" CONVERSATION(S) "

This week we are looking into " Conversation(s) " so please strap in and let's see what we can discover. What our words reveal about us. Our contradictory speech often puzzles us. At times our words are right and pleasing to God, but at other times they are violent and destructive. Which of these speech patterns reflect our true identity? The tongue gives us a picture of our basic human nature. We are made in God's image, but we have fallen into sin. God works to change us from the inside out. When the Holy Spirit purifies a heart, He gives self-control so that the person will speak words that please God. On various occasions in the old testament, God chose to communicate audibly with individuals. God will always find a way to make contact with those who want to know him. Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:8-13); Noah (Genesis 6:13-22;7:1; Genesis 8:15-17). * Abraham (Genesis 12:1-9 & Genesis 22:1-4). * Jacob (Genesis 46: 1-4). *Moses (Exodus 3:1-10; Exodus 19:1; Exodus 20:20). *Moses, Aaron & Miriam (Numbers 12:1-5). *Joshua (Joshua 1:1-9) *Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-18). *Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-13). *Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:4-10). *Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2: 1-8). What Motivates Our Speech... When our speech is motivated by Satan: It is full of: Jealousy; Selfish Ambition:Earthly Concerns and Desires; Unspiritual thoughts and ideas; Disorder; Evil. GOD AND HIS WISDOM: Mercy; Love For Others; Peace; Consideration For Others; Submission; Sincerity; Impartially; and Righteousness. Damage the tongue can do, James takes a moment to make certain that we were aware of the harm that something so small but yet sharp can do. Now Jesus compares the damage the tongue can do to a raging fire, the tongue's wickedness has it's source in hell itself. The uncontrolled tongue can do terrible damage. Satan uses the tongue to divide people and pit them against one another. Idle and hateful words are damaging because they spread destruction quickly and no one can stop the results once they are spoken. We must be mindful not to be careless with what we say, thinking we can apologize later, because even if we do, the scars remain. A few words spoken in anger can destroy a relationship that took years to build. Before you speak remember that words are like fire - you can neither control nor reverse the damage they can do. Never forget that I am a Prayer Resource for you. Until Next Time... Jim,