Words Matter - Part 2

Education and breeding allow us to learn self-discipline and to measure our words carefully, regardless of how we think and feel. We speak cultured words, which do not offend, unless we lose our temper.

However, the Spirit of God is our continual restraint in our thoughts, feelings and actions. He helps us not to blurt out whatever comes to our mind, which is usually crafted by Satan to cause trouble (Proverbs 17:27).

Yet, no human is always able to restrain our tongue, because it is intolerant, immoral and full of lethal venom (James 3:8). Only the work of Jesus, living within the Believer, gives us the power over our tongue.

Once we accept Christ as our Savior, the negative aspects of life control us only if we allow them to do so. When we belong to Jesus, His life-giving Spirit frees us from the power of sin, which leads to death (Romans 8:2).

Salvation also frees us from living in conformity to this world, because we are transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2). Jesus actually renews the spirit of our mind (Ephesians 4:23).

He always gives us a choice, along with wise counsel about which choice to make. If we guard our words and keep our tongue, we avoid calamity (Proverbs 21:23).

The Bible encourages us to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19). Wise words win good things for us; and if we guard our lips, we guard our life (Proverbs 13:2).

When our thoughts are excellent and worthy of praise then this affects what we say and do, as well as how we feel emotionally and physically (Philippians 4:8).

Prayer:

Father God, remind us that it is better not to be quick to speak or hasty in our heart to think anything negative. When we walk in the Spirit, the fruit of our lips fill us with good things, as surely as the good work of our hands rewards us (Proverbs 12:13-14).

We give You the praise and glory for the transforming power of Your Spirit within us. We can never thank You enough for drawing us to Your heart and including us in Your family for eternity (John 6:44; Ephesians 2:19).

Thought for the Day:

God watches us from heaven as we are on earth, so let us be wise and let our words be few. - Ecclesiastes 5:2

Flowing from Our Union

 

God calls us to live as Spirit-filled Believers (Ephesians 5:18). This starts when we receive the Holy Spirit at salvation (Romans 8:9). A renewal of His fresh anointing in us each day allows rivers of life to flow from within us  (John 7:38). This Holy Ghost power enhances our life and empowers our ministry for God’s Kingdom.

Sin clogs the communication between us and God and it grieves the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). Therefore, we confess every sin, great and small, on a daily basis. The Spirit leads us to live a consecrated life and to put down addictions and vices, which cripple us. Even an unkind word, a fit of temper, an unscrupulous act or a little white lie are all things we deal with on occasion.

Staying confessed of our sins humbles our flesh and gives us greater victory over those sins the next time Satan tempts us with them. Humility allows us to willingly surrender our day for God’s purpose. Of course, we must go to work to earn a living, but we can do our job directed by God’s Spirit. This way, we accomplish more and are in the right place at the right time to live out God’s will for us.

We are branches on the Vine of Christ (John 15:5). Consider a branch. It does not work or stress or struggle. It simply rests in the vine. That is the life God prepared for us. We rest in Christ and His life flows through us and nurtures us. When we bear fruit for Christ, it does not separate us from Him, but flows from our union with Him.

Our ministry is not a drain or wearisome, but a natural outpouring of the nutrients from the Vine to the branch. Ministry does not rob us of time for prayer, but is the result of prayer and our union with the Vine. The Spirit strengthens us with might from within (Ephesians 3:16). He anoints us to accomplish God’s will for our day. He blesses us with perfect peace, rest, joy and strength.

Prayer:

Father God, as branches of the Vine we are absolutely dependant upon the life of Christ flowing through us. You are the Vinedresser and You prune us so that can bear more fruit (John 15:1; 15:8). You know just where to separate us from the aspects of our life that are dead wood and preventing our fruitfulness.

Thought for the Day:

The branch depends on the vine for everything.

Slow To Wrath

Read: Eph 4:31-32

“A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.” – Proverbs 12:16

I am a hot-blooded Italian, and I grew up with anger all around me. Anger is a natural, God-given reaction to the pain of being hurt. When we perceive the danger of being hurt, the fight or flight mechanism of anger helps to ensure our protection. The Bible says to be angry, but not to sin (Psalm 4:4). This tells me that the feeling of anger is totally justified most of the time, so anger should never be repressed or the feelings behind it denied, belittled, diminished or invalidated. However, when we react in anger, we only complicate the situation. 

Anger is trying to portray a very real message to us. Anger motivates us to make a needed change in our life. We can either use anger constructively or destructively. I've learned that simple relaxation tools, such as deep breathing, can help calm down my angry feelings. Then I ask myself what's really bothering me. I often journal my feelings until I get rid of the extreme emotions. Then I can calmly discuss how I feel. I am slowly learning to express the sentiments behind the anger, rather than the anger itself.

Before you assume that you know what is going on, learn the facts. Before you judge another person’s motives, understand their reasoning. Before you hurt someone with an angry response, imagine how they will feel. Before you speak…think.

In dealing with an issue, start by listening to the other person's side of the issue, ask them to consider your side of the issue, and then come to a compromise that you both can live with, rather than insisting on your own way or constantly giving in to the other person (James 1:19-21).

If we do not control our temper, people will label us as a fool (Ecclesiastes 7: 9). Expressing your angry feelings in an assertive—not aggressive—manner is the healthiest way to express anger. To do this, you have to learn how to clearly communicate what your needs are, and ask for help to get them met without hurting others. Being assertive does not mean being pushy or demanding; it means being respectful to yourself and others (Prov 19:11).

It's the little irritations that add up during the course of the day that lower our tolerance for frustration. When we do not deal with those frustrations as they arise, they fuel one another. Dealing with the issues as they arise, rather than the person causing the issue, will resolve the anger without hurting the other person's feelings. You can have quietness and confidence as your strength, rather than using anger to fight your battles for you.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, people with understanding control their anger. Those who give in to a hot temper show great foolishness. Give us a peaceful heart, which will lead to a healthy body (Proverbs 14: 29-30a).

Thought for the Day:

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. - Proverbs 15:1