Day 13 - The Belittling Tongue

Day 13 – The Belittling Tongue

“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.” Eph 4:29

Do you know how people feel when they leave your presence? Do they feel inspired, encouraged, comforted, and uplifted? Do they see hope? Or do they feel a disappointment to you, never meeting your expectations, only hearing admonishment and rarely hearing praise?

When someone else speaks of another person and gives that person praise or commendation—do you agree and celebrate or do you make a disparaging remark to build yourself up? We are to encourage one another and build each other up!

How do you use the tool of your lips? Do you hammer, pound, and tear down? Or do you build, create, and deliberately create beauty with your mouth? Pegues suggests that during a tongue fast, you act like a cheerleader or coach to family, friends, employees, strangers, even enemies. Instead of not saying anything at all—say some thing uplifting or encouraging.

How many of us have encountered someone who others deemed “low performer”, “not worth it”, “set in their ways”, etc? I know I have and with some clarity, encouragement and the tools to perform most of these people soared! They may not have become the CEO or an Olympic athlete but these people find their “gift” (everyone has one) and were able to use that energy to affect the home, the workplace, the community in a positive way.

Affirm those in your sphere, lift them up! Praise them, not what they do—tell them that they, the person, are a perfect gift from God given to fill you with joy.

Affirmation: No unwholesome talk comes out of my mouth, only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Day 12 - The Betraying Tongue

Day 12 – The Betraying Tongue

“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.” Pro 11:13

Betrayal is worse than gossip. Gossipers sometimes don’t even know the victims. But betrayal, that is when a friend, family member or someone you trust discloses information about you or said by you. It violates trust.

One of the greatest betrayers of all time, Judas, seemed to give Jesus up to His accusers with little prodding. Judas was in the “inner circle” and knew when Jesus prayed, when He slept, where He was going. This betrayal was so damaging to Judas that he committed suicide rather than live the remainder of his earthly life with shame.

Have you betrayed someone? I know I have; the times I can recount my betrayal most of it was motivated by me thinking I knew better how to help someone than the person sharing information with me—control issues!!!!

But, I must confess that there have been a few times in the past forty-eight years that I have intentionally betrayed someone’s trust to damage him or her or gain an advantage. Lord, forgive me.

Has anyone betrayed you? Me too, what an awful feeling of disappointment, sadness, anger and betrayal I felt at the time. Have you forgiven the offender? I really need to pray on that today and search my heart, I like to think I have but I don’t know for sure. It is our obligation to forgive or the betrayer still has control over us.

Pegues says, “Learn from the burn, but live to forgive!” I like that—Romans promises that all things work together for the good of those who are called according to His purpose (8:28).

Decide to be trustworthy and if you have a trustworthy friend or family thank then today.

Affirmation: I am a trustworthy person and can be depended upon to keep a confidence.

Day 11 - The Meddling Tongue

Day 11 – The Meddling Tongue

“Some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and wasting time meddling in other people’s business.” 2 Thes 3:11

We all know a “Nosey Rosey” and you may be one! People who pry into your business and ask incessant questions about your life are meddlers. I am so filled with gratitude that neither my mother nor my mommy-in-law were meddlers. God gave me such a gift in each of them. I was able to build and live my life with my husband and call on each of them for help, reassurance, counsel and love. NEVER did they meddle in my business! Praise the Lord.

People who ask you “what size is that dress?” “how much did that car cost?” “how can you afford that?” are meddlers. In some cultures this isn’t considered rude but it is in God’s culture. Even a person who is sincere in their inquiry is still meddling! How about the friend that asks “what did the doctor say about your check-up?”; you may not be ready to share information with anyone, let alone a friend even though they mean no harm.

If you are naturally curious (I am usually talking too much to ask lots of questions—I’ll just tell you the answers to your own story HA—that type of tongue comes on later…) you should be mindful of the tendency to ask questions that are prying.

On the flip side we need to respond to meddlers in a Godly way. Sometimes light humor works, “How much was that dress?” “Less than five thousand dollars thank goodness.” You can always resort to “that’s personal or confidential.” It isn’t your responsibility how the person receives your message as long as you deliver it in a Godly fashion with pure motives.

The Word says that meddlers “are like one who takes a dog by the ears.” Pro 26:17. Have you ever pulled a dog’s ear? Yeah, me too and I got a big snip right on my hand. Dogs ears are sensitive just like people with their own business.

In the words of my bro-in-law, Jeffrey, “mind yo business!” And God, well He says that meddling is a sin, like murder and stealing (1 Peter 4:15).

Two more nuggets of wisdom: Betty Jean would say, “Don’t poop where you eat” and that means more than sharing about yourself, it also means not getting too cozy and into co-workers lives! When things happen, and life always does, the meddlers are usually the first to be pointed at, suspected, let go, etc.

Nugget Two: One reason why people who mind their business are successful? They have so little competition. Think about it...





Affirmation: I am genuinely interested in others and only seek information from them that will allow me to serve, love and support them better. AMEN

Day 10 - The Gossiping Tongue

Day 10 – The Gossiping Tongue

“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.” Pro 18:8

We know that out of the abundance of the hear the mouth speaks. If you have consumed choice morsels of gossip then you are likely to engage in this type of talk. I work hard at not gossiping or creating an atmosphere of gossip—but not hard enough.

It tickles my ears, bewitches me, and makes my flesh feel good for a moment. Guilt soon follows and the whole cycle of self-doubt, deprecation, loss of confidence, and irritation can come on me like “white on rice”!

God expects us to walk in integrity and many times that requires us to not conform to this world’s ways. One way that I have eliminated the need to gossip is what I will watch on TV, read on the internet and buy at the magazine stand. I do not watch network news on a routine basis---usually for the weather. I don’t watch gossip shows or cynical comics. I no longer purchase rag magazines, entertainment magazines or tabloid newspapers. When I surf the internet I am quick to close a site that is filled with gossip.

This was not easy. I am a TV junky, I grew up in a house where knowledge of the rich and famous and the latest doings was a competition. To this day, my dad and I play the “who knows more?” game. If I stump him on start trivia he digs way back and asks me things like, “did you know that Raquel Welch went to High School in San Diego and she……blah, blah, blah”.

Because the Holy Spirit has revealed the truth in the power of words and what we spend time talking and speaking about impacting eternity, I have worked with God to let Him change me. It has been difficult and some of my friendships have suffered; it is easy to get pulled back to the world but we must remain constantly vigilant and on-guard. The enemy is ready to pull us back into our old ways, our old sin. I remind myself that the old man is dead and in the grave, quit trying to resurrect him!!!

Deborah Pegues Smith gives a great solution to cutting off gossip. She asks you to declare your home, work and play environments as “gossip-free zones”. Make every effort to avoid gossipmongers. Pro 20:19 warns us that, “a gossip tells secrets, so don’t hang around with someone who talk too much.” Deborah also cuts gossipers off in mid-sentence by pointing to her tongue and saying “tongue fast!” This let’s people know you are not willing to engage in the conversation.

She states she’s lost some friends, gets fewer phone calls and invitations but her life is better for it. She is pleasing God. God tells us in His Word that we will all give account for every idle word uttered from our mouth---man, I have ‘lots of splain’ to do Lucy!!!” I don’t need to wrack-up anymore-explaining time with God.

Affirmation Scripture (again, one of my favorites): Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

Day 9 - The Slandering Tongue

Day 9 – The Slandering Tongue

“To hide hatred is to be a liar; to slander is to be a fool.” Pro 10:18

Slanderers make malicious, rude, false and even true statements about a person in an effort to hurt them, degrade a person’s reputation or besmirch someone’s good name. We generally think about political rivals slandering each other during campaign season. But others are tempted to slander. God is very clear where slanderers won’t reside:

“Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from this heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman.” Psalm 15:1-3

Have you slandered? I know I have and am ashamed to admit it. It always goes back to checking your motive. Did you slander someone to make yourself feel better? Did the person hurt or question your character in some way causing you to retaliate? I pray for strength when I hear criticism as my first instinct is to defend myself, then to denigrate the person who is criticizing me.

The roots are so deep in me that I generally don’t realize what is happening until I reflect later on what was said to the person. I do my best to apologize to the person and to ask forgiveness—but it doesn’t always happen. The best defense is to not engage in this type of talk in the first place!

When we resort to slander it shows we haven’t embraced God’s promises. God has promised to prosper us and exalt us in His time, in His way. Psalm 75:6-7. There is no reason to try to place yourself above anyone, to not be a team player. In Isaiah, God tells us that no man can stop His plan for our lives, “The Lord Almighty has spoken—who can change his plans? When his hand moves, who can stop him? “ Isa 14:27

Do not sow the seed of evil words, you will reap what you sow. It is a painful lesson to learn and I can see where it has affected my life. Your affirmation today is one of my favorite scriptures:

I refuse to be a slanderer. I will use Philippians 4:8 as my guide. Whatever things are true, noble, pure, just, lovely, and of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy about someone, I comment only on these things.

Personal Bible Study

Bible Study Methods and Resources

1. Why study the Bible?

• One reason is because the Bible is the way our Creator has chosen to communicate with us. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual {words}” (1 Cor. 2:12, 13). God has revealed to us, in His own way and in His own words, His total will for mankind as it is recorded in the Bible. Therefore, we would do well to take the time to study it.
• A second reason why the Bible is important is because it contains what is necessary for godly living. 2 Peter 1:3 says, “As His divine power has given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”
• A third reason why the Bible is important is because it helps to make a person complete (2 Tim. 3:16.17). God has given us His word that we may profit from it. God's word contains what is necessary to be taught God's will. God's word also provides what is necessary to convince one of error and to put him on the correct path. Then, and only then will a person be right in the sight of God. God's word, not only helps to turn a person from a life a wickedness, but also supplies the information necessary for his spiritual maturity and service to God.

2. How do I study the Bible for myself?

• Several methods exist for Bible study. A) The key is to find a method that you can stick with on a consistent basis and use everyday. B) Personal Bible study is important along with attending a church “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” C) A third way to get deeper understanding is to create a Bible study group at work, home or a local café with two or more of you committing to study and meet once a week or twice a month.

Here are a few methods to start:

• Inductive Method - described in the attached pdf file developed and provided by Precept Ministries. To go directly to the website here is the link: http://www.precept.org/.

Inductive Method pdf file

• Lectio Divinia – here is an overview provided by Beliefnet.com
• Lectio divina is a slow, contemplative praying of the Scriptures. Time set aside in a special way for lectio divina enables us to discover in our daily life an underlying spiritual rhythm. Within this rhythm, we discover an increasing ability to offer more of ourselves and our relationships to the Father, and to accept the embrace that God is continuously extending to us in the person of his son, Jesus Christ.
  
  How to Practice Lectio Divina
  Choose a text of the Scriptures that you wish to pray. It makes no difference which text is chosen, as long as one has no set goal of "covering" a certain amount of text. The amount of text covered is in God's hands, not yours.
• Place yourself in a comfortable position and allow yourself to become silent.
• Turn to the text and read it slowly, gently. Savor each portion of the reading, constantly listening for the "still, small voice" of a word or phrase that somehow says, "I am for you today."
• Take the word or phrase into yourself. Memorize it and slowly repeat it to yourself, allowing it to interact with your inner world of concerns, memories, and ideas. Do not be afraid of distractions. Memories or thoughts are simply parts of yourself that should be given to God along with the rest of your inner self.
• Speak to God. Whether you use words, ideas, or images--or all three--is not important. Interact with God as you would with one who you know loves and accepts you.
• Rest in God's embrace. And when he invites you to return to your contemplation of his word or to your inner dialogue with him, do so.

Solo The Message/Remix Bible is a concise way to learn the method and also has a particular passage of scripture with contemplative questions using the format:
Read, Think, Pray, Live

3. Analytical Method – This is the method I started with after my rebirth. The Thompson Chain Reference Bible is out of print now (I still have my beloved Bible given to me 20 years ago by Ced)—but many of the newer study bibles use a similar format.

• Analyze the Bible as a whole by reviewing it and then dissecting and studying it by books as a whole, chapters, verses, topical and biographical studies.
• Most bible study helps use this format to study the books, characters or topics of the Bible. These are useful guides if you are starting out.

4. Synthetic Method – This method takes pieces of scripture and assembles them into whole themes for study. This method is generally used to learn Bible principles on a variety of topic.

5. The Psalm 119 Method – Taken straight from the longest Psalm in the Bible. This method asks you to read scripture and ask the following questions:

• What did I like about the reading?
• What didn’t I like about it?
• What didn’t I understand?
• What did I understand?
• What should I do with what I’ve learned?
• What phrase or scripture can I take with me today?

I have used all of these methods and the list is by no means exhaustive. The methods I like the best are the Inductive because you must “work” for understanding and revelation—spend time with God and the word truly gets en grafted in your heart.

I also like the Solo Lectio method, this is great for beginners and shorter time periods but it trains your mind, body, and spirit to open up to God’s voice and to trust the Holy Spirit to lead you, teach, you and guide you in your walk with Jesus.



Basic guidelines before any type of study:

• Pray – Nothing elaborate but invite the Holy Spirit to guide you, ask God to reveal His word to you, praise Jesus for calling you to eternal life.
• Set-up a regular time and schedule. It makes it easier to stick to a schedule and regular place. If you miss a day or hour, that is okay but keep it on the calendar!
• Keep a journal, pad of paper or some type of recorder to jot notes, questions and answers along with references. I never throw mine out and sometimes I go back years later and look at my answers and discover how much I have grown! Other times I see where I need to revisit a certain book or topic to help me grow mature in God’s Word.
• Don’t get frustrated if you cannot find an answer or understand a certain passage—jot it down and ask a trusted mentor, pastor or friend. Make sure you check any answer back to scripture to see if what the person said is so!
• Remember, God tells us in scripture, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:4-5. If you understood all His ways and thoughts you would not need God; this is what got Lucifer into trouble!!! It is not something you should strive for in this earthly realm.
• End your study with praise and prayer. Get in the habit of praising God for all of your blessings, for His Word, for His mercy, grace and abundance. Give Him glory for your material possessions, your family, your health, your sustenance, for nature, for leading us to people who challenge our faith making us stronger in Him. Sing His songs, psalms and hymns with joy in your heart.

* If you plan on selecting a new Bible for study, research the different translations on the web before going to the bookstore. If you are buying a hard version, I suggest you go to the store and hold, open, walk around with the Bible to see if it “fits” you. There are also many online resources for your computer, mobile phone and PDA.



* Here is a free Bible resource with a ton of free resources and versions. You need to download the software from this site and if you can, support this man’s effort to share the gospel with the whole world!:
http://www.e-sword.net/index.html



God bless and let me know if you have any questions or need more information. Sister Lisa

Day 8 - The Self-Depracating Tongue

Day 8 - The Self-Depracating Tongue



Moses said to the Lord, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." Exodus 4:10



When you think and speak of yourself as worthless or of no value, that is self-depracation. I suffer from this a lot. My heart wounds from early on about my value, my looks, my weight cause me to "speak out" about those flaws before anyone else gets a chance to do it.



I am working hard on letting God root this out of my soil and most of those weeds have been pulled but a few, stubborn and deep roots are still there. Don't mistake this for humility--I did for many years! Call yourself what God calls you: righteous, precious, the apple of His eye, the head and not the tail, you are His child, his queen to be reunited as the Bride of Christ.



Read the story about the possessed man in Luke 8. The man called himself "Legion" because he was possessed by demons. It wasn't his given name, but he resigned to call himself that because he believed that about himself. Jesus came and healed him, driving out the demons. The man rejoiced and called himself blessed.



God also admonished Moses from our opening scripture: Exodus 4:11-12 says that God let's Moses know who made all, who does all and who gives all--it is the Great I AM! Praise Him.



Affirmation: God is able to make all grace abound toward me; I always have all sufficiency in all things and may abound in all good work. Have a blessed weekend, Sis Lis