The Power of the Tongue

Anger got the best of me. The realization that we had been taken advantage of was an unpleasant feeling. Some workers had stopped by our house asking if we needed additional pine straw for our yard. And the truth of the matter was, we did. They agreed to install the pine straw for the price we typically paid for just the straw. Good deal, right? Wrong.

We made a crucial mistake. We didn't count the number of bales of pine straw they actually laid, and when it was time to pay the workers, the bill they handed us was outrageous. Having laid hundreds of bales of pine straw over the years, and seeing the trailer they were hauling, we knew there was no way they had installed the number of bales they claimed to have laid. But we had no way to prove it...

Hindsight is always 20/20. We tried to question the workers politely, giving them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they had made an honest mistake. But they stuck to their story that, yes indeed, they had laid 265 bales of pine straw in less than two hours. In fact, the man who was the head of the crew assured me that he could lay 100 bales of pine straw in one hour - no problem.

As the tales got taller, I could feel my pulse quicken. Did this man honestly think I believed him? I told him in no uncertain terms that I knew he had cheated us. By now, my emotions had kicked into high gear. All rational thinking out the window, I wanted this crew to know we were onto their charade.

In the midst of my tirade, I disregarded the fact that I wasn't living up to who I am in Christ. The reality that my unkind words were just as wrong as their lies, didn't even cross my mind. I have to admit that I wasn't seeing them as Christ does. People who needed to be pointed to the Savior. I was more concerned about the money we were losing.

I was ashamed of myself. When all was said and done, we ended up paying the outrageous bill and I apologized for my behavior. Did we get ripped off? Yes! Did we have a reason to be upset? Absolutely! But in spite of the injustice, I could have chosen to respond differently. God's Word is clear about the results of anger, "For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God," (James 1:20; KJV).

Over and over, I'm reminded that God's way is to be slow to anger, "He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly," (Proverbs 14:29). Again, King Solomon writes, "A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife," (Proverbs 15:18).

I'm thankful for a God who is patient with me, and is described as, "...merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy," (Psalms 103:8). Although my tongue got the better of me in this particular situation, today I choose to submit myself to the Lord, allowing Him to renew my mind with His Word. The truth of the Proverbs rings clear, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." (Proverbs 18:21a). Today I choose life-giving words!

Do you struggle with anger? What will you do differently in order to be slow to anger?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your forgiveness when I fail. Help me to submit to Your Holy Spirit so I can speak words that draw others to You. When I'm focused on my 'rights,' remind me that life's not about me, but each encounter with others is an opportunity to point them to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Stick To It

He knew things were pretty bad. But the extent of the evil was shocking to him. It seemed that neighbors and relatives didn't want anything to do with the God of creation. They lived as if He didn't even exist. Noah's heart was broken. He knew that God's patience was running out. God had let Noah in on His plan, "The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth," (Genesis 6:13; KJV).

Noah would follow God's instructions and build a huge ark that would be sturdy enough to house he and his immediate family, in addition to many animals. Although he didn't understand what rain was, or how the large boat would float, he had faith in the God of his fathers, and he would do as he was told. Noah had to smile. The structure he was to build would take over one hundred years to complete. It was just like the God of the universe to continue giving people the opportunity to repent and turn back to Him!

As Noah and his family worked to build the enormous structure, they had plenty of opportunities to encourage curious on-lookers to turn back to God. Day after day turned into year after year. The people continued to mock Noah and refused to turn from their wicked ways. There must have been days when discouragement threatened to halt the massive project. Not a single person believed that the holy God of heaven was going to destroy the earth with a flood. But in spite of being laughed at and ridiculed for their faith, Noah and his family continued to follow the plan that God had given them.

Just as in Noah's day, life can look pretty bleak to me. Reading the local news proves that sin and wickedness is alive and well today, too. When heartache and loss are waiting outside my door, I'm faced with a decision. Will I lose hope and cave in to circumstances? Or cling to the hope I have in Christ, trusting that He is still in control? Will I decide to quit, choosing to crawl into bed and pull the covers up over my head? Or will I continue to follow the plan He's laid out for me?

Noah's story is encouraging. He continued to do the right thing, even when difficult circumstances didn't change. After 120 years, Noah didn't have a single neighbor or relative join him on the ark. Only he and his immediate family were saved from the flood waters. He was so secure in his relationship with God that he was able to keep his eyes focused on his Master. He refused to let the actions of others discourage him from the work God had called him to do.

When challenges surround me and there's no light at the end of the tunnel, I can lean on the words of the Apostle Paul, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not," (Galatians 6:9). My job is to continue doing what the Lord has called me to do, trusting my Heavenly Father with the outcome.

Are you easily discouraged when circumstances are challenging and they stay that way? What needs to change in order for you to keep your eyes on the Lord?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I'm so grateful that You are in control. When circumstances seem bleak, help me draw on Your strength and continue doing what You've given me to do. I know the outcome is in Your hands. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Purpose and a Plan

Favored by his father. Hated by his brothers. Joseph was the youngest of eleven children. His brothers were well aware that Joseph was the favorite son - after all, Dad HAD given him a multicolored coat, fit for royalty. In comparison, their coats were plain and ordinary.

Joseph didn't have to work like they did, either. While they slaved away in the fields taking care of their Dad's sheep, Joseph got to stay at home. Sure he ran an occasional errand or two, but it was easy to see, the boy was spoiled. All his talk of dreams didn't help either. His latest tale had the entire family bowing down to him. How ridiculous!

The day Joseph came to check up on them was the last straw. They spotted him in his outrageous coat from a long distance away. Far enough away to have time to hatch a plan. A plan to get rid of him. They hated him enough to kill him, but selling him was definitely a more profitable idea. With the transaction complete, the brothers ignored the cries of Joseph as the caravan of Ishmeelites moved slowly out of view. In a matter of only a few hours, Joseph's life had gone from picture perfect to positively pitiful. But in spite of this radical turn of events, God had a purpose and a plan for Joseph's life.

Once in Egypt, Joseph was sold as a slave to Potiphar, captain of the guard. Things began to improve. God was with Joseph and everything he did prospered. Potiphar took notice and put Joseph in charge of everything in his household. Unfortunately, someone else had noticed Joseph, too. Potiphar's wife. It wasn't long before she began tempting Joseph to sin. His refusals made her angry, and finally she lied about Joseph and had him thrown into prison. Imagine Joseph's confusion! What was going on? First he was sold as a slave by his brothers, and now he found himself in prison for a crime he hadn't committed. Even with circumstances looking bleaker by the moment, God still had a plan for Joseph's life.

Although he may not have understood why his life had taken a turn for the worse, Joseph trusted God. And God didn't disappoint, "...the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison, "(Genesis 39:21; KJV). Soon Joseph was in charge of the prisoners. When Pharaoh's butler and baker landed in prison, Joseph took care of their needs as well.

Dreams had always intrigued Joseph. The dreams of the butler and baker were no exception. Each had experienced a strange dream that neither could interpret. God enabled Joseph to interpret their dreams: the baker would be hung in three days, while the butler would be restored to his position in the same time frame. Joseph had only one request of the butler, "...think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house," (Genesis 40:14).

Such a simple request. But did the butler remember Joseph? No! It wasn't until Pharaoh had a disturbing dream, TWO YEARS LATER, that the butler finally thought about the man in prison who had interpreted his dream. Joseph was called from the prison house and finally God's purpose and plan for his life became clear. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream. Because of Joseph's wise counsel, Pharaoh elevated him to second in command in all the nation of Egypt!

God was able to use the difficulties in Joseph's life, being a slave and a prisoner, to prepare him for the incredible task of being a leader. Joseph's story gets even better. Remember his brothers? They end up traveling to Egypt in search of food. And yes, they DO end up bowing before him! Joseph forgives them for selling him into slavery, because he now understands God's bigger plan, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive," (Genesis 50:20). The family is reunited and even Joseph's Dad ends up moving to Egypt.

Just like Joseph's life, I know that God has a purpose and a plan for my life, even when I don't understand it! Circumstances may not always add up in my mind, but my job is to trust the God of the universe to work all things together for good.

Is it hard to understand why certain things are happening in your life? Trust that God is in control. He just may be using those difficulties to prepare you for the awesome plan He's got for you!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You that You have a purpose and a plan for my life, even when I don't understand it. Thank You for the story of Joseph that illustrates that everything happens for a reason. Help me to trust You when things are difficult. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Trials Have Purpose

The land lay before them. The promised land. After years spent in the wilderness, their dream was about to come true. I can imagine the Israelites counting down the days until the spies would return with news about the land that would become their territory.

The day finally arrived. Everyone assembled to hear the report. Children jostled about, in an attempt to see what the twelve men had brought back from Canaan. A hush fell over the crowd. Mouths gaped open in amazement. Before them hung the largest cluster of grapes they had ever seen! So large, that the grapes required two men to carry them on a large pole (Numbers 13:23). An abundance of pomegranates and figs lay before them - fruit from the land the Lord intended for them to inherit. What a promising future lay ahead!

The spies spoke of the land they had explored over the past forty days, "...We came unto the land whither thou sentest, us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it," (Numbers 13:27; KJV). The land sounded too good to be true. But as the report continued, the tone changed from positive to negative. "Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there," (Numbers 13:28).

By the end of the report, only two of the twelve spies maintained a positive outlook on taking over the promised land. Joshua and Caleb. These two had faith that the Lord, who had brought the children of Israel this far, could also deliver the promised land to them, despite the obstacles.

The crowd chose the majority opinion. They refused to exercise faith in the God who had delivered them from their oppressors in Egypt, provided food and water for them in the wilderness, and been their constant guide from the beginning of their journey. Instead, they chose to believe the situation was hopeless and began making plans to elect a captain to lead them back to Egypt.

Imagine journeying to the border of the promised land, only to stop trusting the One who had brought you every step of the way. Inconceivable, right? Yet, if I'm honest, I have to admit that I've done the very same thing.

When I'm faced with a trial in my life, I have the opportunity to trust God to walk me through the difficulties. But instead, I grow fearful, and choose to believe that God doesn't have my best interests at heart. I begin thinking about how good things have been. And question God as to why this trial had to come my way. I lose sight of my great God and begin having a pity party in honor of myself.

The words of the book of James point me back to the truth, "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing," (James 1:2-4). Although I can't say that trials are pleasant, each and every one is allowed in my life to draw me closer to my Heavenly Father. It's up to me to allow each trial to become a blessing as I'm conformed to the image of Christ!

How do you face trials? Is your faith growing with each difficulty that comes your way?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the trials You allow in my life. Help me choose to believe that Your plan for me is good, and to act in faith when difficulties tempt me to doubt. Help me to be conformed to the image of Your Son. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Opportunity to Grow

The definition is hard to live up to: "possessing or demonstrating quiet, uncomplaining endurance under distress or annoyance," (Funk & Wagnalls Standard Desk Dictionary, Vol. 2) Wow! When measured against this standard, I have to admit I'm not a very patient person. From TV shows to movies, I've been lulled into thinking that even the most difficult problems can be solved within 30-90 minutes. When this fails to be the case in 'real' life, I default to impatient mode.

Case in point. A silly example. I can't understand why so-and-so doesn't get the concept of keeping things cleaned up. There are numerous Bible verses that applaud being a good steward of the things we own and discourage poor stewardship. Isn't the message clear? Maybe if I say it a few more times, it'll sink in. When it doesn't, I can feel my patience wearing thin and my annoyance rising to a dangerously high level. Time to regroup.

Was Rome built in a day? No. And the truth is, I didn't learn everything in a day, either. In fact, as I go about my daily chores, putting clothes away, emptying the dish washer, getting out clean towels, I have to admit that although things look tidy on the surface, some of the closets I open are sadly in need of organization, too. Time to give up on requiring that things be neat and tidy? No. Just time to exercise some patience.

My Heavenly Father is the perfect example of patience. Take a look at the Psalmist, David's, description of Him, "But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth," (Psalm 86:15, KJV). When I think about all the times I've chosen to do things my way, I can only say I'm thankful that He's patient with me!

Because it's part of His nature, He chooses to be patient with people even when they dismiss Him. He desires every person's salvation, and continues reaching out to each one, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance," (2 Peter 3:9).

As I consider these verses, I realize that the Lord is working to grow patience in me at the same time He's working to grow good stewardship in that other person. Going through frustrating times and difficult circumstances will offer me opportunities to exercise patience. His goal is the same for both of us - growth. And the sooner I realize that growth is an on-going process, the better!

Are you a patient person? If not, you can ask the Lord to develop this fruit of the Spirit in your life beginning today!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the circumstances that You're using to develop patience in my life. Help me to do what's right, maintaining a heart of compassion for others. Thank You for the growth that is sure to follow. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord. Psalm 144:15

Wishing everyone a very happy 4th of July, filled with God's blessings!