A song, a heartache and a prayer request by Gary Rose

Yesterday morning I found myself singing this song to myself as I was taking my dog pal for his morning walk. I thought of my eldest granddaughter (for whom I wrote this song in 1989). When I had finished a few of the stanzas, I stopped because I felt sad. You see, several years ago, she joined a religious group that strongly discourages association with anyone outside their fellowship. I haven’t heard from her in a long time, neither has my wife, her mother and brothers and sisters. I have never even seen our one and only great granddaughter. Now, you understand why I felt sad.

The Scriptures say…

John 3 (WEB)

 ¹⁶  For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.   ¹⁷  For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.   ¹⁸  He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. (emphasis added)  ¹⁹ This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil.   ²⁰  For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn’t come to the light, lest his works would be exposed.   ²¹  But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God.” 

Human being make choices. Choices have consequences. When it comes to decisions about Jesus, there are eternal results. To this very day I love my granddaughter very much, but she has made a terrible choice. Since the group she is affiliated with does not accept the deity of Jesus, she also has made a decision concerning the Savior. I pray that she will come to her senses and acknowledge him for who HE really is and be saved from whatever sin she may have committed. Please pray for her.

Because…

Acts 4 (WEB)

⁸  Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,  ⁹ if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed,  ¹⁰ be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, in him does this man stand here before you whole.  ¹¹ He is ‘the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.’  ¹² There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!”(emphasis added)

ps. Although I sang this song to the hymn “Jesus loves you” to my granddaughter in 1989, it was not until 2011 that it was put into music notation. Many thanks to Alan Mullins for helping me with this!!!!

Bible Reading October 8, 9 by Gary Rose

Bible Reading October 8, 9 

World English Bible

Oct. 8

Psalms 145-147

Psa 145:1 I will exalt you, my God, the King. I will praise your name forever and ever.

Psa 145:2 Every day I will praise you. I will extol your name forever and ever.

Psa 145:3 Great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised! His greatness is unsearchable.

Psa 145:4 One generation will commend your works to another, and will declare your mighty acts.

Psa 145:5 Of the glorious majesty of your honor, of your wondrous works, I will meditate.

Psa 145:6 Men will speak of the might of your awesome acts. I will declare your greatness.

Psa 145:7 They will utter the memory of your great goodness, and will sing of your righteousness.

Psa 145:8 Yahweh is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and of great loving kindness.

Psa 145:9 Yahweh is good to all. His tender mercies are over all his works.

Psa 145:10 All your works will give thanks to you, Yahweh. Your saints will extol you.

Psa 145:11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom, and talk about your power;

Psa 145:12 to make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, the glory of the majesty of his kingdom.

Psa 145:13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. Your dominion endures throughout all generations. Yahweh is faithful in all his words, and loving in all his deeds.

Psa 145:14 Yahweh upholds all who fall, and raises up all those who are bowed down.

Psa 145:15 The eyes of all wait for you. You give them their food in due season.

Psa 145:16 You open your hand, and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

Psa 145:17 Yahweh is righteous in all his ways, and gracious in all his works.

Psa 145:18 Yahweh is near to all those who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Psa 145:19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear him. He also will hear their cry, and will save them.

Psa 145:20 Yahweh preserves all those who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.

Psa 145:21 My mouth will speak the praise of Yahweh. Let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.

Psa 146:1 Praise Yah! Praise Yahweh, my soul.

Psa 146:2 While I live, I will praise Yahweh. I will sing praises to my God as long as I exist.

Psa 146:3 Don't put your trust in princes, each a son of man in whom there is no help.

Psa 146:4 His spirit departs, and he returns to the earth. In that very day, his thoughts perish.

Psa 146:5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in Yahweh, his God:

Psa 146:6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps truth forever;

Psa 146:7 who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. Yahweh frees the prisoners.

Psa 146:8 Yahweh opens the eyes of the blind. Yahweh raises up those who are bowed down. Yahweh loves the righteous.

Psa 146:9 Yahweh preserves the foreigners. He upholds the fatherless and widow, but the way of the wicked he turns upside down.

Psa 146:10 Yahweh will reign forever; your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise Yah!

Psa 147:1 Praise Yah, for it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant and fitting to praise him.

Psa 147:2 Yahweh builds up Jerusalem. He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.

Psa 147:3 He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.

Psa 147:4 He counts the number of the stars. He calls them all by their names.

Psa 147:5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power. His understanding is infinite.

Psa 147:6 Yahweh upholds the humble. He brings the wicked down to the ground.

Psa 147:7 Sing to Yahweh with thanksgiving. Sing praises on the harp to our God,

Psa 147:8 who covers the sky with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass grow on the mountains.

Psa 147:9 He provides food for the livestock, and for the young ravens when they call.

Psa 147:10 He doesn't delight in the strength of the horse. He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.

Psa 147:11 Yahweh takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his loving kindness.

Psa 147:12 Praise Yahweh, Jerusalem! Praise your God, Zion!

Psa 147:13 For he has strengthened the bars of your gates. He has blessed your children within you.

Psa 147:14 He makes peace in your borders. He fills you with the finest of the wheat.

Psa 147:15 He sends out his commandment to the earth. His word runs very swiftly.

Psa 147:16 He gives snow like wool, and scatters frost like ashes.

Psa 147:17 He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can stand before his cold?

Psa 147:18 He sends out his word, and melts them. He causes his wind to blow, and the waters flow.

Psa 147:19 He shows his word to Jacob; his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.

Psa 147:20 He has not done this for just any nation. They don't know his ordinances. Praise Yah!

Oct. 9

Psalms 148-150

Psa 148:1 Praise Yah! Praise Yahweh from the heavens! Praise him in the heights!

Psa 148:2 Praise him, all his angels! Praise him, all his army!

Psa 148:3 Praise him, sun and moon! Praise him, all you shining stars!

Psa 148:4 Praise him, you heavens of heavens, You waters that are above the heavens.

Psa 148:5 Let them praise the name of Yahweh, For he commanded, and they were created.

Psa 148:6 He has also established them forever and ever. He has made a decree which will not pass away.

Psa 148:7 Praise Yahweh from the earth, you great sea creatures, and all depths!

Psa 148:8 Lightning and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling his word;

Psa 148:9 mountains and all hills; fruit trees and all cedars;

Psa 148:10 wild animals and all livestock; small creatures and flying birds;

Psa 148:11 kings of the earth and all peoples; princes and all judges of the earth;

Psa 148:12 both young men and maidens; old men and children:

Psa 148:13 let them praise the name of Yahweh, for his name alone is exalted. His glory is above the earth and the heavens.

Psa 148:14 He has lifted up the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near to him. Praise Yah!

Psa 149:1 Praise Yahweh! Sing to Yahweh a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.

Psa 149:2 Let Israel rejoice in him who made them. Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

Psa 149:3 Let them praise his name in the dance! Let them sing praises to him with tambourine and harp!

Psa 149:4 For Yahweh takes pleasure in his people. He crowns the humble with salvation.

Psa 149:5 Let the saints rejoice in honor. Let them sing for joy on their beds.

Psa 149:6 May the high praises of God be in their mouths, and a two-edged sword in their hand;

Psa 149:7 To execute vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples;

Psa 149:8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;

Psa 149:9 to execute on them the written judgment. All his saints have this honor. Praise Yah!

Psa 150:1 Praise Yah! Praise God in his sanctuary! Praise him in his heavens for his acts of power!

Psa 150:2 Praise him for his mighty acts! Praise him according to his excellent greatness!

Psa 150:3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet! Praise him with harp and lyre!

Psa 150:4 Praise him with tambourine and dancing! Praise him with stringed instruments and flute!

Psa 150:5 Praise him with loud cymbals! Praise him with resounding cymbals!

Psa 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise Yah! Praise Yah!

 Oct. 8

Galatians 5

Gal 5:1 Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don't be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

Gal 5:2 Behold, I, Paul, tell you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing.

Gal 5:3 Yes, I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.

Gal 5:4 You are alienated from Christ, you who desire to be justified by the law. You have fallen away from grace.

Gal 5:5 For we, through the Spirit, by faith wait for the hope of righteousness.

Gal 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision amounts to anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love.

Gal 5:7 You were running well! Who interfered with you that you should not obey the truth?

Gal 5:8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you.

Gal 5:9 A little yeast grows through the whole lump.

Gal 5:10 I have confidence toward you in the Lord that you will think no other way. But he who troubles you will bear his judgment, whoever he is.

Gal 5:11 But I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been removed.

Gal 5:12 I wish that those who disturb you would cut themselves off.

Gal 5:13 For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don't use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.

Gal 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Gal 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you don't consume one another.

Gal 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won't fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire.

Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness,

Gal 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies,

Gal 5:21 envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,

Gal 5:23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Gal 5:24 Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.

Gal 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let's also walk by the Spirit.

Gal 5:26 Let's not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.

Oct. 9

Galatians 6

Gal 6:1 Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren't tempted.

Gal 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Gal 6:3 For if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Gal 6:4 But let each man test his own work, and then he will take pride in himself and not in his neighbor.

Gal 6:5 For each man will bear his own burden.

Gal 6:6 But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches.

Gal 6:7 Don't be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

Gal 6:8 For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Gal 6:9 Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don't give up.

Gal 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let's do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.

Gal 6:11 See with what large letters I write to you with my own hand.

Gal 6:12 As many as desire to look good in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

Gal 6:13 For even they who receive circumcision don't keep the law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may boast in your flesh.

Gal 6:14 But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Gal 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

Gal 6:16 As many as walk by this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on God's Israel.

Gal 6:17 From now on, let no one cause me any trouble, for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus branded on my body.

Gal 6:18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

JUDE by Paul Southern

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Southern/Paul/1901/jude.html

JUDE

1. THE TITLE
The epistle is named for the writer, Jude.

2. THE WRITER
The writer signs his name as "Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James" (1). It is generally agreed that he was a brother of the Lord (Mat 13:55), and therefore not one of the apostles, for the brethren of the Lord did not believe on Jesus until after the resurrection (Jn 7:5; Acts 1:13-22). However, a few expositors try to identify the writer of this epistle as "Judas (Thaddeus) the brother of James," one of the twelve apostles (Lk 6:16; Jn 14:22). Since Jude does not call himself an apostle, we are inclined to believe that he was not.

3. TO WHOM ADDRESSED
Although the letter is addressed to Christians in general, "To them that are called, beloved in God the father, and kept for Jesus Christ" (1), it was likely intended at first for Jewish Christians in Palestine. Several allusions presuppose an acquaintance with Old Testament scriptures and Jewish traditions. Some critics believe that the epistle was sent to Antioch in Syria and that it was intended for both Jewish and Gentile Christians.

4. TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING
There is no suggestion concerning the place of origin, but critics estimate that it was written about A.D. 66. Evidently it was written before A.D. 70 when Jerusalem was destroyed, for Jude would certainly have mentioned that event along with the other persecutions given.

5. PURPOSE AND CONTENTS
False teachers among the brethren were teaching heresies in the congregational meetings. Some of the men were also immoral in conduct. Jude wrote to expose their immoralities and heresies, urging Christians "to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints" (3). This epistle and the second chapter of II Peter are very similar. Some think that Jude wrote first, but in our present state of knowledge it is impossible to reach a definite conclusion regarding the matter. A distinctive feature of the book is the writer's fondness for triplet expressions. It is somewhat terse and picturesque. Alford describes it as an "impassioned invective with epithet on epithet, image on image." The stern warnings concerning the fate of wicked disturbers give some the impression that the writer was a harsh character with little or no pathos. This criticism, however, overlooks the fact that the writer was discussing a very serious problem as he was guided by the Holy Spirit. Some of the words have a definite poetic ring.


6. EXERCISES FOR STUDENT ACTIVITY


1. Complete the following triplets:
1. The threefold salutation: "…to them that are ________, _________ in God the Father, and ___________ for Jesus Christ."
2. The threefold benediction: "____________ unto you and __________ and _________ be multiplied."
3. Three examples of divine retribution: "…the Lord, having saved a ________ out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And __________ that kept not their own principality, …he hath kept…unto the judgment…Even as __________ and __________…suffering the punishment of eternal fire."
4. Three types of wickedness: "They went in the way of __________, and ran riotously in the error of _____________ for hire, and perished in the gainsaying of ___________."
5. Three classes of evil-doers: "these are ___________, _____________, __________ after their own lusts."
6. Three exhortations to Christians: They are to build up themselves in the most holy faith by "____________ in the Holy Spirit, __________ yourselves in the love of God, ______________ for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."
7. Three expressions of Christian service toward the erring: "And on some have _____________, who are in doubt; and some ___________, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have _____________ with fear."
8. Doxology: "…_______________ all time, and _____________, and __________."


2. Topics for further study
1. List all the things said about evil workers.
2. What does the epistle teach concerning angels?
3. Summarize the teaching of the epistle regarding the punishment of sin.
4. What had the apostles foretold concerning false teachers described by Jude?

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

Beetles and Thunderstorms by Jim McGuiggan

https://web.archive.org/web/20160426090843/http://jimmcguiggan.com/nonbelievers2.asp?id=30

Beetles and Thunderstorms

Believers and non-believers are both humans and have to live with the limitations that come with being human. However difficult it is do we need to retain some degree of modesty. Even if the believer knew beyond the possibility of doubt that there is a God who has shown himself to us in and as Jesus Christ it wouldn't follow that she knew everything about that God. It's amusing (and occasionally irritating) to hear people talk as if they had a direct line with God who tells them everything he thinks about everything. And no matter what they decide to do or say or think, it appears that God has given them explicit instructions in the matter. Must be nice to have that kind of assurance. It's almost amusing to hear some non-believers speak in the same oracular fashion. They don't profess to have an omniscient advisor but they speak as if with their own intellectual powers they all the answers. It's true that not all believers or non-believers are like this but there are enough of us to go around.

I'm sure we aren't to live as if we can't be sure of anything! G.K. Chesterton rightly chided those whose modesty wouldn't allow them to assert that 2+2=4 but in between that and speaking as though we had universal knowledge there is a great chasm.

A beetle born during a thunderstorm and dying before it ended might not have a balanced view of creation. Presumably adult humans will be able to acknowledge the reality of the storm but put it in perspective.

Maybe it's all right to make our judgements provisional. Maybe it's okay to speak with firmness and conviction while still acknowledging that new truths might lead us to re-think our conclusions or at least to reshape them a bit. Isn't that what we hear when Jesus the Christ said both, "Judge righteous judgements" and "Judge not"?

Being a convinced believer in Jesus Christ I speak (or at least try to) with conviction but if it could be proved that Jesus didn't rise I'd have to confess that my faith is vain and my gospel is nonsense. Maybe a long "conversation" with the biblical Christ would lead a non-believer to rethink his or her conclusions. Maybe one tiny life, even a sincere tiny life, isn't grounds enough to close the door to God.

If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments by Alfred Shannon Jr.

https://biblicalproof.wordpress.com/2011/05/page/5/

If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments

Thus Saith The Lord,
Ye call Me Light, and see Me not;
Ye call Me Word, and hear Me not;
Ye call Me Wise, and understand Me not;
Ye call Me Way, and follow Me not;
Ye call Me Truth, and believe Me not;
Ye call Me Life, and desire Me not;
Ye call Me Messiah, and honor me not;
Ye call Me Mighty, and fear Me not;
Ye call Me Master, and obey Me not;
Ye call Me Love, and keep Me not;
If I condemn You, blame Me not.

Jn 8:12; Jn 1:1; Rom 11:34; Jn 14:6; Jn 1:41; Isa 9:6; Jn 13:13;  1 Jn 4:8; Jn 14:15

James (Part 9) Control What You Say By: Ben Fronczek James 3:1-12

http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?p=1100

James (Part 9) Controling Your Tongue

James  (Part 9) Control What You Say   By: Ben Fronczek

James 3:1-12

I believe that one of man’s most powerful possessions are not the bombs we’ve developed, not our guns or battle ships, stealth flyers, nor any other implements of war. Rather I believe the most powerful thing that we possess are the words we speak from our mouth. Words spoken have not only sparked wars that led to thousands and thousands of deaths, the right words spoken also have led people to achieve amazing goals; from great physical feats to landing a spacecraft and walking on the moon.

Our words are powerful. They can create or destroy. They can encourage us to reach new heights, or plunges us into such a depressed state that some commit suicide or even harm others.

God’s words are super powerful. He spoke words and all creation was created, and He created us in His own image… with power in our words as well. So in today’s lesson from James chapter 3 we’ll see where James encourages us as Christians to keep a tight rein on, or control our tongue or the words that come out of our mouth.

Read James 3:1-12.

James 3:1-12  (NIV) “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.2 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.

3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, 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. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”

I wonder if there were issues in James’s home growing up, or if his parents coming from a humble background taught their children to be careful about what they said. Earlier in this letter James wrote in 1:19, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,”   

And here in this chapter I believe that he is emphasizing that when we do speak, we need to control our tongue.

In verse 3, he talks about putting a bit in a horse’s mouth. Why? Because when the rider pulls on that bit it presses down on the horse’s mouth and tongue and he can control that 1000 pound beast. It says, “3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.”

Verse 7 says that, “All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind,8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”  To tame a beast here means to “changed from the wild or savage state; or to domesticate.”

We may not be able to tame our tongue like we tame an animal, but I believe with the Lord’s help we can bridle it, or control it just like a rider can control a powerful horse.

In verse 4, James also talks about how a boat, or even a big ship is controlled or steered. The pilot steers or controls that ship like a rider turns a horse with the use of a small rudder.  I believe this text is emphasizing more of how the rider or the pilot can control the boat or the beast than it is about a little bit, or small rudder. As the pilot of our own body we likewise need to control our tongue just like the pilot and rider take control and steer their ride in the right direction.   

David wrote in Psalm 39:1, “I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.”

James knew like David that there are times when we need to get what we say under control, we need to bridle or muzzle it, because what we say can do some real damage just like a spark igniting and forest fire. In vss 5 & 6 James writes, “Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”

I’ll never forget the time when I was a teen when fire swept through part of my parent’s property. My parent’s farm adjoined another farm at the rear, and beyond that farm was a road. Apparently someone flicked a cigarette butt out of their car window and it landed in some dry pasture grass. Well with the help of a breeze it wasn’t too long before the sparks in the cigarette became a small flame and before long it began to consume a huge dry hay field. Well flames swept across that big field in no time and then entered my parent’s property which was part field and part forest. Before the firemen could put a stop to the fire that fire not only burned  a couple huge fields of grass, it also burned off 20-25 acres s of my parents land. And it all started because someone could not take proper care of a lit cigarette butt.

Likewise, loose, unbridled words you say and just thrown out not only can get you in trouble, they may also hurt or destroy someone else.   I believe we are being encouraged to never under estimate the power of what we say.

As a matter of fact James even makes a point to warn those who want to teach or instruct others; because teachers will be judged more strictly. Before and as I prepare my lessons each week, I not only pray every day for God’s help, guidance, and wisdom as I prepare them, I also spend a lot of time researching the facts so I can be as accurate as possible when I present the lessons.  Why? Because I know that I am responsible and will be held accountable for what I teach you.

…..No teacher should take this responsibility lightly.

As a matter of fact all of us should be careful of what we say to others.

So what about you? Do you have this problem. When you angry or upset do you rattle off all kinds of harsh and sometimes hurtful words. Do they just flow out of your mouth in frustration? Do you respond so quick that you don’t even know what you are going to say until it is already out of your mouth? And then after you said those words do you regret you ever said them.

James is instructing you to take control of that tongue of yours and what you say. And how do you do that?

Well the first bit of advice he gave in Chapter one is a good place to start. Rather than blasting people with our words, he said that we should first of all be ‘Quick to listen’,  (in other words really take the time to listen to the other person, or get the whole story before you blast them.)   He then instructed us to be ‘Slow to Speak’ (In other words wait, maybe even think about what you are going to say before you say it.) And finally he adds that we should also be ‘Slow to get angry.’     Why?  Because we all know the kind of words that come out of our mouth when we are angry.

Solomon wrote:  “Reckless words are like a sword.” Proverbs 12:18 ….What do swords do? Wound or kill.                                                                               

He also wrote:  “He who holds his tongue is wise.” Proverbs 10:19               25:11 says, “Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.”

Your words if delivered in the right setting and at just the right time can be a treasure.

So are you still unsure how to get your mouth under control? In James chapter 1 he gives even more good advise. He writes, “5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

If you want to get your mouth and what you say under control ask God to help you get it under control.  In a situation be QUICK to listen, SLOW to speak, SLOW to get angry, and pray that God will give you wisdom.

David said to God,  “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight.”    Psalm 19:14

James wrote, “10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”

Take control of the reins. Take control of the rudder. And for God’s sake take control of your tongue. And I would also like to recommend that as much as possible we should season what we have to say with Love.

If you decide to control your tongue you can do it. It may take practice, determinations, and a lot of pray, but remember, you can do all things thru Christ who gives us strength.

Let the power that is in your words bring Glory to Lord.

In Proverbs Solomon wrote, “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life” (10:11a)

And In (18:4) “Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.” And like cool clean water such word of wisdom are refreshing.

David asks an interesting question in Psalm 15 and then answers it. Listen to what he says: “Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?”    And here’s his answer…
2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts.3 Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors  or speak evil of their friends.”

From this day forward, like James I am encouraging you to control what comes out of your mouth. Those words you speak have tremendous power, maybe more than you realize. And so I encourage you to use those words and that power to do good, encourage others and bring Glory to your Father in Heaven.

For more lessons click on the following link: http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?page_id=566