Dear Brothers, Sisters, Prodigals and Unsaved,
Every year, I have the Bible Study people re-read “The Tongue A Creative Force” by Charles Capps, because the World has so much JUNK in it, we tend to speak what we hear, [and Faith does come by hearing] then we start acting like them [usually unbeknown to us].
I hear Christians, cursing not Abba [God], but the foul stuff Jesus' Name in vain and worse - that the World [enemy] has taught them. It use to be just the men, but the women are just as bad. That’s sad, because it’s what others hear you saying; no respect for Jesus, yourself or others.
Today, I’d like to remind you CHANGE IS NECESSARY, when you follow CHRIST. Getting rid of the Old Man [WORLDLY WAYS - JUNK], and turning to the New Spirit led by the one, you’ve confessed to be with. Most are unaware IF your tongue is starting fires or not, James tells us the damage we can do:
- [James 3:5-6 NASB] 5 “So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and [yet] it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, the [very] world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of [our] life, and is set on fire by hell.”
Everyone has an opinion and they are not ALL in agreement - go figure. Some see black and white only, others see red or green. Everyone has something to say, whether you agree with them or not, Christians have two COMMANDMENTS from Jesus that we MUST AGREE ON. They are:
- [Matthew 22:34-40 NASB] 34 “But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered themselves together. 35 One of them, a lawyer, asked Him [a question,] testing Him, 36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" 37 And He said to him, " 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' 38 "This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' 40 "On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”
Yes, we only have 2 commandments to deal with, versus the 10 Israelites have - does that make you feel better? If it does, IT SHOULDN’T! Why? Because our 2 commandments COVER ALL 10 OF THEIRS! Abba hasn't changed - He the same always, yesterday, today and tomorrow!
Think about some of the small little things you do daily. Maybe it’s getting frustrated because of the traffic and the car behind you that’s riding your tail? Do you sit there and steam, or bless them? The right answer is of course BLESS THEM. Why? Because Abba will not work through your anger/cursing, but He will work in anyone you BLESS, in fact when I've done it, they've backed OFF almost immediately.
What if it's were your children are acting up, or getting lower grades on their tests or report cards? Do you, tell them to go to their room or maybe ground them until they start behaving? Do you take away their privileges until their grades go up - or require more study time and less friends? Whatever these things, are not in agreement with the Word. Without LOVE, you're on the wrong side of the fence.
First, ask forgiveness and calm your anger, then ask the Holy spirit to reveal how you should respond.
- [Colossians 3:21 NASB] “Fathers [mothers], do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.” TALK to them in a calm manner, see if they’ve had a problem at school, with a friend or teacher. Softly discuss the problems and encourage them to forgive that person.
- [1 Peter 4:8 NASB] Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” Abba keeps tabs on each of us, and when we show a love/caring for someone He remembers and wipes out a “multitude of sins”. How many is that? Ask Abba, I can only speak for myself - everyone is different.
When I was young in the Word, I was still being ruled by the ways I’d grown up [in the world]. So there were to many to count! And as I grew in His Word, they became less and less, it wasn’t because I became a goodie 2 shoes, no the Holy Spirit would correct me then teach me what I should do or say. That’s how I learned, because I wasn’t raised in a Christian home. Thankfully, I learned the Holy Sprit was our Helper and I needed His guidance in every part of my life.
Fair Warning, you cannot change on your own - YOU NEED the guidance of the Holy Spirit in order to learn how to renew your mind, and function in the world. The Bible says in [Matthew 6:33-34 NASB] 33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Worrying or being upset will get you NO WHERE. Because we have HOPE in Jesus that He’ll take care of it IF, we don’t take it back again. Plus you have a promise here; His Kingdom and His Righteousness WILL BE added to you - YIPPEE!
Remember the story about Martha and Mary, when Jesus came to visit Lazarus’ home? Martha got upset that Mary wasn’t in the kitchen helping her. But Jesus said that what Mary was doing, was more important than fixing the food. So Martha being upset was a waste of time, what was important was spending the time they had with Jesus. Think that might help you too? Getting in the Word can take your mind off the problem.
Just so you know, my sister was so busy with moving the company she ran; with her family, their needs, plus packing up, to move into a new home - that needed to be decorated then unpacked to make the house livable - when she went to bed, she kept thinking about all she had to do - truthfully it overwhelmed her. One night a voice at the foot of her bed just said “oh Martha, Martha”. That’s all she heard, but knew exactly the meaning of what was said by the voice.
The Lesson here, is KEEP CALM! In your own strength/mind - you can do NOTHING! In Christ ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! The GREATEST gifts you have; are JESUS the Holy Spirit, not to mention the “ministering spirits” [Hebrews 1:14] to help you. They are constantly watching over you - so you’re never alone.
I would recommend reading your Bible and highlight every promise in the Bible - some you may not need for awhile, but highlight them ALL. Another possibility would be to, purchase a “Promise Book” I have one of those too. Be sure to look up the scripture referenced in the Bible and read a few versus above and below your scripture. I have found EVERY PROMISE IN THE BIBLE HAS A CONDITION… IF YOU WILL… or some are IF YOU DIDN’T… So be sure to check your promise out for the condition. God’s way, is always the BEST WAY - and the only one that WORKS!
My Prayer for you today is [Galatians 5:16-17 NASB] 16 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.”
It's always better to work on pleasing the Lord, than your flesh.
To those who have accepted or returned to Christ this week - WELCOME TO THE FAMILY - GLAD YOU'RE HOME!
Blessing to ALL you who read the blogs and to your families - share the WORD.
Sandy F - The Lord’s Servant
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