Don't Be Fooled

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. James 1:26 (New King James Version)

We are susceptible and vulnerable to self deception because we have deceptive and defective hearts. It is one thing to manipulate and fool the people around us. It is quite another to be so self deceived that we don’t even realize we have believed, bought, and embraced a lie. The lies are the very fibers that make up the material for the garments of hypocrisy we wear. Change will not occur because we don’t even understand there is a need for change. Hence, without revelation from God we will continue to cloak ourselves in a wardrobe of fruitless, purposeless, aimless living.

One litmus test for true religion is the bridling of the tongue. A person can have all the external manifestations of religion down pat and have it all come up worthless if there is no curbing of their words. Too often, we want to limit this to swearing or crude speech, but God wants us to go deeper and broader. While our conversations should be free of curse words, they should also be free of gossip, negative talk, lies, innuendos, exaggerations, boasting, putting others down, prejudice, and coveting (to name a few). All the church activities, Bible studies, doctrinal stands, and witnessing will be empty and futile if our speech continues to go unchecked, uncurbed, unchanged, and unguarded.

In order to avoid self deception I must be willing to let God show me the truth about myself, not only in the things I am saying but in all areas of my life. I want to know what would make my practice of religion profitless in God‘s eyes. Understand, this verse is not referring to salvation. Salvation is a relationship with God through faith in Christ. This verse is referring to the outward manifestation of that relationship. Think of the changes that could come about if just this one area of our speech would become apparent and fully realized. This is not a matter of looking around and seeing whether or not others are guarding their speech, it is a matter of each examining himself. And it starts with asking God to show us individually where we need to make some changes.

Our “speech therapy” needs to take place in our homes, work places, churches, and any other place whereby we are in the company of others. May God help us to not only detect our wrong usage of words but to replace them with words of truth, encouragement, and life! Not only the words we verbalize to others but also the words we say to ourselves.

Father, Your words are true and powerful. They always produce fruit and never return void. Make me like You. Amen.

We Will Glorify - Twila Paris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4skT9ndv6ng&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

When Untrue Words Have Been Spoken

Now, O Lord GOD, You are God, and Your words are truth. 2 Samuel 7:28 (New American Standard Bible)

No one, and I mean absolutely no one has the right to define us except God. Our words live and the words spoken over us and to us from early childhood and well into our adulthood are powerful and can stick with us. How necessary it is that we make sure every word that comes out of our mouth or enters our ears is in agreement with what God‘s Word says about us! If they are not, we must counter them with the truth and renounce them as the lies that they are. If however they are affirming truthful words, we must take them in and allow them to quench the thirst within us. Along with that we can take a negative word that has been directed toward us and ask God to help us construct a Scriptural acrostics that will transform the word intended for harm into a word of beauty!

For instance, a friend in Sunday School shared how she was called a “prude” at work because of her desire to read Christian books. At the close of class, as this woman was closing in prayer, God brought an acrostics to my mind using her word. I came home and decided to find a verse to go with each word in the acrostics and am delighted to see God fashion an arrow of affirmation! Here is what He gave me…..

Precious ~ As you come to Him, the living Stone ~ rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to Him. I Peter 2:4

Redeemed ~ But now, this is what the LORD says ~ He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.” Isaiah 43:1

Undeniably loved ~ The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jeremiah 31:3

Daughter ~ So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15

(of the) Eternal God ~ The eternal God is your refuge, and His everlasting arms are under you. Deuteronomy 33:27

Father, I no longer have to believe what I have heard or said. Freedom is found when I use Your Word as my grid of truth. Amen.

Testing Our Words

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4:29

God’s standard for conversation is high! His desire is that each of us would qualify our words thru the grid of Ephesians 4:29. This verse entails much more than the avoidance of certain language. It goes beyond what we should not be saying and urges us to see our words as a means for encouraging others.

Corrupt communication is alive and well in many homes, businesses, and churches today. While some of us would avoid swearing and telling off color jokes, we might think nothing of gossip, crudeness, sarcasm, or telling someone off. We seem to think the only qualification for our words is whether or not what we are about to say is true. Lashing out at others is “justified” in our minds because of our own hurts, disappointments, rage, or frustration. But God has a better way.

We need to ask ourselves if our words are accomplishing the things God would desire. Anything within the hearing range of another person should be good, edifying, and gracious for them and us. They should walk away from the sound of our voice encouraged, built up, nurtured, and refreshed. Not troubled, disheartened, or spent.

The motive behind our words is as vital to check as the message of our words. Before we say something to or around another person we must see why we are about to say it as well as what we are about to say. If it is to make us feel betterand release our rage, it would be better to leave it unsaid. Confrontations and conversations should be full of grace, love, and mercy.

Here are some good measuring tools for us to use in regard to our words. Speak to others the way you want to be spoken to. Make sure that what you are about to say is true, kind, necessary, and helpful. Since the words we speak begin in our heart, it is imperative that we take the issues to God first and ask Him to help us over come any bitterness, anger, or hurt that will affect our conversations if left unchecked. He has our best interest at heart as well as the best interest of the ones who will hear us speak today.

Father, may the words of my mouth be pleasant to other’s ears as well as Your ears. Help me to be a conduit of wholesome speech. Amen.

The Quality of Spoken Words

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life….the tongue of the righteous is as choice silver…the lips of the righteous feed many…the mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom…..the lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable…the tongue of the wise brings healing…the lips of the wise will protect them….the tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable…the lips of the wise spread knowledge. Proverbs10:11, 20, 23, 31, 32; 12:18; 14:3; 15:2,7

Have you ever gotten so carried away with something that you found it difficult to stop? That is what happened when I started reading verses I had highlighted this past month. These positive phrases grabbed my attention and I found it impossible to choose just one to share. They cause me to ask myself if my words are portraying and accomplishing what is stated so eloquently. I long for them to be!

The older I get the more I am becoming aware of the power of words…for good or bad. Words can wound or heal. Words can encourage or discourage. Words can proclaim truth or spread lies. Words bring life to a situation or envelope it with death. Words value or devalue another person. Words can cheer a person on or stop them dead in their tracks. Since words originate in my heart, it is imperative that I examine my heart for dangerous words that would escape from my mouth.

Just by listening to myself or another person talk, I can tell by the words spoken if that person lives in fear, hostility, bitterness, anger, selfishness, or love, forgiveness, joy, wisdom, and righteousness. That is because words are a reflection of the heart. I am not talking about occasional conversations. I am referring to the patterns of a person’s speech. But I am here to tell you that as God begins to change the heart, the words will be transformed as well.

What would happen if a person took the above verses and prayed each one over themselves for a week? Asking God to anoint her with the kind of words that demonstrate the qualities listed. There is no doubt God would delight to hear such a request. Even praying just one of the phrases would result in a change for the good.

Father, Your Word is full of the qualities I desire in my own life….my speech in particular. Help me to be aware when my words do not reflect Your character and heart. Amen.

The Power to Turn the Words Away

Perhaps the LORD your God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to reproach the living God, and will rebuke the words which the LORD your God has heard. Therefore, offer a prayer for the remnant that is left. 2 Kings 19:4

We can so easily accept the things that are said about us. Some adults still carry the words spoken to them or over them from their childhood. Words that were spoken in anger, words that were spoken to hurt, words that were not true. I would venture to say that most of the negative thoughts we have about ourselves can be traced back to something that was said about us by our family, classmates, neighbors, or even church members. For some reason, we too easily dismiss what is true for what another person says or thinks. And worse yet, we accept what another person says over what God says in His Word about us.

I am learning more and more how important it is to know what God says about me. To find my value and worth in His Word. He has heard every negative accusation that has been leveled against me. His ears have been witness to the lies, misperceptions, and unreliable words spoken to, over, and against me. Each one of us have a trail of such sentences flung at us that stick like darts in our souls. God is the only One who can truly define me and place the appropriate labels over my life. For He is the only One who knows me thoroughly and can read my thoughts, motives, and intentions. Others are limited by what they see, perceive, and understand. But they are limited to the external view. Only God can look on the heart.

I love the reminder in this verse that God can rebuke what He has heard. One definition of rebuke is to turn back or keep down. I like to imagine the negative words like arrows being turned back by my Father.

Whether it is something presently being said or something that was said years ago I can rebuke it. I can stand up and say it is not true! Spoken out loud, my rebuke carries the power to turn back the words. It grounds me once again in the reality of who God says I am. While God says I am a sinner, He also says I am cherished, loved, the apple of His eye, delighted in, rejoiced over, engraved on the palms of His hands, and made in His image. He not only loves me unconditionally, He loves me completely!

Father, keep reminding me of what You know to be true. I turn my ears to hear Your whispers. Amen.

The Power of My Words

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad. Proverbs 12:25

I am struck by the power of words. The most recent lesson I am learning to date is the choice I have to speak life or death over my situations, my relationships, my dreams, my family, and my internal or external world. I want to make sure that the words I release from my mouth will have the greatest, most positive effect on me as well as on the people within the range of my voice.

Knowing Scripture and the character of God are my two greatest assets to right speaking. As I implement them into my every day speech patterns, things begin to shift in a dramatic fashion. I have to realize that the things I feel, see, experience, and think must take a back seat to the realities of who God is and what He is able to do. If I only give voice to the doubts, discouragement, and fears, that will be what I wrap my soul in for the day. I will walk in defeat with a strong sense of hopelessness. I have been there and it is not enjoyable in the least! While there are times for being honest before God and admitting to Him and myself what is going on in my head, I must never leave the conversation on a down note.

David knew how to pour out his complaint before God but he always ended it with praise and proclamation of the power of God. There was no doubt that he felt more cared for by his heavenly Father than controlled by people or circumstances. A friend of mine once told me about the reversal rule. Rather than say, “I know the Lord is faithful but the situation looks hopeless” the reversal rule says, “The situation looks hopeless but I know the Lord is faithful.” That slight change puts the focus back on the Source of life.

The words that I choose to speak today will reveal a lot about what I really believe. They will reveal whether I believe God has more power or my circumstances have more power. They will reveal whether I walk in hopelessness or am held by Hope. God spoke the worlds into existence. What will I choose to speak into today? May they be words that express faith, truth, and power. I cannot live on anything less.

Father, I cringe when I think of the words that have been spoken by me in the past. May I live each day speaking words that empower myself and others. Amen.

Standing Guard

He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles. Proverbs 21:23

Like a sentinel keeping guard over a prisoner or a valuable treasure we are commanded to guard many things in our life. This morning Scripture reminds me to guard my soul, my mouth, my foot, my heart, my mind, and the doors of my mouth. This implies protection, watchfulness, attentiveness, safety, and preservation. If I were guarding a prisoner it would be to keep him from escaping. But if I am guarding a valuable treasure it would be to insure it from being taken. In a sense, today’s verse has both these ideas. There are certain things I do not want to escape from my mouth and there is a protectiveness against my mouth being taken captive by wrong usage. So what are the things God would have me guard my mouth and tongue against? From what do I want to keep my mouth from doing? Here are some things that come to mind.

Gossip! Saying those things that are not true, kind, or necessary about other people. Gossip serves one purpose and one person only. It’s purpose is to destroy another person’s character and reputation. It poisons the thoughts of a person against another. It inflicts unnecessary pain and suffering in an individuals life. Often it is done to bolster ones sense of superiority and an attempt to gain acceptance. Oh, that we would see the seriousness and repercussions of our words against another individual.

Lying! Saying those things that are untrue, incomplete, exaggerated, or inaccurate. Many times it serves the purpose of avoiding self disclosure and facing of consequences. It is a form of hiding for self protection. Based in fear and pride it has a shaky foundation at best. It breaks trust and security with the very ones with whom we seek build relationship.

Inappropriate talk! Whether it is foul language, filthy jokes, suggestive innuendos, racial slurs, or taking God’s name in vain it is imperative that we do not let it become a part of our speech in private or public. Along with these would be negative talk, angry words, and words of unbelief. May God help us to be on guard today!

Father, words really do live. May I be one to use life giving words to others and myself. I take my charge seriously and look to You for daily instruction, guidance, discernment, and help. Amen.

Knowing What to Say

When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say. Luke 12:11,12

Do you have a difficult conversation looming on the horizon? Can’t seem to find the right words or even know where to begin? Today’s passage is a good reminder that God wants to be the author of our conversations with people. Whether it is a difficult conversation, a confrontational issue, sharing the gospel, making an apology, or reestablishing broken lines of communication, God wants us to know that He has the right words for us and they will be given at the moment when needed. Only God knows the hearts and minds of each person involved and only God can orchestrate the right words, tones, and innuendos.

Too often I have rushed into conversations without first asking God to anoint my mouth, ears, and mind. I charged in with my own “wisdom” and things quickly deteriorated and fell apart. What could have been a rich conversation turned sour. What could have been a deep connection came up empty. What have I learned? Many things!

First of all, timing is essential. If I am too quick or too slow I am operating outside the boundaries of God’s appointments. What I tried to force a week ago comes naturally this week. What felt out of place last month now fits like a glove. Timely words spoken in the right way at the right moment are priceless.

Rechecking my motives is essential. What is controlling my agenda with the other person? My flesh or my spirit? Conversations are most productive when bathed in prayer and wrong motives are exposed. What may start out wrong can end up right! God will let me know when my heart is finally in the right place. Since the words I speak originate in my heart it is essential I check the roots daily.

Finally, it is imperative that I ask God to bring to my mind those things He really wants me to say. During the course of conversations I am amazed at the flood of thoughts He will instill in me. Sharing becomes a joy as I know His words are getting through.

Father, take the words I speak today and use them in powerful ways. Give me words to speak that are just right! Amen.

Selective Speech

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

For years I would look at this verse and see a good guard for my conversations. It was warning me about what to say and what not to say to the people in my life. In a nutshell, I was to build others up not tear them down. This morning God is nudging me to apply the same truths to myself. He is prompting me to examine my own speech toward myself. How gracious are my words that I speak to myself? How hard am I being on myself? How many put downs am I directing toward myself?

I spent this past weekend with a dear friend. We hadn’t seen each other for over 23 years! How amazing that our conversation could pick up right where we had left off. Much was discussed, savored, and taken in. Much was shared on a deep heart level. Issues abounded….answers were given. At moments, laughter erupted. At other moments we could be close to tears. But one thing that stands out in my mind as I review our conversation is how both of us could be so hard on ourselves. We both found ourselves telling the other to not speak negative words about ourselves. This morning God is letting me know I still need to take heed to that admonition. Even now I can hear my friend say, “Don’t talk like that!” I have determined it is time to test my words before they are voiced.

Here are the questions I need to ask myself before the words leave my mouth. Am I about to speak the truth? What are the thoughts that are feeding the words? Will the things I am about to say encourage me or discourage me? Will the words bring life or death to my spirit? Who would delight the most in what I am about to say….God or Satan? Which words need to be cleansed by the blood of Christ, given over to Him, and saturated with Scripture? When I finish saying what I am about to say will I proceed to dance with joy or live with a feeling of gloom? Will I be filled with a sense of delight or disgust? There are many more questions but my point is this, I have a choice! May I proceed to apply today’s verse to myself as well as others to whom I am speaking.

Father, sometimes I feel shaky in my ability to speak the right words. If nothing else escapes my mouth today may it be praise to You. Don’t let me waste any words. I yield my tongue to You. Amen.