Either One or the Other

Either One or the Other

James 3: Just think how large a forest can be set on fire by a tiny flame! ⁶ And the tongue is like a fire. It is a world of wrong, occupying its place in our bodies and spreading evil through our whole being. It sets on fire the entire course of our existence with the fire that comes to it from hell itself. ⁷ We humans are able to tame and have tamed all other creatures—wild animals and birds, reptiles and fish. ⁸ But no one has ever been able to tame the tongue. It is evil and uncontrollable, full of deadly poison. ⁹ We use it to give thanks to our Lord and Father and also to curse other people, who are created in the likeness of God. ¹⁰ Words of thanksgiving and cursing pour out from the same mouth. My friends, this should not happen! ¹¹ No spring of water pours out sweet water and bitter water from the same opening. ¹² A fig tree, my friends, cannot bear olives; a grapevine cannot bear figs, nor can a salty spring produce sweet water.

 

============

 

Laughter was my attraction as I approached the crowd. Jokes about a particular teacher made us giggle. They teasingly added my name with the association of this teacher. I quickly disassociated myself from the teacher in front of everyone. Little did I know, the teacher was coming down the stairs and heard my words.

 

• I was trying to be a good in front of the teacher and side with the mean crowd.
• I was trying to side with both sides.
• I was trying to fit in all over the place.

 

James addressed double-mindedness in a different way. He talked about the “tongue” being tiny, yet very powerful. The words spoken can be full of hate or love.  He then explains how words affect who we are.

 

My Observations:

• My words need to be tamed so I can speak about JESUS without sounding hypocritical.
• My words need to turn into actions so they should not be filled with hate or slander.
• My words need to be gentle so I can be consistent in my actions.

 

Poisonous words are dangers to speak. I mean, joining in with the crowd may seem like a good idea, but when it includes talking about someone in a negative way, I become susceptible to adding poison to my own heart without knowing it. This poison seems innocent, because “everyone else” is doing it. BUT GOD wants better.

 

HE desires that I tame my tongue so it is not wild and full of venom. HE sees my thoughts and gives me a choice. Either choose poison or “sweet water.” In other words, choose GOD or choose the world. I am glad GOD can help me with my words so my heart can be healed.

 

Challenge

• What comparisons does the writer use?
• Have you ever said something that seemed like an innocent comment about someone, but was a negative joke?
• Will you ask GOD to help tame your tongue so you can present GOD to others in a loving, peaceful way today?

Word Power

Mark 13: ²⁸ “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.²⁹ So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it^[f] is near—at the doors! ³⁰ Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. ³¹ Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

============

My limit had been reached. The person kept taunting me and I could not hold it in any longer. I blasted the person with a torrent of obscenities and degradations I had practiced in my mind. It felt better. I was superior!

• There were times I just wanted to bring someone down.
• There were times I wanted to just rip into a person.
• There were times I wanted to simply tell the person what I thought about them and make sure they never forgot my words.

JESUS says to HIS disciples that the earth would be destroyed someday. All the work humans thought was important would eventually disappear. But what will happen?

• GOD says to me “Pass MY words to as many people as you can.”
• GOD says to me “MY words do not go out without substantial return.”
• GOD says to me “Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY words will by no means pass away.”

Words spoken by JESUS are eternal so HE chose them carefully. HE wants me to do the same. Instead of practicing poisonous negative words filled with complaints and doubts, JESUS wants me to practice HIS words. GOD’s words are filled with compassion, love kindness and gentleness towards me. HE wants me to pass this on with abundance.

• Are you ready to curse someone out?
• Have you been replaying negative words over and over in your mind and are on the verge of spewing them out towards someone?
• Can you ask GOD to adjust your thinking and have HIM remove the poison so HIS sweet, sweet words can flow from your mouth today?

Heavenly Words

Matthew 16: ¹⁷ Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. ¹⁸ And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. ¹⁹ I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” ²⁰ Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

============

With a towel tucked into the back of my shirt, I immediately transformed into a flying superhero! My neighbor would try to blast me with their death ray and claim my demise. I would retort with “Uh uhn! I had my shield up that bounces off your death ray!” Apparently I also had the super power of words, because that worked.

• When I was younger I wanted super powers.
• When I was a child I wanted special abilities.
• When I was immature I wanted to be a hero who saved everyone.

Peter was given a very special ability to speak and make supernatural things happen, but it came with a special focus. His super power was to point people to the “church” which is CHRIST JESUS. With mere words he was able to capture souls or turn away evil.

The FATHER has revealed JESUS as the Messiah to Peter and the basis of Peter’s exclamation “YOU are the CHRIST” was the foundation of the church. Peter now had super powers to say this and have people believe in JESUS.

• GOD has given me super powers to speak about HIS kingdom.
• GOD has given me supernatural abilities to make heavenly things happen on earth.
• GOD has given me special talents that only I can do to reach certain people.

Having these super powers comes with super responsibility. Every word out of my mouth has to be put in heaven first. I mean, I should be slow to speak and think about what I am saying. I should then ask GOD for the right words and move accordingly. My thinking and belief should follow HIS guidance. I see GOD’s words are much more powerful than any super hero can be!

• Do you want to be considered “special?”
• Would you like supernatural abilities?
• Can you start believing in GOD and speaking about HIS SON in a faithful way today?

Perfection at its Best

Matthew 5: ⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

============

“Strong dislike” was the feeling I had towards this guy. I mean he had come along an upended my world simply by being inserted as my boss. He went out of his way to harm me and seemed even more maleficent when I showed any type of resilience.

• There have been times that I didn’t like a person.
• There have been people in my life that I could do without.
• There have been times when I brooded so much over a person that I lost sleep.

Replaying the “criminal” act over and over made me furious. I could not help but conclude that the only answer was to have this person dropped off a mountain while locked in an exploding train met with jagged rocks and a shark pit. Since I couldn’t afford to buy a train, I just sat and fumed.

• GOD said to me “Love your enemies.”
• GOD said to me “Pray for those who persecute you.”
• GOD said to me “Be perfect just as I, your HEAVENLY FATHER, AM perfect.”

Perfection in this example was “Love.” He wanted me to take bitterness and poison out of my heart and replace it with love for those who went out of their way to harm me. It took time to drive out the bitter thinking. I actually found myself praying for this person more and more. Soon I was able to sleep well.

Their onerous acts became child’s play to me. GOD removed the bitterness by showing me how HE handles HIS enemies, namely me. HE forgave me for my sins and allowed me to flourish instead. HE is a great example!

• Are you bitter about someone?
• Do you have a long standing grudge with someone?
• Do you have hatred in your heart over “that” person or “those” people?
• Will you drop your hatred and replace your poison with GOD’s love?

Daily Delight

Micah 7: ⁷ But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
    I wait for God my Savior;
    my God will hear me.

-------

¹⁸ Who is a God like you,
    who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
    of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
    but delight to show mercy.
¹⁹ You will again have compassion on us;
    you will tread our sins underfoot
    and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

============

“Wham!” was the first thing that happened as I stubbed my toe against a cabinet. I ran around the house looking for my keys and it seemed to take a solid year to find them. I was in a hurry to get to work and “this guy” was in front of me with his blinker on for miles, doing well under the speed limit. “What a day!” I thought to myself.

• There are some days where I get flustered.
• There are some days that seem to have more wrong than right.
• There are some days that simply just get to me!

As I rushed throughout the day I noticed my demeanor getting worse and worse. I went to get something to eat and my order was wrong! “That’s it! I had enough!” I thought to myself. I wasn’t going to let the day push me around anymore! I was ready to argue, fuss and fight with the next thing that went wrong. Is this how I should be?

• GOD says to me “Place your hope in me and I will hear you.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the one who pardons your sins and forgives your transgressions.”
• GOD says to me “I will not stay angry forever and I delight in showing mercy to you.”

“Delight” was the thing that was missing from the day. From early morning and all throughout the day, I had missed out on “delightful” moments that could have been wonderful. Instead of complaining, I should seek out what delights GOD.

By slowing down long enough to place my “hope” in HIM through prayer, GOD actually listens directly to me. Amazing! HE leads me to a quiet place and turns my hurried harassed day into a place where I can see HIM doing HIS wonders. GOD has compassion on me.

• Are you ready to fight?
• Are you ready to snap and are collecting your “side” of the story?
• Will you put down your poison and put away your sharp tongued weapons and seek GOD’s peace?
• Will you ask yourself “Why am I so angry” and ask GOD to show what delights HIM today?

Negative or Positive

Ezekiel 13: ²² Because you disheartened the righteous with your lies, when I had brought them no grief, and because you encouraged the wicked not to turn from their evil ways and so save their lives, ²³ therefore you will no longer see false visions or practice divination. I will save my people from your hands. And then you will know that I am the Lord.’”

============

It was a small still voice that told me to encourage this particular person so I did. That person desperately needed to hear the words of encouragement. The next day there was a preacher who said some words in a way that I did not agree. “I wonder if I need to tell that person what they did wrong?” was the first thought that came to mind.

• Sometimes I want to discourage the righteous people with “my” opinion.
• Sometimes I want to dishearten the righteous people with “my” thinking.
• Sometimes I want to disagree with the righteous people because I want “my” voice heard.

When I want the spotlight so badly I may try to argue “my” point or fight to be heard rather than being led by GOD. This quarrelsome behavior causes discouragement rather than building people up for the LORD, meanwhile I have not gone to the people who “do” need to hear encouragement to change their ways. GOD wants me to make a choice.

• GOD wants me to choose my words carefully and not twist HIS words into mine.
• GOD wants me to stay away from discouraging words by seeking the best for people.
• GOD wants me to encourage people to change their ways and focus on GOD rather than looking at me.

Negativity is all around, from television to work to neighbors, it is hard pressed to hear an encouraging word. BUT GOD says “encourage people to follow ME.” GOD is truly amazing, I feel encouraged by HIS word.

• Are you speaking negativity?
• Do your words tear people down or build people up?
• Can you stop using your poisonous negative words and build “that” person up?
• Will you go out and encourage a person to follow GOD today?

Heart Words are Louder

Proverbs 27: ¹⁹ As water reflects the face,
    so one’s life reflects the heart.

============

Tired of being looked over, I decided to do something about it. I had spent the past four years with no one noticing me but this time it would be different. Loaded with a foul mouth and quick quips, I unleashed a new person in college. With razor like precision, I could cut a person up in a moment. I had laughter, but still lacked the group of “friends” I desired. What was the problem?

• My actions have told many stories.
• My daily words speak from a deeper source.
• My status in life reflects something my choices.

Being on the wrong path was actually fatal to my desire. I mean being labeled as the class clown did not generate the results I wanted. Friendship was my quest and I had to mature enough to “act friendly” to others before I could win their trust. I had to learn to replace my poison with honey and change my purpose from being “me” centered.

• GOD wants me to focus my life towards sincerely bringing people to HIM.
• GOD wants me to not be the center of attention rather focus people towards HIM.
• GOD wants me to have HIS heart so others would be drawn to HIM rather than being drawn to the world in me.

I have heard many people say they wish to have a “legacy” and that is not a bad desire. I used to want my legacy to be one of fame and fortune, BUT GOD found me and my heart is different. I want to point as many people to HIM as possible. I now desire to leave a wake of GOD’s kingdom instead of being known. Fame is fleeting, BUT GOD remains forever.

• What will people say about you at your funeral?
• Have you touched lives or been selfish?
• Will you examine your heart and begin focusing on what GOD will have you do?
• Will you ask GOD to put you on HIS path?

Watch What I Say

Proverbs 18: ²¹ The tongue has the power of life and death,
    and those who love it will eat its fruit.

²² He who finds a wife finds what is good
    and receives favor from the Lord.

============

Words are extremely important I have found over the years. When I say something harsh to my wife it seems like the whole house gets filled with gloom. No matter how simple the word or how complex the thought if the words are negative the whole world will know about it.

• Sometimes I have had words of complaint.
• Sometimes I have had words of disgust.
• Sometimes I have had words of distrust.

The tongue can be filled with poison and tear up my family. I mean I don’t have to be a cream puff if something is going away from GOD rather I have to watch what I say and say it in love.

• GOD wants me to see HIS example when HIS own creation blamed HIM, HE prayed for them.
• GOD wants me to know the power of the tongue can bring life or death.
• GOD wants me to understand that my words will be replayed to me when I am standing in front of HIM one day.

My words have to be chosen carefully so instead of responding quickly, I have to place my words before GOD and ask HIM to modify them before I speak. Only HE can tame my tongue and make it breathe life.

• Are you a harsh speaker?
• Do your words bring life or death?
• How many people have you torn down with your words?
• Can you examine your words and place them before GOD today?
• Will you accept the prayer that any words you say will fall back on you tenfold?

Better Them than Me

Proverbs 4: ²³ Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.
²⁴ Keep your mouth free of perversity;
    keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

============

Fitting in was my desire, no matter what group. The guys in the locker room were always talking about their latest “conquest” and laughed at my lack of “adventure.” They described girls by their body parts and soon I was part of their joke. Not willing to stand up for my beliefs, I caved and joined in with the group. It was easier to have them ogle the girls than take the ridicule.

• There have been times when my faith got challenged and I lost.
• There have been opportunities for me to stand up for what is right and I failed.
• There have been situations where my character could have shined and I chose the crowd instead.

Peer pressure was not the dynamite rather it was only the fuse. In other words the lust was already there. All it took was a few words to ignite the flame that exploded almost immediately. GOD knew and wanted me to change.

• GOD wants me to guard my heart for HE knows I will fall deeply into sin if I don’t.
• GOD wants me to know everything flows from my heart so I need to place HIM in it rather than things that do not please HIM.
• GOD wants me to keep corrupt talk from my lips which is tied to my heart.

It took some of life’s beatings to recognize that it is not worth following the crowd. One sinful joke, leads to many which in turn degrades my character. Soon I end up in a place that I wonder how I got there. BUT GOD is gracious! HE forgave me and made a way to escape. HE blessed me with HIS protection and guided me through the darkness. GOD is my guide.

• Are you trying to fit in?
• What perverse words are you using?
• Can you ask GOD to change your heart so you can change your words?
• Will you join GOD in expanding HIS kingdom rather than fulfilling your lust or complaint or slander or hatred?

Words are Mighty

Psalm 122: ⁶ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
    “May those who love you be secure.
⁷ May there be peace within your walls
    and security within your citadels.”
⁸ For the sake of my family and friends,
    I will say, “Peace be within you.”
⁹ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
    I will seek your prosperity.

============

Filled with rage, my poisonous words spewed out of my mouth. The problem was that the words kept coming out and soon I had filled the room with spiteful malicious paragraphs that I could never take back. Later, a thought popped in my mind. I wonder if this person is a follower of GOD.

• When my words are filled with hurt, they are not pointed at the kingdom.
• When my words are full of fear, they are not pointed at the kingdom.
• When my words are packed with pain, they are not pointed at the kingdom.

Words can go two ways, to build someone up or tear someone down. The latter of the two is very easy, especially when I am trying to get a point across. What I have found is these words do not bring peace. Yeah, “I” may feel better, but am I bringing peace to “that” person?

• GOD wants me to pray for security for people no matter how insecure they may be.
• GOD wants me to pray for peace for people no matter how contemptuous they may be.
• GOD wants me to pray for GOD’s prosperity which may mean a kingdom full of people rather than a bank full of money.

David was already very wealthy but he said “For the sake of the house of the LORD our GOD, I will seek your prosperity.” David knew that sacrifice was needed in order to lead a group of people who put their trust in the LORD. These people were excited about GOD and loved to worship HIM at all turns. GOD wants me to celebrate those who put their full trust in HIM. HE wants me to add peace to those who seek HIS face.

• Are your words pointing people to the problem or to the kingdom?
• Do you find poison in your words or can you point people to peace?
• Will you try adding GOD to every conversation you have today? 

Building People

2 Chronicles 36: ²³ “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:

“‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of his people among you may go up, and may the Lord their God be with them.’”

============

Find their flaw, document it and express it to the network of people was the method used in this particular company to get promoted or more budget or more responsibility. It really seemed sad, but there was one person who I admired who said to me “Be a king maker.” As I pondered these words I wondered “How?” I mean I’m not on the top, how will I put someone where I’m not?

• When everyone is tearing people down I have a choice to be like them or not.
• When people are focused on slander, lies and misconceptions I have a choice to be like them or not.
• When the crowd is full of malice, poison and spite, I have a choice to be like them or not.

In the middle of a chaotic workplace, he was telling me to “build people up” rather than tearing them down. Those who will be in my corner will remain there and those who aren’t will not. I remembered these words as I worked in a very difficult neighborhood who did not focus on GOD rather they turned to gang violence.

We went out and invited people to the church and they said things like “I have no clothes to wear” or “I haven’t been in a while” but they came when we said to them “You have a lot to offer and only you can help others.” I prayed with people and by building them up, they actually came to the church. GOD drew them back to HIM.

• GOD wants me to build people up because that person is a new temple.
• GOD wants me to build people up because HE wants to draw them to HIM.
• GOD wants me to build people up because my words will mimic HIS and be full of grace.

Building people up can only be done when I can appreciate how GOD has made me. If I don’t like how GOD made me then I will speak poorly about others. If I can understand that GOD was very pleased when HE made me, that HE understands my flaws and loves me anyway, then I can be excited about HIS people.

• Are you in the process of tearing people down or building them up?
• Do you see people as a threat or GOD’s workmanship?
• Can you stop spreading your poison about “those people” and begin building up the flock GOD has sent to you?

Hard Choices

2 Samuel 20:Now a troublemaker named Sheba son of Bikri, a Benjamite, happened to be there. He sounded the trumpet and shouted,

“We have no share in David,
    no part in Jesse’s son!

Every man to his tent, Israel!”

² So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bikri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

============

“The teacher is a drunk” I giggled. Normally quiet, I wanted to break in my new comedy routine but did it quite awkwardly. This particular teacher did not like me nor did I have any great feelings for her. She was mean, but with me, she seemed to go out of her way. My quip made those around me giggle so her investigation almost got me sent to the principal. I was given a choice, keep clowning or straighten up.

• Sometimes it’s not my peers that makes me do wrong things.
• Sometimes it’s not the situation that makes me want to do wrong.
• Sometimes it’s not someone else tempting me when I do something wrong.

It’s a hard pill to swallow when I’m at fault. I mean, I try to convince everyone around me that “they” are doing things to me, meanwhile I thicken my blinders to the root cause, namely me. The limelight feels great but I noticed my crowd quickly disappeared when the heat got turned up. Soon I was left standing there labeled as a troublemaker.

• GOD wants me to admit I need HIM rather than thinking other people are the problem.
• GOD wants me to trust HIS ways rather than speaking against HIM.
• GOD wants me to be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.

The attention I sought needs to be placed on GOD rather than myself. HIS path is far greater than any other path I could choose.

• Are you causing trouble?
• Are you talking about someone else without speaking about how you have failed in the past?
• Can you mature and get on GOD’s path?
• Can you check out your words today to see if they have poison rather than praise?

Humble return to the top

2 Samuel 19: ¹⁴ He won over the hearts of the men of Judah so that they were all of one mind. They sent word to the king, “Return, you and all your men.” ¹⁵ Then the king returned and went as far as the Jordan.

Now the men of Judah had come to Gilgal to go out and meet the king and bring him across the Jordan. ¹⁶ Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David. 

¹⁸ They crossed at the ford to take the king’s household over and to do whatever he wished.

When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king ¹⁹ and said to him, “May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind. ²⁰ For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first from the tribes of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king.”

============

“You have full autonomy” is what they said to me when I was appointed head of a division. “You mean I can do what I please?” I thought to myself. I became super creative and non-apologetic for developing things without the parent departments’ blessing. In fact I may have said some choice words to a few people who got in my way.

A couple of years later the parent department reined us back in. Those who I said “Get out of my face,” where now in my face and in power. I had to eat my words.

• Shimei cursed as David fell which reminds me of my noisy rise in the past.
• Shimei gloated as David fell which reminds me of my thinking “No one can touch me.”
• Shimei threw rocks at David which reminds me of my words as I rose to the top.

When the king returned, Shimei remembered how he mistreated David. I too remember the return to the department. It was an extremely humbling experience. I was told to lay low for about a year in order to repair the negative perception of me. It took five.

• GOD says to me “You shall have no other gods before ME” which lets me know to exalt HIM and not myself.
• GOD says to me “Fear ME, not humans” which makes me give HIM credit for my rise.
• GOD says to me “Do not boast” which means my rise must be humble and not noisy.

It is GOD who raises me up and it is HIM who deserves praise no matter where HE has me.

• Are you cursing someone?
• Do you think your poisonous words will help your rise?
• Can you turn your poison into praise for what GOD is doing?
• Will you add the spirit of appreciation to your thoughts today?

What goes around comes around

2 Samuel 17: Ahithophel said to Absalom, “I would choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. ² I would attack him while he is weary and weak. I would strike him with terror, and then all the people with him will flee. I would strike down only the king ³ and bring all the people back to you. The death of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be unharmed.” ⁴ This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.

-------

⁵ But Absalom said, “Summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he has to say as well.”

-------

⁷ Hushai replied to Absalom, “The advice Ahithophel has given is not good this time.

-------

¹⁴ Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.

============

Fed up with being pushed around, I started lifting weights. Soon I gained some nice size and I started hanging with the muscle heads. One guy was particularly mean. Okay, I think he was on steroids. He suggested we go out to a bar with him to have some “fun.” Not knowing what he meant, I agreed.

Another guy said “I don’t think we should go” so I didn’t.  A few days later the bar going guy furiously stormed into the gym. “Why didn’t y’all show up? I had to fight these guys all by myself.”

GOD has protected me many times from bad advice and stupid actions. In this instance I was protected from becoming the bully I longed to get away from. I played out the scenario after the incident and I could see nothing but destruction.

• GOD says to me “Whatsoever you sow you will reap.”
• GOD says to me “Love one another as I have loved you.”
• GOD says to me “Be slow to anger.”
• GOD says to me “Vengeance is MINE.”

When I am full of rage and fury, my next steps are very important. I can take the full rage and turn it into hatred, spreading poison and death to many or I can follow what GOD says and give HIM my poison and let HIM diffuse the situation. If I choose GOD’s way I must realize HE wants to save “that” person as well. Whatever the choice, I will reap what I sow.

• Are you angry at someone?
• Do you have rage?
• Can you let go of your anger and rage and let GOD work it all out?

Fallen words

1 Samuel 3: ¹⁹ The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground.

============

Foul language had never crossed my lips until I decided I wanted to be funny like one of my friend’s. He seemed to get attention and he was quite colorful in his language.  I slipped one in and got some chuckles. Soon my words were as a filthy as a rhino in a swamp.

Hilarious was my label, but when I wanted to be taken seriously, my words fell to the ground unheard.

• When I want attention I may use the wrong words.
• When I want to fit in I may say what the crowd is saying.
• When I want something I shouldn’t have I may say what is necessary for me to get that thing.

I learned terms like “Business is not personal” so my cold words could affect a life without me being worried about it.  I even went so far to pick up phrases that excluded people from being saved like “GOD doesn’t like that person” or “GOD isn’t with that leader.”

• GOD wants my words to be encouraging so I can bring people to HIM.
• GOD wants my words to match my actions so I can bring people to HIM.
• GOD wants my words to come from HIS words so I can bring people to HIM.

I sometimes forget that I was put on this planet with GOD’s purpose rather than mine.  When I speak poorly about a group of people in leadership or in a different neighborhood than me, then my words fall to the ground. GOD wants my words to be elevated off the ground. When I speak of HIS might, then HE can use these words to bring many to HIM.

• Are you wasting your words?
• What are you talking about?
• Can you take a moment and use some words to be more encouraging?
• Won’t you say a praise about GOD today?

Cuts you like a knife!

James 3: ⁹ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

============

Being laughed at was the norm when I grew up.  I had messy hair, clothes with holes in them that were too short and I was skinny. Oh yes, I forgot to mention I had thick framed black glasses. If you looked up the word ridicule you would have seen my picture. I spent an enormous amount of time and money trying to fit in.

After amassing my small fortune of eight hundred dollars, I bought some clothes, glasses and joined a health club. Soon I got on the other side of ridicule.  It felt good laughing at those broke weaklings who weren’t in style!

• My praise of GOD is faulty when I complain about other humans.
• My praise of the FATHER is broken when I look at other humans as the problem.
• My praise of our LORD and SAVIOR is defective when I think other humans have problems and “I’m okay.”

My tongue can be full of poison and is potentially a dangerous weapon. From slander to degradation my words can be quite harmful.  I don’t even have to be speaking directly to a person to harm them.  I can have side conversations that slam the person even when I have never met them nor understood them. GOD hears every word I say.

• My purpose is to spread GOD’s message of love and this is tainted when I dog the person out.
• My purpose is to show love so others will be drawn to GOD and this is spoiled when I use slander instead of praise.
• My purpose is to sow a good message of salvation but if my attitude towards other people is bad then my message is useless.

How in the world can I love people and hate people with the same tongue? “Hate” is such a strong word, maybe I should say “dislike” or maybe use “annoyed” to make myself feel comfortable. All I know is that I am not praising that person and GOD is not excited about my words. HE wants me to be able to speak well of my friends AND my enemies.

HE wants me to be single minded and focus my tongue with love.

• Are you complaining about “those” people or “that” person?
• Are you engaged in conversation that is pleasing to GOD or pleasing to a specific group?
• Can you try to tame your tongue enough to speak about the LORD to “that” person?
• Won’t you cut off the source of your poison so that you can learn to speak well of others?

GOD doesn’t have poison ears!

John 4: ²⁷ Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

============

“Hello, how is your day going?” someone said to me. But this wasn’t any old “someone,” it was a very crafty person who had said some nasty things in the past. “I wonder what they meant by that?” I thought to myself. For the rest of the day I went around with my guards higher than ever. Everyone was a suspect and every word was scrutinized.

• When I have been hurt poison can enter my heart.
• When my heart has poison in it then my tongue will produce venom.
• When my heart has poison in it then my ears listen for poison.

Some people just can’t do or say anything right. Ask my family and they will tell you! When my ears are listening for something poison I will find it. I guess it stems from being a leader in a poisonous environment. Or perhaps it comes from hurt from the past. Maybe it’s just that the person is taking a dig at me, either way, my ears will pick up the words and the fight is on.

• GOD wants me to be ready to show grace at all times otherwise I won’t be shown grace.
• GOD wants me to listen to people without my prejudice filters.
• GOD wants me to hear “beyond” the words that are said so that I can pray earnestly for that person.

Forgiveness, grace and mercy don’t come easily from me. When I have my mind set that the “opposition” is a schemer and not worth my time, I put my defense mechanism up and capture their words as being poison. Sometimes I’m right and sometimes I’m wrong isn’t good enough for GOD.

JESUS listened to the Samaritan woman without the prejudice of race or gender. HE knew she was a sinner and listened with the intent to heal her no matter what she said. That’s hard for me to do, but quite possible. Let “it” go or pray or just ignore the statement while throwing the harmful words into the “forget about it” pile are ways to overcome my judgmental ears.

I must view the person like GOD views them, namely “forgiven.” Yes I should be wise as serpents BUT GOD also says be harmless as doves.

• Are you blaming someone?
• Can “that” person say or do anything right?
• Are you quick to judge some people because of your hurt?
• Won’t you let your guards down a little to see the other person needs GOD as much as you?
• Can you ask GOD to clean your heart so your words and “thoughts” will be pure?