Where is my friendship? - Part 2

 1. What does my speech reveal about my heart?
For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.  The good man, from his good treasure, brings out good things; and the evil man, from his evil treasure, brings out evil things. But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have to give an accounting for every careless or useless word they speak. For by your words you will be justified and acquitted of the guilt of sin; and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced. - Matthew 12:34-37 (Amplified Bible)

Do my words consistently build up or tear down?

2. Do I exhibit heavenly wisdom or earthly wisdom?
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant, and be in defiance of the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly (secular), natural (unspiritual), even demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing and morally degrading practice.  But the wisdom from above is first pure , then peace-loving , gentle, reasonable , full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without hypocrisy. - James 3:14-17 (Amplified Bible)

Are my attitudes marked by humility and peace or by rivalry and selfish ambition?

3. What is the source of my conflicts?
Through pride and presumption come nothing but strife,
But wisdom is with those who welcome counsel. - Proverbs 13:10 (Amplified Bible)

A pastor was telling me about the trouble in his church and I asked, “What do you think the problem is?” He said, “I’ve just discovered what the problem is. Half of my board is saved and half of them aren’t.” Now, that spells trouble because you have people who love God trying to get along with people who love the world. People whose greatest priority is to glorify God and people whose greatest priority is to glorify self. The conflict is inevitable. - John MacArthur

Do I blame others for conflicts or examine my own desires?

4. What do I most desire?
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:20-21 (Amplified Bible)

Delight yourself in the Lord,
And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart. 
Commit your way to the Lord;
Trust in Him also and He will do it. - Psalm 37:3-4 (Amplified Bible)

What do I pursue most strongly in life?

5. Am I seeking friendship with the world?
Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love these things you show that you do not really love God - 1 John 2:15 (Living Bible)

Are my values shaped more by Scripture or by culture?

6. Is pride present in my heart?
All of you serve each other with humble spirits, for God gives special blessings to those who are humble, but sets himself against those who are proud.  If you will humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, in his good time he will lift you up. - 1 Peter 5:5 (Living Bible)

Do I resist correction or welcome it?

7. Am I truly submitting to God?
Do not let any part of your bodies become tools of wickedness, to be used for sinning; but give yourselves completely to God—every part of you—for you are back from death and you want to be tools in the hands of God, to be used for his good purposes.  Sin need never again be your master, for now you are no longer tied to the law where sin enslaves you, but you are free under God’s favor and mercy.

Is there any area of my life that I refuse God’s authority?

8. Am I drawing near to God daily?
Let us go right in to God himself, with true hearts fully trusting him to receive us because we have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean and because our bodies have been washed with pure water. - Hebrews 10:22 (Living Bible)

And when you draw close to God, God will draw close to you.  Wash your hands, you sinners, and let your hearts be filled with God alone to make them pure and true to him. - James 4:8 (Living Bible)

Is my relationship with Christ growing closer or drifting?

O holy and righteous God,
You know me completely. Nothing in my heart is hidden from Your sight. Your Word tells me that the heart can be deceived, and so I ask You now to search me and reveal what I cannot see myself.

Search my heart, O Lord, and show me if there is any pride within me. Reveal where selfish ambition or envy may be hiding. If my desires have begun to drift toward the world rather than toward You, expose them by the light of Your truth.

Examine my speech. If my words have wounded others, dishonored You, or revealed a divided heart, convict me and teach me to speak with grace and wisdom.

Test my motives. Show me whether my actions are driven by love for You or by the desire for comfort, recognition, or approval from others.

Lord, guard me from friendship with the world. Do not allow my heart to grow cold toward You. Create in me a deeper love for what is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy.

Give me humility to receive Your correction and grace to repent where I have sinned. Cleanse my hands and purify my heart so that I may draw near to You with sincerity.

Thank You that You promise to give grace to the humble and that when we draw near to You, You draw near to us. Restore my heart and renew my devotion to You.

May my life reflect the wisdom from above and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus name, Amen

Be Encouraged to draw close to God.




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