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Shelburne Free Press https://shelburnefreepress.ca/?p=17334 Export date: Thu Nov 21 15:03:38 2024 / +0000 GMT |
Crossroads Community Church: Use of Your TonguePastor Don opened in prayer humbly asking our Father God to pour His wisdom, guidance and direction into our hearts so we may be His obedient followers. Furthermore, in prayer, we requested the ability to exercise control over our tongues so we may build people up rather than tear them down. Pastor Don prayed to our Lord Jesus for the capacity to control this small yet powerful part of our body. Our hearts are about the size of our fist, and mostly muscle. It pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood through roughly 60,000 miles of blood vessels every day. Regardless of what we do, we do not control the daily routine it moves through. Another powerful muscle in our body is only four inches long. The tongue is not the strongest muscle in our body, but it is the most powerful. Unlike our heart, we do have control over this very agile and intriguing muscle. Proverbs 15:2 Dentists continuously instruct us to clean our teeth and tongues frequently, as these are the dirtiest parts of the body. James wrote early on in the Bible a very similar message. James 3:5-6 An uncontrolled tongue causes terrible injury and Satan relies on the tongue to spread damaging words like a forest fire. Before you speak, remember words cannot be unspoken. As James says, “our tongue is a world of evil and it corrupts our whole person.” He goes on to say in James 3:7-8 people can tame all types of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish but the tongue is full of poison and is untameable. However as believers, and having accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we are not fighting the fire of our tongues in our own strength. The Holy Spirit aids in teaching us self-control. James continues to explain our mouths and tongues are the most foul parts of our body and through Matthew 15:16-20 he clarifies that our mouths are an extension of our hearts. What comes out your mouth is what is in your heart. It is what is in your heart that matters to God. Paul states in Romans 3:23, we are all sinners and therefore our tongues have plenty of ammunition. The sinful part of ourselves is the stuff that comes back up just like the after taste from eating something foul. Ephesians 4:29-32 isn't exclusively about cursing although abusive language is not pleasing to God, but Paul is saying everything we articulate should be encouraging, helpful and good; leave others valued every day. Unfortunately, some people, even some church goers, hold grudges, fail to forgive and finally do not lay their burdens at the feet our Lord. Their anger and bitterness piles up and ultimately the poison in their hearts becomes like hay that hasn't been properly handled. Spontaneous combustion takes place and you now have to contend with a fire. Regrettably the rage and anger often spews out in the form of a tongue lashing on the wrong people. This grieves God. Proverbs makes several references in 12:18; 15:1, 4 to the negative use of tongues and condemns the evil way we speak to others; the unwholesome way the tongue can crush a person's soul and spirit. Try answering a scream with a gentle voice. Turn away wrath with peaceful words. Proverbs 15:2 and 15:7-8 emphasizes how our tongues can be used to do good rather than eject toxic words. God wants us to use our tongues for prayers of the upright and giving pleasant advice. We have all heard the quote, “If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.” But God doesn't want us to just stop talking. Proverbs is also trying to teach us to use our tongues to spread God's knowledge; to say good things. Proverbs 2:6 tells us how God gives wisdom to the godly provided we are faithful to Him and keep our purpose in life clearly in mind. Psalms 119:98 and James 1:5 instructs us to find true wisdom and knowledge from God; from His book, the Bible, the Holy inspired Word of God. If you hear something that stirs you then go to the Bible and research it for yourself. Some people like to argue and are good at it. But, if it has nothing to do with our faith or our walk with Christ then it doesn't matter; hold your tongue. God is the only one you need to please. When you rely on the knowledge from the Bible you never have to be ashamed. It is only with God's ideas and ideals that we begin to measure up. Isaiah 55:10-11 tells us God's word will always produce fruit and accomplish exactly what He wants it to. The word of God has the power to change the world. Hebrews 4:12 advises the words from God are not just a vehicle for communicating ideas, they are living, life changing and dynamic. God encourages us to not only listen to His words but to use our tongues to spread the wisdom of God. And used properly a godly tongue will heal people; remember Proverbs 15:4. As we read earlier in Ephesians, bitterness, rage and anger grieves God. That's the disease that needs to be healed. And your tongue, if used for God, is the cure just as it says in Matthew 5:9. This scripture also speaks on peace makers. You can't be at peace with anyone else if you are not at peace with yourself and God first. Proverbs 15:1 suggests we try to deflect anger with a peaceful calm. Use your tongue to heal anger by concentrating on making peace rather than being right. Proverbs 25:15 declares a gentle tongue and a truly caring heart can heal many people and lead them to Jesus Christ. A godly person uses their tongue to pray just as it says in Proverbs 15:8. Prayer appeals to God and asks for God's power and assistance in our lives. We may have successful careers but without God guiding and directing us it will all be for nothing; see Psalms 127:9. Make God your highest priority and let Him build your life. Trust the Lord to use you in ways to build others up with your tongue and words. May the Lord richly bless these His words. AMEN. |
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Post date: 2016-04-29 15:52:10 Post date GMT: 2016-04-29 19:52:10 Post modified date: 2016-04-29 15:52:10 Post modified date GMT: 2016-04-29 19:52:10 |
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