Encouragement . . . for the Journey 2015

Do words matter????


Absolutely!!!  Words either build up or tear down. More than ever, we need to do a little re-evaluating of our own words. Does our speech come from a heart filled with rejoicing, kindness, love or with anger, bitterness, disappointment or frustration?  Is Christ pleased with what He hears or do we grieve His heart? 


It seems lately, we are bombarded with those who use bad language and think nothing of it ~ Christian or Non-Christian.  No wonder our kids in our culture talk the way they do.  Where is the example???  Without fail, every time I look at Facebook, listen to the News, watch TV programs, or hear some of my friends talk, I see/hear LOTS of words that definitely do not build up.   


If we have received Christ as our Savior, we are held to a higher standard because we serve a Holy God.  In Ephesians 4:22-24, it says, You were taught, with regard to the former way of like, to put off the old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds; to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.  Our speech should reflect and represent Him well. (Ephesians 4:29-32, 5:1-4,8-10; Proverbs 22:11; Matthew 12:36, 1 Timothy 4:12)  In what ways have or should your speech change? 


In Romans 12:1-2, Paul reminds us that we are to be living sacrifices.  Therefore, I urge you brothers (sisters), in view of God's mercy (that should be enough to stop us in our tracks right there) to offer your bodies (every part ~ mouth included) as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is our spiritual act of worship (worship is a lifestyle and it shows how much we love and reverence God).  Do not be conformed any longer (we may have been there, but we are challenged not to stay there) to the pattern of this world (Psalm 1:1-3), but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- His good, pleasing and perfect will.  It's action on our part.  It's one thing to believe, but it's another thing to put into practice what we believe.  Often times we simply make excuses, rather than trusting Christ to help us clean up our words. 


Maybe it's not bad language you deal with, maybe it's simply unkind words to family, friends or co-workers.  I love this quote by Warren Wiersbe: "Let your words be controlled by His Word and God will make your words valuable."  Who can discern his errors:  Forgive my hidden faults.  Keep Your servant from willful sins; may they not rule over me.  Then I will be blameless, innocent of transgressions.  Psalm 19:12-13

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

 

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Psalm Praise


The Psalms are my go to book.  No matter your circumstances, whether joyful, sad, disappointed or with whatever curve life throws, God always uses the Psalms to get your focus fully on Him and His sufficiency. 


The Lord has given me the privilege of mentoring a couple of ladies right now.  The place we go each week is the Psalms.  It's one of the best books in the Bible to show you who God is.  Each week we take one Psalm and find as many things about God, our amazing Creator as we can.  Using the Alphabet Praise method, we put Who He is, His characteristic or what He does by the appropriate letter.


For example, from Psalm 5:

A ~ Abhors bloodthirsty and deceitful men
B ~ Bless the righteous
C
D ~ Does not take pleasure in evil or wickedness, Destroys those who tell lies
E
F
G~ Gives ear to my sighing
H ~ Hears my voice
I
J
K ~ King
L ~ Listens to my cry for help, Leads
M ~ Merciful, Makes straight our way before us
N
O
P ~ Protector
Q
R ~ Righteousness, Refuge
S ~ Spreads His Protection over all who take refuge in Him, Shield
T
U
V
W
x
Y ~ Your presence, Your favor
Z


During the week the ladies read the Psalm daily and praise Him for who He reveals Himself to them, often times writing a personal prayer of thanksgiving using these characteristics.  When we meet, we talk about what we found out, then spend time praising Him together.   


I would encourage you to try this method ~ use it with your kids this summer.  Let them find out who God is from His Word.  What this does is keeps you from wondering who God is or "I think God is" to I know who He is. 

But let all who take refuge I You be glad;

let them ever sing for you. 

spread Your protection over them,

that those who love Your name may rejoice in You.  

For surely, O LORD, You bless the righteous;

You surround them with Your favor as with a shield.

Psalm 5:11-12