For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Memory of the Month: 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Today's reading: EXODUS 16-18 MATTHEW 18:1-20
Doers of The Word
(As you read this, please understand that this is not against work done for God's glory- but work done in the Lord's name for personal glory. )
James 1:22 ►Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Some people get a lot of miles out of this passage. They pile up awards for the work they do but their words are sometimes harsh to their laborers.
We have all heard: "I'd rather see a sermon than hear one" referring to folks who work out their faith in blood, sweat, and tears in the love of God. These folks are hardly ever heard and sometimes not seen but they accomplish so much for the Lord's work.
However, C.S. Lewis made this statement: "You find out more about God from (His) Moral Law than from the universe in general just as you find out more about a man by listening to his conversation than by looking at a house he has built."
Years ago, there was a church being built and the workers were hard at work when a man from the church came in fury using harsh, loud language and kicking boards as he flailed his arms in anger just because someone made a wrong measurement.(Now, can you see where this is going?) I have actually experienced this. In my horror, I prayed for this broken witness to the lost men working on that building. They would never darken the door of that church, but what about any other? Would they ever listen to another word about Jesus from anyone?
We give our words immortality-they live in the memories of the hearers forever. While we may be judged by this world for the work we do, are we not judged by our words we speak?
Colossians 4:…5Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. 6Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.(Be you doers of this word?)
Ephesians 4:26 ►
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,"(Be you doers of this word?)
Can we expand on this? 'Do not let the sun go down on your wrath' does not mean to only make it right with your wife before you go to sleep. I believe we should never stomp off in anger and leave it alone. Better yet, what business do we think we have to allow our tempers to go crazy in the first place?
Philippians 4:5 ►Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.(Be you doers of this word?)
Tempers can be controlled-yes they can. No matter how long you have had a 'bad temper', God will be there to hold it in check if you call on Him.
James, the same writer who said, 'faith without works is dead' also said to control our tongues, James, chapter 3.
Once again, the last fruit of the spirit listed in Galatians 5:22&23 is self-control. Step back when it hits you-whatever flies all up in your face and stop right there and pray. No it is not stupid-in this world of recorded conversations-it is required. Connect with God and hold your control and do not speak until it is controlled by the Spirit of the living God.
For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."—Isaiah 57:15
Proverbs 15:1 gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.…
Decide this day...
...because He loves us...
Father in Heaven,
Forgive me my harsh words in anger and God help me to control all my emotions by You, Holy Spirit.
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