Author Archives: Pastor Dale

What are the most important decisions you'll ever make in life?

If you believe the Bible, the answer to this question is an easy one. Choosing to develop a personal relationship with God is the most important thing you could and should do. It's the best choice you'll ever make.

But there's another choice — actually a lifelong chain of choices you'll make — that has a whole lot to do with where you end up in life, and often times where a person ends up eternally. It's your choice of friends. It's the decisions you make about the people you allow into your life, and the ones you cut out of your life. Who you hang out and hang around with will impact your life far more than you can imagine. If you welcome the wrong influences and reject the right ones, you'll pay a price.

Over the years I've watch many horror stories unfold all because folks made bad choices about their friends and associates. I've seen incredible potential squandered, pure spirits poisoned, people's lives ruined and even a few pay the price of a shortened life all because of a lack of good “people sense.”

The Bible warns us about this life hazard:

Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces. — Proverbs 13:20 (Msg)

Lest we think that bad choices about people is an error reserved for the young, we must remember that no one is immune at any time in life from being foolish when it comes to choosing friends. There are as many foolish 40, 50, 60, 70 year olds as there are 20 and 30 year olds. Many sad stories testify to the fact that age doesn't always guarantee wisdom.

So here's some good advice from Jesus about friend picking:

People and their lives are like trees. Good trees bear beautiful, tasty fruit, but bad trees bear ugly, bitter fruit. A good tree cannot bear ugly, bitter fruit; nor can a bad tree bear fruit that is beautiful and tasty. — Matthew 7:17, 18 (Voice)

Jesus reminded us that fruit never lies. If a tree has apples, it's an apple tree. If it produces oranges, it's an orange tree. It's simple. To know what kind of tree you're dealing with, look at the fruit.

The same is true for choosing friends. BE PICKY! Before you give someone a place of influence in your life, pick some of their fruit. Watch how they live. Listen to how they talk. Tune in to what they are communicating with their spirit and attitudes. And if you taste bad fruit, bitter fruit, bug-infested fruit — run! Look for another tree. And keep looking until you find the right fruit. When you find the right fruit, you've found the right tree!

Choose your friends carefully. It's one of the most important decisions you'll ever make in life!

Pastor Dale

It's my prayer that God would do some incredible miracles in your life in 2013. God's miracles often start with our commitments. As we say “good-bye” to 2012 and “hello” 2013, what new commitments do you need to make? How can you get ready for the new?

If 2013 is going to be a great year:

• What old attitudes need to go and what new attitudes need to be developed?

• What changes do you need to make in your relationships? Hanging out with the wrong people will never get you to the right places!

• What spiritual habits do you need to improve or start? Decide to make church a key part of your life. Get to know God better by spending more time with Him, in His Word, in His presence and with His people.

• What life habits do you need to change? Are there things you're doing and places you're frequenting that are counter-productive to who and what God wants you to be? What steps will you take to address these?

• What do you need to do to improve your health? Do you need to start an exercise program? Do you need a physical exam? Do you need to make some changes in your diet? What steps will you take to become a healthier person this year?

• How will you make better use of your time this year? Your time is your life. Invest your time wisely and you get a better life. Waste time and you waste your life.

Here's a New Year prayer for you:

Dear Lord, I pray for each person reading these words. I thank you for them and for the plans you have for their life. I thank you for the ways you want to bless them, grow them and work through them in 2013. Give each one the wisdom and will to make the new commitments they need to make. Prepare them for your best this year. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Happy New Year!

Pastor Dale

BTW, join us at Church of the Redeemer for one of our New Year's Eve services @ 9 or 11 pm. Also, be a part of our New Year message series “Turning Point.” It begins this coming weekend, January 5, 6. For more information on service times, campuses or directions visit https://church-redeemer.org

 

The other day I was reminded that it was winter. How? My hands notified me. They had taken on their winterized look and feel — dry, rough, irritated. I did something that I rarely do any other time of the year. I applied some moisturizer to them. And let the record reflect, it was moisturizer especially designed for men! In no time flat, the dehydrated epidermis on my metacarpals was therapeutically transformed. In simpler terms, my hands were healed! I call it the ''moisturizer miracle.''

There are lessons for us in this. Sometimes our interactions with others get a little dry, rough and irritated. We feel the sting of words spoken in agitation or anger. We sense the stiffness of someone's frustrated attitude. The perturbations of people spill over and onto us.

The natural reaction is to give back what we've received. We justify a twist in that wise, Golden Rule Jesus gave. Instead of ''doing unto others as we want them to do to us,'' we ''do unto others AS they have done to us.'' This starts an ugly, petty, downward cycle of hurt and retaliation. The ''get back'' and ''get even'' urges take over, and things quickly go from bad to worse, from peace to war. A relatively small irritated statement, angry look or agitated attitude leads to a big, and unnecessary blow-up.

How can we stop this cycle before it damages emotions, destroys trust or simply robs us of precious moments with people we love? The Bible tells us:

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. — Proverbs 15:1 (NLT)

A tender answer turns away rage, but a prickly reply spikes anger. — Proverbs 15:1 (TVB)

A kind answer soothes angry feelings, but harsh words stir them up. — Proverbs 15:1 (CEV)

God says that we can calm things down or rile things up by our reactions and responses to what others say and do. We can chose to add to someone's frustrations and anger by giving back what we got, or we can de-escalate the situation by applying some ''relationship moisturizer.''

When we respond to someone's dry, rough, irritated words or attitudes with gentleness, tenderness and kindness, we're applying a relationship balm that potentially soothes and heals their rawness. We create the possibility of restoring positive communication. We interject something therapeutic into the relationship.

The next time someone says something hard, rough or irritating to you, ''rub it in.'' Rub in gentleness, tenderness and kindness. Apply some ''relationship moisturizer,'' and expect a miracle!

Pastor Dale

“I'm not happy with ____________________ . I'm not happy about ____________________ .”

You fill in the blanks. It's highly likely that something readily comes to mind that completes the sentences. Your answers might be: “the weather, my job, my marriage, my boss, my children, my looks … “

There's no shortage of things that drag down our thoughts and feelings. Life offers us many reasons to be unhappy. And we're usually quick to grab them. Depending on what poll you consult and what specifics are measured, up to 70% of Americans are unhappy about something at any given time. This means that about 7 out of every 10 people you encounter today are somewhat miserable. This qualifies as an epidemic!

Is there anything that can be done about all this unhappiness? The answer is both “yes” and “no.” No, there really isn't anything you or I can do to make someone else happy. Happiness is a personal issue. There's nothing anyone can do for or give to someone else that will once and for all cure their unhappiness. But there are things we can do for ourselves that will make us happier. We can choose happiness by practicing “happy” thinking and right actions.

Here are 12 things you can do today that are guaranteed to make you happier:

1. Take time for God.

Take some time today to think about the good things God has done for you. Make a short list of your blessings and tell God “thank you” for His gifts and His care for you. Put your present problems and future concerns in His hands and leave them there.

2. Work on your face.

I'm not talking about your make-up, I'm talking about your countenance. What message do you send with your face? Is your countenance characterized by frowns, smirks or smiles? Consciously smile more and your heart will reflect your face.

3. Surprise strangers with words and acts of generosity, kindness and service.

Do something today for someone you don't know that will bless them and brighten their day. It'll do something good for you too. Be nice to someone who can't do anything nice for you in return.

4. Surprise someone you know with words and acts of generosity, kindness and service.

Sometimes it's easier to do something nice for people we don't know than for the ones closest to us. Don't miss an opportunity to do something good for the people around you.

5. Let others go first.

Whether it's in traffic, at an elevator, at a door, at the grocery store or cafe — wherever — slow down and let others go first. You'll be amazed at how much fun this is.

6. Connect with someone who's hurting.

We all know people who are going through tough times. Move past your own problems and communicate care to someone who's hurting. Call them, write them, send them flowers, pray for them. Decide to lift someone else up today. Be a burden-bearer.

7. Say “please” and “thank you.”

No, I'm not your mother, but it's still good advice. Using these phrases really does make a difference, not just to others, but it'll make you happier too.

8. Overlook offenses.

When someone says or does something to you today that would normally hurt your feelings, make you mad, or generate a nasty reaction, choose to forgive and overlook it. Make this a “grace day.” Let people who offend you go free. Be a forgiver today.

9. Tell two people in your life why you love and appreciate them.

Go ahead, tell the people you love why you love them — what you love about them — why you appreciate them. You don't have to be hyper-mushy or teary-eyed when you do it, but do it. You'll be happier when you do, and they'll be blessed by it.

10. Decide that you're only going to say good things about people.

Whether you realize it or not, gossipy, grumbling, nitpicking, demeaning words about others bring you down. They do more damage to your emotions than you can imagine. You're in control of what you say today. Decide to have a gossiping-free, grumbling-free, nitpicking-free day. If you can't say something good about someone, don't say anything at all!

11. Do right when tempted to do wrong.

Good moral choices makes us happy. When you do right rather than wrong you'll always feel better. Don't let anyone or anything pull you into a moral gutter today, in your mind, attitudes, words or actions. Live by God's rules and you'll be at peace.

12. Do it all again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, and the next day ….

If you want a happier day, do these things today. If you want a happier life, keep doing them for the rest of your life!

Pastor Dale

We sometimes have needs that require us to ask someone for something. Making the “ask” for aid, assistance or advice isn’t easy for many folks. While there’re people whose first name should be “Ask,” because of the frequency and shamelessness of their requests, there’re many others for whom asking anyone for anything is absolutely excruciating.

There’s one kind of ask that’s hard for practically everybody — asking for forgiveness.

Think about the last time you realized that something you said, did or failed to do was wrong, hurtful, disrespectful or damaging to someone else. Maybe it was intentional. Usually it’s not.

What’s your normal response when you become aware of your mistakes? Is it easy or hard for you to ask forgiveness? Are you quick or slow in seeking it? Do you blame others and make excuses for yourself, or do you humbly accept responsibility for your failures and freely admit your shortcomings promptly?

Personal growth happens when we readily apologize. Relationships are restored and strengthened when we learn to sincerely say, “Please forgive me. I was wrong!”

How do we get better at asking for forgiveness? Here are 4 simple steps:

1. Reflect.

Think about the impact of your words, attitudes, actions and reactions on other people. Develop greater self-awareness.

Self-awareness is knowing things about yourself that help you understand how other people experience you. It’s something we’re all deficient in, and something that can make a huge, positive difference in the way we live. It only comes if we understand our deep need for it, genuinely desire it and actively seek it.

2. Overcome resistance.

Honest reflection about our relationships will likely reveal actions we’ve taken, words we’ve spoken and things we’ve neglected that have contributed to problems and pain for others.

The natural response when faced with faults is to defend and deflect responsibility. We’re all good at focusing the spotlight on other’s issues and failings while ignoring or excusing our own.

The human tendency is to stubbornly resist initiating reconciliation. We don’t want to be the first one to say “I’m sorry. Please forgive me.” We entrench ourselves in a defensive emotional posture, reinforced by all the justifications we’ve created for the offenses that we feel. We passively, and bull-headily, wait for the other person to apologize first. This resistance creates a relational stand-off.

3. Act.

Resistance is overcome by action.

Asking for forgiveness is an action, not an emotion. If you wait until you “feel like” asking someone for forgiveness, you’ll likely be waiting a long time. Don’t fall into that trap. Choose to take the first step. Go ahead and make that big ask, “Would you please forgive me for ______________ ?”

4. Expect.

Great things happen when we’re quick to admit mistakes and ask for forgiveness.

What can we expect to happen when we proactively seek forgiveness?

• Our character matures.
• We learn something about the power and importance of humility.
• We develop a deeper understanding of ourselves.
• We’re better able to identify personal areas of needed growth and change.
• Our relationship skills improve.

Not only does asking for forgiveness benefit us, it also helps and blesses others. It can lead to:

• The rebuilding of trust.
• The renewing of love.
• The removal of tension, animosity and strife.
• The reconciliation of broken friendships.

Who do you need to ask to forgive you? Decide right now that you’re going to take the brave step to say, “Please forgive me for _______________ . I was wrong.”

Don’t let your pride or procrastination stand in the way. Send the note, make the call, have the conversation. Sincerely and humbly apologize. You’ll become a bigger, better person when you do!

Pastor Dale

Attitudes are a big part of life. They affect our feelings, impact our productivity and determine the quality of our relationships. We should never underestimate their power. When attitudes are improved, all parts of our lives improve.

What is an attitude? It's the way we think about something or someone, and the emotions that go along with these thoughts.

Attitudes are carried inside of us, but are eventually projected on to the people around us. They spill out through our words, our verbal tones, our non-verbal behavior, and our actions. Attitudes can't be hidden forever. They always come out — good or bad. They always leak into our interactions and conversations.

When attitudes are expressed, they prompt a response or reaction from others. They can be contagious. They can build up or tear down, bless or curse, strengthen or weaken, lighten or weigh down, bring peace or produce pressure, unify or divide. Attitudes are never neutral in their impact. They make a difference. They saturate people and places, and change them for better or worse.

There's nothing quite like being in an environment where people have positive attitudes. Positive attitudes produce a positive atmosphere. Life, relationships, momentum and morale improve significantly when our attitudes improve.

Because attitudes are so powerful, Satan works hard to soil and sour them in us. He enjoys messing them up, because one bad attitude goes a long way. It goes viral, and the result is ugly. Think about it. How many days are ruined, how much productivity is lost, how much pain is caused all because of one person spilling contaminated attitudes on to others?

How do we make sure we're never that person? How do we manage our attitudes in ways that please God and benefit the people around us?

Here are 5 simple things we can do to keep good attitudes:

1. Set a goal.

It begins with desire. What kind of reputation do you want with others? Do you want to be known as a complaining, grumbling, discontented, divisive, arrogant or negative person? Or would you prefer to be known as the opposite? What kind of person do you want to be?

Set the goal to be a person who's known for their incredibly good and positive attitudes.

2. Remember that attitudes are adjustable.

Attitudes aren't fixed forever. They're not unchangeable. They're adjustable. They can change, and they can change quickly, if you want them to change and are willing to work to change them. You're not doomed to a life of bad attitudes. Your personality can be improved. But you must be willing to make the improvements.

3. Accept responsibility.

We all have a tendency to claim credit for the good and place blame for the bad. This is very true when it comes to our attitudes.

Most people blame bad attitudes on others, or on hard and unpleasant circumstances. While people can be “pills,” and life circumstances can be terribly tough at times, neither of these determines your attitudes. How you think about, respond or react to these things is what determines your attitudes. No one or nothing can “make you” have bad attitudes. You and I do this to ourselves.

To keep good attitudes we have to own responsibility for them. We have to consciously choose the right thoughts and responses to other people who attack, irritate, frustrate or agitate us. We have to consciously choose the right thoughts and responses to the trials and tribulations we're going through.

Blame is always easier, but it doesn't build character. Blaming places responsibility on the people and things your can't control. Growth happens when we focus on ourselves — on the things we're responsible for and can control.

4. Appreciate and affirm.

This is one of the fastest ways to improve your attitudes, and one of the best ways to keep them in a good place. Look for and think about the blessings in your life. Pay attention to the kindness God has shown you. Express your gratitude to God and others.

When others attempt to infect you with their ugly attitudes, be prepared to be positive. Don't buy into the bad stuff others are peddling. Affirm the good. Bless instead of curse. Be an ambassador of hope, love, joy, faith, unity and harmony, humility and peace. Don't get dragged into the cesspool others may be swimming in. Keep your head up, and more importantly, keep your heart up!

5. Ask for God's help.

Consistently demonstrating good attitudes requires a source of strength outside of ourselves. We need God's help. We need the power of His Holy Spirit. We need His grace.

The good news is that God promises to give us the power of His Spirit, if we'll simply ask Him for this gift. The Bible tells us what happens when the Holy Spirit takes control of us. He produces wonderful, supernatural fruit in us: ” … love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (See Galatians 5:22.) Talk about good attitudes. It doesn't get any better than this!

Also ask God to help you with anything that's making you anxious or afraid. When we're troubled, our attitudes are adversely affected. Turn your worry list into a prayer list. Turn every problem over to God and trust Him to take care of it all. (See Philippians 4:6-8 for some important instructions and promises from God about this.)

Practice these 5 things and you'll be amazed at the difference they will make in your attitudes. You'll be happier, and the people around you will be blessed!

Pastor Dale

God has a unique plan and purpose for your life. There's a work He wants you to do that no one can do quite like you.

Certain resources are essential for effectiveness and success in God's assignments for your life. You can't do what you need to do or accomplish what you need to accomplish without them. Two of these essentials are favor and wisdom.

In the Old Testament we find the story of a young man named Joseph. God had a plan and purpose for his life. God wanted to use Joseph to lead a nation through a time of trouble. He wanted to use Joseph to establish a safe haven for his family in the midst of terrible famine.

The story of Joseph's life is fascinating and very instructive. We see how the dream that called Joseph to his life purpose at 17 years of age was fulfilled many years later. Over these long years, God took this young man through all kinds of situations to break him, mold him, and transform his character. Joseph needed to develop the inner qualities that would make him ready to handle the responsibilities God assigned him.

After years of walking through refining circumstances designed by God to mature him, Joseph was prepared for his biggest God-given life assignment. He was ready to be used by God as a leader. Joseph was no longer driven by a dream, he was deeply dependent on his Lord.

The Bible is very specific about the qualities — the resources — that enabled Joseph to be effective and successful in his God-given assignment:

… And God gave him favor before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. God also gave Joseph unusual wisdom, so that Pharaoh appointed him governor over all of Egypt and put him in charge of the palace. — Acts 7:10 (NLT)

Note the two things God gave Joseph that gave him success: FAVOR and WISDOM.

Favor is the Greek word “charis.” It's the root word for the English term “charisma.” Favor is the gracious gift of influence, open doors, acceptance, prepared and paved pathways for building meaningful, strategic relationships and experiencing unprecedented positive opportunities. It comes from God and releases blessings to us that we could never accomplish or achieve by ourselves. When we see it and experience it, all we can do is appreciate it, praise and give God the glory for it.

Wisdom is deep insight, understanding, prudence and incisive perception. It's the right application of knowledge. This too is a gift from God. While we're told to work hard in gaining wisdom, it ultimately comes from God, who is the Source of all wisdom.

Joseph couldn't get his job done without God's favor and wisdom. Neither can we!

Ask God for these precious and important resources. Depend on Him for them. And as they come, give God all the praise aand glory for them. Thank Him for the fruitfulness and effectiveness they bring to your reponsibilities and work!

Here's a prayer for you:

“Dear Lord, I pray for your favor and wisdom to rest on us today. Help us to lean into you and on you. Grant us meaningful and strategice relationships to accomplish your will. Open doors for us that only you can open. By your favor, pave the pathway before us so that your purposes are fulfilled through our lives. Grant us the wisdom we need to do the work you want us to do. In Jesus' name. Amen.”

Pastor Dale

 

I will give thanks … — Psalm 7:17

Each year we’re reminded of a very important part of life — of something that should be deeply ingrained in our character — the value of gratitude.

The Bible is full of exhortations to give thanks — to God and people — for the blessings and gifts given to us.

Why does the Bible put so much emphasis on thanks? Because gratitude, or the lack of it, says a lot about us. Grateful people have developed a very important quality that not only blesses God and others, but serves them well too. An attitude of gratitude brings some great benefits to us.

What does gratitude do for you? Why is it good to give thanks?

1. Gratitude changes perspective.

Perspective is the way we look at life and people. It’s the lens through which we view our world. By nature (our sinful nature), we easily and quickly allow our perspective on life to be skewed, tainted, darkened, soured and consumed by our personal struggles and stresses. We tend to highlight the lacks and losses in our lives.

When gratitude is introduced it demands something from us. It pushes us to look past our lack and losses to see gifts and gains. Gratitude forces us to focus on the good. It radically adjusts the “lens” of perspective to a more realistic view — a view that includes the incredible blessings we have received that are not always obvious to us. With this adjustment of perspective comes a fresh joy, a new hope, an awareness that, notwithstanding whatever struggles and stresses may be a part of our lives, the truth is, we’re blessed!

Be grateful! Why? It changes your perspective.

2. Gratitude helps confront and conquer worry and fear.

Worry and fear are two of the biggest bullies in life. These two attackers shackle, chain and imprison us. They paralyze us from productive actions and blind us to potential opportunities.

One of the most repeated commands given to us by God in Scripture is: “Don’t be afraid!” — “Fear not!” Jesus, during His ministry, instructed us with the command– “Don’t worry!”

How do we successfully combat worry and fear?

We might answer, “through faith and trust!” — and this answer is correct. But I would offer you another weapon — another Bible way of fighting fear and worry — GRATITUDE!

All through the Old Testament we find God instructing His people to build memorials. These memorials reminded them of God's awesome power and love, and of the great miracles He had performed for them. They were prompters for praise. Every time the Israelites saw one, they were to remind themselves and their children of God's gracious interventions in the past.

But gazing on these memorials was meant to be more than a “happy stroll down memory lane.” These memorials had a contemporary purpose. They were designed to give God's people faith and hope in facing their current trials. They were meant to be a reminder of God's continual watchcare and readiness to help — a reminder that gave them comfort, courage and peace for the present. As they expressed their gratitude to God for His past works, they were to find strength and assurance for their present and future challenges. Their thanksgiving was a spiritual weapon that could and would drive out worry and fear!

Be grateful! Why? It helps you conquer worry and fear!

3. Gratitude grows grace.

One of the greatest qualities a person can possess is graciousness. People with grace — people who are gracious — are a pleasure to be around. They see the best in others and work to bring out the best in others. To be called “gracious” is one of the highest expressions of praise that can be given.

Gratitude actually grows our grace — it makes us more gracious. How? By focusing our attention on the graciousness of God and others to us.

To be grateful you have to think about all the wonderful things God has done for you, and the grace He has shown you. To be grateful you have to think about all the gracious things others have done for you also. Your awareness of the grace of God and the graciousness of others inspires you to be and do the same. It encourages you to become a bigger, better, more gracious person. It provides you with an example to emulate. When you think about how good God has been to you, and how good others have been to you, you become more motivated to model the same attitudes and actions with others.

Be grateful! Why? Gratitude lifts you to higher places of grace and graciousness.

4. Gratitude confronts and curtails pride.

Pride — the self-focused and self-centered kind of pride — is ugly and destructive. It is severely condemned by God. He says that He resists people who have it. He lists it as one of the things He hates!

The monster of pride resides in every human heart because pride is a root sin! Many others sins find their origin in pride.

How do we get rid of this horrible enemy? How do we root out this root problem of pride in our soul?

Gratitude! It’s not the only way, but it certainly is one way! Humility is a requirement for true gratitude.!

Real gratitude requires the acknowledgment and appreciation of what others have done for you. Gratitude, by its very nature, calls you to get your eyes off of yourself and on to God and others. It forces you to think about the contributions others have made in your life, apart from which you would not have what you have, be who you are, or have the opportunities you have. It reminds you that your view of life and the world is better because someone has offered their shoulders for you to stand on. You're experiencing blessings in your life because others have made them possible for you!

Gratitude — practiced sincerely and regularly — confronts and curtails pride. Curtail is an important word. The original meaning of the term described the process of cutting off and removing an animal’s tail. It is the cutting away of something unnecessary. A very appropriate term for what God wants to do to our pride!

Be grateful! Why? It confronts our pride and helps us get rid of it.

5. Gratitude improves the quality of relationships.

More relationships die of neglect than by abuse. We all have the tendency to take people for granted. The most common way we do this is by not noticing the value and blessings they bring to us, or by failing to express our gratitude to them.

Remembering to say, “thank you” to people in our lives keeps us focused on the real value they add. It makes us appreciate them more. Expressing appreciation to others is powerful. With only rare exceptions, communicating appreciation and gratitude to others, consistently and sincerely, makes relationships stronger.

Be grateful! Why? It builds your relationships.

Gratitude is beneficial, not only to others, but to us. It will make you a better person. It will give you a better life. It's good to give thanks!

Pastor Dale

The human heart is much like a container. Throughout life we accumulate experiences and emotions, some good and some not so good. The good times and relationships of life leave us with positive memories and pleasant feelings. They build trust in us, and bring us joy and positive expectations for the future.

The painful experiences of life can also leave marks on our souls. They often deposit in us an ugly residue of anger, bitterness and resentment. They can rob us of hope and happiness. They can distort our perspective of people and circumstances. They can lead us to bad decisions, bad thinking and dominating, destructive life habits.

Whatever is in your heart will ultimately control your life. Take a look at what God said about this:

Guard your heart more than anything else, because the source of your life flows from it. — Proverbs 4:23 (GW)

This verse is a sobering reminder that what we accumulate inside of us affects everything about us. That's why it's important to regular check and clean out the contents of our hearts. It's vital that we know what we've allowed to occupy space in our souls, and to actively address the things that are poisonous and painful.

How do we do this? Here are some key steps to take:

• Understand the negative consequences of allowing the wrong things to take up space in your heart.

See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. — Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)

• Ask God to help you identify the things that need to be removed from your heart.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. — Psalm 139:23, 24 (TLB)

• Ask God to cleanse your heart of everything that has contaminated you.

Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires. — Psalm 51:10 (TLB)

• Ask God to heal any brokenness and pain in your heart.

He heals the heartbroken and bandages their wounds. — Psalm 147:3 (Msg)

• Choose to forgive anyone and everyone who has caused problems and pain in your life.

… Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. — Ephesians 4:32 (Msg)

• Develop filters for your heart and mind that keep the bad out and let only the good in.

… you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious– the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. — Philippians 4:8 (Msg)

The contents of your heart matters. What's there affects all your thoughts, choices, attitudes and actions. Don't let the wrong things accumulate inside of you. Decide to clean out the poison and pain from your heart, and ask God to help you keep your heart free and clean from everything that might contaminate it. It's one of the best decisions you'll ever make, and one of the most important prayers you'll ever pray!

Pastor Dale