Speak truth

The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment. Proverbs 12:19 NKJV

There is a reason the Bible has so much instruction about our words.

Truth or lies from our lips is a testament to the condition of our hearts.

Matthew 12:34 KJV — O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

Luke 6:45 KJV — A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Not only do our words reveal the state of our hearts, it is a sure sign of our relationship with God.

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.
Proverbs 12:22 NKJV

Listen to the things which flow from your own lips and be diligent to mend those things which are dishonorable before Almighty God, for those who are followers of Christ should be people who speak with purpose and truth.

Colossians 4:6 KJV — Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

If our words are ugly, filthy, or false repentance and humility should be our response before Jesus, for the responsibility of those called by His name is weighty, our lives reflect directly upon our Lord.

He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.
Proverbs 13:3 NKJV

It is impossible to tame the tongue on our own.

For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.
James 3:2 NKJV

Only in Christ can we be made perfect.

It takes continually humbling and submitting ourselves before Jesus Christ, seeking the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will come through trouble.
Proverbs 12:13 NKJV

The Lord understands both the dangers and the difficulties of our unruly words.

He has given us instruction, that we might learn and grow, becoming more skilled with the training of our hearts and lips.

He has blessed us with His Holy Spirit to give us that which is required to follow these things.

He has granted us forgiveness from sins, that we might find hope while learning to live daily speaking truth.

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:29‭-‬32 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for truth and the ability to learn restraint with our words. Lord, thank You for instruction in how to walk in Your ways and how to recognize danger and sin. Lord, please continue to teach us how to be more like You every day. Lord, please hone our hearts, that no evil thing might be allowed to reside there. Lord, cleanse us completely from all unrighteousness, that we might not sin against You. Lord, walking daily in this sinful world with our sin nature means we often do not even recognize truth from a lie, sin from righteousness. Lord, please help us to learn from Your Word in such a way that we can understand Your truth clearly, without twisting it to our own purpose or selfishly applying it to others rather than ourselves. Lord, please purify Your people, that we might not reflect badly upon Your name. Thank You for Your salvation! Thank You for Your truth! I love You, Jesus. Amen.

…”discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

God’s Word cuts through our facade, it deals with those inner secrets we have hidden, even from ourselves.

The Lord sees what our heart’s motivations are and through His Word and the work of the Holy Spirit we too can see the truth.

For Jesus taught us, we often see the errors in others far more readily than our own.

Matthew 7:3 NKJV — “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?”

After showing us our error, our sin, our folly, the Word teaches us what to do next.

Romans 10:9 KJV — That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Scripture also admonishes us to be accountable to one another.

James 5:16 NKJV — Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

God’s Word does not only convict us of sin, it cleanses us in truth and encourages us with His loving kindness.

Titus 3:4-7 KJV — “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

Scripture builds our faith, teaching our hearts to seek the Lord and gives us inspiration for each day.

Psalm 119:11 NKJV — Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

1 Chronicles 16:23 KJV — Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation.

It is where we find truth to live by and hope for eternity.

1 Peter 1:3-5NKJV — Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Truly, what an incredible gift God has given us in His Word.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word and all the blessings of it. Lord, please open our minds to learning and our hearts to truth. Lord, please speak clearly through Your Word to each of us, divide the sin from our souls and do not allow lies, pride, or any unclean thing to reside in us. Lord, please purify my heart and remove anything which would hinder my walk with You. Let me cherish nothing before You. I want You to sit on the throne of my heart and none other. Thank You for Your faithfulness, mercy, grace, goodness, love, and salvation. Thank You for truth. I love You, Lord. Amen.

Psalm 119:47 NKJV — And I will delight myself in Your commandments, Which I love.

“Put your hand on your mouth”

This mouth of which most everyone uses, and is used by, has both great and terrible moments.

The Bible speaks to us clearly to watch our words and be mindful of what we say.

Do not malign a servant to his master, Lest he curse you, and you be found guilty. Proverbs 30:10 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.30.10.NKJV

This verse might seem out of date as the average person doesn’t have servants nor do we think in ways of those who serve and those who are served.

But it has not lost it’s truth.

Because the Bible tells us that each person was created by God, and although many do not choose to serve Him, He is the One all will answer to.

Thus, when we speak against another, we are actually speaking against God’s creation.

Therefore, we can easily transgress this verse, because God’s Word is clear:

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31‭-‬32 NKJV

God is aware that we are going to struggle in this area of words.

For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.
James 3:2 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/jas.3.2.NKJV

But knowing it’s going to be so much better that we follow His Word and guard our lips, He gives us many scriptures of encouragement and guidance.

Job 27:4 KJV — My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.

Psalm 34:13 KJV — Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

Psalm 120:2 KJV — Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.

We shall find these words “of Agur the son of Jakeh,”(Proverbs 30:1a) will give us a physical action to help with this troublesome member of the body.

If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, Or if you have devised evil, put  your hand on your mouth.
Proverbs 30:32 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.30.32.NKJV

Before we speak our hearts need to be focused on the truths of scripture, but if we find we’ve already said something we shouldn’t it’s not too late to stop.

May we find our guidance in the Lord and His Word for all areas of life, including our speech.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your understanding of how difficult it is to tame my tongue, to keep the words I speak to those which are edifying and wholesome. Lord, You know it is a heart issue, that often my sinful nature takes offense and thus ugliness grows and often shows itself in my speech. Lord Jesus, I don’t want that. I want to be whole before You and cleansed from all unrighteousness. I know it’s a lifelong process, but I humbly request that You remind me to put my hand over my mouth if I’m tempted to speak words which would be sinful, things which would accuse, times that would sow discord and division. Lord Jesus, You alone know what is best and I submit myself before You. Thank You for this reminder. Thank You for Your patience as I learn. I love You. Amen.

My mouth…

My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, And all flesh shall bless His holy name Forever and ever. Psalms 145:21 NKJV

How this resonates within me.

I want my mouth to be full of the praise of God.

To be continually speaking the honor that Jesus deserves.

But it must be a heart condition first.

Luke 6:45 NKJV — “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

What comes out of my mouth is dwelling in my heart.

Since, I want my words to edify, those truths need to reside in my heart before they can be spoken in spirit and truth.

Because, God isn’t fooled by my words if my heart is out of order.

And He speaks clearly about lying.

Proverbs 6:16 NKJV — These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

Proverbs 6:17 NKJV — A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,…

Therefore, my heart is the key to my mouth being filled with praise.

I must daily praise God, with my in- most being, to fix my thoughts upon all that I know to be true of God.

It normally starts with something simple.

“Jesus, I thank You and praise You for loving me.”

Then I try to name as many things about Him as I can think of.

“Lord Jesus, You are righteous, holy, set apart, full of mercy, truth, goodness, kindness, grace…”

After my heart speaks these things I normally flow into thanking Him for each member of my family.

“Thank You so much for my husband, thank You for Sis, for Tim,…”

Focusing on God’s attributes and naming my blessings helps me focus my heart.

I praise God, throughout my day.

It’s not a formula or recipe.

Instead it’s a purposeful practice of praise, which brings such rewards.

One of them being a mouth which speaks praise to God Almighty.

The other is a heart which is focused upon giving glory to God.

2 Samuel 22:4 NKJV — I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for another day. Please teach our hearts to be focused upon You and Your Word, that we might have lips full of praise and thanksgiving. Lord, I want my life to be honorable before You. Please, help me to walk in Your Word, applying it to my life. Lord, I want to give You all You are due, all honor, all glory, and all worship. No matter the circumstances, please help me to praise You. Thank You for all You are and all You are doing. Jesus, You are amazing and I praise You! Amen.

…Truth in his heart

He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart;
Psalms 15:2 NKJV

It’s something I’ve been working on.

Taking captive my thoughts and being diligent about what I allow to reside in my heart.

Because truth is spiritual.

It comes from God alone.

Exodus 34:6 KJV — And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Psalm 119:160 NKJV — The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.

Therefore, to speak the truth in my heart, I need to know God’s Word and I need a personal relationship with Him each day.

Simply memorization of scripture doesn’t change the condition of my heart.

Bible knowledge does nothing if my heart is not completely surrendered to my LORD.

And it’s obvious, as I struggle with speaking only the truth, in love.

Zechariah 8:16 NKJV — These are the things you shall do: Speak each man the truth to his neighbor; Give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace;

To speak truth, one needs to know it.

I’ve spoken falsely many times, simply because I had not known the truth.

There is only One who always knows the truth.

That is because He is the truth.

John 14:6 NKJV — Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

And the best part is we can each one know Him.

Infact, the truth of salvation is His sacrifice for every person.

John 8:32 NKJV — “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

As our payment for sin, He opens the door to eternal truth and life in Him.

And God gives us His Holy Spirit to teach, train, and convict us of the truth.

John 15:26 NKJV — “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.

Therefore, as difficult as it is to speak only the truth in our hearts, God has given us such wonderful help!

I want to be one who walks uprightly, and an important part of working righteousness is to speak truth within my heart.

On my own, it is impossible.

But I’m not alone and neither are you.

We all have God, who has prepared everything required.

Each one must make their choice daily, how they will walk, what they will focus on, and what they allow to dwell in their hearts.

My prayer for today and this week is to speak the truth in my heart.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for being the truth. Thank You for guiding my heart each day. Please continue to mold and shape my thoughts into Your truths. Show me the places where I have been deceived, that lies might be replaced with truth. Lord, please continually soften my heart that I might be quick to love, gentle, and steadfast. Lord, I want to follow You in all my ways. Please help me to do so today, and every day. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

Just a mess

Yes, this isn’t what we want.

No, it’s not going to stay this way.

But this kind of mess is easier to deal with than others.

This week at work I had a child lie to my face.

When I called them on it they weren’t even a little remorseful.

My first feeling was of shock and anger.

Not deep or fiery, but the anger when wrong is committed and the person does not care.

I was still thinking about the child after work and praying for God to show me what the deal was.

The mess is on the inside.

I thought about that for a long while.

Up until the Lord spoke I had been focused on the event and how to handle the next one if it should occur.

I’d missed the actual issue.

For a child to feel completely at ease with such behavior when I know they have been taught it’s wrong, means something.

So, I’ve been praying for the heart of this little one.

There is a mess inside which needs God’s hands to clean and throughly place in order.

However, the child needs to want to change.

They need to realize they are a mess before anything can happen.

The same is true for me.

Without my realization of a mess and my willingness to fix it, I’ll live with the inside out of place.

Messes happen, but we don’t have to live in them.

Jesus is waiting for an invitation to change the mess into a masterpiece.

“Dear Lord,

Thank You for showing me the mess inside this child whom You love so much. Please help me to continue to pray for and encourage them every chance I get. Thank You for all the messes You have cleaned up in my own heart. Thank You for continuing to help me be aware of the status of my heart. I want to be Your masterpiece, please continue to form my heart with Your hands. I love You, Jesus.♡”

Each detail

The tiniest details
often
amaze me.

Possibly,
I am
easily
impressed.

Yet stooping
down
to
view
this little flower,
the
pause in my busy
schedule,
the moment
of awe,
again impressed me
with how amazing
our God is.

He cares about the tiniest details.

He pays attention to what we feel is insignificant.

He’s aware of my longings,
needs,
desires,
and
He meets me in the details of my day.

Recently,
I have been
noticing
my inability to
stay on top
of details.

Running from one activity to the next in a string of days which blur when retold,
has left my children without matching socks,
my husband without planned lunches,
and
my house in a state of disorder which was appalling,
when I took time to notice.

Yet,
God cares about my attitudes and actions enough to remind me of scripture when I’m tempted to be frustrated or angry with myself and my family.

Or when I feel like throwing out everything,
just so I don’t have to wash it and put it away,
He speaks clearly of Who He is and reminds me of the importance of self discipline.

My home is only a picture of what my heart could be,
if He were not allowed to attend to the details in me.

Things as small as prayer before breakfast and Bible before bed.

Things as easy as singing while driving and smiling while working.

Things as important as hugs and edifying words to each child both when they do well and when they fail.

How much I learn when I allow God to tend to my details.

I can genuinely say this morning:

“For God is the King of all the earth;
Sing praises with understanding.” Ps. 47:7

Knowing yourself

Knowing what I like and don’t like is easy.

(This picture I really like.)

Knowing what movies, books, and magazines I enjoy is pretty simple.

Knowing my heart is a different matter.

“Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only that which will benefit those who listen.” Eph. 4:29

If my heart is good and kind why is it so difficult to follow this verse?

If my heart is gentle and teachable why do I struggle with correction?

If I have peace and joy in my heart why can a few things going wrong send me into stress?

Easy.

The heart is not a formula and character isn’t a recipe.

It takes effort
time
patience
perseverance
love
choice
And most of all
God
to change the heart.

And the best thing is
it takes a
Lifetime!

So as I pray about the words I wish I had spoken
and
again admit the flaws in my behavior
and
seek another opportunity to love those I find unlovely
I ask the Lord to shine His love on the places where I am hurting,
mend the broken,
restore my trust in others,
and forgive my unwillingness…

And smile.
God is patient,
kind,
faithful,
gentle,
compassionate,
slow to anger
and abounding in love.

And with His help
knowing
myself,
I will be those things too.

Pictures of truth

What is in a picture?

At times I stare at a group of brush strokes

and will myself to find the meaning

the artist so carefully portrayed.

Other times I view something

and shut my eyes tight hoping that the scene will be washed away.

Then there are those times

I ponder

looking intently

drinking in the deeper meaning behind the picture.

More often than I would like to admit my eye passes over many things and I dispose of them as unwanted, unimportant, unnecessary visual jargon.

Monday held a surprise for me.

A generous person had given some children along with my son a bracelet with symbols.

Then he explained the meaning behind each and I was surprised at the truth each little symbol held.

A heart: standing for the love of God

“For God so loved the world that He gave He only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

An X: every person does things they know to be wrong: sin

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Rom.3:23

A cross: Jesus died and rose again to pay for that sin

“…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen…” 1 Cor. 15:3b-5a

A ? : What will you do with this information? I have made the choice to follow the LORD.

“…But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15b

I listened to my son talk through the pictures with me.

Smiling I hugged him as he thrilled to announce:

“This means we go to heaven!”

“Yes!” were the only words that I had.

As he proudly wears his bracelet I think to myself,

am I as happy about these pictures of truth as my little boy?

Am I willing to wear such a thing?

To answer questions and boldly proclaim:

As for me and my house we will serve the LORD?

Here is my answer:

I hope you too can walk through these symbols and see the truth, understand the gift of love, and

answer the question.