Social Media

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2 Corinthians 10:11 Are You Always The Same?

Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present. 2 Corinthians 10:11

Different types of social media has made it very easy for people to instantly communicate with others around the world. Not only words can be given, but also pictures to show others exactly what one wants others to see, hear or feel.

With the advancements of technology, one can also manipulate photos and statements to make them say things a certain way. Often the pictures only show a false side of life, not the real heart and picture of one’s life.

Some people had been accusing Paul of being different in his letters than in person. He states that he will be the same as in his letters when he is present with them.

Although people rarely write physical letters anymore, most will write text messages, emails and post on social media in the same way. As people post by social media, many are very bold in what they are saying, but when met in person, they are not as bold or back down on what they said. People become chameleons, blending in with those they are around, not being the same always.

In the same way many believers are very bold in church for standing up for God and His word, but when at their workplace, or some other place, they are quiet about believing in God. This often occurs because of their love of some sin that they do not want certain people to see or know about.

The believer who has truly given his life over to God will remain the same person regardless of where he is at or who he is talking to. His communication will be the same regardless of the method of delivery, because God is the one who is in control of his life.

As a believer, your life should be the same no matter where you are at or how you are communicating with others. Do not allow yourself to be one person among other believers and a different person when among non-believers.

Christ should be Lord of your entire life, not just your church life.

Allow all of your actions and words be the ones that would be those of God at all times, to all people.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will live your life for God at all times; that your words and actions will always represent those of God; and that your life will be a great testimony of who Jesus is to this fallen world.

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Luke 5:27-28 Leave All To Follow

After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. Luke 5:27-28

When most people hear the phrase, ‘to follow someone’, they often think about following someone on some social media platform. They want to know what that person is doing as much as possible, but only from a distance.

In following someone on social media, it does not require much effort, and no change in a person’s life. There is only a few clicks involved.

Jesus saw a tax collector, Levi, sitting at his job. Jesus tells him to follow Him. Levi gets up, leaves everything and follows Him.

Following Jesus is often very similar to following someone on social media. People claim to believe in and follow Jesus, but never make any real changes to their lives.

Yes, they go to church, but only to get something out of it, not to build others up. Their bible sits on a shelf, only to be dusted off for a church service. They continue to live in a life of sin. It is rare to never that they tell someone about Jesus.

The question comes up as to whether they are really following Jesus or not. Following Jesus must mean a change. Jesus came to change lives, not just have a social gathering online in word only, but not in real life. He came to save the world, not just get some likes.

In the same way that Matthew got up and left everything behind to follow Jesus, every believer must be willing to do the same. He must allow Jesus to be Lord and Master of his life, in every area of his life.

If you have chosen to follow Jesus, ask yourself how are you following Jesus. Are you following Jesus just like following someone on a social media platform? Or are you leaving everything behind and giving it your all to follow Him?

God has great things in store for your life, but you must be willing to trust Him and follow Jesus with everything in you. Do not hold anything back from God, but give Him it all. Jesus is ready to build you and use you in great ways, when you allow Him to do so.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that you will follow Jesus with all of your life; that you will allow God to change your life; and that you will be willing to leave everything to follow and obey Jesus.

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Luke 5:16 Stop To Pray

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16

In today’s society busyness is often seen as a sign of productivity. Every moment of everyday things are added to a person’s to-do list to keep busy and productive.

It is common for a person to feel as if he is missing out on something if he stops or is not participating in some event. With social media sites flooding the internet, there is always something to watch or respond to, in order to stay ‘connected. People will work eighty hour work weeks to make money, so they can have a great vacation, that they never slow down to take.

Jesus had crowds of people coming to hear Him and to be healed. Yet, Jesus would often get away to a lonely place to pray.

With thousands of people needing to be healed and all needing to hear the gospel message, Jesus could have been busy twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and still never meet all of the needs. There was a lot of work to do, yet, He often stopped to pray.

This time of prayer was to hear what His Father was saying, get directions, and to renew His Spirit with the Father’s Spirit.

Often believers get busy, just as the world does, with doing things. They are so busy with church events, visiting others, relaxing, work, ministry and life in general, that they often do not take time to pray. They do not seek what God’s will is for the moment or to reconnect with the Father.

When this occurs, they are doing things in their own strength and often will burn out. Every believer needs to take time often to get away from all of the busyness of life and pray, to seek God, His direction and His strength.

You may find yourself worn out, weary and wanting to stop. This is due to your constant running and doing things. You may be running ahead of God or in a different direction.

Stop and take time to pray. Turn off the social media, silence the phone, turn off the television and get alone with God. As you pray, God can renew your spirit and guide you as to what you should do next.

As you take time to pray alone, you will be able to be more effective for God, then doing it on your own.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that you will take time to pray to God; that you will know God’s renewing presence; that God will reveal His desires for you; and that you will be effective for God.

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Proverbs 21:23 Guarding Your Mouth

Duct tape on mouth

Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23 

Freedom to speak is the desire and love of many people. In some places people are allowed to speak freely in whatever way they desire, while in other places people are severely restricted on what they can talk about.

The freedom to speak freely is a double-edge sword. It can be good to be able to say what is needed without fear of being reprimanded. However, many times people talk too much, too fast. Things are often said that only bring about trouble.

Speaking today has become even easier than in the past. Not only can a person be heard by those physically near by, but he can also be heard by millions around the world using online social media. This can also happen within just a few seconds, rather than days or months.

Solomon gives advice to a person who speaks. He should guard his mouth with what he says. This prevents tragedy from occurring.

It is common to hear a person suddenly say something in the heat of the moment that is hateful or harmful to himself or to others. Responses to online comments are often sharp and painful.

Many are having their dreams destroyed because of something that was stated online years before. They did not put a guard over their mouths and are now paying for it. Often society does not care if the person ever changed or not, it is just that it was said and was wrong.

Believers are also known for saying things quickly in the heat of the moment, casting harsh judgement before hearing the full story. Instead of being slow to speak and quick to listen, they are slow to listen and quick to speak in judgement of others.

Speaking like this is often selfish and brings about trouble and hatred with no love. Believers should always speak out of love and truth.

Every day you will have hundreds of opportunities to speak. Before you speak, slow down and consider what you will say, put a guard over your mouth.

Ask yourself if what you are going to say is going to build up or destroy, it is going to be the truth or a lie.

Once you speak, your words are out there and cannot be returned. However, they will return to reward you or destroy you.

Are you speaking the words of God or of self? Put a guard over your words and speak His words.

I pray today that God will help you guard your mouth; that you will only speak the words of truth and love; that you will be led by God’s Holy Spirit in what you say; and that your words will point people to God rather than destroy them.

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Psalm 78:4 Get The Word Out

We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. Psalm 78:4

Whenever there is exciting news, people want to let everyone know. Whether the news is good or bad news, if it is something seen as big news, people want to tell everyone about it.

All over social media people talk about some event that occurred in the news. Some of those things discussed are good things, many are tragic events. Every time there is a major sports game going on, people are discussing the various plays and who won, and who should have done something different. The news is being sent out all over the nation.

Parents who have a new-born baby are excited and want to tell everyone about the new child. They take a hundred pictures and show every relative, friend, co-worker and more. They are proud of the baby and think everyone should know.

Most people feel that their life is just simple, no thrills, boring with nothing to be talked about. So they want to talk about what is happening in the world or to others.

As a believer, you have some exciting news to tell. Your life is not just simple, boring with no thrills. It is one that is filled with God. Jesus is the greatest news that anyone could talk about on this earth of all time.

Jesus has provided you and everyone salvation. In the process of providing that salvation, God has done many great wonders in your life, and in the lives of others. This information must be told to others. Tell everyone you know what you know about God and what He has done in your life.

How has God provided for you?

How has God healed you?

What has God done for you?

What has God done in you?

What have you seen God doing in and for others?

As excited as the world may be about some great news event in this world, you should be more excited about getting the word out about who God is and what He is doing.

What are you sharing and talking about today?

I pray today that you realize what God is doing in your life; that you will not fear talking about God to everyone; that you will tell the world what great things God is doing and has done; and that you will be a shining light in this world for Jesus.