Mind Your Tongue: how many times have you said something that you wish you could take back? Told an offensive joke? Made fun of something that wasn’t funny? Gossiped or told a lie about someone?
Proverbs 15:28The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
Proverbs 18:6-8A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Proverbs 19:9A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
Matthew 12:36-37But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Ephesians 4:29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Ephesians 5:4Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
The Book of Proverbs has numerous verses that address the subject of minding the tongue…I listed only a few of the Scriptures. All throughout Scripture, the WORD is showing us how to live and how to bridle our tongues. As a Christian we have the opportunity to be the “light of the world” and we do this by shining the “LIGHT of CHRIST” — What would Jesus do? What would Jesus say? How can we possibly shine a light into the darkness when we’re caught up in the immorality that oozes our of every crack in the sinful world that we exist in? Keep in mind: If YOU are CHRIST’S then YOU ARE NOT of this WORLD!
Put your tongue to good use and serve Heavenly Father not only with all your heart, your soul and your mind, but with every member of your body including your tongue. Once you’ve put bridling your tongue as a priority, you will not have time for the trivialities that consumes the world around you! You will be using your tongue to share the Gospel of Christ and His Salvation.
Mind your thought life: the following Scriptures are only a few in the “WORD” that talks to us about our thoughts – both in our minds and in our hearts. Jesus – Yeshua makes it clear that our thought life can defile us.
Isaiah 55:8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
Psalm 139:23-24search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Mark 7:20-23And he said,That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
If you’re having issues with your thought life, you need to start paying attention to your thoughts right now! I’m NOT talking New Age theology or positive thinking here! I’m talking about “old fashioned” acknowledgement that you had a “wrong” thought and honestly addressing the thought that you know you shouldn’t be having. Then right up front…ask yourself: What caused that thought? What was I doing that instigated the thought? Once you’ve identified the cause, then make a vow to NEVER repeat the behavior that put the thought into your mind.
We all have a thought life! You will soon recognize the fact that we all choose what we think about…God gave us the most wonderful gift…a mind, but that mind isn’t chained to a particular way of thinking…we have been given the ability to make our own choices, so if you truly want to break the thought patterns that are causing you anguish, you have to make the resolution to turn the other way. The fact that you’re aware that you need to change your thought life is proof that the Holy Spirit is revealing this truth to you.
Philippians 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Through fervent, repentant prayer, allow God’s Power to work in you! Memorize Scriptures that you can immediately bring to mind and crush the thoughts. Am I saying that this is going to easy? No, not a first, but recognizing the problem and then giving it to Heavenly Father in prayer and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in you will “in time clean up your thought life”, so that Philippians 4:8 becomes the sacred song you sing in your mind and in your heart.
“Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.” Charles R. Swindoll, Evangelical Christian pastor
The church I go to is having a dilemma…from what I understand, they’re trying to figure out how to have a children’s church service/teaching during the main church service; apparently because there are some who don’t feel that the children are capable of maintaining for the length of the service. I truly feel like the odd woman out on this subject because I believe that it’s so very important for the children (at a fairly early age – 5 or so years old), to learn to worship our Heavenly Father with their physical family and their church family. It’s important that the children learn from an early age to appreciate the reverence and the splendor of worship. During church service, they will see not only their parents, but people of all ages who are gathered together for the “Glory of God”!
Sunday School is for teaching the stories, singing the fun songs with all of the hand motions, coloring of pictures that bring Bible stories to life and it’s the time to commune with friends that they may only see at church (which in itself sets these friends apart from the secular school friends). However, when Sunday School is over and church begins, this is an entirely different setting. Church time is when children along with their family show their love and appreciation for Heavenly Father…this is a bonding time with their family as well as the family of God. I sincerely believe that separating them from their family at this time isn’t good for them or for the church body as a whole.
I’d like to say that the worship of God, our Heavenly Father, should just come naturally, but most need to learn how to worship and the earlier the child begins the learning process the better they become at showing Heavenly Father and the world how much Love they have inside for God and and their brothers and sisters in Christ.
“Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate.” anonymous quote.
Sure! You’ll hear them say from time to time that they’re bored, but think of what they’re actually taking in…familiarity with the songs and the procedure of the service. Even if the sermon seems to be deeper than their understanding, hearing the word is vital and seeing the congregation in worship will make a lasting memory…so much so that when they grow up, even if they fall away for awhile, they will never forget. Even when the service goes a little long and they get restless, they’re still learning.
Think of this…from the time a child is 5 years old until they graduate from High School (usually 18 or so), if they spend just that one hour a week with their family in sincere worship that adds up to 52 weeks X 13 years = 676 hours spent with Mom and Dad bowing their heads in prayer, singing hymns and worship songs with zeal, solemnly taking part in the call to worship…modeling after their parents and learning the awesome value they place on Heavenly Father. I can’t think of an example that can bring more Glory to God than anything else. This may be the only time during the entire week that the family spends together in worship as not all families take or make the time. Being in church together paints an indelible picture on the mind of a child of what a family should look like.
When we’re in church together as the children of God, we’re in the presence of Heavenly Father, Jesus -Yeshua and the Holy Spirit, we shouldn’t take this gift of devotion and closeness away from our children. I understand that thinking of a structured children’s church which will possibly teach more Scripture, but sometimes the best lessons are learned from experiencing something wonderful like being a part of the human and spiritual worship of God. On a personal note, seeing the families sitting together in the pews, generates a tremendous fullness of spirit that’s inexpressible.
Jesus makes it very clear in Matthew 19:13-15 “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”
God means what He says and says what He means! My hermeneutics are “literal”, however, that being said…study the scriptures yourself and make up your own mind! Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit…
Okay…You say that you’re a Christian! Do YOU study your Bible ~ God’s PLAYBOOK?
The WORD: the BIBLE is the supernatural inspiration of God and written down by 40 different writers…some are anonymous. Each reveals to us a version or a nuance of the same account: Creation, Fall and Redemption. Each account is a layer of God’s Truth woven into a tapestry that narrates history, faith and sacrifice. The Old Testament or the Tanakh informs and prepares us for the first coming of Jesus Messiah – Yeshua Ha Mashiach; it also eludes to the 2nd coming (especially in Zachariah). The New Testament tells about HIS arrival on earth, His mission and His Sacrifice; throughout it tells us of the second coming of Jesus and lays down the rules for the final conflict between HIM and HIS followers and Satan and his followers. In the meantime, In both Testaments, we are warned throughout Scripture and especially in the New Testament about the “god of this world” who is Satan the devil!
2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
If you haven’t chosen sides yet, you’re running out of time as we’re in the countdown to the end. Heavenly Father doesn’t want you or your church to be a fan club because we’re ALL Players here…NO FANS! Heavenly Father doesn’t want any bench sitters! HE doesn’t want the grandstands full! He wants to see us ALL out there sharing the Gospel of Jesus – Yeshua with everyone we meet until He comes!
Everyday, we’re all embroiled in a battle between good and evil. Every time we choose evil, we’re giving our life over to Satan and creating a rift between us and the Father. To be straight out honest, we’re choosing death instead of life.
Jesus already won the war on the cross! Now it’s a final battle for all of the souls that haven’t chosen sides yet and Satan will not admit defeat as long as there’s one person left on this earth for him to destroy; this is why when Jesus comes He awakens His dead and changes His living into Spiritual Beings. Once this has occurred, Satan can no longer hurt those who belong to Jesus .
Not only does mankind face this battle on a moment to moment basis, there’s a spiritual war that’s been going on since Adam and Eve chose to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge. Satan and his angels have been in a non-stop spiritual battle with Michael and his angels…a battle that we can’t physically see, but it’s been going on since Lucifer (Satan the Devil) was cast out of Heaven and it’s still going on all around us!
Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Is your church your social club? Is Sunday the day that you go to the refueling station to get your sermon fix and then go right back to living the life that you’ve grown comfortable with – maybe a life that is ebbing away at your salvation and robbing you of the promise? Then, in my book, it’s time to make a change, it appears to me that you’re a bench sitter or a fan! Are you too “nice” to tell you family or friends about Jesus – Yeshua? Are you so “nice” that because of your silence, you’re willing to stand by and watch them die and go to Hell?
Don’t you know that you’re in a battle for your life and the lives of everyone you come into contact with? That’s why you need to stand up today and proclaim Jesus as your savior! You need to put on the armor of God and pray like you’ve never prayed before! There’s only one way for you to present yourself to Jesus. You need to demonstrate your faith by speaking up and sharing your testimony of Jesus – Yeshua:
John 16:8 When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment:
Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
There’s NO TIME like the present time for you to be BOLD! Look this world straight in the eye and show the world that you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, then repent from your sins and start living your life for Jesus! Fall and your knees in LOVE and WORSHIP and ask HIM to show you THE WAY, THE TRUTH and THE LIFE!
We have to make a stand for Jesus and choose to be on God’s side in this great battle of God vs. Satan. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that God is the equal of Satan, what I’m saying is that Satan represents intrinsic evil and GOD is incomparable and HIS GOODNESS is something that we cannot fathom. God is HOLY and JUST and when we make the decision to live as God has taught us to live, HE saves us from the “power of darkness” and because of HIS SON, our redeemer, HE welcomes us to be part of “the Kingdom of the Son”.
God means what He says and says what He means! My hermeneutics are “literal”, however, that being said…study the scriptures yourself and make up your own mind! Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit…
Scripture from KJV – the King James Version Bible.
John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
***There’s only once source of light and that is Jesus Messiah – Yeshua Ha Mashiach who came to this earth as the “living WORD” as the “LIFE”!
John 3:19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 9:5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
***When Jesus – Yeshua gave His life on the cross for us, He was covered in our filthy, hideous sin so much so that the world became totally dark for about 3 hours. In this world, even a self proclaimed Christian sometimes tend to be selfish, lustful, angry, prideful, self-seeking, lazy, or any other combination of sinfulness every day of your life. Now that I’ve said this, if you you see these traits dominating you life, I have to ask you: how do you plan to give these up? With will power? Spiritual resolve? Sheer force? I’m here to tell you that there’s only one way to give it up and that’s to believe in Jesus – Yeshua and when you truly believe, He will send the Holy Spirit to guide you…you CAN NOT do it without the “POWER of GOD”!
People who claim to “be good” in their own eyes, when pressed, have to admit that they sometimes, lie, cheat, steal and lust…etc… So on this basis alone, how can anyone claim to be good? There’s only ONE GOOD and that’s GOD!
1 John 1: 3-10
3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
***Until Jesus the Messiah – Yeshua Hamaschiach came to this earth and died for our sins, mankind had been unable to walk with God since our fall from Grace in the Garden of Eden. Because of this, before Jesus came to save us, there was no hope for peace or salvation for mankind.
4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
***Because God so loved the world that He gave His own Begotten son for us, we can now have the choice to experience total Joy in and through Christ!
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
***When we ask Jesus into our lives, believe that he is the son of God and repent from our sins, He becomes our light. The darkness referred to is sin and Jesus was the spotless Lamb of God who was SINLESS! Therefore His sacrifice on the cross washed clean all those who follow Him.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
***When we walk with Jesus in His Light, we know and recognize the truth, we understand that He is the Truth, the Way and the Life and only through Him will we have a relationship with our Father in Heaven.
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
***The longer and the more that we walk in His light, we will develop His attributes: Love, Forgiveness, Kindness, Patience and the other fruits of His Spirit, therefore making us more in the image of Christ with each passing moment.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
***Confessing our sins to God and asking forgiveness, shows our Father in Heaven that we don’t want a rift with Him, that we realize and acknowledge our transgression and that with all of our heart, we’re going to do our best to never repeat that sin again. Sin causes division with God because He can’t stand sin and although He is a GOD of LOVE, He’s also Holy and a God of Righteousness. Once you’ve received Jesus as your Savior, you are saved and the only thing that can destroy your Salvation is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, but we can cause a division in our relationship with Heavenly Father.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
***Think of when you did things that upset your parents on this earth…until you made up for it in some fashion, there was an uncomfortable uneasiness when you were in their presence. Admitting to God that we sinned is being totally honest with Him and removing the shame that we should and would feel in His presence.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
***Jesus is the WORD and Jesus is the Light of the World and His light will expose any sin (darkness) that’s in us. When our conscience is pricked, we know that we sinned…at that very moment, we need to ask forgiveness, don’t put it off, for tomorrow isn’t promised!
Your strength is in the Lord – you can’t do it without HIM! Focus on growing closer to Him through HIS WORD…study the Scriptures daily and know that you need to lay down your plans for your life and open your heart and mind to HIS plans for your life. Recognize that He is truly the “LIFE” and the “LIGHT”!
Jesus ~ Amazing Grace! 
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