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.

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.

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.

PARDON MY FRENCH

Have you ever heard someone curse then utter the phrase "Pardon My French" as a way to sort of think it is cute or comical to swear? Perhaps the phrase "They swear like a sailor". Both of these are rather insulting to French born people and sailors who do not curse. Never the less these are little cliches floating around out there.

Do you have a problem with the words that come out of your mouth being negative, hurtful, harmful, lewd, arrogant, belittling, or bragging? In the book of James chapter 3 we are told about the dangers of the tongue. Take a moment and get your Bible and look it up and read it. Verse 11 of that chapter says 'Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same stream?' We all know the answer is NO. Basically this verse likewise is trying to get at the point of our mouths should not bless people one moment and be cursing them the next.

Sad to say that cursing to many has become so common place many are desensitized to it. Many shows on TV just go "bleep" when someone utters a profanity. Many may think their explicative words are perfectly fine. Maybe no one has ever corrected them. When the F word is continually used over and over in someones speech they obviously are hardened by it.Christians slip up and cuss too and God wants you to have a pure heart and pure tongue. If you suffer from this "tongue malady" he can help you be delivered if you really want to.

Ephesians 4:29(NIV) is a good verse to maybe write on a card and refer to it and 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.'

Today here is a good verse to end with. 'Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.' Psalm 19:14(KJV)

PRAYER: There are times I may be angry or frustrated but Lord forgive me if I have ever used a curse word. Also Lord I want to use my tongue to bring joy and bless people and not hurt them. I know with your help iIcan achieve purity in what comes from my mouth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

ENOUGH SAID!!

Taking a break from my Christmas theme and revisiting the problem with our mouths. Have you ever heard the saying 'Leave well enough alone'? How true that is! When it comes to the mouth, sometimes the less said the better. If you are the kind of person who has to get the last word in then you may be headed for disaster in the "mouth" department. Being impulsive and not thinking about what we are saying can be a real problem. Sometimes it is best to just not say anything than to say something and be misunderstood or to cause friction and hurt feelings.

This is where self control comes in. Oh, to master self control in all areas of life. Wouldn't that be wonderful? Sometimes we may randomly just talk without thinking how what we say will be received by someone. Now I am not saying it is necessary to analyze everything we say before we say it, but in order to not hurt feelings or cause misunderstandings, particularly among friends, family and co workers, make an effort to pause before you speak and really think if what you are about to say is necessary. Something randomly pops out of your mouth and you wish you could take it back so very much. Have you been there? I know I have.

There are many areas to discuss about the words we say but for the purpose of this devotion I will deal strictly with trying to have self control and be able to be careful of what we say. It is a challenge. Even in James 3:8(NIV) it says 'No man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil full of deadly poison.' Now that is quite a word picture. Sometimes though we may say something and another person misunderstands our intent and then that is where forgiveness comes into play and second chances.

Are you able to master watching what you say and when you say it? Our mouths can make us or break us. Matthew 12:37(NIV) says 'and by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned.' I myself pray almost daily for help in this area. It is so easy to just talk without thinking. I want my tongue to bless others and not hurt them. I want my words to be kind and sweet and not misunderstood. I want my words to bring joy and not condemnation or guilt. I want my words to be full of peace and love and not anger. I want my words to convey Christ living in me.

Start today and if you need help in this area of impulsive speaking and not having self control ask the Lord to guide you and strengthen you. He cares and he hears your prayers. Proverbs 18:21(NIV) says 'The tongue has the power of life and death and those that love it will eat its' fruit.' 1 Peter 3:10(NIV) which says 'Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.'

'May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.' Psalm 19:14(NIV).

PRAYER: Father help me as daily I seek to be a vessel used by you for your glory. I seek to portray Christ to my friends, my family, those in my circle of influence and even strangers. Help me Lord put a watch over my mouth so I do not hurt anyone by saying the wrong thing. I want to shine for you and not be a hindrance. In Jesus' name. Amen.

TONGUE CHECK

 How many of you reading this have complete control of your mouth? Do you say things you often regret or blurt out things at inappropriate times? If only that brain of ours would kick in to gear before the mouth did, how much easier life would be. We think something then say it and before you know it you wish you could take it back. Too bad we can not have some way to "check" our tongues and root out any wrong words that may accidentally come out. Usually what is in the heart the mouth speaks.

Luke 6:45(NIV) says 'The good man brings good things out of the good stored in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things from the evil stored in his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.' I am not saying this to say we are all just a bunch of evil people but if you dwell on things that anger you, make you jealous, cause bitterness to your soul and create friction, then more than likely you will let someone be the recipient of ugly words.

So my friend, it is time for a "tongue check". If you know you have problems in this area ask God to fill your mind with His thoughts. Let go of things you harbor against anyone in your heart. Try to make it a practice to not gossip, belittle, curse, argue, lie, meddle, or nag. Ephesians 4:29(NIV) is a good verse to commit to memory and even when others still talk to you hateful or with disrespect you can respond in love. It says 'Do not let 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.'

There you have it. Your assignment is to be nice and speak nice. Purify your thoughts and your mouth should follow. And when you get to thinking 'well I am pretty good' look out! James 1:26(NIV) reminds us 'If anyone considers himself religious but does not keep a tight rein n his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.'

Go out now and be nice!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you so very much for the ability to talk. We often do not think to say thanks for that gift as there are those who are mute who can not speak at all. What a treasure and gift it is indeed! Forgive me if I have ever used my tongue to hurt someone or said something to cause problems. Help me Lord get control of my words before I let them come out. In Jesus' name. Amen.

SHHH! DON'T TALK SO MUCH.

Words, talking, thinking out loud can all get us into trouble. Can anyone out there relate to that? Perhaps reacting with our mouth or a quick email; before thinking things totally through. Waiting goes hand in hand with learning to control what we say and when we say it. Hasty words uttered that should have been left unsaid can have devastating consequences sometimes.

In Proverbs 17:28 is pretty blunt and it says "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent and discerning if he holds his tongue." Wow! No one really likes to be called a fool. That is not necessarily a term of endearment. But how true it is that we can appear pretty foolish when we have not thought out what we are going to say and just let anything pop out of our mouth.

Proverbs 10:19 says "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." It is best to listen more and talk less. This helps keep us out of trouble. James 1:19 is one of my favorites and it says "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," Commit that to memory and use that as the goal for your daily conversations and your life will have less problems.

Let me end with this wonderful scripture from Psalm 19:14 which says" May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."

PRAYER: Father at times I do not think before I speak and may end up hurting someones feelings or getting myself into trouble. Help me to learn self control over my mouth and give me the strength to only say what is going to please you. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Click on link below for a song of praise and worship to start your day.
http://youtu.be/LvXB5gHBjec

OOPS! DID I SAY THAT?(OR GIVE ME SOME DUCT TAPE!)

 How many of us have been guilty of opening our mouth before thinking what we are really saying?  Or another scenario in today's email world of forwarding jokes and news is forwarding something 'newsworthy' before checking out the source? Ouch, now that is so embarrassing to be told you had just started a rumor in cyber space.

My blogging journey has had much to say about the tongue as it just seemed to have its' own mind sometimes. That little member of our body can really cause us much pain and sorrow if we do not think before we speak. It is written about much in the pages of scripture. I will highlight some today. Take time and read James Chapter 3 over and over til it gets into your memory as the entire thing is about the dangers of the 'tongue'.

The following are a few verses dealing with what we say:

Proverbs 21:23 tells us "whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble."

Ephesians 4:29 says " Let no corrupt communication come out of your mouth, but only such that is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those that hear."

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

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

Psalm 34:13 says " Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit."

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

Psalm 141:3 says "Set a guard oh Lord, over my mouth, keep watch over the door of my lips."

Ecclesiastes 3:7 says "a time to tear and a time to sew, a time to keep silence and a time to speak."

Psalm 19:14 says " Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy site oh Lord my strength and my redeemer."

James 1:19 says "everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry."

So there you have it. Read these verses over and over. Let them seep down into your very soul. Take what they say seriously. In your day to day interactions at home on the phone with telemarketers or with family members, in the workplace, or in the marketplace let your speech be gracious and reflect Christ. Let what you say bring glory to the Lord. Let your mouth daily  sing praises to the Lord.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for being able to speak and not being mute. Thank you Lord for the gift of vocal chords. What a nice creation is our voice and how wonderful it is to use our tongue to lift you up and not tear people down. Help me remember to do that. Convict me when I have hurt someone with my words and help me gain control over this area. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link below and worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/iv68ruS6DVE

HELP ME LORD I CAN NOT SHUT MY MOUTH

In the book of James, Chapter 3, it says "no man can tame the tongue" and how true that is. Our mouth and our brain sometimes need to try to work together harder so we stop saying things we will regret later or say something that hurts or causes a misunderstanding. This chapter in James is worth sitting down and reading. It has so much wisdom. If only we could think before we speak of how what we are about to say will affect the hearer and so much less would remain unsaid. So many times we can become impulsive or overreact and wish about fifteen minutes later that we had not spoken. This happens over email as well. You react to something and then it is too late. You only pray the recipient is a merciful kind person and understands people make errors in judgement. I am thankful for forgiveness cause I have sure needed it many times, how about you?

In the Navy they had a saying 'loose lips sink ships' which can apply military wide when a servicemember discloses things to civilians or even others in the military who did not have a 'need to know' and caused great havoc. Be careful what you say and who you say it to. Be the kind of friend that can be trusted with a secret. But do not let these 'secrets' be in the form of gossip as God frowns upon that too. When you speak try to do it with grace and wisdom. You know the saying "If you can not say something good don't say anything at all?" Well how true that is isn't it? If we are quick with our mouth we can ruin and mess up alot of things and end up apologizing all over ourselves for our stupidity and lack of thinking.

Also be careful to not use your mouth for profanity or taking the Lord's name in vain. Your tongue should be a source of good and not evil. What comes out of it should build up not tear down. It should praise others and not belittle them.

Colossians 4:6 says "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."  Ephesians 4:29 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." Do not think you always have to get your opinion in or you may regret it later.

Start today to let your speech reflect the glory of God and really try to think about what you are saying before it pops out of your mouth then you will have allot less stress in your life.

Psalm 19:4 says "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."


PRAYER: Father often times I am hasty with my words without thinking and I need your help to overcome this Lord. Also Lord if I ever say anything unkind about a person forgive me for I am not the judge and am supposed to show love. Give me control over my tongue and help anyone I have hurt forgive me and help me forgive those who have uttered things without thinking and hurt me. In Jesus Name. Amen.


Click on link to worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/ljowbtyAWFE

BE STILL LITTLE MOUTH

The little tongue in our mouth works for good or bad. The mouth and mind have to work together to learn when to speak and when to be silent. Words can be spoken when they should have been left unsaid. Learning to speak courteously, honorably, with love, with purity, thoughtfully, and with a purpose takes patience and self control. Every time we feel like talking we should not necessarily talk. Some people speak and are misunderstood and hurt people. It sure is hard to tame the tongue.(See James Chapter 3). Our mind thinks things and we may just blurt out something. If you have this problem ask God to give you self control, discernment, wisdom, and patience. It is Not always necessary to talk.

Many Bible verses deal with this. James 1:19 says "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this, everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry." Proverbs 10:19 says "Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues." Proverbs 14:29 says "whoever is patient has great understanding but one who is quick tempered displays folly." In Proverbs 29:20 it says " Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them" and finally in James 4:11 it says "Brothers and sisters do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law you are not keeping it but sitting in judgment on it."

If you have been the recipient of spoken words that have hurt be a big enough person to accept an apology from the offender instead of dwelling on a mistake. Fueling the fire only keeps  arguments going. Put out the fire now and move on. Unforgiveness does not bring glory to God. If anyone does not offend with their mouth they are a perfect man. I do not think I have heard of any perfect person except Jesus.
Stop right now, take a breath, and think before you overreact or say words that can not be taken back. You will feel better in the long run and bring more honor to God. If you have been hurt by words give the person grace and move on. Jesus forgives and we should too.

If you have harsh mean people in your life who do not want to extend forgiveness give them to God. Let him heal wounded angry hearts.

PRAYER: Lord forgive me for the times I have not stopped to think how my words are going to be received or how they will affect the hearer.  I do not intentionally want to hurt anyone so give me self control when speaking. Help me know when to speak and when to be silent. In Jesus name. Amen!

Click on link to worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/Jbe7OruLk8I

BIG RESPONSIBILITY

As a believer we have a huge responsibility to be examples for Jesus Christ where he places us in life. That means even if you are the only one in your office who is a believer you still need to stand up for what is right. Don't hide your light under a basket but shine for Jesus! If you are with people who want to go in a questionable establishment and you know it is not right, you need to dismiss yourself in a kind way. For teens under peer pressure to do wrong, such as stealing a road sign for 'fun' (still a crime) or drinking underage, you need to be firmly grounded and ready to speak up and run from evil. No one is going to make fun of you and if so, so what? There many other examples. Do not be forced or coerced into doing some thing you know is wrong.

2 Corinthians 5:20 says "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." If you were the United States Ambassador to a foreign nation you would not want to do anything to bring shame upon your country.Likewise as Christians we do not want to bring dishonor upon the body of Christ. Big task,  wouldn't you say? Amos 5:14 says "Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! Then the LORD God of Heaven's Armies will be your helper, just as you have claimed."

Ephesians 6:19 says "as for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel." Our mouth can be our downfall to as we seek to be Christlike and his 'minister' out in the world. If we act so 'holy' then can't get a grip on our mouth and what we say it can backfire on us. James 1:26 says "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." Ouch! Our mouth should also be a representative of Jesus Christ. Does it spew forth gossip? Does it rattle on saying meaningless things? Does it hurt people? Does it boast? Does it spread lies?

Remember you may be the only Bible some people ever 'read' so be alert to how you represent Christ.  You are His ambassadors and his missionaries wherever He has you in life. Let your actions and your speech reflect that.

PRAYER: Thank you father for the opportunities you give me to be a witness for you. Forgive me when I mess things up by not watching what I say or do.  Help me be an excellent ambassador for you. In Jesus Name. Amen.

ZIPPY THE LIPPY

" I can' t believe I said that!" How many of us have a problem controlling what seemingly 'pops' out of our mouth? The mouth can really be a source of real trouble if not controlled. The fruit of the spirit of 'self control' in Galatians 5:23 really needs to come into play with the out of control mouth. Scripture has many verses about the mouth and control of the tongue. I have written about it many times. "No man can tame the tongue" it says in James Chapter 3. Read this chapter when you get a moment.

 There are numerous references to 'what we say' in the Bible. It is so easy to talk and not think. Engaging the brain would be the first order of business. Words can be good and uplifting or can hurt someone terribly. 'Be careful little mouth what you say' is the popular Sunday School song that we need to think about before we just let something random pop out of our mouth. Colossians 4:6 says to "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Learn to speak kindly just as if Jesus were in the room because news flash, He is !!

Gossip is a huge problem for many and sometimes disguised as a 'prayer request or concern'. Oh really? Little children who have not yet learned to be disciplined, like we adults are 'supposed' to be, may have trouble with tattling on each other. Hopefully as we mature into adulthood we can let this one go but sometimes not. Some people like to get others in trouble by spilling the beans on them.

Lying is another horrible thing that mouth can do but we as believers should know better and if you have a problem with this ask for God to help you. Scripture says in Proverbs 6:16-17 that "God hates a lying tongue". Perhaps we need to let some folks in Washington DC in on this one who took an oath to follow the Constitution and placed their hand on a Bible. Oaths mean very little to some people. Even marriages where an oath is taken before God means little when a couple starts having problems. When you break your oath  you are lying because you made a promise "for better or for worse, in sickness and health til death we do part." That is a promise and breaking a promise is lying.

Meddling or being nosey is another 'mouth' problem we need to control. Also knowing when to speak and when to be silent is a true discipline. Our mouths can really bring chaos if not careful and cause great heartache. Much more can be written on talking when you should learn to be silent. Stay tuned!

Matthew 12:36 says "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken". Have you been loose with your lips lately? In the US Navy there is a saying "Loose Lips Sink Ships" meaning just what it says. If you say the wrong thing to a person who tells someone it could get back to the enemy and voila, an attack occurs. In the military there is something where not even all military people on active duty need to know everything. It is a 'need to know' theory of sorts. I remember once when on active duty asking my husband, who was also on active duty, about someplace his  unit was being deployed to. He said he could not tell me as I did not have a 'need to know'. Many civilians could benefit from that same mentality and we would not be prying into everyone's business all the time. One good example is how parents need to back off from controlling their adult children and trying to know everything especially when they are married. Your job is over raising your children and their lives begin without you and they will let you know when you need to be included. Not following this can hurt the relationships of children and their parents. One more example of meddling would be spending too much time on Facebook delving into the lives of your 'friends' to find out what is 'going on'. Does it matter really? Think about that one.

So there you have it. Be careful to think before you say something. Try to be calm and not angry and do not jump to conclusions and say things  you may regret later. Sometimes the less said the better. God can help you if you are weak in the 'running off at the mouth' area. Just call on Him. Proverbs 29:11 says "A fool utters all his mind: but a wise man keeps it in till afterwards."

PRAYER: Lord I sometimes blurt things out or send an email that I am sorry about later. Forgive me if I have ever hurt anyone or caused trouble because of this. Help me to concentrate on being Christlike in my speech and to think before I start to talk. Help me learn to be kind and not harsh. Help me also to learn to respond with grace to those who may be harsh with me. In Jesus Name. Amen.