Me and my mouth

 

Summer 2023 . . . talking too much?

Oh how we all love to talk. If you are like most (and me included!), you cannot wait for someone to stop talking to respond with your opinion. I am working on that! We all value out own opinion, many times more than the opinions of others. How many times do we talk too soon and often too much?

As we read from Old Testament scriptures, the tongue can be very encouraging, but also very deadly!

He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit. There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment. (Proverbs 12: 17-19)

Jesus' brother James has some sage advice coming from one who was very close to the Word Himself . . . maybe he learned from experience to listen to Jesus more!

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1: 19-20)

The apostle Paul gives us this advice as unwholesome talk can actually grieve God the Holy Spirit as well as damage the people around us. Gossip, rumor spreading, on-line chats, tweets, social media responses, coarse joking and "joning" on people can all lead to damaged character and sin.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:29-30)

My pastor is quick to remind us that we have a natural cage around our tongues . . . teeth! Keep that tongue guarded! Practice prayer before speaking!!!!

Why do we pray?

Why do we pray? Is it a thing we do? Is it to make us feel better? Does it allow us to check it off of our list of things to do?  

In a day and age when stress seems to be impacting everyone . . . young and old . . . communicating with God can be a very effective way of relieving stress and anxieties. In fact, God is big enough to handle everything we gave to Him!

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)

Keeping things bottled up inside ourselves not only shortens one's life, but is even prideful! When communicating with our Creator God, we can acknowledge our shortcomings, failures and faults . . . even our frustrations and all that we just cannot quite handle. God is able to more than we could ever imagine. He can even calm us and equip us to go on forward.

Let's try listing all our stressful things to God . . . on paper. Let God know in words how we feel. Now give them to God! Throughout the day, as we feel them pressing in on us, take a moment to give them back to God. Let's be open and honest with God through this day and see how we finish!

Why do we pray . . .  because God cares!

God is listening!

To the contrary of many, prayer is not hard.  It does not have to be taught, memorized or tested. There is no special formula or procedure to pray. It is simply a conversation with our Creator . . . sharing our hearts. The cool thing is that God is listening!

While we have a model prayer in scripture (Matthew 6:5-15), that is simply a guide, not a script to follow. In fact, Jesus was clear, do not pray repetitiously as some do. God wants to hear from us, individually: He is listening to our hearts as well as our words!

If we are unsure what to pray, we can let Him know. If we are angry, or upset, even at God, we can let Him know that. Even if we don't even feel like praying, God wants to hear that! Prayer is not a duty, but a privilege! The most challenging part of prayer is to decide to pray . . . now!

So just begin . . . God is listening!

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? (Matthew 7:7-9)

Words said or left unsaid leave scars

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)

Wow . . . this is right on time for me! Look at God.  While I love my wife dearly and would do anything for her, there are times when I do not say the right thing, or say the wrong thing! Forgiveness is easy to ask for, but the words said or left unsaid leave scars!

Good communication takes years of practice, especially in marriage and family. When we think we have it down, again we blow it. It can bring us to severe frustration at ourselves and inward and outward sadness. So why does this happen?

We try. We get advice. We even read the bible. Yet we fail again and again. It is the same old answer . . . our fleshly desires take rule over our desires to pleasing God and our spouse. The lust of our flesh and the pride of life raise their ugly heads. It is SIN again! 

We are hurt. We want to lash out. Our pride has been crushed. So we let our flesh do the talking: #@!%+@#!

We need the help of the Holy Spirit in the middle of these conversations. "I" must be the one to say something sweet as honey. Words do leave scars, but they can also bring healing!

What are you saying God?

 God has written my story and your story . . . we must now live it out! He directs it through His Word. If we do not stay in touch with Him, then we are out of touch with ourselves!

As we read His Word, He reveals to us His desires and plans for us. He encourages us and He corrects us. He leads us in the right direction. He knows what we need to hear and when we need to hear it. He will speak to us in ways in which we need to hear it.

His Holy Spirit can get through to us as a nagging thought that just won't go away, a feeling deep within our gut or even someone else's words or a song on the radio. Simply be open to all the various ways God may indeed speak to us throughout the day!

Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:11-13)

What are you saying God?

Are my words worth it? It is just a matter of timing and tact.

 Afraid to speak up? 

Ever find yourself trying to figure out how to respond? 

Have you thought it's better to just be quiet?

Are my words worth it?

Well, YOU are worth it! Your opinion is valued and needed. It is just a matter of timing and tact.

Many times we want to comment on a particular news event or circumstance in our lives, however the timing is not right. Folks are not ready to hear what we have to say. We have to plan out the right response with tact, thinking of how to be most impactful for Christ.

Here is some really good instruction from both Paul and James:

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:6)

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20)

We talk too much!

I was advised long ago that when sharing the Gospel, only speak if you absolutely have to speak. What??? Yes, we talk too much! You see, we plan our conversations and have all this information (including memorized Scriptures) ready for the next person we encounter. Yet we do not consider our actions!

Many things must be considered before we speak: the condition of a person's heart, their present situation, their underlying needs, etc. As we show we are listening and trying to understand the other person . . . that we really care for them . . . we can lay the groundwork for our words later.  

You see, they have some questions within their hearts that we just may miss if we are only focused on what we have to say! Are we talking too much?

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. (Matthew 10:16-20)

Many times we simply have to allow God to act and speak through us!

The direction one is headed . . .

 Have you ever gotten lost when following someone else's directions? What about when even the GPS seems to be lost? How important is it to know for sure the direction one is headed? Is it not easier to get to a place after we have been there and discovered it more on our own than to keep following the map or the GPS each time?

Why did Jesus sometimes speak in parables, when it seemed confusing to many? 

Do stories convey truths better than facts at times? 

Is it better to figure things out on our own rather than to be given all the details?

Lots of questions make us seek the answer!  Seeking and finding the Truth is much better than being told what to believe . . . do you not agree? 

How can we cause others to seek Jesus on their own . . . or help them to do so . . . rather than simply telling them Who He is? Try a story . . . your story!

Why did Jesus speak in parables? It was to cause folks to understand with their hearts, not their minds!

And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”
He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:
‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,
And seeing you will see and not perceive; For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.’ (Matthew 13:10-15)

Talking too much . . . listening beyond words.

 Do we just talk too much? Think about it. We all have something to say and cannot wait to say it! Many times we start thinking of what we are going to say even before the other person stops talking . . . even cutting the person off! Ever think that saying less . . . saying nothing may actually be more effective?

In this instance, Jesus did not go into a list of scriptures or steps on how to gain eternal life. He addressed an underlying issue with the man by actually listening beyond the words. While we are so adamant about our prepared responses, Jesus listened . . .

“Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ” And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. (Mark 10:17-22)

Do we have an ear to listen? 

Do we pray knowing God hears and will answer?

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If any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He will give it to you. God gives freely to everyone and doesn’t find fault. But when you ask, you must believe. You must not doubt. That’s because a person who doubts is like a wave of the sea. The wind blows and tosses them around. They shouldn’t expect to receive anything from the Lord. This kind of person can’t make up their mind. They can never decide what to do. (James 1:5-8)

Many of us pray . . .especially when we are challenged, hurting, in need and not sure what to do. Some of us even pray when all is well, knowing all good things come from God. However, do we pray knowing God hears and will answer?

Above all else, God knows all the answers! So when in doubt, we are reminded to ask God. He loves to share with His children. Many times, however, we think we can handle things on our own . . . until we find ourselves in a bind! Why not ask before we venture out?

There is another key to seeking God's will: trust. Do we pray knowing God hears and will answer? I don't know about you, but with me, I know He hears, but I am working on trusting His answers . . . especially when I have to wait!  https://youtu.be/xNnhPjU54Gg

What about you?

Are we willing to wait on God and then accept His answers?

Never stop learning . . .even from our young people!

So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously. And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (Luke 2:45-52)

One thing I have learned myself while teaching during this pandemic is that our kids have a lot to say! Yes they complain about work. They moan about lack of sleep. They remind us how bored they are but also how fearful they are as well! Yet as they open up about their struggles, I have also learned so much from them and about me!

Like with Jesus and the elders in Luke 2, I am astonished at the students' questions but also their understanding! Again, I have learned so much from them! In my bible lessons, but even more from our general discussions on life, I have come to realize their struggles are real and their frustrations are genuine. They face way too many pressures that we never faced as youth. A lot of it comes from the world we are in with all the political and social turmoil, but much of it comes from us as well. Teaching today requires a lot more listening that speaking, and sometimes more caring than grading. As never before, it rings true that kids only care how much we know when they know how much we care!

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you . . . (1 Timothy 4:12-14)

Whether in the classroom or in after school ministry, even when counseling the now young adults who have been through our youth programs, I have come to realize the many gifts they possess from God and the need to bring these gifts out. They need to know they are valued. We need our young people and they need us. We all need to keep learning . . . keep growing in favor with God and man!

Be the Barnabas

 Be the Barnabas! 

Have you ever had a friend stand up for you? What about someone who helped and supported you even before you became friends? Barnabas was that kind of person. His life provides some great lessons for us today.

Barnabas' given name was Joses (or Joseph) but the apostles gave him the name Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement" or "Son of Exhortation" (Acts 4:36) 

And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.  And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches. (Acts 15: 36-41)

It is well known that there became a rift between Paul and Barnabas concerning a young John Mark, since the latter abandoned their first missionary journey earlier in the mountainous area of Turkey. When deciding to go back and check on folks from previous journeys, Paul thought it unwise to include Mark. Paul and Barnabas decided to split and go different ways. Paul travelled with Silas. Barnabas chose to encourage Mark, a young man who didn’t have many friends. Barnabas must have said to himself, “John Mark needs me; if I don’t help him now, he may never amount to anything.” And so Barnabas took Mark with him, and they went back to re-visit churches that had been established on the earlier missionary journey. Tradition says that Barnabas stayed on the island of Cyprus until his death.

It is important to note that there were no nasty fights or bitter feelings between Paul and Barnabas. Paul later spoke very kindly about Barnabas (1 Corinthians 9:6). Paul also was convinced that Mark became a mature disciple of Jesus, and wrote to Timothy, encouraging him to come visit him in prison — and then he said (in essence), “Bring Mark with you because he is useful for ministry” (see 2 Timothy 4:11).

I am so glad Jesus never turned His back on me but kept pursuing me. We all can learn from Barnabas! We never know . . .

Your role in HIS-tory?

 And it shall come to pass . . . that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy . . . (Joel 2:28)

In my quest to learn and teach my students about the lesser known heroes and sheroes of Black HIS-tory, I came upon Jarena Lee. She has an interesting story! As you read below, I hope you recognize the call God may have upon your life. While the role of women in the Church has changed over the years and regardless of your position, women . . . most especially black women . . . have played a major role in the development of our nation and our church. We must honor that fact. Thank God for women!!!!

How has God called you? Do not miss out on your role in HIS-tory!

Minister Jarena Lee was the first authorized female preacher in the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church. Lee, whose family or maiden name is unknown, was born to a poor but free black family on February 11, 1783, in Cape May, New Jersey. In 1790 at the age of seven, Lee was sent to work as a live-in servant for a white family named Sharp.

Lee moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as a teenager and continued to work as a domestic servant. One afternoon, Lee attended a worship service at Bethel Church where Bishop Richard Allen, founder of the A.M.E. Church, was scheduled to preach. After hearing the powerful sermon delivered by Allen, Lee became filled with the Holy Spirit and converted to Christianity.

In 1807 Lee heard the voice of God commissioning her to preach the Gospel. She was initially reluctant to pursue ministry, given the male-dominated nature of the church. However, she decided to confide in Bishop Allen and revealed to him her call to preach. Allen told Lee that he could not grant her permission to preach because he was required to uphold the A.M.E. Church’s ban against female ministers. 

Allen was so impressed by Lee that he officially gave her authorization to preach the Gospel. Allen asserted that God had called Lee to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Shortly thereafter, Lee began to travel to various cities for preaching engagements and was highly praised for her powerful sermons.

In addition to her work in ministry, Lee was also heavily involved in the abolitionist movement and joined the American Antislavery Society in 1839. 

For more information see (https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/lee-jarena-1783/)

Who are we leading today and where are we leading them?

“I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land.” (Harriet Tubman) These words by Mrs. Tubman were based upon the following psalm:

20 

I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me. My soul breaks with longing for Your judgments at all times. (Psalm 119:19-20) 

To this day Harriet Tubman is still remembered as “the Moses of her people” for good reason. From 1849 to 1860, in seventeen dangerous missions to the Confederate South, she helped more than three hundred slaves escape to freedom in the North.

Harriet’s selflessness and disregard for personal safety, along with her deep faith in God, enabled her to help family members and many others to escape the chains of slavery. She continues to inspire countless Americans more than a century after her death.

Who are we leading today and where are we leading them? Many need to freed from the bondage of sin. Many are chained to habits that have them trapped. As Mrs. Tubman heard from God, she moved in obedience, leading hundreds to freedom. 

As we keep our ears focused upon His Word, I pray it will open our eyes to see where He is leading us and to whom. We could use a Moses today! 

Will we obey His voice as Harriet Tubman once did?

As it is said: Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion. (Hebrews 3:15 HCSB)

How many know God's power?

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:  For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV)

Be very wise before celebrating victories . . .listen closely to the words spoken but also follow the actions.  Write down the promises made and count the promises fulfilled. In a world of great need, great challenges, and great wounds that need healing, there is only One I know Who has and will fulfill every one of His promises and heal every broken heart and sick soul. . . do you know Him?

Many use words from the Bible. Many will quote scriptures. Many others will offer prayers and even mention a god now and then. Yet I wonder how many know God's power? How many know the person of Jesus Christ? It is by His name that one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess . . . and all to His glory! (Romans 14:11)

Be wary of joining hands and hearts with others. Be sure to make allegiances clear. Be separated from any form of ungodliness.  (2 Corinthians 6:17) Continue to pray . . . . .

 

God does actually know and care!

 

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Many of the young people (even not-so-young) are so worried about so many things . . . . present grades, college acceptances, relationships, losing loved ones, vaccines and medications, what will be next?

I know it sounds trivial, but God does actually know and care! He has already done so so much for us all. Take a minute to count His blessings. In fact, if we are still on this side of heaven (or hell), it is a blessing. If we are getting a quality education,, it is a blessing. If we are working or at least still receiving income, it is a blessing. If we have food today, it is a blessing. If we have someone to talk to today, it is a blessing. If we know Jesus as Lord and Savior, well that is an ETERNAL blessing indeed!!!!

So we must trust God today and tomorrow! He can help us pull up a struggling G.P.A. He can restore relationships. He can provide for college (oh, YES HE CAN!). He can heal. He can allow for the medical community to provide medications and vaccines. He can even heal a Nation if we come to Him humbly. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Trust God like never before! His peace, a peace that is beyond human comprehension, will provide a calmness like no other. 

Remember, God does actually know and care!

God's Word . . . . Equipping, Correcting, Preparing, Satisfying!

 

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Whenever one begins a new job, new school, or even a new friendship,  one wants to

be ready, prepared, or properly equipped. There is training and specific skills required for a job. Each level of school has prerequisites. Friendships grow and are developed through time and experience. Well, scripture . . . the Word of God . . . trains and equips us for every aspect of life, but more importantly for life eternal!

God speaks through the writers of scripture to every aspect of life. Whether we are two or twenty-two, we can lean upon His Word to learn of life and be prepared for all it offers. It comforts, corrects, teaches and satisfies. 

Are you ready for the day? Have you received His advice? Well . . . . LET'S GO!!!!!

He Who was God then for the Jews is our God today . . .New year, same God!

 

Thus says the Lord God: “On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will also enable you to dwell in the cities, and the ruins shall be rebuilt. The desolate land shall be tilled instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass by. So they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden; and the wasted, desolate, and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.’ Then the nations which are left all around you shall know that I, the Lord, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted what was desolate. I, the Lord, have spoken it, and I will do it.” (Ezekiel 36:33-36)

Hey, I know it's rough these days . . . . Covid illnesses and deaths . . . political unrest . . . . social injustice . . . . schools, restaurants, and churches closed or limited in operations . . . . plans put on hold. All around we experience desolation, ruin, waste, depression, isolation, depression, and yes death. Yet as with the Israelites, there is hope in the person of our Father (Deuteronomy 30:3-13) . . . . Jehovah . . . . the same God then is the same God now . . .. Immanuel, Jesus, God with us, Who gave His Spirit so graciously to comfort, console, and restore! (John 14:15-31) 

In 2021, may we trust in God to provide (Jehovah Jireh), heal (Jehovah Rapha), to look over us (El Roi), and to protect us and fight for us (Jehovah Sabaoth). He Who was God then for the Jews is our God today . . .New year, same God!

Give thanks in all circumstances!

 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.(1 Thess. 5:16-18) 

This is timely for me ...maybe you too. Though CHRISTmas is nothing like I wished for, God is still good. Things could be worse. Even though Covid-19 has invaded our home, we can still count our blessings. My wife has suffered from cough, slight fever, chills, body aches and pains, and slight loss of taste and appetite. I have tested positive but have no symptoms. (That is weird!) Our son has tested negative, praise God! So we all have been isolated at home with no visits for CHRISTmas from our kids and grandkids. No CHRISTmas, yet we have so much. It is just a weird year to say the least. 

People do not know how to react. Some avoid us. Others ignore us. Few actually contact us with sincere concern. One thing for sure, we know who really cares! When parts of the body are in pain and suffering, the rest of the body shuts down to assist. While we have done our best to serve those in need during Thanksgiving and CHRISTmas, I must now serve my own family and be sure they are safe and healthy . . .especially my precious bride! It is a frustrating challenge . . .one of wait and see much of the time. I keep praying for God's will and that I accept what He allows! He is a caring, loving, and gracious Father.

Stay safe everyone! This is no time to relax and be careless. Enjoy the rest of the week as best you are able . . .and know that He is still in control!