Americans have an infatuation with police shows, crime antics, and mysteries. On an average night in America, the television line-up of shows reveals dozens of episodes that involve police, crime stories, unsolved mysteries, and the like. It is really easy to get caught into the story line as it unfolds, only to be left without a clear answer at the end of the show. The writers, producers, and actors invite you to come back and watch the show next week. Many of these shows that involve courtrooms, judges, and juries, generally end up with a clear choice of guilt or innocence by the jury. But then there are those rare occasions where the jury deliberates for extended periods of time, leaving everyone simply waiting to see the end result of the case.
Similarly, our spiritual lives have a case that is pending and the jury is still out. The crimes that we’ve been charged with are misdemeanor excessive talking, aggravated gossip, felony lying, and other mitigating charges involving our mouths. The jury is still unclear of how to really deliberate on these charges because they are more subtle than any white collar crime, more destructive than any Ponzi scheme, and more hazardous than any chemical agent ever created. Our mouths determine the course of our lives, impact the thoughts and ideas of others, and destroy the hopes and dreams of millions. It literally shapes even your concept of God’s work in your life.
It is so powerful that Jesus says in Matthew 12: 36, “And I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”(ERV) Some translations use the words careless, empty, and thoughtless. In either case, we are challenged to identify our casual approach to the words that come out of our mouths. Specifically since Jesus emphatically shares the priority that God places on them. Consider the heaviness of this reality – as our lives on earth are coming to a close and the reality of our salvation is before us, the consideration of our work on earth is before us, and the extent of our sincere love is before us. But right in that same discussion with God is the idea of how we have used our mouths. Can you see the magnitude of it all? It seems that this would not be on the same level as our salvation, but it is. Without a doubt, the word, ‘every’, kind of hangs out there as an extra emphasis to this truth.
With an understanding of this scripture and the weight of our words, how should we proceed (with caution) with regards to our mouths and the words that we speak?
1. Remain vigilant to consider your communication.
The moment that we let our guard down about our words is the moment that we begin to offer off-handed remarks and sly sarcasm that destroys confidence, trust, and rapport. Keep your mind alert to intentional communication.
2. Have the right spirit in your communication.
The scripture often reflects that our words are only mirrors of our hearts (Luke 6:45), which means that wrong words are only a boomerang of a wrong spirit. As we allow God to do maintenance and development of our hearts, we’ll automatically produce the right words.
3. Have the right agenda with you speak. (think before you speak)
It is wise to consider the goal and end result of what we’re hoping to accomplish by speaking in any given situation. Without a clear agenda for our words, they will fly all over, without any clear direction, and without any understandable result. Therein lies a greater possibility of mindless chatter, pointless arguments, and destructive talk. (Proverbs 10: 19)
4. Become comfortable with suitable silence.
There are great opportunities that God regularly presents us with the chance to simply remain silence. There’s a lot to observe, learn, and grow when we have opportunities not to engage in talk, but rather engage in listening, observation, and discernment. (Proverbs 17: 28)
5. Pray about your words & speech.
Your words are life and will bring life. As Proverbs 13: 3 shares, your words can ‘preserve’ your life. If it’s important enough to be judged on, it is important to pray on. Covering your word selection and word quantity in prayer will give God the opportunity to show you how He sees it and provide fresh insight on the best approach to your words.
In many of these unsolved mysteries, we are left with only clues and assumptions. Submitting our mouths to God’s Word and the Holy Spirit’s leading with our words will give us the opportunity know the end of the case before the closing arguments. God will be able to declare, “Well done! You’ve been faithful over the mouth that I’ve given you. You haven’t torn down others or belittled my children or distributed untruths about your brothers or sisters, nor have you allowed satan to work in your job or relationships because of loose lips. Well done, thou faithful servant.” When we set a guard on our mouths (James 1: 19), God himself will close the open case and declare us, “Not guilty. Case dismissed.”
Scripture of the Day: "Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.” - Matthew 12:38
Showing posts with label power of the tongue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label power of the tongue. Show all posts
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
What Can I Do To Help?
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my commitment to being a lifetime giver. Growing up, I was taught the principles of tithing, so that’s always been a part of my life. When opportunities arise for me to sow financially into non-profits or individuals determined to make a particular goal, I give. I also try to serve in my community by volunteering with various organizations when time allows. Over the years, I’ve even “gifted” my professional talents to others at no charge. So if you asked me if I was a giver, I would quickly say yes.
However, today, I was completely blown away as I sat in church listening to my Pastor, Andy Stanley minister on mutual submission. Often times, when the word submission comes up in conversation it’s in reference to Ephesians 5:22 when Jesus told wives that they are to submit to their husbands.
However, the lesson today came from the verse before, Ephesians 5:21 says, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Pastor Stanley taught on learning how to leverage yourself, your talents and your resources to help other people. He taught on learning to lean in to help others rather than pulling away. The message in its entirety was incredible but there was one part that stood out in my head for the rest of the day.
He challenged us to ask someone (spouse/significant other, siblings, parents, children, co-workers, neighbor, etc) each day, “What can I do to help you?” At first, I was thinking that’s a simple task and then I really thought about it and fear took over. Let me explain why.
I realized that while I do give, it’s typically at my convenience. There are some exceptions to that statement but I volunteer when I feel like I have free time. I support worthy causes financially when I have extra cash and decide not to spend it on something for myself. I’ve donated my professional talents but many times it’s been indirectly in exchange for something that would later benefit me.
But to randomly ask others how I can help them on a consistent basis carries some risk. I may be called upon to do some tasks that I don’t necessarily want to do. I may have to give up a planned, lazy Saturday afternoon to do hard labor. Or I may be pulled out of my comfort zone by needing to do something completely out the norm. Perhaps, I will be forced to not buy that new pair of shoes, so that I can sow financially unexpectedly.
Yes, it’s risky but it’s a necessary investment in others. It’s putting the true character of Christ in action in our lives. It’s the demonstration of the statement, “actions speak louder than words.” Asking this question means I no longer do what I think you need me to do but I actually wait for instructions from you on what you need.
I refuse to let fear keep me from doing any good thing, so I am pushing fear of the unknown to the side and will make it a lifestyle to ask others, “What can I do to help you?” Won’t you join me?
Scripture of the Day: "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." - Ephesians 5:21
However, today, I was completely blown away as I sat in church listening to my Pastor, Andy Stanley minister on mutual submission. Often times, when the word submission comes up in conversation it’s in reference to Ephesians 5:22 when Jesus told wives that they are to submit to their husbands.
However, the lesson today came from the verse before, Ephesians 5:21 says, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Pastor Stanley taught on learning how to leverage yourself, your talents and your resources to help other people. He taught on learning to lean in to help others rather than pulling away. The message in its entirety was incredible but there was one part that stood out in my head for the rest of the day.
He challenged us to ask someone (spouse/significant other, siblings, parents, children, co-workers, neighbor, etc) each day, “What can I do to help you?” At first, I was thinking that’s a simple task and then I really thought about it and fear took over. Let me explain why.
I realized that while I do give, it’s typically at my convenience. There are some exceptions to that statement but I volunteer when I feel like I have free time. I support worthy causes financially when I have extra cash and decide not to spend it on something for myself. I’ve donated my professional talents but many times it’s been indirectly in exchange for something that would later benefit me.
But to randomly ask others how I can help them on a consistent basis carries some risk. I may be called upon to do some tasks that I don’t necessarily want to do. I may have to give up a planned, lazy Saturday afternoon to do hard labor. Or I may be pulled out of my comfort zone by needing to do something completely out the norm. Perhaps, I will be forced to not buy that new pair of shoes, so that I can sow financially unexpectedly.
Yes, it’s risky but it’s a necessary investment in others. It’s putting the true character of Christ in action in our lives. It’s the demonstration of the statement, “actions speak louder than words.” Asking this question means I no longer do what I think you need me to do but I actually wait for instructions from you on what you need.
I refuse to let fear keep me from doing any good thing, so I am pushing fear of the unknown to the side and will make it a lifestyle to ask others, “What can I do to help you?” Won’t you join me?
Scripture of the Day: "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." - Ephesians 5:21
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Be Free
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36). Many of God’s children hold grudges and harbor unforgiveness. This is not living in the fullness of God. How can it be, when we who live in this world are bound by the hardness of these spirits? Harboring these feelings is blocking you from receiving the fullness of God, Who is LOVE. God is love (1 John 4:8). He forgave us and He created us in His image (Genesis 1:27).
Do we think He is pleased with or is willing to justify our emotions? God is a Father that cannot lie (Number 23:19). He is not a liar. He says in His word to forgive so the He may forgive us. How can the enemy fool God’s people in this manner? We are to forgive, not only others, but ourselves (Colossians 3:13). Unforgiviness opens the door to many other things. It hinders our spiritual growth; it stops us from moving freely in the things of God because of lack of trust, and fear of being hurt. In a lot of cases it opens the door to sickness and infirmities.
Why allow something from the past to do all this? Give them and the situation to God and allow Him to fight for you and at the same time He will heal you. Disappointment in others is a part of life. No man on this earth is perfect. This is why we are to turn to Jesus as our everything. He is a walking example of how not to depend soley on people. He was realistic about the disciple’s flaws and kept His eyes on God His whole walk. Be needy of God, not man. Let go of the hurt and forgive. God will do the rest.
Scripture of the Day: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” - Galatians 5:1
Do we think He is pleased with or is willing to justify our emotions? God is a Father that cannot lie (Number 23:19). He is not a liar. He says in His word to forgive so the He may forgive us. How can the enemy fool God’s people in this manner? We are to forgive, not only others, but ourselves (Colossians 3:13). Unforgiviness opens the door to many other things. It hinders our spiritual growth; it stops us from moving freely in the things of God because of lack of trust, and fear of being hurt. In a lot of cases it opens the door to sickness and infirmities.
Why allow something from the past to do all this? Give them and the situation to God and allow Him to fight for you and at the same time He will heal you. Disappointment in others is a part of life. No man on this earth is perfect. This is why we are to turn to Jesus as our everything. He is a walking example of how not to depend soley on people. He was realistic about the disciple’s flaws and kept His eyes on God His whole walk. Be needy of God, not man. Let go of the hurt and forgive. God will do the rest.
Scripture of the Day: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” - Galatians 5:1
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Power Of The Tongue
By Jothany Blackwood
It is amazing that God would empower regular folks like us with the ability to impact people around us in meaningful ways. That he would recognize that we would need access to his power to endure the perils of this journey and use us to speak a relevant Word so his people might be changed.
We have all been given the very real power of uplifting and encouraging our brothers and sisters in Christ through the Word of God. That means that we have access to the Spirit and power that resides in His Word, and it can manifest itself in our lives. When we speak over our situations, then we must also believe that the things God said will come to pass, especially when there is no evidence of it in present times.
God rarely blesses us just for ourselves, but we are conduits for him to bless his people. He understands that sometimes we need to receive understanding, a renewing word, and a timely prayer from folks whose lives reflect ours in more tangible ways. We can then appreciate that what God places in us is bigger than us and that the gift is to be used to uplift and encourage so that they may also walk in their purpose.
The experiences we have come through, though weary, have made us stronger and we can then translate that knowledge into a pathway for others to find their way.
God sent you ahead in that struggle so you could then return to his people and tell them how to survive it. And more importantly, to survive it whole. God is saying rather than ask why you went through it, recognize that he finally raised his hand to say enough. And to understand that the pain and weariness you are feeling is nothing compared to what the devil had planned for you if God had not stepped in.
See there are others who could not have handled what you went through, who would have given up facing those conditions, who wanted to die from the pain, but because of the Word God planted in you, they were able to continue the journey.
The wisdom that God has given you from your testimony was not just for you, but he trusts us to speak that into people’s lives. This is so they may know his power, his love, his grace, and his presence, even when it seems we are alone. We never are alone and he needs you to remind someone of that simple truth.
And though weary from our struggles, it will be our sharing of the life changing power of God in our lives that will make the difference in these uncertain times.
Scripture Of The Day: “The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary…” (Isaiah 50:4).
In addition to serving as a college dean and motivational speaker, Jothany Blackwood is the founder of MidWife Ministries, which supports ministers and churches in birthing their vision. For more information about Jothany, log onto http://www.jothanyblackwood.org.
It is amazing that God would empower regular folks like us with the ability to impact people around us in meaningful ways. That he would recognize that we would need access to his power to endure the perils of this journey and use us to speak a relevant Word so his people might be changed.
We have all been given the very real power of uplifting and encouraging our brothers and sisters in Christ through the Word of God. That means that we have access to the Spirit and power that resides in His Word, and it can manifest itself in our lives. When we speak over our situations, then we must also believe that the things God said will come to pass, especially when there is no evidence of it in present times.
God rarely blesses us just for ourselves, but we are conduits for him to bless his people. He understands that sometimes we need to receive understanding, a renewing word, and a timely prayer from folks whose lives reflect ours in more tangible ways. We can then appreciate that what God places in us is bigger than us and that the gift is to be used to uplift and encourage so that they may also walk in their purpose.
The experiences we have come through, though weary, have made us stronger and we can then translate that knowledge into a pathway for others to find their way.
God sent you ahead in that struggle so you could then return to his people and tell them how to survive it. And more importantly, to survive it whole. God is saying rather than ask why you went through it, recognize that he finally raised his hand to say enough. And to understand that the pain and weariness you are feeling is nothing compared to what the devil had planned for you if God had not stepped in.
See there are others who could not have handled what you went through, who would have given up facing those conditions, who wanted to die from the pain, but because of the Word God planted in you, they were able to continue the journey.
The wisdom that God has given you from your testimony was not just for you, but he trusts us to speak that into people’s lives. This is so they may know his power, his love, his grace, and his presence, even when it seems we are alone. We never are alone and he needs you to remind someone of that simple truth.
And though weary from our struggles, it will be our sharing of the life changing power of God in our lives that will make the difference in these uncertain times.
Scripture Of The Day: “The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary…” (Isaiah 50:4).
In addition to serving as a college dean and motivational speaker, Jothany Blackwood is the founder of MidWife Ministries, which supports ministers and churches in birthing their vision. For more information about Jothany, log onto http://www.jothanyblackwood.org.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
What Your Speech Says About You
By Bishop E. Earl Jenkins
You can try to disguise your identity by changing your looks, your social circle and your address -- but how you speak will give you away every time.
It happened to Peter. When a servant girl saw him warming himself by the fire, she said, "'You...were with Jesus of Nazareth.' But he denied it...And the...girl saw him again and began to say to those who stood by, 'This is one of them.' But he denied it again...later those who stood by said to Peter again...'you are one of them...your speech shows it'" (Mk 14:67-70 NKJV). So in order to convince his accusers that he wasn't a friend of Jesus, Peter "began to curse and swear, 'I do not know this Man of whom you speak'" (Mk 14:71 NKJV).
It worked! After that nobody else accused him of knowing Jesus. Isn't it interesting how public profanity, in any language, has a way of making others question the quality of your relationship with Christ?
Paul says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up...that it may benefit those who listen" (Eph 4:29 NIV). If you want to win people to Jesus, start with how you talk. Paul said, "Let your speech always be with grace...that you may know how you ought to answer each one" (Col 4:6 NKJV).
Words are powerful things. They either build up or tear down, add to or take from.
It's not important that people can tell from your accent where you're from, but when they can't tell by the way you talk that you're Christ's disciple, something's seriously wrong.
Scripture Of The Day: "Let your speech always be with grace...that you may know how you ought to answer each one." - Col 4:6 (NKJV)
Bishop Edward Earl Jenkins is the senior pastor and founder of the True Servant Worship & Praise Church located in Trenton, New Jersey. For over twenty years, Bishop Jenkins’ unique method of preaching and teaching has opened doors to allow him to touch the hearts of many lives near and far. For more information, visit him at http://www.eejministries.org…
You can try to disguise your identity by changing your looks, your social circle and your address -- but how you speak will give you away every time.
It happened to Peter. When a servant girl saw him warming himself by the fire, she said, "'You...were with Jesus of Nazareth.' But he denied it...And the...girl saw him again and began to say to those who stood by, 'This is one of them.' But he denied it again...later those who stood by said to Peter again...'you are one of them...your speech shows it'" (Mk 14:67-70 NKJV). So in order to convince his accusers that he wasn't a friend of Jesus, Peter "began to curse and swear, 'I do not know this Man of whom you speak'" (Mk 14:71 NKJV).
It worked! After that nobody else accused him of knowing Jesus. Isn't it interesting how public profanity, in any language, has a way of making others question the quality of your relationship with Christ?
Paul says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up...that it may benefit those who listen" (Eph 4:29 NIV). If you want to win people to Jesus, start with how you talk. Paul said, "Let your speech always be with grace...that you may know how you ought to answer each one" (Col 4:6 NKJV).
Words are powerful things. They either build up or tear down, add to or take from.
It's not important that people can tell from your accent where you're from, but when they can't tell by the way you talk that you're Christ's disciple, something's seriously wrong.
Scripture Of The Day: "Let your speech always be with grace...that you may know how you ought to answer each one." - Col 4:6 (NKJV)
Bishop Edward Earl Jenkins is the senior pastor and founder of the True Servant Worship & Praise Church located in Trenton, New Jersey. For over twenty years, Bishop Jenkins’ unique method of preaching and teaching has opened doors to allow him to touch the hearts of many lives near and far. For more information, visit him at http://www.eejministries.org…
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Sticks and Stones
By Bishop Vashti McKenzie
What can a tiny human muscle weighing only two ounces and measuring four inches long do? It may come in a small package, but it can pack a powerful punch. This muscle is the tongue. It has the power to help, hurt, harm and heal.
While shopping at the market after a very long and tiring day, I stood in a long checkout line anxious to get past this errand to a good hot meal and a good book. In front of me was a mother with several children who seemed equally anxious to get on with the evening. The youngest was trying to convince her mother to buy something else such as candy, gum, mints or chocolate. The two children of reading age were emptying the magazine racks flipping through one after another. The one old enough to be wired was connected to music from his portable mp3 player.
One of the young hopefuls held up a magazine to show their mother an outfit they’d loved to have with the shoes, haircut and make-up to match. The mother simply lashed out at her young daughter, “You’re not old enough! All these magazines do is fill your head with fancy ideas. You’re not pretty enough for that kind of stuff. Just put the magazine back.”
The young girl was crushed. Tears welled up in her eyes as her younger siblings laughed at her. The tongue has the power to hurt.
At the same time at the next check out counter, a mother struggled with a busy toddler sitting in the shopping cart with another child insisting on counting every item she put on the conveyor belt.
“You’re smart little boy,” she said. “You can count all the way to 25!” The little boy beamed and continued to count. The tongue can help.
In the first instance, a child’s feelings were crushed and in the second instance, a child’s self esteem was enhanced. Surely the little boy will strive to achieve and receive more compliments from his mother. The other young girl heard, perhaps not for the first time, she’s not pretty, crushing her self-image.
Remember that chant we used to say when growing up – stick and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me? Guess what? Sticks, stones and words can hurt. Words can be worse than a broken bone. The writer of Proverbs doesn’t mention sticks or stones. The writer simply says that reckless words can pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12: 18)
James writes that 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) The tongue can set off a blaze that can burn through families and friendships.
Words spoken by a tired parent can build up or tear down a child’s self esteem. Words spoken by an angry supervisor can kill a co-worker’s motivation. A tongue lashing temper tantrum can cause the death of a relationship. Words used as a weapon to humiliate, mock, taunt, tease, snub, backbite, humiliate, curse or lie can ruin a marriage or a career.
If your tongue is out of control, confess your sin and God will be faithful to forgive you of your sin. Apologize immediately when ungodly things slip through your lips. Pray by asking God to help you control the words that come out of your mouth. Pray AND think before you speak!
Remember that life and death are in your mouth. Speak life!
Scripture Of The Day: “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” - Proverbs 12:18
What can a tiny human muscle weighing only two ounces and measuring four inches long do? It may come in a small package, but it can pack a powerful punch. This muscle is the tongue. It has the power to help, hurt, harm and heal.
While shopping at the market after a very long and tiring day, I stood in a long checkout line anxious to get past this errand to a good hot meal and a good book. In front of me was a mother with several children who seemed equally anxious to get on with the evening. The youngest was trying to convince her mother to buy something else such as candy, gum, mints or chocolate. The two children of reading age were emptying the magazine racks flipping through one after another. The one old enough to be wired was connected to music from his portable mp3 player.
One of the young hopefuls held up a magazine to show their mother an outfit they’d loved to have with the shoes, haircut and make-up to match. The mother simply lashed out at her young daughter, “You’re not old enough! All these magazines do is fill your head with fancy ideas. You’re not pretty enough for that kind of stuff. Just put the magazine back.”
The young girl was crushed. Tears welled up in her eyes as her younger siblings laughed at her. The tongue has the power to hurt.
At the same time at the next check out counter, a mother struggled with a busy toddler sitting in the shopping cart with another child insisting on counting every item she put on the conveyor belt.
“You’re smart little boy,” she said. “You can count all the way to 25!” The little boy beamed and continued to count. The tongue can help.
In the first instance, a child’s feelings were crushed and in the second instance, a child’s self esteem was enhanced. Surely the little boy will strive to achieve and receive more compliments from his mother. The other young girl heard, perhaps not for the first time, she’s not pretty, crushing her self-image.
Remember that chant we used to say when growing up – stick and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me? Guess what? Sticks, stones and words can hurt. Words can be worse than a broken bone. The writer of Proverbs doesn’t mention sticks or stones. The writer simply says that reckless words can pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12: 18)
James writes that 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) The tongue can set off a blaze that can burn through families and friendships.
Words spoken by a tired parent can build up or tear down a child’s self esteem. Words spoken by an angry supervisor can kill a co-worker’s motivation. A tongue lashing temper tantrum can cause the death of a relationship. Words used as a weapon to humiliate, mock, taunt, tease, snub, backbite, humiliate, curse or lie can ruin a marriage or a career.
If your tongue is out of control, confess your sin and God will be faithful to forgive you of your sin. Apologize immediately when ungodly things slip through your lips. Pray by asking God to help you control the words that come out of your mouth. Pray AND think before you speak!
Remember that life and death are in your mouth. Speak life!
Scripture Of The Day: “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” - Proverbs 12:18
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