Tag: jeannie waters

How Can We Imitate Christ and Please God with Our Actions?

Jeannie Waters31 Comments on How Can We Imitate Christ and Please God with Our Actions?

Thank you for joining me in this four-part series where I’m sharing from my study on how we can open all parts of our hearts—our thoughts, words, and actions—to the Light of Christ. Here are links to Open Our Hearts PART 1,  Open Our Hearts, PART 2 about our thoughts, and Open Our Hearts, PART 3 about our words.

Here’s PART 4 about our actions.

At age six, my younger brother Carson wanted to be just like Daddy, the man he admired. He patterned his actions after Daddy’s and even matched his clothes as closely as he could.

When my dad came home from work and traded his suit and tie for work pants and a plaid button-up shirt, Carson scurried to his room, selected similar clothing, and followed Daddy to the garden. If Daddy used a rake to smooth the soil, Carson retrieved his child-sized version and raked while looking up every few minutes to observe his role model’s actions.

Carson wanted to be like Daddy, and we want to be like our Father. Let’s look at Scripture and ask the Lord to show us how we can emulate Him in our hearts and actions.

All who surrender to Christ become God’s children (John 1:12) and inherit the privilege of looking to Him for direction about our actions. We can read about the life of Jesus when He walked on the earth, and we can apply biblical values like prayer, Bible study, good deeds, and forgiveness to the way we choose to spend our days.

Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

1 John 2:6 ESV *

Jesus didn’t isolate Himself and limit His care to His family and friends. He noticed needs and brushed shoulders with people who lived or traveled nearby. He sat down with His disciples and taught them. He fed hungry multitudes. He conversed with a Samaritan woman many avoided. He visited Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector. With the words He spoke on the cross, He testified to a thief and forgave him when the thief believed.  

Jesus interacted with people and met physical and spiritual needs. God gives gifts, talents, time, and possessions to us so that we can discern, demonstrate His love, and give to people in need—in need of food, clothing, friendship, encouragement, or the gospel message. He said,

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

John 13:34
God gives gifts, talents, time, and possessions to us so that we can discern and give to people in need—in need of food, clothing, friendship, encouragement, or the gospel message. Share on X

The following passage mirrors the heart of Jesus as He loved and ministered to those around Him. These words Paul penned can guide our actions.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:3-4

Recently, I’ve observed examples of unselfish believers who “looked to the interests of others” by using the time, gifts, and opportunities God has given them. Their actions reflect the heart of Christ.

  • Kimberly donated a percentage of her yard sale proceeds to a homeless shelter for veterans.  
  • Jimmie befriended a stroke victim by taking him on rides in the car, pushing his wheelchair around a track, and later helping him learn to walk again.
  • After Will opened a car door for Anna, she smiled and said no one had done that for her in decades.
  • John and Phil built a ramp for Sandy who had broken her ankle.
  • Joann coordinated food delivery for a church member who had surgery.
  • Laurie shared the gospel message with an employee in a medical facility.
  • Beth transported a friend for medical appointments and shopping needs.  

Paul prayed Christians would “Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10).

We can look to Jesus as our example, pray and ask God to open our eyes to needs around us, and study the Bible so that our actions represent Him and minister to others.

Your Turn

My brother Carson followed in our dad’s footsteps and patterned his actions after Daddy’s. How can we pattern our actions after the life of Jesus? How have you seen other Christians “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord … bearing fruit in every good work”?

*All verses are taken from the ESV.

How the Right Role Model Can Shape Our Words to Honor God

Jeannie Waters30 Comments on How the Right Role Model Can Shape Our Words to Honor God

In this series, I’m sharing how we can open all parts of our hearts—our thoughts, words, and actions—to the Light of Christ. Here are links to Open Our Hearts PART 1 and Open Our Hearts, PART 2 .

Today in Part 3, we’ll talk about our words.

As a third grader, the person I admired most was Señora Carmen, our Spanish teacher. A tall, beautiful Puerto Rican lady, she dressed in stylish clothes and wore gorgeous drop earrings—along with a radiant smile and enthusiasm for teaching.

I wanted to look like her, but more than that, I wanted to sound like her. I hoped to please her with my acquisition of Spanish vocabulary and my accent.

At home I practiced the Spanish words Señora Carmen had taught us. My class of dolls and stuffed animals listened as I clomped around in Mama’s high heels and clip earrings, confident my smile and my Spanish accent matched my teacher’s.

I wanted my words to sound like hers.

By the time I entered fifth grade, I realized I’d never sound like a native Puerto Rican. However, when we study and pattern our language after good role models, we learn to imitate them.  I focused on every word my Spanish teacher spoke.

At age seventeen, I met a different role model. Pam, a Campus Crusade for Christ representative who spoke at our church, helped me understand that although I knew about God, I didn’t know Him personally. But I knew I needed Him desperately, and after she talked, I prayed and gave my life to Jesus.

I watched Pam and listened to her for months as she led group studies and befriended my friends and me. Her words, often straight from the Bible, encouraged me. I wanted to sound like her—to share excitement about my walk with Christ and to quote Scripture like she did—and to encourage others to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord.

God continued to teach me through Pam, our pastor, and my personal Bible study. I learned early in my walk with Christ that He is the role model believers need to follow. God’s children love Him and want to be more like Him, to sound more like Him, and to honor Him more.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

Ephesians 5:1 ESV

If we want to imitate God, we can learn more about Him by observing His character traits as revealed in the Bible. As we read, we can search for what He likes and what He despises. We can learn from His words.

We’ll never develop a perfect, divine nature like His, but we will begin to “sound” more like Him and to reflect His glory into the world by the way we act and talk. We’ll learn more about how to share the truths He teaches and how to speak to others according to His instructions.

When we open our hearts and ask God to teach us, the Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to shape our words so that they please Him.  

When we open our hearts and ask God to teach us, the Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to shape our words so that they please Him. Share on X

As the apostle Paul urges in his letter to the Philippians, we also learn from the lives of mature believers (3:17). We can ask God to develop in us the Christlike traits we see in them, like Pam’s exuberance for God’s Word and her faithfulness in sharing the gospel.

Although our relationship with Christ is not governed by a checklist or set of rules, because we love Him, we want to obey His teaching in the Bible about our speech. As I studied this topic, I found a wealth of verses about the words we speak. I’m using the collection below as a checklist to examine my speech.

Your turn

Please share words of wisdom you’ve learned on this topic. What helps you monitor your speech? What have you noticed about conversations with those who honor Christ?

Here’s my collection of verses about our words. Perhaps you’ll want to read them and answer the questions I’m asking myself.  

Do My Words Please God?

There is no score tally, but God uses Scripture to renew our minds and transform us to the image of Christ. All verses are from the ESV.

Is my speech free from words God prohibits? Which words should I subtract?  

Ephesians 5:4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

Exodus 20:7 You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.

Proverbs 11:12 Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.

Proverbs 12:18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

 Proverbs 17:9 Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.

What kind of words should I add to my speech? How can I please God with what I say?

Proverbs 16:24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

How will these verses change my conversations?

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Proverbs 29:20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 21:23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Matthew 15:11 It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.

Morning prayers for my words

Ps. 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!

Did you leave a comment to enrich our time together? I look forward to reading your words. : )

A BONUS FOR YOU: A GOOD READ

My friend Annie Yorty wrote a delightful book entitled From Ignorance to Bliss: God’s Heart Revealed Through Down’s Syndrome. The lessons she learned through her daughter Alyssa apply to any challenge we face. Alyssa wrote one chapter. I’m loving this book and think you will, too. Here’s a link.

From Ignorance to Bliss: God’s Heart Revealed Through Down’s Syndrome

How Can We Open Our Hearts to the Light of Christ for Spiritual Growth?

Jeannie Waters22 Comments on How Can We Open Our Hearts to the Light of Christ for Spiritual Growth?

Lately, I’ve noticed how the sunlight streams through my kitchen window and brings health to my plants. I’m exploring how the Light of Christ changes my heart—my thoughts, words, and actions. Here’s how my study began.

My husband rarely complains about anything—unless my plants crowd the kitchen counter space.

“But they love the morning sunlight,” I say.

“They may love the sunlight, but I like the counter space,” he replies with a smile. “I can’t wash my hands in this jungle without bumping into leaves.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll move them,” I usually reply as I plan to sun them another day. Then I return my Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioide for technical readers) to the living room table and my Janet Craig plant (Dracaena fragrans) to the desk in the office.

When I leave one side of a plant turned away from a window for several weeks, glossy green leaves go limp and turn yellow. Every side of green plants—all the leaves—need sunlight. God designed them with sunlight-absorbing chlorophyll to promote health and sustain life.

And God designed believers with Truth-absorbing hearts which need the Light of His presence and His Word every day.

God designed believers with Truth-absorbing hearts which need the Light of His presence and His Word every day. Share on X

The last time I placed plants on our sunny kitchen counter, I pondered how I could open my heart more to Christ. We need to turn all sides of our hearts—our thoughts, our words, and our actions—to His Light.

I often speak without thinking and choose my actions without considering God’s will. I need to absorb His light into my heart to grow spiritually—to be more like Jesus.

When we expose each side of our hearts—every fiber of our being—to God’s Holy Spirit, He corrects us (convicts us of sin) and draws us closer as He promotes spiritual health and growth.

And wonder of wonders—He transforms us to be more like Jesus (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 3:18) and offers an adventurous walk with Him each day.

Recently, I asked God to show me areas of my life that need His cleansing light. (I have no trouble discerning His answer for that request. How about you?)

In the next few posts, we’ll talk about how the Light of God’s Presence and His Word change our thoughts, our words, and our actions. I hope you’ll share the insights God teaches you.

But first, let’s ask some questions and seek answers together in Philippians.

Who began and promises to finish the work in our hearts once we surrender to Christ? Of course, we know the answer.

 And I am sure of this, that he [God] who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:6 ESV*, brackets are mine.

This verse comforts me when I feel like a plant with yellow, drooping leaves. I know He’s always working in my life. I can thank Him as I continue to pray, study, and change as He leads.

How did Paul pray for believers to grow spiritually?

It is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.

Philippians 1:9-10

Pssst. I’m glad that’s His responsibility and not ours, aren’t you?

What goal does Paul suggest for our lives?

Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ … standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.

Philippians 1:27

We know only God can make this possible.

Why does God want to shine His light into our hearts?

It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 

Philippians 2:13

His work benefits us in immeasurable ways but notice the why of His work in the last part of the verse—”for his good pleasure.”

In the next few posts, we’ll talk about turning our thoughts, our words, and our deeds toward the Light of Christ. Choose an outdoor spot or a place in front of a sunny window. Pray and study with me, and please share your insights along the way. I value them.

Until we meet again, let’s pray Psalm 51:10 and ask God to shine His light into our hearts.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

Your turn

Please share your thoughts about opening our hearts to Christ so that we can expect healthy spiritual growth. Do you ask an accountability partner how you’re doing in an area you’ve prayed about? Do you journal or write prayers to God? How can we tell when we’re growing in Christ? I can’t wait to hear from you.

When we expose each side of our hearts—every fiber of our being—to God’s Holy Spirit, He corrects us (convicts us of sin) and draws us closer as He promotes spiritual health and growth.. Share on X

*All Scripture is taken from the ESV.

Rise, Shine, and Share the Blessings

Jeannie Waters26 Comments on Rise, Shine, and Share the Blessings

Liz Curtis Higgs grabbed my attention with joyful greetings when she opened her weekly “Rise and Shine Mondays LIVE with Liz” online presentations. “Lively” is a more apt description.

“Good morning, Lord!” she often prays in a cheery voice when she teaches online. Then she praises Him and requests His help and blessings for listeners.

Liz sprinkles funny stories into her teaching, often laughing at herself. She shares the names she assigned to her wigs during chemotherapy and giggles about the large, colorful earrings she prefers.

Although I learn from Liz’s deep study of Scripture and obvious reverence for the Lord, I also enjoy her contagious passion for God’s Word and the way she shares joy and other blessings. An international speaker and author of over thirty books, Liz seeks to obey God and share His truths with her unique blend of teaching and laughter.

I view Liz as a woman who stands on tiptoe each morning with a big smile, ready to capture the blessings God designed for that day. She embraces them for her life and generously shares them with others—blessings like His love, mercy, kindness, laughter, forgiveness, generosity, guidance in trials, and more. She points not to herself but back to the Giver of all good gifts, our heavenly Father (James 1:7).

Although I admire this godly woman, years ago, I learned the hard way not to pattern my life after another person—even a godly woman like Liz Curtis Higgs. God made each of us as unique individuals created for His plans, and He teaches us to imitate Him, not other people.

God made each of us as unique individuals created for His plans, and He teaches us to imitate Him, not other people. Share on X

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV

We can, however, notice Christlike characteristics in others and pray for God to continue His work in us. In Philippians 1:6, He promises He will. I admire Liz’s diligent Bible study and her exuberance for sharing His truths and His goodness with others.

As we follow Christ, we can start our days with cheer and prayer as Liz started her presentations. We can take time to study the Bible, notice God’s blessings, embrace them into our lives as we thank Him, and then ask Him to help us share His gifts with those we meet each day.

As we follow Christ, we can start our days with cheer and prayer. Share on X

Your turn

What suggestions do you have for beginning each morning on tiptoe with a big smile, ready to capture the blessings God designed for the day? How have others helped you focus on a truth from God’s Word or shared His blessings with you?

How Winter Frost and Manna Remind Us of God’s Love and Faithfulness

Jeannie Waters24 Comments on How Winter Frost and Manna Remind Us of God’s Love and Faithfulness

Winter frost sparkles on our lawn like diamonds and reminds me of God’s provision. The higher the sun rises, the more reflections shine from the tiny ice crystals on the tips of the grass blades.

Bread from Heaven

This morning when I looked at the frost from the kitchen window, I thought of the manna I’d recently read about in chapter 16 of Exodus. God had promised Moses He would “rain bread from heaven” for the Israelites who were traveling through the wilderness after God had delivered them from enslavement in Egypt (v. 4) *.

As Moses witnessed, after the dew had evaporated each morning in the desert, “there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground” (v. 14). The Bible compares the manna to frost, so maybe it sparkled in the sunlight.

When the Israelites saw the white flakes, they said, “manna” (v. 15) which means “What is it?” They’d never seen this “bread from heaven” which was a new creation designed by God to feed His people.

For forty years, He sent the exact amount they needed for each day until they reached Canaan, the promised land (v. 35). Like the Israelites, we may not understand all our blessings, but our heavenly Father provides them.

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:9

Reminders

The manna not only fed the Hebrew people, but it later served as a reminder of God’s provision. He instructed Moses to keep a jar of it in the ark of the covenant along with the stone tablets of commandments (v. 32).

Our Father knows we need reminders—to praise Him for blessings and trust Him in hard times when we don’t see or understand His provision.

Bill, one of our Sunday school teachers often says to the class, “Why are we here today? We are here to remember.” His lessons remind us of God’s promises and how He fulfills them.

Of His love and care for His children.

Of the mission He gives to each believer.

When I read the laws of the Old Testament, I wonder how the Hebrew people remembered all of God’s commands once the prophets conveyed them. They didn’t have the written Word and the Holy Spirit like we do, but they had manna and other provisions to remind them of His goodness.

Like the pillar of cloud guided the Israelites, the Bible guides us and reminds us of God’s faithfulness.

From Heavenly Bread to the Bread of Heaven

God no longer creates manna, the heavenly bread, but what blessings are ours as believers today.

We have the Bread of Life, the Lord Jesus Christ, living within us. He came to feed us Truth and to create a path to relationship with Him by grace—an exciting life of daily adventure.

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 1:17

Every winter morning, I peer through the blinds to look for frost. When the sun rises higher, I notice the sparkle and wonder what “manna” God has provided for me this day.

The frost reminds me to thank Him. What will happen on warmer days when there is no frost?

Will I remember His past blessings and thank Him for today’s? Will I complain as the Israelites did when they faced challenges, tired of the consistent diet, or doubted God’s love and faithfulness?

We don’t know what His blessings will be, and we may not see provision for every need right away, but as surely as manna dotted the desert landscape and as surely as frost forms on freezing days, we can trust our faithful God to provide for us.

We don’t know what His blessings will be, and we may not see provision for every need right away, but as surely as manna dotted the desert landscape and as surely as frost forms on freezing days, we can trust our faithful God to… Share on X

When we pray each morning and seek the Bread of Life in the Word, we can remember and praise our God for blessings seen and unseen and for His constant love and care.

A Promise and a Praise to Brighten Your Day

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

*Verses are taken from the ESV Bible.

Your Turn to Share

How do you remember God’s blessings? What reminds you of His faithfulness? How does His faithfulness comfort you in hard times?

Here’s a link to my last post: Three Ways to Navigate Difficult Days

https://jeanniewaters.com/blog/three-ways-to-navigate-difficult-days/