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Devotionals by Pastor Mike Fabarez

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Exchanging Our Expletives

Words reveal the heart. Jesus said, “out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Mt. 12:34). In our culture, expletives—words blurted in moments of frustration, shock, or excitement—often expose what fills a person’s heart. While many Christians avoid crude and obscene language, there is a more subtle problem we must face: the misuse of sacred words. The world often hurls words like “God,” “Jesus Christ,” and “Hell” as careless expressions of surprise or pain, stripping them of their intended reverence and weight. Tragically, the holy names that should lead us to worship are instead reduced to empty, common words—expletives without meaning.

This is not a minor issue. God has specifically commanded that His name not be used in vain (Ex. 20:7). Yet, the casual phrases we hear daily—“Oh my God,” “Jesus,” or “What the hell?”—trivialize profound spiritual realities. Even euphemisms like “OMG” or “Oh my gosh” flirt with the edges of irreverence. What compels us to follow these verbal habits? Is it just thoughtless tradition or the subtle pull to blend in with the world? Scripture warns us that every careless word will be brought into account (Mt. 12:36), and we should not dismiss the spiritual weight of this truth.

Let’s commit to pursuing holiness, even in our spontaneous speech. The next time we feel the urge to blurt something out, let’s choose words that neither mimic nor minimize the sacred. Let’s resist the world’s patterns and instead reflect a heart transformed by Christ, using our words to honor God. Our daily expressions, even in the heat of the moment, should display our reverence, not diminish it. May we be intentional, innovative, and distinct—always seeking to “abstain from every form of evil” (1 Th. 5:22) in how we speak.

--Pastor Mike


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About Focal Point

Focal Point is the Bible teaching ministry of author and pastor Mike Fabarez. Focal Point explores and proclaims the depths of Scripture on its daily radio broadcast and is dedicated to clearly explaining the truth of God’s Word.

About Pastor Mike Fabarez

Mike Fabarez is the founding pastor of Compass Bible Church in South Orange County, California and has been in pastoral ministry for more than 30 years. He is committed to clearly communicating God’s word verse-by-verse and encourages his listeners to apply what they have learned to their daily lives.

Pastor Mike is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Talbot School of Theology (M.A.) and Westminster Theological Seminary in California (D.Min.).

Mike is heard on hundreds of radio programs across the country on the Focal Point radio program and has authored several books, including Raising Men Not Boys, Lifelines for Tough Times, Preaching That Changes Lives, Getting It Right, Praying for Sunday, and Why the Bible?

Mike and his wife, Carlynn, reside in Laguna Hills, California and they have three children, Matthew, John and Stephanie.

Contact Focal Point with Pastor Mike Fabarez

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P.O. Box 2850 
Laguna Hills, CA 92654
 
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