Welcome to God's Lemonade Stand

It is my hope that by reading this daily you will grow in your walk with Christ and knowledge of scriptures and be set free from any struggles in your life that are weighing you down. Be blessed to be a blessing.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

A MOUTH LIKE CHRIST

The Bible speaks tons on the dangers of what we say. That little 'hole in our face' can sure get us into a lot of trouble. Blah,blah, blah. If we are not careful we can really be misunderstood or hurt someone. Words can make us or break us.This is  one of the areas in the Bible that is written about over and over again. How many of us have said something then right after it popped out of your mouth you wish you could take it back? Or what you say is misunderstood? With the invention of email and texting it is easy to just jibber jabber away and not really think what we are saying. Basically it is important to really try to think before you speak.

James 3:1-12 is about the dangers of the tongue. I will copy it here for you to read. "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.  We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.  When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.  Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water."

As in previous devotions with this topic it is important to remember that words can hurt or they can heal. They can build up or they can tear down. They can encourage or discourage. They can be kind and loving or like daggers shooting at an enemy camp. What kind of words flow out of your mouth on a daily basis? Also we need to deal with the issue of cursing or taking the Lords name in vain. Deep down in your heart you know it is not right to cuss. I always say if Jesus were in the room would you talk the way you do? Well guess what? He is in the room because he is with you always. Matthew 28:20 says "and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Gossip is another danger of the tongue. Even prayer chains can turn into gossip if you are not careful. We need to learn to not repeat things and to keep a confidence shared with us.

Husbands and wives should speak to each other the same as if they were still courting each other. If they did then there were be alot less divorces in the world. The tongue needs to show love, kindness, respect and favor to the spouse. Make sure if you do slip and are hurtful or rude you say you are sorry. Make it a habit to pray together as a couple even if engaged or boyfriend and girlfriend. It sets the stage for putting Christ in the center and keeping things focused on 'things above'. Matthew 18:20 says "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." It is a good habit to develop. If Christ is part of your life He should be part of all your life. If you are truly living for Him and getting into His word on a daily basis, the less and less the tongue may be a problem. At least you will be convicted when you say something you know was not right and can ask for forgiveness.

One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 10:19 which says "Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut." One version says to 'turn off the flow'. Think of that word picture!

Why not start today to use your mouth for prayer, praise, compliments, encouragement, and just speaking something nice to someone. Maybe even use it to say you are sorry to someone you have hurt. You will feel better and so will the recipient.

PRAYER: Lord I know it is so easy to just talk without thinking at times. I want to do better. I want to be known for being kind and loving to friends and family and not meddling, hurtful, gossipy, complaining and rude. Help me to be loving and kind with the words I say to everyone I come into contact with. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Note: Enjoy a worship song I have included on link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JK_6osCH74

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