re called to use our words to uplift, encourage, and bring life. Every word we speak is an opportunity to reflect God’s love and truth to others.

Reflection Questions

  1. Think about a time when your words either hurt or healed someone. How can you learn from that experience?
  2. How can you intentionally speak life into someone’s situation today?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the power of words. Help me to use my tongue to bring healing, encouragement, and truth to others. Teach me to reflect Your love in every conversation. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

The Power of Prayer

I used to think prayer had to be eloquent to be effective. I’d hear others pray these beautifully worded prayers, and I’d think, “I could never pray like that.” For a long time, I struggled to find my voice in prayer. It felt awkward, even forced, as though I had to impress God with the right words.

Then, a life-changing moment shifted my perspective. A friend was in a dire situation, and I didn’t know what to say. All I could manage was, “God, help her. Please show up.” It wasn’t fancy or polished, but it was real. And God answered. He didn’t just show up in her situation; He showed up in my understanding of prayer. I realized it wasn’t about my words; it was about my heart.

Prayer isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection. It’s a conversation with the Creator of the universe who already knows your heart. James 5:16 tells us that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective. Not because of our ability but because of God’s faithfulness.

Look at the prayers in the Bible. Elijah prayed for rain, and God sent it. Hannah prayed for a son, and God gave her Samuel. Jesus prayed in the garden, surrendering His will to the Father. In every instance, prayer was the catalyst for God’s power to be displayed.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of prayer. Remind me that it’s not about the words I say but the heart I bring. Help me to trust You in every situation and to pray boldly, knowing that You hear me. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

When an Email Goes Wrong

Date: November 2, 2023

Bible Verse:

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs…” (Ephesians 4:29, NIV)

Message (Longer with a Fun Twist):

I was typing an email response to a church member who had, shall we say, a very strong opinion about the color of the new sanctuary carpet. I was tired, slightly annoyed, and typed a few lines that might have been more sarcastic than necessary.

In my mind, I thought, “I’ll just delete this afterward.” But before I could hit backspace, kiddo peeked over my shoulder. She let out a little gasp. “Dad, you’re not really going to send that, are you?”

Thank God for a child’s honesty. Sometimes we all need a dose of truth from an unexpected source. At that moment, I realized how easy it is for negative words to slip out. Especially when we’re not speaking them aloud but typing behind a screen.

I deleted the sarcastic lines, took a breath, and wrote a kinder, more patient response. The funny thing is, once I sent that gracious email, I felt so much better. The grumpiness I was holding onto vanished.

Communication is tricky, especially when we’re tired or dealing with tough people. But Ephesians 4:29 reminds us that our words, whether typed or spoken, are meant to build others up. Does that mean we let everyone walk all over us? Of course not. But even in correction or disagreement, we can choose words that reflect grace.

Later that week, the church member thanked me for hearing them out, and we eventually settled on a carpet color that (mostly) everyone liked. I can’t help but laugh now, thinking how close I came to sending that ill-timed sarcasm. Thank God for second chances. And for kids who aren’t afraid to speak up!

Bible Promise:

God can guide our words when we ask Him.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault…” (James 1:5, NIV)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me how powerful words can be. Help me to pause before I speak or type, and choose words that build others up. May my communication honor You, even in conflict. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me how powerful words can be. Help me to pause before I speak or type, and choose words that build others up. May my communication honor You, even in conflict. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Being a Single Pastor

Being a single pastor comes with its unique challenges and blessings. On one hand, there’s freedom to focus on ministry without the demands of a spouse and family. On the other, there are societal expectations and personal longings that can weigh heavily.

When I first stepped into this role as a single man, I wondered if I would be taken seriously or if my singleness would be seen as a limitation. But Matthew 6:33 reminded me to seek God’s kingdom first. My value in ministry isn’t tied to my marital status but to my obedience and relationship with Christ.

Being a single pastor has taught me to lean more fully on God. It’s also given me a unique perspective to minister to others who are navigating singleness, waiting, or heartbreak. The key is remembering that whether single or married, our ultimate purpose is to glorify God and advance His kingdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your relationship with God shape your identity and purpose, regardless of your marital status?
  2. How can you use your current season of life to serve Him more fully?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for calling me to serve You, no matter my circumstances. Teach me to trust Your timing and to focus on building Your kingdom. Help me to embrace this season of life and to glorify You in all that I do. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Speaking Life in a Negative World

We live in a world filled with negativity… criticism, complaining, and conflict seem to dominate conversations. As Christians, we’re called to be different. Colossians 4:6 challenges us to let our words be full of grace and seasoned with salt, bringing life and hope to those around us.

I once worked in an environment where negativity was the norm. It was easy to get caught up in the complaints and criticisms. But God convicted me to be a light in that space. I began to intentionally speak words of encouragement and gratitude, and over time, it changed not only my outlook but also the atmosphere around me.

Speaking life in a negative world doesn’t mean ignoring problems or pretending everything is perfect. It means choosing to reflect God’s grace and truth in our conversations. Our words have the power to shift perspectives, bring healing, and point others to Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you speak life and grace into a difficult situation this week?
  2. What steps can you take to guard your conversations against negativity?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to be a light in a dark world. Teach me to speak life and grace in every conversation. Help me to reflect Your love and truth, bringing hope to those around me. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

The Hittites: Confirming Biblical Accuracy

For centuries, skeptics doubted the existence of the Hittites, a people frequently mentioned in the Bible. Critics labeled them as mythical until archaeologists uncovered extensive evidence of their civilization in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Discoveries in modern-day Turkey, including the ancient city of Hattusa, revealed the Hittites’ advanced society, complete with written records, treaties, and architecture. These findings align with biblical accounts, confirming the historical accuracy of the Scriptures.

The rediscovery of the Hittites is a powerful reminder that the Bible’s truth endures, even when questioned. It encourages us to trust God’s Word, knowing that time and evidence continue to affirm its reliability.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the discovery of the Hittites strengthen your trust in the Bible?
  2. What steps can you take to defend the accuracy of Scripture in conversations with others?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the enduring truth of Your Word and the evidence that supports it. Teach me to trust in the reliability of Scripture and to share its truth with others confidently. Help me to grow in faith as I see Your hand in history. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Naming with Purpose

Names hold incredible significance. They are a reflection of identity, destiny, and purpose. In the Bible, names often carried deep meaning, signifying a person’s character or calling. God Himself is known by many names, each revealing a different aspect of His nature.

When we named my daughter kiddo, we prayed for a name that would reflect her strength and beauty in Christ. Her name is rooted in Jael from the Bible, a woman of great courage, and Lynn, meaning “beautiful.” Every time I say her name, I’m reminded of the blessing God placed on her life.

The names we speak over others can have lasting impact. Whether it’s a child, a friend, or even yourself, speaking purpose and identity into someone’s life can shape their understanding of who they are in God’s eyes. Just as God called Abram “Abraham” and Simon “Peter,” we, too, have the privilege of affirming the identity of those around us.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does your name mean, and how does it reflect your identity in Christ?
  2. How can you affirm the identity and purpose of someone in your life today?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for knowing me by name and calling me Your child. Teach me to speak purpose and destiny over those around me, reflecting Your love and truth. May my words affirm the identity You’ve given them. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Staying Sexually Pure in a Sexually Charged World (Part 2)

In the first part of this topic, we explored the importance of staying sexually pure by honoring God with our thoughts, actions, and relationships. But the journey doesn’t stop there. Maintaining purity in a sexually charged world requires consistent effort, deeper reliance on God’s Word, and practical strategies to guard our hearts and minds.

One of the greatest challenges in pursuing purity is the constant influence of media and culture. Social media, movies, and even casual conversations often normalize or glorify what God calls us to avoid. I’ve learned that filtering what we allow into our minds is a crucial step in staying pure. Psalm 119:9 gives us the key: living according to God’s Word. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, it renews our minds and equips us to resist temptation.

Another critical aspect of purity is accountability. Having trusted friends or mentors to encourage and challenge us can make all the difference. I’ve found that open conversations about struggles and victories create a space where purity becomes more than just a personal commitment… it becomes a shared journey.

Finally, we must rely on God’s grace. There will be moments of weakness and failure, but God’s mercy is greater than our mistakes. Purity isn’t about perfection; it’s about pursuing God with all our hearts and trusting Him to guide us.

Reflection Questions

  1. What influences in your life need to be filtered or removed to guard your heart?
  2. Who can you invite into your journey of pursuing purity as a source of accountability?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and guidance as I pursue purity. Help me to live according to Your Word and to guard my heart against the influences of this world. Surround me with people who will encourage and challenge me to walk in holiness. Thank You for Your mercy when I fall and for Your strength to get back up. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Should Christians Watch Horror Movies?

Horror movies are a popular genre, but as Christians, we need to ask ourselves: Should we watch them?

Horror often glorifies fear, the occult, and violence. While some may argue it’s harmless entertainment, Scripture reminds us that fear is not from God. Watching content designed to provoke fear can open the door to spiritual battles we weren’t meant to fight.

Additionally, many horror films normalize the supernatural in ways that distort biblical truth. They turn serious spiritual matters, like demons and evil, into entertainment. As believers, we’re called to test everything and hold onto what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). If a movie causes us to compromise our faith or invites fear into our lives, it’s not worth the price of admission.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does watching horror movies affect your heart, mind, and spirit?
  2. What boundaries can you set to honor God with your entertainment choices?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for reminding me that fear is not from You. Help me to be discerning in my entertainment choices and to guard my heart against anything that could harm my faith. Teach me to seek content that reflects Your truth and brings peace to my spirit. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.