Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Clearing the Air for Worship

Jesus,

Glory to the Resurrected One. I live a resurrection life because You are in me. The old has gone. As for death? Your sting is a flesh wound since the cross of Christ.

I wonder: Do you, along with the Holy Spirit discuss my obedience, sanctification, and confidence in You? Humble me and I will take refuge in You.

Time and again I scheme to win over man -no more! The old has gone, the new is here. Accept my worship and words they are all I have to offer until my life bears Your fruit.

I am not righteous of merit but you dear Savior how generous is your grace?

Conform me to Your likeness because You have saved me and awakened my soul to its contentment: You dear Lord.

I worship You Jesus, You are: The Righteous Branch of Israel. The Horn of My Salvation.The Seed of Abraham in the line of David. The Lion from the Tribe of Judah. The suffering Servant. You are the One worthy to open the scroll, Lamb of God.

Jesus you are Lord of my life.
You are great and worthy. All my worth is in you Jesus.

When you use me and fill me, I am at home.

Your servant responding,

Nic

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Tongue Tied and Careful to Speak

The following is a healthy portion of verses from the book of Proverbs. God is clear about the importance of our tongue. We must learn to bridle it. This was a convicting labor of love. 

Godly Ways
The character traits of a person with a good tongue: The righteous have a (valuable) tongue of pure silver (10:20), it is a fountain of life (10:11) which produces wisdom (10:31). The wise have a tongue that brings healing to others (12:18); they have a tongue that makes knowledge attractive (15:2) and their insight is praised (12:8). A man of understanding keeps silent (11:12) and controls his lips (10:19). A righteous speaker thinks before speaking (15:28) and is timely, impactful (15:23; 25:11). 
The tongue’s good fruit: A tongue that heals is a tree of life (15:4).  The power of the tongue gives words of life and bears good fruit (18:21). Guarding the tongue avoids trouble (21:23) and protects their life (13:3). A gentle tongue can defeat strong resistance (25:15). A wise heart instructs the tongue into learning (16:23) pleasant words flow sweet and healing (16:24). When what is right come from the tongue the inner spirit cheers (23:16). A godly use of the tongue makes friends with kings (22:11). 


Ungodly Ways
 The character traits of a person with an ungodly tongue: A wicked mouth conceals violence (10:6). A lying witness is dishonest and will perish(14:5; 21:28). A foolish person lies to conceal their hatred and spreads slander (10:18).  The mouth of the wicked contains perversity (10:32). Evil men are trapped by what they say (12:13); they don’t know how to contain their thoughts (13:3). The foolish tongue has an absence of reason and speaks without thinking (12:19); it is publically stupid (12:23). Fools latch on to more foolishness (15:14). A wicked and foolish tongue just blurts out (15:2, 28). The wicked tongue tricks people for their own gains (20:14). Lying to make a fortune is like pursuing death (21:6). A hateful person disguises himself with his tongue (26:23).
 
The tongue’s bad fruit: Foolish lips will be destroyed (10:8,10). Such a tongue speeds up the day of its destruction (10:14); It will be cut off (10:31). Sin dwells in excessive speech or tongue (10:19). The mouth of the wicked can tear down a city (11:11), their words are an ambush (12:6). Lying lips are detestable to God (12:22). Foolish speech will be disciplined (14:3). Harsh words stir up wrath (15:1). No knowledge is gained from listening when a fool speaks (14:7). The foolish tongue responds before listening (18:13). A foolish vow is rashly made and often taken back (20:25). Lying and flattery are agents of destruction (26:28).