Proverbs 26:18-19
People who shrug off deliberate deceptions, saying, "I didn't mean it, I was only joking, "Are worse than careless campers who walk away from smoldering campfires.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
News reports have documented all too well what happens when a careless camper flicks a cigarette or leaves a smoldering campfire. Entire parks, neighborhoods and communities have gone up in flames due to this reckless behavior. In some cases, the perpetrator was caught and prosecuted. In others, it can be hoped that the person responsible was greatly remorseful for his/her actions.
In recent weeks, we’ve seen our share of incidents where people shrug off deliberate deceptions… from politicians who say, “It was all in the spirit of the campaign,” to those who have ridiculed and bullied homosexuals to the point of suicide and then tried to brush it off as a result of the victim’s own insecurities and emotional hangups. So many people fail to see how their single act of unkindness and insensitivity can spread as rampantly as the flames induced by the spark of a campfire or cigarette ember.
As a people, we fail to recognize the power of a single sentence… or even tone with which we utter a couple of words. The Bible tells us the tongue has the power of life or death. What we say can make all the difference… either negatively, or positively.
We cannot excuse our sinful behavior or hurtful comments and judgments with the phrase, “I was only kidding.” So often, what we say and do is truly not a joke… and it’s time we realized our impact on others. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be the one who “burns down the forest!”
Let’s ask God to help us be more thoughtful… more Christ-like in our words and deeds. Let’s ask Him to show us how to overcome any hint of an urge to deceive others and then try to justify our behavior. Let’s be the people He has called us to be and operate in truth and love. God’s not kidding around with others’ feelings… and neither should we.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label tongue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tongue. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for October 8, 2010
Proverbs 29:20
There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
All you have to do is turn on the television to one of the news outlets and listen for a few minutes, and you will probably hear someone who speaks – or has spoken – without thinking. So we have dozens of “video clips” of people saying things they truly wish they hadn’t. “I didn’t know I would be running for office when I said that,” or “I didn’t know the microphone was on,” or “I was just a kid” are common excuses.
We all “open mouth, insert foot” on occasion. But some people seem to have made a career out of doing this. And I like the way Proverbs 29:20 analyzes this… “there is more hope for a fool” than people who speak without thinking.
Surely we don’t want others to think of us as foolish. I would hope that we want to be people of substance – people who are careful and thoughtful with our speech and consider what we are going to say before we say it! Ask God to guide your thoughts… which is the first step… and then the words that follow.
When we let our communication with God lapse and begin to try to “go it alone,” we get into trouble. We tend to say and do stupid things. It may seem like a farfetched correlation, but truly, staying close to God – through prayer, Bible study, and listening for His voice in every hour of your day – can directly affect what comes out of your mouth… and how seldom you speak without thinking!
Today, let’s ask God to guide our thoughts and our words. Let’s ask Him to keep us from “acting a fool,” and help us act and speak thoughtfully and in a way that honors our relationship with Him. Let’s do things God’s way instead of ours… and see what a difference He can make in the outcome!
©2010 Debbie Robus
There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
All you have to do is turn on the television to one of the news outlets and listen for a few minutes, and you will probably hear someone who speaks – or has spoken – without thinking. So we have dozens of “video clips” of people saying things they truly wish they hadn’t. “I didn’t know I would be running for office when I said that,” or “I didn’t know the microphone was on,” or “I was just a kid” are common excuses.
We all “open mouth, insert foot” on occasion. But some people seem to have made a career out of doing this. And I like the way Proverbs 29:20 analyzes this… “there is more hope for a fool” than people who speak without thinking.
Surely we don’t want others to think of us as foolish. I would hope that we want to be people of substance – people who are careful and thoughtful with our speech and consider what we are going to say before we say it! Ask God to guide your thoughts… which is the first step… and then the words that follow.
When we let our communication with God lapse and begin to try to “go it alone,” we get into trouble. We tend to say and do stupid things. It may seem like a farfetched correlation, but truly, staying close to God – through prayer, Bible study, and listening for His voice in every hour of your day – can directly affect what comes out of your mouth… and how seldom you speak without thinking!
Today, let’s ask God to guide our thoughts and our words. Let’s ask Him to keep us from “acting a fool,” and help us act and speak thoughtfully and in a way that honors our relationship with Him. Let’s do things God’s way instead of ours… and see what a difference He can make in the outcome!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 22, 2010
James 3:8
But our tongues get out of control. They are restless and evil, and always spreading deadly poison.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was about 10 years old, my Girl Scout leader was helping us with a sewing project, and I think she stuck herself with a needle. Anyway, I remember she said “Darn it!” We were appalled, and she was embarrassed. This was not quite a curse word, but it was not a nice word to use in conversation in 1967… especially in front of ten-year-olds! That seems almost laughable now, because many of us use the word “darn” and don’t give it a second thought. But sadly, many of us often use words that are far worse!
My childhood was probably like most … in junior high and senior high, I started to hang out with some people who used some pretty bad language. They weren’t bad people … they just thought this rowdy language was cool. And at first, I didn’t participate … until they laughed at me. So I let them “teach” me to curse. For a while, we thought we were really hot stuff, because we knew all of the really BAD words! Oh, we didn’t use them around adults … or most certainly our parents or teachers … but we sure had fun other times. Our tongues were most definitely out of control.
Has it ever occurred to you that many shows like “Andy Griffith”, “I Love Lucy” and “Bonanza” and many movies produced before 1970 are really good – even today – and yet they contain no cursing? Truly, the four-letter words don’t add much of anything to the story in most cases, but you can hardly find a television show - much less a movie - that doesn’t contain them now. And on many cable shows, it’s hard to keep up sometimes, because every other word seems to be “bleeped.”
The truth is … much of what we say becomes a habit. My grandmother starts virtually every sentence with, “I tell you what…” Others start saying things like “Been there, done that,” or “No way, Jose,” or “Shut the front door.” And while these are harmless phrases, nobody likes to be around someone who peppers their sentences – or their Internet posts – with cursing. One I would particularly like to see people stop using is OMG. Did you realize that any time you speak some form of the Lord’s name in this manner, you are “taking His name in vain,” which is a form of cursing?
Habits can be broken. It won’t be easy, but if you find you are using inappropriate language, ask God to help you stop. A good way to start is to find a silly substitute for the words you use most frequently. If you stub your toe, try saying something like “sugar pie.” When something doesn’t go your way, how about saying “fiddlesticks” or “flitter,” as was the word my mom’s friend uses. My mother-in-law likes to say “phooey!” Whatever works for you … but it has to be something totally off-the-wall and unrelated to the curse word you once used. It works - I promise! Everyone needs a “vent” word from time to time … but it doesn’t have to be a well-known dirty one. God will help you work on this bad habit and clean up your speech – and get your tongue under control. People may wonder what on earth you are talking about, but they will never think of you as someone who cannot control their tongue!
©2010 Debbie Robus
But our tongues get out of control. They are restless and evil, and always spreading deadly poison.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was about 10 years old, my Girl Scout leader was helping us with a sewing project, and I think she stuck herself with a needle. Anyway, I remember she said “Darn it!” We were appalled, and she was embarrassed. This was not quite a curse word, but it was not a nice word to use in conversation in 1967… especially in front of ten-year-olds! That seems almost laughable now, because many of us use the word “darn” and don’t give it a second thought. But sadly, many of us often use words that are far worse!
My childhood was probably like most … in junior high and senior high, I started to hang out with some people who used some pretty bad language. They weren’t bad people … they just thought this rowdy language was cool. And at first, I didn’t participate … until they laughed at me. So I let them “teach” me to curse. For a while, we thought we were really hot stuff, because we knew all of the really BAD words! Oh, we didn’t use them around adults … or most certainly our parents or teachers … but we sure had fun other times. Our tongues were most definitely out of control.
Has it ever occurred to you that many shows like “Andy Griffith”, “I Love Lucy” and “Bonanza” and many movies produced before 1970 are really good – even today – and yet they contain no cursing? Truly, the four-letter words don’t add much of anything to the story in most cases, but you can hardly find a television show - much less a movie - that doesn’t contain them now. And on many cable shows, it’s hard to keep up sometimes, because every other word seems to be “bleeped.”
The truth is … much of what we say becomes a habit. My grandmother starts virtually every sentence with, “I tell you what…” Others start saying things like “Been there, done that,” or “No way, Jose,” or “Shut the front door.” And while these are harmless phrases, nobody likes to be around someone who peppers their sentences – or their Internet posts – with cursing. One I would particularly like to see people stop using is OMG. Did you realize that any time you speak some form of the Lord’s name in this manner, you are “taking His name in vain,” which is a form of cursing?
Habits can be broken. It won’t be easy, but if you find you are using inappropriate language, ask God to help you stop. A good way to start is to find a silly substitute for the words you use most frequently. If you stub your toe, try saying something like “sugar pie.” When something doesn’t go your way, how about saying “fiddlesticks” or “flitter,” as was the word my mom’s friend uses. My mother-in-law likes to say “phooey!” Whatever works for you … but it has to be something totally off-the-wall and unrelated to the curse word you once used. It works - I promise! Everyone needs a “vent” word from time to time … but it doesn’t have to be a well-known dirty one. God will help you work on this bad habit and clean up your speech – and get your tongue under control. People may wonder what on earth you are talking about, but they will never think of you as someone who cannot control their tongue!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 21, 2010
James 3:9-10
My dear friends, with our tongues we speak both praises and curses. We praise our Lord and Father, and we curse people who were created to be like God, and this isn't right.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Repurpose. That’s a word we hear a lot these days. In “green speak,” it means taking something that was once used for one thing, and “repurposing” it to use another way. I repurpose a lot! I cut up old clothing and use the fabric to make pillows or cushion covers. I made a laundry bag out of a denim jumper, and mittens for Timmy out of an old wool sweater. A beautiful vintage brown “bean pot” is now filled with fall silk flowers and gracing our mantel. I take old greeting cards and make new ones. I think you get the picture. I’m all about multi-purpose items and using old things in new ways.
But when it comes to our relationship with God, the only “repurposing” we need to be doing with our tongue is aligning how we use it with His purposes. As this scripture so clearly illustrates, we can’t have it both ways. We can’t praise God one minute, and curse others the next. The same tongue we use to speak of God’s love, grace and mercy cannot be used to spew hate, racism, discrimination, gossip, lies, and more. If we find ourselves doing this, we need to stop at once and ask God to forgive us and set us back on the right track.
This scripture speaks to a much bigger issue in our present-day culture. We have found it convenient to invoke our faith in all sorts of arenas. You see political candidates promote themselves as “Christian Conservatives,” and then act in ways that belie their Christian faith. You hear ministers talk about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and then loudly protest across the street from a funeral for someone who was openly gay – or at an abortion clinic – or threaten to burn a Koran. You hear Christians claim that natural disasters and human tragedies are “God’s punishment” for the choices made by those who endured them.
You hear people who talk about serving God in ministries large and small speak critically of those they serve – “Why can’t they get off welfare?” … “If they didn’t spend money on drugs, they wouldn’t need a handout.” … “Did you see what she was wearing? She shouldn’t qualify for this ministry!” and more. You see people of all ages attending church activities on Sunday and throughout the week and then treating others with condescension, criticism, and sometimes downright rudeness away from the church campus.
I know I am stepping on toes … and I sound like a broken record. But every day when I turn on the television or open the newspaper – or even login to Facebook – I see this time and again. And it saddens me greatly. But what I think or feel doesn’t matter … imagine how it saddens God! The people He sacrificed His only Son to save have “repurposed” His gift. Too many of us have taken their new life in Christ and fashioned it into something it was never meant to be. We’ve given it a purpose, alright … but not the one that God intended!
I pray that we will all take time today to search our hearts and ask some really serious questions. Find out where you have repurposed your salvation to fit your own agenda. Ask God to show you where you need to do a “restoration” job and return to the discipleship He designed for you. I know the changes won’t happen overnight, but it’s a start. With God, all things are possible, and God can remove our mistaken attitudes … our curses and wrong thinking. He can restore us to a faith walk that honors Him and blesses others. Will you ask Him to do this for you today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
My dear friends, with our tongues we speak both praises and curses. We praise our Lord and Father, and we curse people who were created to be like God, and this isn't right.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Repurpose. That’s a word we hear a lot these days. In “green speak,” it means taking something that was once used for one thing, and “repurposing” it to use another way. I repurpose a lot! I cut up old clothing and use the fabric to make pillows or cushion covers. I made a laundry bag out of a denim jumper, and mittens for Timmy out of an old wool sweater. A beautiful vintage brown “bean pot” is now filled with fall silk flowers and gracing our mantel. I take old greeting cards and make new ones. I think you get the picture. I’m all about multi-purpose items and using old things in new ways.
But when it comes to our relationship with God, the only “repurposing” we need to be doing with our tongue is aligning how we use it with His purposes. As this scripture so clearly illustrates, we can’t have it both ways. We can’t praise God one minute, and curse others the next. The same tongue we use to speak of God’s love, grace and mercy cannot be used to spew hate, racism, discrimination, gossip, lies, and more. If we find ourselves doing this, we need to stop at once and ask God to forgive us and set us back on the right track.
This scripture speaks to a much bigger issue in our present-day culture. We have found it convenient to invoke our faith in all sorts of arenas. You see political candidates promote themselves as “Christian Conservatives,” and then act in ways that belie their Christian faith. You hear ministers talk about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and then loudly protest across the street from a funeral for someone who was openly gay – or at an abortion clinic – or threaten to burn a Koran. You hear Christians claim that natural disasters and human tragedies are “God’s punishment” for the choices made by those who endured them.
You hear people who talk about serving God in ministries large and small speak critically of those they serve – “Why can’t they get off welfare?” … “If they didn’t spend money on drugs, they wouldn’t need a handout.” … “Did you see what she was wearing? She shouldn’t qualify for this ministry!” and more. You see people of all ages attending church activities on Sunday and throughout the week and then treating others with condescension, criticism, and sometimes downright rudeness away from the church campus.
I know I am stepping on toes … and I sound like a broken record. But every day when I turn on the television or open the newspaper – or even login to Facebook – I see this time and again. And it saddens me greatly. But what I think or feel doesn’t matter … imagine how it saddens God! The people He sacrificed His only Son to save have “repurposed” His gift. Too many of us have taken their new life in Christ and fashioned it into something it was never meant to be. We’ve given it a purpose, alright … but not the one that God intended!
I pray that we will all take time today to search our hearts and ask some really serious questions. Find out where you have repurposed your salvation to fit your own agenda. Ask God to show you where you need to do a “restoration” job and return to the discipleship He designed for you. I know the changes won’t happen overnight, but it’s a start. With God, all things are possible, and God can remove our mistaken attitudes … our curses and wrong thinking. He can restore us to a faith walk that honors Him and blesses others. Will you ask Him to do this for you today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 20, 2010
Psalm 17:3
Go ahead, examine me from inside out, surprise me in the middle of the night — You'll find I'm just what I say I am. My words don't run loose.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In recent weeks and months, both my mom and a friend of mine have gone out for their daily walks, only to be chased and frightened (and in my mother’s case, knocked to the ground) by “loose” dogs. Our city has a “voice command” ordinance now that says dogs can remain loose within the confines of their owner’s yard, as long as they respond to voice command. This is sort of an “amendment” to the city’s “leash law” that requires dogs to be on a leash when outside, unless in a fenced area.
Clearly, this “amendment” that allows voice command “control” is not working. My mom is okay – although she did hit her head – and my friend says she probably screamed loud enough to wake all of the neighbors the evening she was chased home. She says the “master” of the dog scaring her called to his loose pet, but the dog did not respond.
When our Master calls, do we answer? Do our words “run loose?” Do we find that in the darkness of night, we feel more comfortable sharing gossip or whispering with friends about this person or another? Do we feel that it’s okay to say disrespectful things, curse, or tell off-color jokes in certain company, because “They won’t tell,” or “They don’t mind.” Do we use language to try to fit in with certain people or crowds?
We need to exercise a “leash law” on our tongues. We need to initiate a “no tolerance” law upon ourselves. If we couldn’t say it directly to Jesus and feel comfortable, we shouldn’t say it at all. Surely we don’t curse when we talk to HIM! Surely we don’t refer to His children with off-color, racist or derogatory names when we pray. Surely we wouldn’t share a filthy joke or hateful story with our Heavenly Father. So why do we think this is okay with our friends and acquaintances?
We need to study Psalm 17:3 and commit it to memory. We need to make it our mantra – and practice it daily. We need to be able to say to God, “Go ahead… examine me from inside out … night or day … and see what you find. I’m the real deal for You all the way. Your ‘voice command’ is in full effect!” Anything less is dishonorable, and completely unacceptable in the life of Christ’s disciples. Who controls your tongue today? Is the “voice command” of God your Master?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Go ahead, examine me from inside out, surprise me in the middle of the night — You'll find I'm just what I say I am. My words don't run loose.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In recent weeks and months, both my mom and a friend of mine have gone out for their daily walks, only to be chased and frightened (and in my mother’s case, knocked to the ground) by “loose” dogs. Our city has a “voice command” ordinance now that says dogs can remain loose within the confines of their owner’s yard, as long as they respond to voice command. This is sort of an “amendment” to the city’s “leash law” that requires dogs to be on a leash when outside, unless in a fenced area.
Clearly, this “amendment” that allows voice command “control” is not working. My mom is okay – although she did hit her head – and my friend says she probably screamed loud enough to wake all of the neighbors the evening she was chased home. She says the “master” of the dog scaring her called to his loose pet, but the dog did not respond.
When our Master calls, do we answer? Do our words “run loose?” Do we find that in the darkness of night, we feel more comfortable sharing gossip or whispering with friends about this person or another? Do we feel that it’s okay to say disrespectful things, curse, or tell off-color jokes in certain company, because “They won’t tell,” or “They don’t mind.” Do we use language to try to fit in with certain people or crowds?
We need to exercise a “leash law” on our tongues. We need to initiate a “no tolerance” law upon ourselves. If we couldn’t say it directly to Jesus and feel comfortable, we shouldn’t say it at all. Surely we don’t curse when we talk to HIM! Surely we don’t refer to His children with off-color, racist or derogatory names when we pray. Surely we wouldn’t share a filthy joke or hateful story with our Heavenly Father. So why do we think this is okay with our friends and acquaintances?
We need to study Psalm 17:3 and commit it to memory. We need to make it our mantra – and practice it daily. We need to be able to say to God, “Go ahead… examine me from inside out … night or day … and see what you find. I’m the real deal for You all the way. Your ‘voice command’ is in full effect!” Anything less is dishonorable, and completely unacceptable in the life of Christ’s disciples. Who controls your tongue today? Is the “voice command” of God your Master?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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