The Forest Fire

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. James 3:5

My country, the United States of America, has its' share of forest fires, especially out West. These fires sometimes are caused by lightening strikes but often times by a careless person not putting out a campfire or throwing a cigarette butt on ground. Never the less the fires are destructive to property and lives.

Our words are like forest fires. It is critical to be very careful what we say. A misspoken word can wreak havoc and even break up relationships. I am sure I have had burning 'embers' that may have started a small blaze a few times. If we are honest, probably we all have. It is essential to be very wise in the use of our words. Words can build up but can also tear down and destroy.

Are there any 'forest fires' in your own life you need to throw the water of love and grace on before the turn into a raging blaze?

PRAYER: Help me Lord be wise in the use of the words that come out of my mouth. Also help me with my thought life to show love and not be dragging people down even in my thoughts. Help the words I say only bring glory to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Say What?

But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:8

Do you ever open your mouth at inappropriate times and say the wrong thing? Maybe you are trying to extend comfort and it backfires. Sometimes we may say things that seem appropriate but to the receiver they come out all wrong. Words can be taken the right way or totally be misunderstood. With our computer generation it is easy to be have things misinterpreted on emails and texts. 

Our mouth can certainly be our downfall. With it we can bless people or turn around and beat them down with words. We can cause joy or pain. It is so important for us to be careful what we say and if in doubt to not utter certain things. 

When you go about your day today try to bless people and not cause them pain. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord how I desire to not stumble with my words. It is a battle. Guide me as I speak to make up my mind to only bless. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Word Power

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

Words can make a person or break them. Once you say something it can not be retracted. It is very important to think before speaking but how often does that happen? I know there are times I let my emotions do the talking and oh how I wish I had not. 

If someone is using angry or hurtful words to you it is best to ignore them because responding back will most likely result in a fight. How many homicides reported on the news were probably started with angry words. Satan loves hurtful words and he loves anger. He really loves it if he can get a believer to not think before they speak. 

Today before you start your day stop and pray that your words would only bring glory to those who hear them. 

PRAYER: Today I choose to let my words show your love to those around me. Give me strength when confronted by less than peaceful people and help me respond in love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Shhhh!

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Psalm 34:13

How many readers would say they think they have a trouble controlling their mouth? This could be as simple as lying, yes even white lies, or gossip? Our mouths can get us into major trouble and even wreck relationships if we are not careful. It is essential to think before we engage our mouths and speak. Wanting to share  opinions sometimes is unnecessary and indeed can backfire. The less said the better is often the key. 

Let's say you are in a room with Jesus and someone is arguing with Him. Do you suppose He would continue on? First of all, He would not be verbally battling someone. We as His  followers are to set an example in words and deeds. Often it is easy to let situations make us get upset or even something someone has said to hurt us. Best to overlook an offense and be at peace than to try to start a war of words. 

Try something if you will. Make a list of people you feel angry at and ask God to help your speech and thoughts towards them be kind and pure. 

PRAYER: Today and every day Lord help me live a life pleasing to you in the things that I say and do. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Whoa! Did I Say That?

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight O Lord my rock and my redeemer. Psalm19:14

Do you ever catch yourself wishing you could take back something you just said, texted, or emailed? I sure have. Being hasty to speak can often times backfire. The more prudent person waits and thinks if there is any doubt about their words being misinterpreted.

Many times in scripture, the mouth, the tongue, or words are talked about. How one little hole in our face can cause joy or pain is a mystery. Words are so very important. If this is an area you have trouble with, do a study in your Bible and find as many of the verses about talking right that you can. Each and every day commit to only saying things that will build up and not tear down. Do not be in a hurry to "get back" at someone who hurt you with their words. Try to remember that you are to be like Christ.  It is the enemy that stirs up bad emotions and tries to cause trouble. Don't allow it. Make up your mind today that you will wait and think before talking.

PRAYER: I thank you for the gift of being able to speak. Help me Lord to use wisdom in how I respond to people. I want to be a witness with every word I speak. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Word Power

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

There are many times in my life where I forgot to think before I spoke and then regretted it. Words are so important and so is patience before you speak. The wrong words can hurt feelings, bring misunderstandings, and damage relationships.It is always good to pause, take a breath, and think before you speak. This could even mean "emailing" before you think things through.

Our mouth is used to praise God, bless others, share good news, recite Bible verses and so much more. What it should not engage in is gossip, complaining, backbiting, rudeness, anger, cursing, judging or belittling.

It is so hard to wait, at least for me. We want to give our opinion or speak out before knowing the facts. If this describes you as well God can help you gain self control over this. Just ask Him. He is the great Healer and Deliverer. 

PRAYER: I try so hard on my own effort to watch what I say. Give me your strength to master this. Let my words be few and acceptable to you. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Bark Less, Pray More

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6(NIV)

There is a bumper sticker I have seen quite a bit and it says "Wag More, Bark Less". Very good example of really what life should be like. It entails loving and being kind. There have been times maybe I "barked" when I wish I would have ''purred". When you see  a dog wagging his tail it indicates they are happy and playful. 

Griping, arguing, and being hateful is what the enemy Satan wants us to do. This does not mean we can not disagree with something evil in our world. But we speak up in love and be a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ. In general though if we would do more praying and less barking life would be much better. Barking does not always get the job done but entrusting a need to Jesus in prayer and then letting Him have control is what we should do.  Barking could be talking ugly, cussing, judging, condemning, judging, or just being mean. Try instead to show love in your speech and pray and ask God to help you bark less.

PRAYER: I want to show your love through my words Lord. Help me to be kind and loving when dealing with all people. In Jesus' name .Amen. 

WHATEVER!!

The title above is a one word reply often used showing sarcasm or disgust with what someone has said. It actually is rude and shows disrespect. I am sure we have all heard this comment or maybe uttered it ourselves. Ouch! 

Do you consider yourself a kind person? Do you often speak poorly of others when they are not in your presence or judge them? Words are so important whether you are using sarcasm to express disgust or saying something uplifting, it is critical to insure that whatever you utter would be exactly what you would say if Jesus were in your presence. 

Sometimes a person can speak nicer to a family pet than to a human. Do the words you say lift Jesus higher? Something to think about. 

  The following are some scripture verses to perhaps "hide in your heart" to help you get control of your mouth in 2014.

³ 'A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.' Proverbs 14:3(NIV)

'Sin is not ended by multiplying words,but the prudent holds their tongues.' Proverbs 10:19(NIV) 

'The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even tempered.' Proverbs 17:27(NIV)

'A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool.' Ecclesiastes 5:3(NIV)

'My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.' James 1:19(NIV).

Today why not read each of those verses aloud and ask God to direct the words you say and resist the urge to be hateful, rude, angry, gossipy, or unkind with your tongue.

PRAYER: Each and every day I need your help Lord to watch what comes out of my mouth. Words can build up or tear down and I want mine to glorify you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

TAMING THE TONGUE, PART 100

Misunderstandings often occur in life as a result of words spoken at the wrong time or misunderstood. Perhaps words are said that would have been left best unspoken. Indeed the tongue is "full of poison" like it says in James Chapter 3. Maybe you do not have a problem in this area but take a moment and read it anyway.

Words can make us or break us. All of life basically proceeds out of the mouth. The tongue can cause problems if it lies, talks back, meddles, gossips, betrays, hurts, or speaks out in anger. The mouth we have should be used to bless, not curse. It should praise, not condemn. It should speak truth, not lies.

A couple of the fruits of the spirit(Galatians 5:22-23) come into play in controlling the tongue and they are patience and self control. Patience, to think and wait before you speak and self control, in discipline of your thoughts and mouth.

Psalm 19:14(KJV) is a good verse to end with. It simply says "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer.'

PRAYER: Father God it is my desire to please you in all areas of life. The tongue is one of the hardest things to tame. It is so easy to speak without thinking of how it will affect people. Forgive me when I have hurt someone and help me forgive others who have hurt me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WHOA! WATCH THAT MOUTH.

In the book of James Chapter 3:8(NIV) it says 'but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil full of deadly poison.'  The entire chapter of James 3 deals with problems with the tongue or basically the mouth and what we say. 

I have dealt with this many times previously in my writings because indeed it is hard to tame the tongue. We say something and then go "why did I say that? I could kick myself."  Tongue control requires much discipline. You may think you are just fine. You do not cuss, lie, gossip, and think you pretty much have it under control. But do you really? What about talking about people innocently such as commenting on someone's appearance maybe saying they are too fat, you don't like their hair, or the clothes they have are ugly? Who are we to judge anyway? 

Ephesians 4:29(NIV) is an excellent verse to memorize. It says 'Do not let any Unwholesome talk come out of your mouths but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.'  Talking bad about others does not solve anything and only has you standing in judgment over one of God's creatures. That is something we need not do. If this is your weakness just remember the saying "if you do not have anything good to say then don't say anything at all."

PRAYER: If I am not careful Lord I can find myself being critical of another. I know deep down this is not right. You did not create my mouth to criticize others with but you created it to praise you and encourage others and show love. Help me Lord as I choose good words to build up and help me not murmur about others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

YOUR WORDS...WHAT DO THEY SAY ABOUT YOU?

Our mouth can sure get us into much trouble if we are not cautious. It is so easy to speak without thinking how our words will affect the listener. Words can build up or they can tear down. They can create chaos or bring peace. That is probably why so much is said in God's word about our mouth, our tongue, and the words we utter. Sometimes we just need to stop and slow down and not be so in a hurry to talk.
Are you careful what you say? Once a word is spoken it can not be taken back. How many of us have probably said " Oh I wish I had not said that?"

Here are a few Bible verses about what we say to maybe help you on your journey to get control of the tongue.
Ecclesiastes 5:2(NIV) ' Do not be quick with your mouth. Do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on Earth, so let your words be few.'

Proverbs 10:19(NIV) 'Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.'

James 3:2(NIV) '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.'

Proverbs 13:3 (NIV) 'Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but tho who speak rashly will come to ruin.'

Make it a point today and every day to ask God to help you and guide you with the words you say to make sure they are pleasant and encouraging to those who hear.

PRAYER: Each day is a challenge to be able to think before I speak Lord. Whether to friends, family, or perfect strangers help me to be honorable with my mouth and not let it cause pain to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WORDS, GLORIOUS WORDS!!

Oh that wonderful little mouth. It can be a source of joy or anguish. The words that come out of it can make or break someone's heart and make or break someone's day. That is why the Bible says so much about our words. They can lift up or tear down. They can make a person feel good or make them feel belittled and terrible.

How are you words? Do you gossip? Do you lie? Do you nag? Do you complain? Do you curse? Do you say hurtful things to others? Are your words hopeful and encouraging or do they bring despair and misery? These are just some things to think about.

Your words are extremely powerful. Let's say all you do is sit around and talk about your aches and pains or bad things that might happen. If you do this on a regular basis you get in the habit of starting to feel less than hopeful. There is a verse in Romans 4:17 that speaks of 'calling things as not as though they were' or in other words step out and believe in faith that healing will come or a situation will change instead of filling your mind with doubts, despair, discouragement, and fear all the time. Just do it! Have yourself a little praise fest. Start praising God and lifting your hands up in praise to Him and tell Him how great and mighty He is and the things you are in despair over tend to go away.

I have said in previous writings that bad thoughts are not from God but are Satan. Satan does not give hope but God does. Satan does not restore but God does. Satan does not set the captive free, but God does. Satan does not bring joy, but God does. Only through the power of your believing and speaking positive will you start to transform your words each and every day that come out of your mouth. A friend of mine caught me saying something about not being able to do something cause of my ACL tear and she said "remember Becky, those ladies prayed for you and you are healed!' I needed that gentle reminder.

Today really think about what you say. Are you positive and cheerful or negative and discouraging? Jesus wants you to be joyful. He is not wanting you in torment. He wants you to speak positive. If you want to say something tell Satan to leave you alone and stop tormenting you and putting doubts in your head that cause you to speak in a despairing manner. Have hope my friend! Jesus is Lord!

As I was getting ready to write this devotion I passed a billboard for a local church that had Romans 12:12 and I thought it would be great to end this devotion with. 'Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.'

PRAYER: Lord thank you that when I tend to forget to be positive you are there or me to lift me up. Help me Lord not be a pit dweller and constantly be thinking negative but help me to start being positive and speaking positive. It is the enemy who wants me to feel doom and gloom ,not you. I choose to look up, not down. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link to worship the Lord in song.

http://youtu.be/D5V8_k70KnI

MOUTH PROBLEM?

Do you have a "mouth problem"? In other words do you ever gossip, complain, share a confidence, argue, belittle, strike back verbally, brag, interrupt people, lie, judge others, curse, condemn, have angry outbursts, or call people names?  Those are just a few of the afflictions of the mouth. What is a person to do in order to gain control of their mouth? That "24 Hour Rule" I wrote about previously is one helpful way. Let's say you are mad or hurt and just want to tell someone off. If you pray first then ask God for strength to not spout off your anger may subside. The next day you may not feel the same way.

Ephesians 4:26(NIV) is a good verse for married couples or anyone for that matter. It says 'In your anger do not sin and do not let the sun go down on your anger.' Remember the real enemy that causes strife is Satan, not the person, as Satan is in the job of dividing not uniting. Do all you can to make peace before your head hits the pillow at night even if the other party refuses to. Give up "your right" to be mad. It may take some practice. 

Another superb verse taken from the same chapter of Ephesians verse number 29 says 'Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth but only what is helpful in building up others according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.'  Do the things that come out of your mouth benefit others or tear them down? Just something to think about.

Oh yes and then there is lying, even a "white lie" or "half truth". In my childhood I remember hearing people say "Liar liar pants on fire."  And who could forget Pinocchio, the Disney cartoon character, whose nose grew each time he lied. I am glad that does not really happen or there would be many long noses out there. Lies are never hidden from God that is why it says in

Proverbs 6:17(KJV) in referring to things God hates 'A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.'

I challenge you to do a word search in the Bible about the mouth, your words, and the tongue. There is so much out there in Proverbs and James especially you will stay busy looking them up. 

Do you best, with God's help, to be alert to what you say with your mouth. Ask God to help you and to reveal areas to you that maybe you were not aware of. Now go into the world around you and let your mouth make someone days perhaps by a word of kindness.

PRAYER: Forgive me Father when I have not been careful with my words either directly or through email or a letter. I choose Lord to be careful and alert to when my mouth starts to get me into trouble. I need your help Lord to get control. In Jesus' name. Amen.

THE 24 HOUR RULE

How many times in your life have you said or done something on the impulse and wish you could take it back? I know I have several times. The mouth and not thinking can really cause trouble,embarrassment, and hurt feelings.

It was suggested to me that before you react to a situation and embarrass yourself maybe give it at least a 24 hour period as more than likely you will not say or do what you did since you were reacting on impulse.

What is needed here? Patience and prayer are two things that come to mind. Galatians 5:22-23 says 'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.' When you pray for patience, look out, because some "tests" may come your way. Self control can help you with not speaking when you should be quiet.

People acting on impulse can send a letter that they wish they could take back of the mailbox at the post office. Maybe before you had time to really think about something you can not hold your tongue. Emails,texts and voice mails can be left and the next day you say "I wish I could take it back!' Ouch!

Below are some verses from Proverbs that deal with speaking when we should remain quiet at least for a 24 Hour period.

Proverbs 13:3(NLT) 'Those who control their tongue will have a long life, opening your mouth can ruin everything.'

Proverbs 21:23(NIV) 'Those who guard their mouth and tongue keep their life from calamity.'

Proverbs 18:21(NIV) 'The tongue has the power of death and life and those who love it will eat it it's fruit.'

Proverbs 10:19(NIV) 'Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.'

Proverbs 17:27(NIV) 'The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,and whoever is understanding is even tempered.'

Proverbs 15:28(NIV) 'The heart of the righteous weighs its' answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.'

Proverbs 29:11(AKJV) 'A fool utters all his mind but a wise man keeps it till afterward.'

So you see that the Bible has much to say about our mouth and what comes out of it. When you have time someday do a word search in The Bible about words and the tongue. There are many more where the ones above came from.

PRAYER: Lord I need self control only you can give. I choose to speak wisely and not out of impulse. Help me stop and wait and think what I am about to say and if there is no goodness in it to refrain from opening my mouth. Help the words I say only bring glory to you. In Jesus' name. Amen!

KILL, STEAL, AND DESTROY

 

 

 

Our words or those of others to us can make us or break us. If you have ever been the recipient of harsh, hurtful words by either a stranger or one close to you then you know how bad it hurts you. The saying "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never harm me" is crazy. Yes indeed words misspoken cut to the very soul.

The title stems from the fact that words can cause arguments that indeed can lead to deaths or wars. Words can steal your joy and purpose in life. Also words can destroy your peace and crush your self esteem. What we say or what people say to us or about us can indeed make you or break you.

There is much to be said in the Bible about what we say. It is a critical factor of life. If you tend to be impatient you can speak or email something and really create a mess. Believe this writer knows that from much experience.

Did your momma ever say to you "If you can't say something good then don't say anything at all?" Momma was right. This tidbit of wisdom can carry you throughout your life.

Proverbs 15:23(NIV) says 'A person finds joy in giving an apt reply and how good is a timely word.' Are you words timely? Do you think before you speak or just blurt things out? If you are married, do you make it a point to let your words bless your spouse and show appreciation to them? If you do you will have a long happy married life with little conflict. No one enjoys being beat up with an onslaught of angry words so always remember that. If you are on the receiving end then do not act ugly and hateful back. That is what Satan would desire.

Colossians 3:17(NIV) says '

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.' If you can practice what this scripture says you are on the road to having peace in your life. PRAYER: Father today I can choose to bless someone or curse them. I can choose joy or sorrow. I can choose to forgive or to be vindictive. I can choose to end a quarrel before it even starts. Let only words that bring glory to you proceed from my mouth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below for a powerful song.
http://youtu.be/D5V8_k70KnI

YOUR WORDS..ARE THEY A BLESSING OR A CURSE?

 

Have you ever stopped to think about the words that come out of your mouth? Words can bless others or they can curse them. There is a Bible verse that says this should not happen. James 3:10(ESV) says 'From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. Brothers these things should not be so.'

We can offend with our mouths. No one is perfect. Examples are lying, gossip, belittling and arguing. Are you guilty of any of those things? Try to memorize the following passage from Ephesians 4:29-31 which says 'Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others upaccording to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.'

Many reading this may not have a big problem with words but maybe live with a person who is a verbal abuser. If this is the case even when the person claims to know Jesus you simply need pray for them. Only the Holy Spirit can bring conviction. We are not, as Joyce Meyer says, "Holy Spirit Junior", keep reminding yourself of that. If you are spoken to harshly do not return the same type of speech. Be calm. That is the only way to diffuse evil speech. Romans 12:21(NIV) says 'Do not be overcome with evil but overcome evil with good.' Proverbs 15:1(NIV) says 'A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.' Oh how many marriages could be saved if couples would simply live by God's words. Do not just read them but do them.

Make it your aim to only let what builds up a person come from your mouth. Your assignment is to read James 3 which deals with the dangers of the tongue. Let your life and speech bring glory to God.

PRAYER: Father I know your word speaks much about what comes out of our mouth. Forgive me when I have been hasty with my words and hurt someone or responded in anger. I choose to let you guide me and give me strength. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below and truly listen to the words of this song.

http://youtu.be/D5V8_k70KnI

BEWARE! WORDS HAVE POWER!

Is your mouth full of blessing or cursing? If you are a parent of a child make sure your words are building them up and not tearing them down. Husbands need to be careful to treat the "wife of their youth" with the highest honor she is deserving of not speaking to her harshly as she is a gift from God. May you never utter angry hateful words to a spouse or anyone else. Remember mean talk does not come from God. If people could control the words they speak there would be lots of lawyers out of work. Get control of that mouth and the words you say.

Before you speak think how it will affect the person on the receiving end. If what you have to say is unkind then better to not say it. James 3:10(NIV) says 'Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. Brothers and sisters this should not be.'

If only believers would get serious about their speech. James 1:26(NIV) says 'Those who consider themselves religious but yet do not keep a tight reign on their tongues deceive themselves and their religion is worthless.' We are told in Proverbs 4:23 to "guard our heart for out of it flow the issues of life."

 

Would you rather be around a man or woman of pure speech or one who curses and takes the Lord's name in vain? We are not perfect and God forgives but sometimes I think the modern culture encourages swearing by things in the movies or on television. The "F" word becomes so common place it almost seems acceptable which is scary and sad. Would you talk ugly if you were speaking to our Lord? Of course not!

Ephesians 4:29(NIV) says 'Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Start today trying to be aware of your words and how they affect people. Ask God to help you if you are weak in this area. May the words you say be praises to our God above.

PRAYER: Lord I want my words to bring forth good feelings and praise and not hurt someone. If I have said something inappropriate I ask forgiveness. I choose to start today to let only good things come forth from my mouth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link and listen to a wonderful praise song to get your Monday started right:

http://youtu.be/d0Qx1e33Ook

LESS SAID THE BETTER

Have you ever heard the phrase 'the less said the better?' Many times
that is so very true. Also the phrase 'leave well enough alone' or
'don't add fuel to the fire' ? Very wise advice. The last few days we
have been dealing with words that wound or words that build up, or

spoken on impulse. Thinking before speaking is a very important thing

to do.

Words should build up not tear into someone. If you claim to be a
believer then it is critical you learn to gain control of the tongue.
Take a moment and review James chapter 3. In Matthew 12:36-37(NKJV) we
are warned about what happens if we say bad things. It says 'But I
tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give
an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you
will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.'

Do you have a problem with careless words? Don't you feel your speech
should bring glory to the Lord? The mouth can be deadly or it can be
life giving. It is how you choose to use it. Granted none of us are
perfect but if we strive to be holy in all areas of life and live like

Jesus then we need to get a grip on this.

'But what if someone says something ugly to me' you might proclaim.
That still gives you no right to be harsh back. Remember the verse

found in Romans 12:17(NIV) which says 'do not repay evil for evil. Be

careful to do right in the eyes of everybody.' If you are angry try
to make peace. There is a verse found in Ephesians 4:26( NLT) which

says 'And don’t sin by letting anger control you.Don’t let the sun go

down while you are still angry.'

'But wait' you might say. 'The person really hurt me so I feel I have

the right to get back.' So what, in fact ,would Jesus do? I think you
know the answer.

Your mission, and I hope you accept it wholeheartedly, is to seek to
only let kind, pure, edifying words come forth from your mouth. Stay
in the word of God and it makes it a bit easier.

PRAYER: Thank you for loving me Lord and for forgiving me when I say
things I should not. I choose to be holy in all areas of my life but I
need your help to do it. Thanks for putting loving friends and family
in my life. Help me be careful to never hurt them with words. In
Jesus' name. Amen.

24 HOURS..THE WAITING GAME

Why is it many people hate to wait? We wait in line for tickets to a
movie. We have to wait for test results. If you live in a big city you
might have to wait on the bus, a cab, or the subway. We have to be

patient for many things in life. It is necessary to wait to build up

enough savings to buy a new car or a house. Being hasty or in a rush
often times can cause trouble. We have to wait as it is part of life.

Recently in my blogs I have dealt with words and our speech. In the
Bible there is much to be found about the result of speaking in haste
or with impatience. Proverbs 29:20(NIV) says 'Do you see a man who
speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than him.' No one I
know of likes to be called foolish or a fool. It is a derogatory term
yet here in the pages of scripture it says speaking in haste is
foolish! James 1:19(NIV) reminds us 'My dear brothers take note of
this. Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get
angry.' Think about that for a moment. That anger needs to be tamed
to as it says in Ecclesiastes 7:9(NIV) 'Do not be quickly provoked in
your spirit as anger rests in the bosom of fools.' In Proverbs
14:29(NIV) it says 'A patient man has great understanding but a quick
tempered man displays folly.'

Have you ever been guilty at spewing forth words either face to face

or by email or texts that are not well thought out and can cause hurt,

misunderstanding or anger? It certainly is never intentional. We just

do not know how our words are going to be received. So this is where
today's title comes from. Recently a dear friend told me you should
wait at least 24 hours before sending a letter or an email as you may
not feel the same way tomorrow as when you wrote it therefore allowing
you time to process your emotions and have a calmer spirit. I think

that is excellent advice!

What about you? Are you impulsive and have you ever spewed a word or
two forth on email, snail mail, or a text then wish you hadn't? It
may be hard to wait but patience is one of the fruits of the spirit
mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. Take a moment and read it.

Impulsive, hasty with words, a fool? Maybe it is time to really ask
God to help you control what you say and how you say it. In the
meantime why not work on showing love to all those you come in contact
with.

Psalm 19:14(NIV) 'Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my
heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord my strength and my
redeemer.'

PRAYER: Lord I want to glorify and bring honor to you in all that I
say and do. Forgive me for the times I have been foolish with my words
and maybe hurt someone. Father it is my desire to let what comes from
my mouth be an example and not a hindrance. Help me Lord. In Jesus'
name. Amen.

M AND M(AKA MOUTH AND MIND)

Those two M and M's in our lives can at times create lots of trouble
for us. If we say the wrong words we can hurt someone or destroy a
relationship. If we allow our minds to focus on the wrong things we
can also be deceived by Satan into believing lies. These two M and M's
need God's intervention to help you with self control of both what you
say and what you think.


The mind is a battleground of sorts for the enemy Satan. He can get
you to imagine things, concur up scenarios, worry, fret,reason, or
have self pity. To combat this, it is essential to keep your mind on
things "above". You may recall the favorite Bible verse of mine I use
lots and that is Philippians 4:8(NIV) which says 'whatever is
true,whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever
is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or
praiseworthy, think on these things.' Letting your mind dwell on bad
junk or worrying unnecessarily not only robs you of peace but keeps
you from being productive for the Lord. The enemy can captivate you by
causing your mind to dwell on wrong things.

Now as for that mouth, nothing unholy should be coming out of it. Do
you gossip, argue, belittle, lie, or curse? These are a few examples
of bad junk that proceeds from our mouth. James 3:11-12(NIV) says 'Can
both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My
brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?
Neither can a salt spring bring forth fresh water.' Likewise our mouth
should not curse at someone then bless them. If your tongue is a
problem pray and surrender that area to your life. God can help you
have kind and pure speech if you are serious.

It is so easy to offend someone with words we say. Perhaps something
is said in innocence and totally taken out of context. And that mind
too can get us into some real wrong thinking predicaments. The cure
and your assignment is to dwell on the word of God each and every day.
Start reading the Bible daily. Read the book of John, Romans, or
Proverbs to start out. Ask God to open your mind to the good things He
has for you to learn. With The Lord's help your M and M's can be under
God's control.

PRAYER: Lord it is my desire to have a pure mind and speech that
glorifies you. At times I know I have hurt someone by words so please
forgive me. Help me lead a life pleasing to you and being kind to
those around me. In Jesus' name. Amen.