daily bible reading

Long ago I learned an easy Bible reading plan that preceded in depth study, and avoided confusion for new learners.

There are 31 Proverbs, one for each day of the month; start there with the Proverbs of the day.

There are 150 Psalms, follow your Proverbs reading with Psalm of the Day, then add 30, then 30 again, then 30 again and again.

First, pray and ask God to show you something. Let Him guide your thoughts.

Example: Today read Proverbs 6, Psalm 6, 36, 66, 96, 126

Somewhere in there, The Holy Spirit will likely stop you and show you a particular verse for deeper meditation. Let that verse guide your thoughts for today. Mark your Bible (underline, highlight, book mark, etc.) when you see something you want to come back to later for deeper study.

“My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you. For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭6:20-23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Have a thoughtful day! 😊

clean before claim

David had committed adultery and murder.  In seeking forgiveness, he recognized that he needed this spiritual cleansing for himself, and that he would be able to, with a clean heart, minister and witness to others.  When we walk with the stain of sin on us,  our character bleeds through, our walk is tainted and our witness corrupted.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You."  Psalm 51:10-13

If we want to draw people to Jesus Christ, we must first look like Him, live like Him, act like Him, and love like Him.

We rely on His Holy Spirit within us to forgive and guide, leading us to fulfill His plan for our lives, to impact our family and neighbors.  As Jesus walked, so shall we.

why do we gather together on Sunday morning?

Act 2:40-47 (NASB)
"And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation!"  So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.  They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.  And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.  Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved."

Why do we gather together on Sunday morning?

Heb 10:23-25 (NASB)
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near"

• Our hearts and minds are renewed, refreshed, upon hearing messages and teachings from those appointed with spiritual gifts.

• Our hearts are gladdened by joining together in praise and worship, in song and in prayer.

• We are held and seen accountable by our brothers and sisters

• Frequent gathering serves to strengthen and discipline us in our faith, we are designed as a corporate body of believers to share and strengthen each other.  We have different gifts and the "church" works when all gifts are utilized.

• We are reminded of the needs of our bothers and sisters, not only here, but those who are far off

• We are reminded of the needs and sufferings of the world

• We learn new concepts, scriptures and understandings that otherwise might not come to mind so readily and easily.  We are exhorted, as the Body of Christ, to cling to the truth.

• God enjoys the praises of his people and we are able to join in the praises of our fellow believers

• It is a Christian tradition 

• Gathering with like minded believers pleases God.
  

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB)
"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."

1 Timothy 4:13 (NASB)
"Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching."

2 Timothy 4:1-4 (NASB)
"I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths."

Romans 12:2-8 (NASB)
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.   For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.     For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function,  so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.   Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness."

Psalm 150 (NASB)

"Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse.
Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness. 
Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre.
Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.
Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals. 
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!"


I found the the following articles of interest while researching this topic.

Why Go to Church?

5 Reasons to Attend Church Regularly

SUNDAY IS NOT THE SABBATH DAY

God is listening

Millions of Americans, on a regular, daily (hourly?), consistent basis, proclaim, "God Damn!".  American television, movies, music, radio, and all forms of entertainment use His Holy Name as an expression of disgust, of anger, and of condemnation.  "God Damn" is only followed by "Jesus Christ" and the "F" word as "acceptable" cursing for our eager ears.

Might He be answering America's "prayers"?

Exo 15:3  The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.
Exo 15:4  Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.
Exo 15:5  The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone.
Exo 15:6  Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.
Exo 15:7  And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.

Exo_20:7  Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Lev_18:21  And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

Lev_19:12  And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

But those who call on Him for salvation, shall not fear, but ready for the next life, His glorious return and a new life on a new earth.

Mal_3:16  Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 

Rev 21:1  And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
Rev 21:2  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
Rev 21:4  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Rev 21:5  And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
Rev 21:6  And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
Rev 21:7  He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Psa_72:19  And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.

Psa_113:2  Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.

a clean life

"Our LORD, you bless everyone who lives right and obeys your Law.  You bless all of those who follow your commands from deep in their hearts and who never do wrong or turn from you.  You have ordered us always to obey your teachings; I don't ever want to stray from your laws.  Thinking about your commands will keep me from doing some foolish thing.  I will do right and praise you by learning to respect your perfect laws.  I will obey all of them! Don't turn your back on me. Young people can live a clean life by obeying your word."  ~ Psalm 119:1-9 (CEV)

"Young people can live a clean life by obeying your word."

I have many times contemplated how my life would have been different if I had captured and managed this single concept when I was young. How might my life have ventured differently, how much would it have wavered, how much pain missed and how much real life enjoyed?

My fleshly thoughts, of course, turn to all the "fun" I would have missed, the hedonistic pursuit of pleasure that drove, and wasted, much of my life.

I would trade all that now for the simple ability to love and live with abandon to the Lord. I long for the peace that would have come from pure motives and the knowledge that each of my steps was orchestrated by Him and not by my headlong rush to "feel" the next experience of the flesh.

"Young people can live a clean life by obeying your word."

I wonder what "a clean life" might have felt like for 20, 30, 40, 50 years.

I have to think my heart would be light, my regrets few and my smile genuine.

does the Blood of Jesus not wash away sin?

author unknown
 
THE BLOOD

One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her heart.  She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution.  But, the change in her was evident. As time went on she became a faithful member of the church.  She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children.

It was not very long until this faithful young woman  had caught the eye and heart of the pastor's son.  The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans.  This is when the problems began.

You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman  with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son.  The church began to argue and fight about the matter.  So they decided to have a meeting.

As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand.  The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past.  As she began to cry the pastor's son stood to speak.

He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife to be.  He began to speak and his statement was this:

"My fiancee's past is not what is on trial here.  What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin.  Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial.  So, does it wash away sin or not?"

The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothers and sisters.  Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot cleanse us completely.  If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble.

What can wash away my sins?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus! End of case!!!!

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."  
Psalm 55:23

author unknown

billy gibbons says,

How should a man handle growing older?

"Grow a beard and make friends with a a good hat.  It will be a companion that doesn't let you down."  ~ Billy Gibbons, published in Men's Journal, Dec. 2011/Jan. 2012

I've got a great hat and I think I'll re-grow my beard.  I don't know if it'll ever be as long as Billy's but at least it won't scratch my girls' faces!

"Grow a beard and make friends ..."  David knew that living together in peaceful fellowship, "in unity", was a blessing of purpose designed by God.  It's not always easy, but it will always end up as the better way to live.

"A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!    It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore."  ~ Psalm 133

home for the holiday

Yep, it's that time again; for some it's pretty new clothes for the ladies, egg hunts, bunnies, chicks and  peeps, ham dinners and the semi-annual trip to church.

For Christendom, the day marks a special observance.  No, it's not the actual anniversary of Jesus' resurrection, and it's not a biblical holy day, but it is a day of gathering, a unique day of  observance for those who are called by His name.

We observe and reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for us and His triumphal return, the vanquishing of physical death and His glorious return to the right hand of the Father in heaven.

"O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O  DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"  ~ 1 Corinthians 15:55

We are reminded, if need be, that this physical life is temporary, temporal, short term.  We are reminded that Jesus waits for us, that He paved the way on that cross to our return to God as well.  We are reminded that we who are called by His name are aliens, strangers in a strange land, once destined for a second death but now born again and  looking forward to a new life with Him who is our Lord.


Born once, die twice; born twice, die once.

We raise our hands in church and sing "Hallelujah" but i'ts more than that; i'ts the quiet reflection of our position in His family, of His glorious love for us and, through His love, our ability to love one another.

I confess, my church attendance has been poor lately and I am sore in need of renewed fellowship, but it's not about church and i'ts not about pomp and ceremony.   It's about the power of concerted, purposeful prayer and the gathering of sincere hearts to praise, to worship, to cry out His name and, in doing, to partake of restoration, of peaceful gathering, of the deafening serenity of His presence among us.

Yes, where ever and whenever we are in mindful communication with Him, there He is, but, oh, what a time when we are joined together in synchronous praise!  Hallelujah indeed!

"Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse.   Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.  Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre.   Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.   Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals."  ~ Psalm 150

overflowing love

A friend, married in recent weeks, learned of the sudden death of his new mother-in-law and traveled far to attend the funeral and comfort the family.  While there, his new family heard the news that his stepson had taken his life at the opposite end of the country.

As he relayed this news to me, struck with grief, I began to weep for my friend and for his family and he began to comfort me.

He began to comfort me.

He reminded me of the comfort of the Lord; he reminded me that we have the strength of the Lord to endure the trials and tribulations of this world.  He praised God that he knew Him and that He knew him.

I grieve for my friend and for his family.  I rejoice for my friend and for his family that may know our Lord as well.  I take comfort that comfort is given by a mighty God.

A Song of Ascents. I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night.
The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.
The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever. 
~ Psalm 121

Essential Life

a sloppy spirit and loose lips

"With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered. When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, And when the wicked perish, there is joyful shouting. By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down. He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent; He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter."
~ Proverbs 11: 9-13

I confess that there are far too many occasions when my pride, arrogance, selfishness and sloppy spirit allow me to fall into the sin of tearing down my neighbor.  My silence frequently falls to my need to be heard and to be heard OVER the words of others.

Pride, arrogance, selfishness and sloppiness fell my chance to be an uplifting influence as surely as an axe fells a rotten tree.

Words are permanent reminders to others of who we are today.

Today, I want to be a blessing.

"He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent."
~ Proverbs 17:27-28

"Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, To practice deeds of wickedness With men who do iniquity; And do not let me eat of their delicacies. Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; It is oil upon the head; Do not let my head refuse it, For still my prayer is against their wicked deeds."
~ Psalm 141:3-5

urgently meeting the needs of others

KLOVE gave us this verse in their "Encouraging Word" daily email last week:

"Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive." ~ ~ Titus 3:14, NLT

"... meeting the urgent needs of others ..."

Frequently I over analyze the needs of others brought into my view, allowing opportunities to pass that should have bless someone else, and bless me in the giving.  I learned long ago that giving is far beter than receiving, but I still struggle to hold on to that which is really not mine to begin with.

"Hear, O My people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you; I am God, your God.   I do not reprove you for your sacrifices, And your burnt offerings are continually before Me.   I shall take no young bull out of your house Nor male goats out of your folds.  For every beast of the forest is Mine, The cattle on a thousand hills.  "I know every bird of the mountains, And everything that moves in the field is Mine.    If I were hungry I would not tell you, For the world is Mine, and all it contains.   Shall I eat the flesh of bulls Or drink the blood of male goats?  Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving And pay your vows to the Most High; Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me."

~ Psalm 50:7-15 NASB

He owns it all.

Ask those who know me well and most will likely tell you that I am a "giver".  Far too frequently, however, I pick and choose, I analyze, I weigh my cost before I let go.  That's not what God tells us and that's not a strong show of trust in Him who provides.

Every time I have had an urgent need, that need has been met, provided by God, through the hands of others or through purposeful circumstance.  Shall I do less with the resources God has entrusted to me?

No, it's not always easy.  There are many times when I choose to hold on to "mine"  because I have a personal need or desire and I don't let go to avoid cutting myself short.  That's an understandable human reaction, but I'm supposed to be "led by the Spirit".

"For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.   For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."   But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.  But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.   For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.   But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law."  ~ Galatians 5:13-18

Maybe if I spend less on my "desires of the flesh" I will not cling so tenaciously to that which might be handed over.  Maybe if I spend more time "counting the cost" before spending and less time acting on personal whimsy, I might do more with far less for myself.

I certainly don't have all the answers.  I don't have unlimited resources, but my Father does and I should trust Him to provide through me to those in need.

Our God measures out to us that which He knows we can be entrusted to steward for Him.

Acting in good stewardship and avoiding foolish behavior,  perhaps I may always be ready when an "urgent need" is before me.

"Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure--pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return." ~ Luke 6:38

Father, help me by moving my selfish desires, my "knowledge", my flesh, me, out of Your way. Move in me to meet the urgent need of others.

dodge, duck, parry and heal

I'm reminded of a scene from The Matrix; Neo is being fired upon by his enemy and has learned that he can move at super speed to dodge the bullets as they whiz in his direction.   Most miss him, but one brings him down; just one.  That bullet reminds Neo, that, while he can resist, he is not invulnerable.

Many of us are wrestle with a variety of difficult and challenging areas of our lives, while enjoying freedom and victory in others.  We have learned to deflect, parry, dodge and absorb many of the "bullets" flung in our direction, but occasionally one will bring us down, for a time, "for a season".  Depending on the proximity of that wounding to our "heart", the recovery time may be short or lengthy, and, if we allow it, it can be permanently crippling or even deadly to us.

 "Trust in Jehovah, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on his faithfulness.  Delight thyself also in Jehovah; And he will give thee the desires of thy heart.   Commit thy way unto Jehovah; Trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass.   And he will make thy righteousness to go forth as the light, And thy justice as the noon-day.   Rest in Jehovah, and wait patiently for him: Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, Because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.  Cease from anger, and forsake wrath:"  ~ Psalm 37:3-8a

I have wounded people in my days; some have forgiven me, others have not, some use it as a bludgeon against me.  I can not undo my actions, only repent, attempt to reconcile and seek forgiveness.

I have allowed wounds to embitter me and to withhold that same forgiveness for others.  That's the crippling and deadly wound; the wound that alters the course of my demeanor, my heart.  That's the wound that not only hardens me against the person who "flung the bullet", but grows skeptical hardness against innocent bystanders.

And that's the wound that most needs to heal.

"And when they came unto the place which is called The skull, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand and the other on the left.  And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do"   ~ Luke 23:33-34a

Father, help me to forgive with the same heart that Jesus called upon, Yours.

Heal my wounded heart, Lord, and bring healing to the hearts of those I have wounded.

In Jesus name, I bring this prayer to you.

Amen

let the trouble simmer and die

"For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer contention quiets down." ~ Proverbs 26:20

Strife and contention pass our way constantly; wisdom demands that we allow it to pass harmlessly by.

Contention, gossip, the inevitable human conditional need to be "right", all cause harm, both to those engaged and to those in casual attendance.  A "glancing' blow" wounds innocent ears.

Proverbs 26 highlights the heart of a contentious fool and gives us a remedy for avoiding the conflict.

Avoid the fool; let the fire die alone.

And if you see yourself in the verses?  Prayer always helps.

"I said, "I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle while the wicked are in my presence."" ~ Psalm 39:1

"Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips." ~ Psalm 141:3

Standing In The Gap

Derek Prince provides a quick and decisive lesson on intercession.

Lesson link: The Teaching Legacy of Derek Prince: Standing in the Gap.

Excerpt:

"Ezekiel 22:23–31 records a different scene - similar to the last one in that it portrays the sins of God’s people, yet it is different in that no intercessor was found to stand between the sin of the people and God’s judgement.

And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Son of man, say to her [the land of Israel]: ‘You are a land that is not cleansed or rained on in the day of indignation.’ The conspiracy of her prophets in her midst... Her priests have violated My law... Her princes in her midst are like wolves... The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy... So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found no one. Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them.”

All sections of the population had utterly failed— prophets, priests, princes, people. Each of these stands for a certain element in society. The “prophets” are those responsible to bring a message direct from God. The “priests” are the leaders of institutional religion. The “princes” are the secular rulers. The “people” are the rest of the population, the common people. The order in which these four
elements are listed is significant. The process of decay began with the spiritual leadership; then the secular government was corrupted; finally the whole nation was affected. (This has been the order in modern America and many other nations.) Even though every part of society was corrupted, the situation was not yet hopeless. God looked for one man, an intercessor, to stand in the gap and make up the hedge so that He could spare the whole nation. But because He could find none, He poured out
upon them His indignation and “consumed them with the fire of [His] wrath.” One man—one intercessor— could have saved an entire nation from judgement!"

Scripture References:
1 Timothy 2:1
Isaiah 53:12
Luke 23:34
Hebrews 7:25
Genesis 18:20-33
Exodus 32:7-14, 32-35
Psalms 106:19-23
Numbers 16:41-47
Ezekiel 22:23-31

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Ps. 51:17).

gossip kills

It has been my experience there are few actions that cause more damage to relationships than gossip.  Gossip is an insidious evil perpetrated with "the best intentions".  Born of pride and a judgemental spirit, gossip maligns, cripples, wounds and devastates even the most stable relationships.

Gossip is handed down through generations; children being terribly mis-shaped by parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends and neighbors; gossips raise gossips.

Gossip kills friendships.  Gossip destroys marriages.  Gossip divides churches.

"I heard" begins a common gossip session. Some gossip in the name of "prayer", some in the name of "helping", some as "warnings" to others, but it all starts and ends the same way; "I heard...", "she said...", "I wonder...", "he said...", "have you heard...". Pride pushes gossip through otherwise seemingly innocent lips and into the ears of all close by.  Gossip is always repeated.  There are always victims of gossip.  Gossip is ugly.  Words spoken may not be taken back; the damage is done.

In the restaurant business we were watchful for damaging comments.  It was an industry standard that a negative comment about a restaurant would be repeated up to 30 times before dying out.  "I heard that the food was not good", "I heard that the service was terrible", "I heard that the prices were too high", "I heard", "I heard", "I heard".  In contrast, positive comments were held to be repeated only up to 10 times.  Gossip kills businesses, gossip distorts perception, gossip does not give some a chance.

Gossip makes people cry, causes sleepless nights, hardens hearts.  Gossip may be wrathful, vengeful, purposeful, stabbing.  Gossip is never innocent.

Psalm 141:3 "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips."

I confess that I have gossiped; I have participated in hurtful discussion concerning others, so have you.  I have maligned others through anger or selfish desire to lift myself up; I suspect you have as well.  We don't always set out to gossip, purpose to hurt or intend to tear down, but the damage is always the same, purposeful or not.

Psalm 15:1-3 "(A psalm by David.) Who may stay in God's temple or live on the holy mountain of the LORD? Only those who obey God and do as they should. They speak the truth and don't spread gossip; they treat others fairly and don't say cruel things."

I have been grievously wounded by gossip, some purposeful, some not malicious, but scarring nonetheless.  I suspect each of us can tell a similar tale.  Words can cut deeper than any knife.

We must exercise caution when we open our mouths to speak of others, carefully weighing our words and honestly inquiring of ourselves (and our listeners) whether we are speaking in a positive, caring manner.

If we discover that we are not, then let us change our words and our purpose or simply shut up.

in Him I have a shelter

"How happy is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How happy is the man the LORD does not charge with sin, and in whose spirit is no deceit!

When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy on me; my strength was drained as in the summer's heat. Selah Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not conceal my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and You took away the guilt of my sin. Selah

Therefore let everyone who is faithful pray to You at a time that You may be found. When great floodwaters come, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance. Selah

I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel. Do not be like a horse or mule, without understanding, that must be controlled with bit and bridle, or else it will not come near you. Many pains come to the wicked, but the one who trusts in the LORD will have faithful love surrounding him. Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart." Psalm 32 (HCSB)

Unconfessed sin; in my silence I feel the weight of guilt bearing down onto me. The Lord's hand heavy upon me, reminding me that there is something we need to discuss and bring into the open.

Giving up, I turn to God and confess what He already knows; He has been waiting to hear me admit my transgressions. With my honest admission relief comes like a wave. I open my mouth and my heart to my God and He removes the oppression of my stubbornness, my deceit, my disregard for His instruction. He forgives.

In my God I find release and relief, in Him I have a shelter, a peace, a joy, His comforting presence.

He reminds me that He has plans for me, structure, progress, purposeful travel. He whispers to me and I incline my ear to His voice. He corrects my stubbornness and reminds me that faithfulness is rewarded with understanding, His love encompasses me and brings my heart to song.
I shout out, "I am loved by the God of All Creation! He knows my name!"

I am His anew, again.

it's all His

Psalm 24:1 (NAS) "The earth is the Lord's and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it."

Each one of us is a caretaker. We are provided by God with the things of this world and are expected to be good stewards of these provisions; we must carefully consider how best to serve God and give glory to His name with them.

I must purpose to be a faithful tither, cheerfully returning to God the "first fruits" of His provision.

I must be watchful for opportunity to bless others with my abundance and with my lack.

I must be faithful in praise and in thanksgiving to the Giver of all creation.

2 Corinthians 9:8 (NAS) "And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work."

I will dwell in the house of the LORD

Psalm 23, A Psalm of David.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Surely my cup overflows!

I have been blessed with an abundant life. I have a family, a home, a job, food to eat, clothes to wear and a roof over my head.

I have two hands, two feet, two eyes, two ears and a mind that may be fashioned to Christ's own!

I have this body, that while suffering wear and tear, is restored from time to time.

I have time and opportunity to serve. I have resources beyond measure to use for God's glory and to advance His kingdom on this earth.

I have heard the good news.

I have believed and received His great gift.

... and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Amen