Mouth Medicine from “Jesus Lover Judy”

In last week’s blog, we updated our study on how we often use our mouths to speak words that bring pain to others. That is not the way that we want to live.

We have asked God to give us some medicine from the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.  We received wisdom from Jesus Lover Judy (Judypie) that helps us to remember to watch what we say.

Check out these Meditations from Judypie.  We hope this medicine will help you during the upcoming week to use your mouth in ways that please and glorify God...

Word In Due Season... The Effect Of Your Words

Ecclesiastes 10:20 reads:

“Curse not the king, no, not even in your thoughts, and curse not the rich in your bedchamber, for a bird of the air will carry the voice, and a winged creature will tell the matter.”

This powerful scripture warns us of the danger of gossip, tale bearing and backbiting.

Speaking such things in private to even one person is still damaging. Not only have we slandered an individual to another, but WORDS have been spoken out into the atmosphere that have continuing affect in the spiritual realm.

Gossip is a big problem among God’s children, and it should not be so. Tale bearing, gossip, slander, and backbiting cause strife and division, which is the devil’s goal. Jesus’ words are spirit and life. Learning to say only what He would say, we would speak forth life - to the listener, to the person being discussed, and to ourselves.

Too often, we speak What the devil would say - death to everyone concerned. I believe that “unscriptural speaking” causes depression and sickness.

Remember words spoken into the atmosphere can cause trouble also - not just words spoken to someone. Order your conversation so that your words Minister life. Your reward will be more joy and better health.

LET GOD USE YOUR MOUTH - NOT THE DEVIL.

Fruit of My Lips

Lord, by Your Holy Spirit perfect the fruit of my lips. Help me draw thanksgiving forth from my innermost resources; reach down into the most secret places of my heart that I may offer significant thanksgiving to You in the name of Jesus. Amen

Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.

Hebrews 13:15 [AMP]

Sing a New Song

Out of your innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.

This water is for your healing and the healing of those within your realm of influence. This living water will wash away thoughts that would limit your spiritual and emotional growth and your possibilities.

What are you speaking; what are you singing? Are you singing songs of self-pity, gloom and doom or songs of joy, peace and love? The choice is yours. Speak out to others in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with your voice and making melody with all your heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19).

You begin by loving the Lord your God. Choose to be joyful in him and be in high spirits.

If you are feeling down, if circumstances are holding you in depression, if you are in the midst of a trial... choose to sing a new song to the Lord, and your feelings will be lifted, and you can go on your way holding your head high because the joy of the Lord is your strength.

As Reverend M. Sylvia Ball shared in her Powerhouse blog entry, praise goes before victory!

Heavenly Father, today I am singing a new song.

Yesterday with its victories and failures has passed away, and behold on this day all things have become new.

I look forward to all things that You send my way -- a new sunrise, new friends, relationships, assignments, responsibilities, blessings, and new opportunities to be a blessing to someone today. I release the past, and will not judge by the former thought patterns and attitudes.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your goodness to me. The earth is full of God’s unfailing love. Amen

⁹Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.

¹⁰Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise from the end of the earth! You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, the islands and coastal regions and the inhabitants of them [sing a song such as has never been heard in the heathen world]!

Isaiah 42:9-10 [AMP]

⁸ Bring out the people who are blind, yet have eyes,
   who are deaf, yet have ears!
⁹ All the nations gather together,
   and the peoples assemble.
Who among them can declare this,
   and show us the former things?
Let them bring their witnesses to prove them right,
   and let them hear and say, It is true.
¹⁰ “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD,
   “and my servant whom I have chosen,
that you may know and believe me
   and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
   nor shall there be any after me.”

Isaiah 43:18-10 [ESV]

He loves righteousness and justice;
    the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.

Psalm 33:5 [ESV]

Good Medicine

Heavenly Father, because you have turned my captivity and have done great things for me, my mouth is filled with laughter and my tongue with singing.

Joy floods my being, and rejoicing covers my lips!

The dark clouds of oppression are replaced with your goodness and its beauty, Father.

The cheerfulness of my heart is as medicine to my spirit, soul and body.

It is well with me because I am yours and you are mine. Your banner over me is love.

In the name of Jesus, I rejoice. Amen.

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter [Job] and your lips with joyful shouting.

Job 8:21 [AMP]

For how great is God's goodness and how great is His beauty! And how great [He will make Israel's] goodliness and [Israel's] beauty! Grain shall make the young men thrive and fresh wine the maidens.

Zechariah 9:17 [AMP]

A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22 [AMP]

I am my beloved's [garden] and my beloved is mine! He feeds among the lilies [which grow there].

Song of Solomon 6:3 [AMP]

Growing up

Father, I affirm the Lordship of Jesus over my relationships.

When I was a child, I talked, thought and reasoned like a child. I am done with childish ways and have put them aside.

The blood of Christ, who offered himself without spot to You, Father, purges my conscience from dead works of selfishness, agitating passions and moral conflicts.

Holy Spirit, help me grow up in every way, speaking truly, dealing truly and living truly. Jesus is Lord over my spirit, soul and body. Amen

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside.

1 Corinthians 13:11 [AMP]

And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

I Thessalonians 5:23 [AMP]

Renewing Thought Patterns

It is written “For My thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways My ways” declares the Lord.

“As the heavens are higher than the earth so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

I no longer desire to conform to the pattern of this world but may I be transformed by the renewing of my mind.

Then my thoughts and my ways will be changed to Your thoughts and Your ways in the name of Jesus.

Amen

⁸For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord.

⁹For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

¹⁰For as the rain and snow come down from the heavens, and return not there again, but water the earth and make it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

¹¹So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:8-11 [AMP]

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

Romans 12:2 [AMP]

The Tongue of the Learned

Holy Spirit, help me remember that a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, my ear to listen like one being taught.

The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears, I have not been rebellious; have not drawn back.

Amen

A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

Proverbs 25:11 [AMP]

 ⁴ The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue,
       to know the word that sustains the weary.
       He wakens me morning by morning,
       wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.

 ⁵ The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears,
       and I have not been rebellious;
       I have not drawn back.

Isaiah 50:4-5 [NIV]

Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You do I wait all the day long.

Words of Wisdom

Father, in the name of Jesus I apply my heart to instruction and my ears to words of knowledge. All Your words are true; all Your righteous laws are eternal. The words of the Lord are flawless, silver refined in a furnace of clay, seven times. My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding. Amen

Apply your mind to instruction and correction and your ears to words of knowledge.

Proverbs 23:12 [AMP]

All your words are true;
       all your righteous laws are eternal.

Psalm 119:160 [NIV]

And the words of the LORD are flawless,
       like silver refined in a furnace of clay,
       purified seven times.

Psalm 12:6 [NIV]

My mouth will speak words of wisdom;
       the utterance from my heart will give understanding.

Psalm 49:3 [NIV]

I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:2

Oops... Did I Actually Say That?

Foot-in-Mouth Disease

Every now and again, I put my foot in my mouth.  On other occasions, I open my mouth and change feet.

The original version of this blog was precipitated by a statement made to a friend as a joke.  They got seriously offended.

Then, to quote Britney Spears... oops, I did it again.

Funny how that happens so easily.

I have seen people in a fight or an argument say things that they later regretted.  In some instances, a physical altercation followed with fists furiously flying.  Some times... bullets start flying.

Sad but true that we often send a proverbial knife into someone by just a few poorly chosen words. Words that may not even have come from any negative or hostile intent.

Well... there are days when I put my foot in my mouth, and then there are days when I open my mouth and put them both in.  Rather than to continue just changing feet in  mouth... Go spiritual counsel on how to better manage our words.

I SAID, I will take heed and guard my ways, that I may sin not with my tongue; I will muzzle my mouth as with a bridle while the wicked are before me.

Psalm 39:1 [AMP]

The Psalmist realized the state of the human heart... and how we can so easily take a turn towards the dark side via the words of our mouths.  In this instance, the Psalmist makes a pact with himself to put the proverbial zip upon his flapping lip.

Often, that may not be good enough.  Even with the best of intentions, we can slip up.  So... in Psalm 141, we see the request for God to do the job that we often fail at.

Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.

Psalm 141:3 [AMP]

I remember years ago making somebody so mad that they pulled out a gun and threatened to shoot me for saying something out of line.  I escaped with my life... and then began to pray the above scriptures.  It helped... but it is an on-going task... as we will see in this study.

Using The Name in Vain

Another thing that I notice a lot lately is the use of the name of the Lord in vain. I don't just mean to use God's name as a curse or in connection with profanity. While those things are certainly horrible (from a Christian’s perspective) I'm talking about the use of the Lord's name as an adjective or an exclamation.

For example, when you watch a television program do you notice characters who exclaim, “Oh my god!” Or even, bypassing the more gentrifying exclamations such as gosh or golly and just saying His name?

Even more disturbing, those who throw the name of Jesus around in a vain or useless manner. And when they go so far as to use the name of Jesus in conjunction with a profanity… I just want to jump out of my chair and scream!

I would imagine that most Americans are familiar with the Ten Commandments. Whether or not you have seen the motion picture of that title starring Charlton Heston, wore the animated film “The Prince of Egypt,” most Americans have been exposed to those 10 precepts given by God to the children of Israel.

Well then, in that case you should recognize this:

You shall not use or repeat the name of the Lord your God in vain [that is, lightly or frivolously, in false affirmations or profanely]; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

Exodus 20:7 [AMP]

Unfortunately, while most people are aware of that scripture, they don’t seem to either belive or take it seriously.  And the frequency in which this abuse and misuse of His name occurs is increasing at an alarming rate. 

Not very long ago, I was watching a documentary in which so called atheists were mocking God’s commandment to have no other gods before Him. It is funny to think of people who claim that there is no God and at the same time question His word. Apparently God also finds this amusing.

¹WHY DO the nations assemble with commotion [uproar and confusion of voices], and why do the people imagine (meditate upon and devise) an empty scheme?
²The kings of the earth take their places; the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and His Anointed One (the Messiah, the Christ). They say,
³Let us break Their bands [of restraint] asunder and cast Their cords [of control] from us.
⁴He Who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision [and in supreme contempt He mocks them].

Psalm 2:1-4 [AMP]

Yes, God Who created this entire universe and everything in it... the all wise, all powerful, all knowing God created man and yet His very creation is arrogant enough to think that he can rebel against his Creator?  Hmm... where did that idea originate?  Who was the first to come up with such a ridiculous plan.  Could it be...satan?

¹³And you said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit upon the mount of assembly in the uttermost north.
¹⁴I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.
¹⁵Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol (Hades), to the innermost recesses of the pit (the region of the dead).

Isaiah 14:13-15 [AMP]

Yes, those are the words that the angel formerly known as Lucifer spoke before his fall.  And, sadly... the thoughts of those who align themselves with satan and shake their fists toward heaven in bold defiance against the One who has all power in His hand.  And the greatest rebellion that man can perform is to break the commandment against using the Lord’s name in vain. Why?  Because words are containers for great power.  God created the heavens and the earth by speaking those great words:

Let there be...

And of all created things on this planet, man is the only one given the ability to choose and speak words.  Created in God’s image, our words have great power.  The power of death... and, the power of life.

²⁰ A man’s [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil].
²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].

Proverbs 18:20-21 [AMP]

Get Ready for Judgement Day

We have been warned by the Master Jesus Himself, that on the day of judgment that we will be judged for what comes out of our mouths... because what comes out of the mouth is a barometer of what is in the heart.

Everyone will one day leave this life behind.  Death takes rich and poor... Republican and Democrat... saved and unsaved.  Death is probably the only sure thing about life.  And yet, after death comes another sure thing: judgment.

The atheist denies the existence of God to abolish in his or her thinking the idea of judgement or punishment.  But does denying a thing make that thing invalid?

The person who drives recklessly does so thinking that his or her driving is with impunity.  But that person’s fallacy will be challenged by the law enforcement officer with radar gun clocking the driver’s speed.

You ever watch those high-speed chase shows on television?  Eventually, they either get caught or involved in a spectacular crash.  Still, they fail to realize that you may run, but you can’t hide.  You must face the music.

People live their lives like a high-speed chase... and yet death will eventually catch you.  And then, after that... the judgement.  And all those times you threw the name of God or Jesus around in a vain or profane manner... YIKES!

And just as it is appointed for [all] men once to die, and after that the [certain] judgment

Hebrews 9:27 [AMP]

Ready or not... here He comes.  He will judge the quick (living) and the dead.

³⁶But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak.
³⁷For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced.

Matthew 12:36-37 [AMP]

Every word that comes out of our mouths will be tested and tried.  The good news is that we can confess our sins and receive forgiveness (1 John 1:9).  The bad news is, some people will refuse to do so... or will not realize their need to do so until it is too late.

The upright (honorable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honorable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse brings forth that which is depraved (wicked and intrinsically evil); for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks.

Luke 6:45 [AMP]

Therefore, it is imperative that each man or woman reading this REPENT and receive God's free gift of salvation (see John 3:16).  Once you get your sins forgiven, then you can follow the advice of the Apostle Paul in the book of Ephesians regarding how to properly govern your mouth:

²⁹ Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.
³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin).

Ephesians 4:29-30 [AMP]

An On-Going Commitment

Just like the overweight person who wants to lose weight, one needs to make a lifetime commitment to being change to their life.

And, as the person who successfully loses weight can slip up and put on a pound or two... we who seek to be Christ-like can slip up.

Watching our words is an ongoing thing.  It may be easier for some than for others... but the words that come out of our mouths will either bring life... or the opposite.

I want to choose life.

I know that I occasionally have friends tell me that I said something that hurt them, or embarrasssed them, or worse.  That not only hurts my friends, but it grieves the Holy Spirit of God.

That I definitely don’t want to do... so this week’s prayer focus will be on watching and correcting my mouth... and even words that I might text or message to others.  Easier said than done?  Fortunately, life is an open book test.  This week, I will be opening the book!

These Things Ought Not to Be So

“...These things ought not to be so.”

James 3:10 [NKJV]

The Bible says: “With [our tongue] we bless our God... and with it we curse men... these things are not to be so” (James 3:8-10 NKJV).

It displeases God when we praise Him in church on Sunday then tear someone down at work on Monday. “But what I’m saying is true,” you say. “All a mans ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord” (Proverbs 16:2 NIV).

Slander begins with pride; it says, “When I’m right and you’re wrong, I have the right to say so.” No, people flock to church altars for healing from wounds inflicted by Christians. Gossip broke their spirits.
One lady writes: “I went through a period of trying to overcome gossip but I’d still tell it to my husband.

Although I knew he wouldn’t repeat it, I realized that by exposing him to it I was poisoning his spirit. That’s when I decided to change what was coming out of my mouth.”

What you say about someone colors how others see them. One pastor tells all his new members, “If you hear another member slandering somebody, stop them right away and say, ‘Excuse me, who hurt you, ignored or slighted you? We’ll pray together about it so that God can restore peace to this body, but we won’t let you talk about people who aren’t around to defend themselves.’” Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, the issue dies right there; or the offender leaves.

“Be... gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love...” (Ephesians 4:2-3 NCV). Since none of us are infallible and all of us need to be treated gently, patiently and with love, let’s make it a habit of treating each other that way.

Pastor Ng Francis
www.fnministries.com

Meditations from Judypie: Words and Attitudes

Power of Words

The Bible has much to say about words. A man’s [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil]. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life] (Proverbs 18:20-21). Listen to your words; are they producing life or death? What are you speaking about yourself, your family, your job? Renew you mind, fill your heart with the powerful, transforming Word of God, and you will eat the fruit of life; healing, health, well-being, prosperity and good relationships. God’s words will not return unto him void. They will produce a crop of blessings!

O LORD, set a guard over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth. Your words are spirit and life, and I pray that the Word of God may dwell richly in me with all wisdom. Then my words will be seasoned with grace, and my tongue will keep me from calamity, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.

Psalm 141:3 [AMP]

It is not what goes into the mouth of a man that makes him unclean and defiled, but what comes out of the mouth; this makes a man unclean and defiles [him].

Matthew 15:11 [AMP]

Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.

Ephesians 4:29 [AMP]

He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from troubles.

Proverbs 21:23 [AMP]

Open My Eyes

Lord, I ask You to open my eyes that I may see the wonderful things in Your law. Thank You for the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father has sent in Your name. He will teach me all things and will remind me of everything You have said. Lord Jesus, thank You for opening my understanding and for showing me how to read my Bible. Amen

Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law.

Psalm 119:18 [AMP]

He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, “You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You’re the first to hear and see it. You’re the witnesses. What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you’re equipped with power from on high.”

Luke 24:45-49 [Message]

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”

John 14:26 [NAS]

Christ is your Sufficiency

Sooner or later everyone has to deal with pride. We trust in our own resources and blame others when life doesn’t turn out as we plan. We can’t ask anyone for help because pride convinces us that we are sufficient unto ourselves. We even think that we know more and are smarter than all our teachers. This stronghold of pride not only hinders healthy relationships, but prevents us from seeking God. God is faithful and He will turn it around when we choose to acknowledge and humble ourselves before Him. He is more than enough. He is our sufficiency! He has made us fit, worthy and sufficient to be His ministers in the marketplace as an employer or employee, at home, in our communities and abroad. Choose to be teachable and contrite, Christ will be your sufficiency one day at a time. He is more than enough and you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

Father, it is true, I can’t do a solitary thing on my own: I listen, and then I decide. I’m not out to get my own way but only to carry out Your orders. Not because I think I can do anything of lasting value by myself. My only power and success comes from God. Your grace is sufficient for me, for Your power is made perfect in my weakness. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Amen

“I can’t do a solitary thing on my own: ”

John 5:30 [Message]

It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.

2^nd Corinthians 3:5 [NLT]

But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!

2^nd Corinthians 12:9 [AMP]

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].

Philippians 4:13 [AMP]

Seated with Christ

I ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the glorious Father to give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that I may know Him better... that the eyes of my heart may be enlightened... that I may know the hope to which He has called me the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints... His incomparably great power for all who believe. And God raised me up with Christ and seated me with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus far above all rule and authority power and dominion and every title that can be given not only in the present age but also in the one to come. In Jesus name. Amen

¹⁷ I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. ¹⁸ I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, ²⁰ which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, ²¹ far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Ephesians 1:17-21 [NIV]

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

Ephesians 2:6 [NIV]

Meditation

In the name of Jesus, I am blessed. My Lord, I delight in Your law, and on Your law I meditate day and night. I am like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever I do prospers. Jesus, You have been made unto me wisdom, righteousness and sanctification, and I enjoy living in the Way of Truth. Thank you, Lord, for watching over the way of the righteous. Amen

¹ BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. ² But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night. ³ And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity]. ⁴ Not so the wicked [those disobedient and living without God are not so]. But they are like the chaff [worthless, dead, without substance] which the wind drives away. ⁵ Therefore the wicked [those disobedient and living without God] shall not stand [justified] in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous [those who are upright and in right standing with God]. ⁶ For the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly [those living outside God’s will] shall perish (end in ruin and come to nought).

Psalm 1:1-6

Benediction

My choice is you, God, first and only.
And now I find I’m your choice!
You set me up with a house and yard.
And then you made me your heir!

Psalm 16:5-6 [The Message]

Taming the Tongue

BIBLE MEDITATION:
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Your tongue can get you into a lot of trouble. There is nothing that can do more damage to your relationships than your words. Proverbs 17:27 says, “He that hath knowledge spareth his words.” That is, if you’re smart, you won’t talk so much. When you do talk, keep your words warm and sweet because you may have to eat them. There’s an old saying I heard a Rabbi use once that reminds us: “The ears are open and out. They’re unguarded, but the tongue is behind ivory bars.” When you’re talking, you’re not learning. When you’re not learning, you’re not communicating. When you’re not communicating, there will be no intimacy in your relationships.

ACTION POINT:
In what ways has your mouth gotten you into trouble this week? Confess those times before the Lord and ask for strength and wisdom to be a better communicator.

Your Worst Enemy

THE TONGUE CAN BE YOUR WORST ENEMY!

Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have power to create conditions in your life.

(Proverbs 18:21 - Death and life are in the power ofThe tongue, And those Who love it will eat its fruit.)

What you speak about, you can bring about.

If you keep saying you can't stand your job, you might lose your job.

If you keep saying you can't stand your body, your body can become sick.

If you keep saying you can't stand your car, your car could be stolen or just stop operating.

If you keep saying you're broke, guess what? You'll always be broke.

If you keep saying you can't trust a man or trust a woman, you will always find someone in your life to hurt and betray you.

If you keep saying you can't find a job, you will remain unemployed.

If you keep saying you can't find someone to love you or believe in you, your very thought will attract more experiences to confirm your beliefs.

If you keep talking about a divorce or break up in a relationship, then you might end up with it.

Turn your thoughts and conversations around to be more positive and power packed with faith, hope, love and action.

Don't be afraid to believe that you can have what you want and deserve.

Watch your Thoughts - they become words.

Watch your words - they become actions.

Watch your actions - they become habits.

Watch your Habits - they become character.

Watch your Character - for it becomes your Destiny.

The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settle for. (Yes! I like that!)

Thought I would share this with you.

"In the search for me, I discovered truth.
In the search for truth, I discovered love.
In the search for love, I discovered GOD.
And in God, I have found Everything.

Be Blessed

Watch how your circumstances and situations begin to change when you change the way you speak.