Category Archives: Building up or Tearing down?

Two Masters Or Just One??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #377

18 Monday Aug 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Born Again, Bow Before our God, Broad road or the Straight Gate?, Building up or Tearing down?, By Him We Live, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU, Christ IS Alive!, Church:Dead Or Alive?, Cleansed from all sin, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, Master Builder

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Two Masters Or Just One? A Word from THE WORD!!! #377

I want us to think about our focus, our allegiance, devotion and service today; we live in a world determined to distract us, to lead us astray from God, and lead men, women, boys and girls straight to hell!  Oh, how I pray that you will consider these things and choose to examine yourself and evaluate your own allegiance.  Jesus makes it clear that He is to be our total focus!

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,

where moth and rust

doth corrupt,

and where thieves

break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust

doth corrupt,

and where thieves do not

break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is,

there will your heart be also.

22 The light of the body is the eye:

if therefore thine eye be single,

thy whole body shall be full of light.

23 But if thine eye be evil,

thy whole body

shall be full of darkness.

If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness,

how great is that darkness!

24 No man can serve two masters:

for either he will hate the one,

and love the other;

or else he will hold to the one,

and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

25 Therefore I say unto you,

Take no thought for your life,

what ye shall eat,

or what ye shall drink;

nor yet for your body,

what ye shall put on.

Is not the life more than meat,

and the body than raiment?”  Matthew 6:19-25

Jesus clearly tells us that we have a choice of mindset; we can set our minds on earthly things or the heavenly things, and the reward will be given accordingly.  If we spend all our time seeking and keeping earthly treasures, we may be neglecting the eternal treasures.  And in this same chapter, Jesus reiterates this same principle.

“Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat? or,

What shall we drink? or,

Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father

knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow:

for the morrow shall take thought

for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:31-34

I pray that we will heed the words of our Lord, and measure our choices by HIS WORD, and not popular opinion—in our behavior, our speech, our actions and activities.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test; but even more than that, Jesus gave us instruction to pray very specifically, and it surely lends credence to His words here.

“But when ye pray,

use not vain repetitions,

as the heathen do:

for they think that they shall be heard

for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them:

for your Father knoweth

what things ye have need of,

before ye ask him.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.”  Matthew 6:7-11

Let’s just peruse some of these ideas that Jesus was calling us to consider; if we want to please our master (if Jesus is your master, if not then you can bow before Him in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sins) our focus needs to be on today!  We aren’t to fall into vain repletion, thinking that we can twist God’s arm (so to speak) and get what we want.  Our desire is to be what God wants us to be and do in and through the lives of His own, and when I belong to Jesus, I can understand what the Proverb is saying to me!

“Boast not thyself of to morrow;

for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

2 Let another man praise thee,

and not thine own mouth;

a stranger,

and not thine own lips.”  Proverbs 27:1-2

Peter has some great advice for us, and I encourage you to heed his words, for God is faithful who has promised!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:  

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:6-11

In closing, I simply want to ask, “Who is your master?”  Have you come to Jesus or are you going your own way—even if it’s a ‘religious’ way, if you haven’t been born again as Jesus said (John 3:1-19), you are still going your way; yet you can bow before Him, and give Him your life, and let Jesus save you today.

“Come unto me,

all ye that labour

and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy,

and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Even as John tells us, may we come to the cross; if you hear His voice don’t turn away without Him?

“But if we walk in the light,

`as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:7-10

I will pray for you as the Psalmist says:

“Search me, O God,

and know my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way

in me,

and lead me

in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

Who’s your master? May you hear and heed His voice?

Amen and Amen!!!

Carrying? Or Being Carried??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #358

20 Friday Jun 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Bow Before our God, Building up or Tearing down?, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, I will lift up mine eyes, Idolatry, If not now? When?, IN HIS TIME!, Iron Sharpening Iron, It's All About The Cross, It's Your Choice, Jesus Built A Bridge

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Carrying?  Or Being Carried??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #358

Sometimes we are quick to criticize those who would bow down to a statue or an idol, yet we erect our own “idols and figures” that are no ‘gods’; for believe it or not there is only one God, The Lord God Almighty, Jehovah, Creator and sustainer of all things, Jesus the Son and The Holy Spirit, who is imparted to all who come to Jesus in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin.  Yet the thing I want us to consider is how foolish we can be when we rely on our own wisdom, knowledge and ideas in our choices for life, success and so-called ‘happiness’!  There is only one God—three-in-one, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost/Spirit, and until we assess all things by His Word, His Will and His wisdom, we are subject to find our own substitutions.  Daniel gives us one of the most precise descriptions of who and what our God is!  I pray that you will take his words to your heart and pray with the Psalmist each day.

“Search me, O God,

and know my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

May we pray for God’s help and directions, for we so often fail to see how wicked our own hearts are.

“Blessed is the man

that trusteth in the LORD,

and whose hope the LORD is.

8 For he shall be

as a tree planted by the waters,

and that spreadeth out her roots by the river,

and shall not see when heat cometh,

but her leaf shall be green;

and shall not be careful in the year of drought,

neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

9  The heart is deceitful

above all things,

and desperately wicked:

who can know it?

10 I the LORD

search the heart,

I try

the reins,

even to give every man

according to his ways,

and according to the fruit of his doings.”                Jeremiah 17:7-10                                                              (And for another most beautiful contrast, see Psalm 1)

Yet Daniel, a young man who had set his heart on being undefiled by the circumstances around him, found God’s faithfulness to be more than sufficient; and here is one of his prayers of thanks for answered prayer!

“Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel

in a night vision.

Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

20 Daniel answered and said,

Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever:

for wisdom and might

are his:

21 And he changeth the times

and the seasons:

he removeth kings,

and setteth up kings:

he giveth wisdom

unto the wise,

and knowledge

to them that know understanding:

22 He revealeth

the deep and secret things:

he knoweth

what is in the darkness,

and the light

dwelleth with him.

23 I thank thee,

and praise thee,

O thou God of my fathers,

who hast given me wisdom and might,

and hast made known unto me now

what we desired of thee:

for thou hast now made known unto us

the king’s matter.”  Daniel 2:19-23

 Will we choose to be a Daniel or walk in our own ways?  Isaiah gives us an amazing picture which we ought to take to heart and use to measure our lives by God’s plumbline.  I pray that this will touch your heart, and lead us all to depend on The God, who IS God, not the works of our hands, whatever that might be!

“The carpenter stretcheth out his rule;

he marketh it out with a line;

he fitteth it with planes,

and he marketh it out with the compass,       

and maketh it after the figure of a man,

according to the beauty of a man;

that it may remain in the house.

14 He heweth him down cedars,

and taketh the cypress and the oak,

which he strengtheneth for himself

among the trees of the forest:

he planteth an ash,

and the rain doth nourish it.

15 Then shall it be for a man to burn:

for he will take thereof,

and warm himself;

yea, he kindleth it,

and baketh bread;

yea,

he maketh a god,

and worshippeth it;

he maketh it a graven image,

and falleth down thereto.

16 He burneth part thereof in the fire;

with part thereof he eateth flesh;

he roasteth roast,

and is satisfied:

yea, he warmeth himself, and saith,

Aha, I am warm,

I have seen the fire:

17 And the residue thereof he maketh a god,

even his graven image:

he falleth down unto it,

and worshippeth it,

and prayeth unto it,

and saith,

Deliver me;

for thou art my god.

18 They have not known

nor understood:

for he hath shut their eyes,

that they cannot see;

and their hearts,

that they cannot understand.

19 And none considereth

in his heart,

neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say,

I have burned part of it

in the fire;

yea, also I have baked bread

upon the coals thereof;

I have roasted flesh,

and eaten it:

and shall I make the residue thereof

an abomination?

shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?” Isaiah 44:13-19

What are you depending on?  Who are you bowing down to?  What have you created for yourself?  Let’s be found faithful before our Lord!  Let’s keep our eyes on the prize—Jesus!!!

And just a comment on this passage; the reference of being “compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses” is not a reference to a stadium where we are being cheered on, but rather a reference to the preceding chapter of faith, the testimony of those gone before us who finished their race with honor by faith, not sight or popularity before the world.  May we not seek the applause of men but rather pursue the pleasure of The Lord Jesus in all things!

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside

every weight,

and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider him

that endured such contradiction of sinners

against himself,   

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.”  Hebrews 12:1-3

And remember, you only need to run your race, with your eyes on Jesus, not anyone else’s race!  We must learn to listen to the voice of our master, not the crowd.  I pray that this will be a word of help and encouragement to you.  Blessings on you today.

Amen and Amen!!!

Know Him-Love HIM-Do You??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #232

26 Wednesday Jun 2024

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Broad road or the Straight Gate?, Building up or Tearing down?, Choices And Consequences, Choose Wisely, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Confidence, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Forgiveness, He was born to die for our sin, He's Alive, Hearing God, Heaven or Hell?, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Salvation, The Word, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Turn to God's Word

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Know Him-Love HIM-Do You??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #232

We talked last time about being still and knowing that God IS God, and in this crazy, troubled, uncertain world it’s often hard to be still; yet we need to remember our childhood lesson to “stop, look, and listen”, stop running from God and turn around running to Him, looking up to seek His grace, mercy and wisdom, and listening to His direction for our lives…oh, what a difference we would see and know!  Take some time today to stop for a few, look up to Jesus, and listen for His voice; He is ever ready to meet you where you are—and He already knows where you are and what you really need!

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will

come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

Jesus calls us to Himself!  Have you heard the voice of Jesus calling you?  Are you already His, but you’re confused, tired, frustrated—let go and listen to your shepherd—Jesus!!!

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.”  John 10:27-30

Jesus is Lord—He is my shepherd—He IS God—and He IS coming back soon!  Are you ready!  Live today with Him, for Him and by His power, grace and truth (dig into His Word!!!)!  Who do you belong to?  Jesus?  The world?  Your fleshly desires and lusts?  Your greed?  Your goals?

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,

I am the light of the world:

he that followeth me

shall not walk in darkness,

but shall have the light of life.”  John 8:12 

Get out of that dark cellar and look to the “light of the world” and follow Him. Again remember that childhood song we all sang about letting our “little light shine” and the refrain that taught us to not “let Satan blow it out”!  The enemy is ever after us, but we have victory in Jesus when we but stop, look and listen!  (that might make a great song…)!  And if you don’t know Jesus, don’t miss His voice calling you—the wrong way will always look appealing, but it leads the wrong way and only brings destruction and death.  Let’s examine Jesus’ call to all!  A call to His own to shine as a reflection of the true light of the world; if you don’t know Him, He calls you to choose the straight/narrow way and walk with Him.  The journey isn’t easy, but He is ever faithful to walk with us!

“Ye are the light of the world.

A city that is set on an hill

cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle,

and put it under a bushel,

but on a candlestick;

and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine

before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father

which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Jesus’ great warning of the difference between the two roads; the two choice that we each face; it’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test (and a consequence—you are free to choose but the choice carries its own consequence.)!  Jesus knows your heart!  As my mother used to say, “You can fool all of the people some of the time; you can fool some of the people all the time; but you can’t fool God!” Remember, the majority isn’t always right!  Will you be part of the “few” or the “many”?

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.”  Matthew 7:13-14

“Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will

of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:21-23

God is ever faithful to care for His own.  Jesus has never failed me, and HE won’t fail you either.  Jesus knows His own and He always cares—delivering right on time; and His Word is the standard not the opinions of the world—regardless of how popular they seem to be!  Trust Him today if you haven’t!

“For the word of God is

quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

 but all things are naked

and opened

unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:12-16

May the grace and love of Jesus overflow your soul today!

Amen and Amen!!!

The Blessing Of Friendship??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #225

29 Wednesday May 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Building up or Tearing down?, Friends, Friendship, Fruit of the Spirit, Full Of what?, Inspiring Others, Intercessors, Iron Sharpening Iron, Iron Sharpens Iron, Is Small Insignificant?, It's Your Choice, Jesus Built A Bridge, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Joy Is Contagious!, Joy of The Lord!, Joy To The World?, The Word

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The Blessing Of Friendship??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #225

 

I had a lovely day out with a friend yesterday, and as I sat down this morning to write, I couldn’t help but feel led to share just a few thoughts on friendship.  As my friend and I were talking over our lunch, I shared some things about my past, before I was saved and how unkind I could be—a smart alec by nature and environment–but God brought conviction to my heart many years ago, that my heart needed to be controlled more by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit than the smart alec that my fleshly habit inclines to.  Not to say that I don’t try to make a comical or timely remark when given the chance, but I try to keep it kind and friendly not snarky (as they say now—who knew that was a word?).  We talked about things that I used to do and be before I was saved and she couldn’t believe that was me, and I had to reassure her that Jesus had made the difference, and what grieves me the most was the influence that I was in the negative rather than the positive.  Oh, what a difference Jesus makes in my life!  How about you?  Has Jesus made a difference in you?  Do others see Jesus or your flesh most often?

“He that handleth a matter wisely

shall find good:

and whoso trusteth in the LORD,

happy is he.

21 The wise in heart

shall be called prudent:

and the sweetness of the lips

increaseth learning.

22 Understanding is a wellspring of life

unto him that hath it:

but the instruction of fools

is folly.

23 The heart of the wise

 teacheth his mouth,

and addeth learning

to his lips.

24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb,

sweet to the soul,

and health to the bones.

25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:20-25

As I was looking up verse 25 above, I was reading and this is one of those places in the Proverbs what has a lengthy flow of thought, and I just had to share this passage instead of just verse 25; for wisdom and kindness are linked hand in hand, and friendship can come out of kindness and compassion.  I have found new friends through the years, just by sharing Jesus, or wisdom from God’s Word, or just a smile and a word of positive encouragement.  Don’t miss acquiring a new friend by being more concerned about winning, rushing or ignoring others than by taking time to share a smile, or a wave, or a word of positive encouragement to a stranger!  It’s much better to share a positive word than always to be thinking of yourself and hurting an innocent recipient out of our unconcern.  How hard is to say kind things to a clerk, a cashier, an attendant, a co-worker whom you may not know well, a new neighbor, a child playing outside as you walk?

“A froward man

soweth strife:

and a whisperer

separateth chief friends.”  Proverbs 16:28

“He that covereth a transgression

seeketh love;

but he that repeateth a matter

separateth very friends.”  Proverbs 17:9

“A friend loveth

at all times,

and a brother

is born for adversity.”  Proverbs 17:17

A friend is a treasure rare; and I have been abundantly blessed with dear friends through the years, and while many have gone before me into Jesus’ presence, I am still encouraged by the things God blessed us to share—mostly time, and Jesus, and being family!

“A man that hath friends

must shew himself friendly:

and there is a friend that sticketh

closer than a brother.”  Proverbs 18:24

“Open rebuke

is better than secret love.

6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend;

but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”  Proverbs 27:5-6

“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart:

so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend

by hearty counsel.” Proverbs 27:9

Friends are not only an opportunity to bless others, but to receive blessing, grace, wisdom and a point of view outside of our own; and that is so often of immeasurable importance.  It’s one of the things that we can share as friends, helping each other see another side of what God wants us to know.  Even teachers learn from their students—I surely have; and I thank God for that!  The Proverb says it better than I can!

“Iron sharpeneth iron;

so a man sharpeneth

the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17

Yet, while all of these things are of great import, there is one thing better, and to me, that is to be called the “Friend of God”!  May it ever be so—thank YOU JESUS!

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith,

Abraham believed God,

and it was imputed unto him for righteousness:

and he was called

the Friend of God.”  James 2:23

Yet there is a danger in friendship—choosing to be the wrong friend to the wrong people, which James also warns us about.

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses,

know ye not that the friendship of the world

is enmity with God?

whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world

is the enemy of God.”  James 4:4

So, my friends choose wisely, while the choice is yours to make, remember there is a consequence.  And it may be coming very soon.  Will you choose to be a “Friend of God” in Jesus, or will you be found to be “the enemy of God”?  As I said, the choice is yours but choose wisely for there is a test!  Have you heard the voice of Jesus?  He’s calling to you!  Is He knocking at your door?  It’s your call!

“Behold,

I stand at the door, and knock:

 if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

Amen and Amen!!!

Building Up or Tearing Down??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #75

10 Friday Mar 2023

Posted by in Building up or Tearing down?, Consider Your ways, Contentment, Controlling the TONGUE!, Conviction, Keepers At Home, Kindness, Kindness has no expiration date., Women of God, Women of Kindness & Godliness

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Building Up Or Tearing Down???A Word from THE WORD!!! #75

This post is not just for ladies, but since I am one, I can speak to us ladies with a voice of love, compassion, and experience.  I pray that this word will go where God sends it, for it is a word that I believe is much needed today, I think especially in Christian circles.

“Every wise woman

buildeth her house:

but the foolish

plucketh it down

with her hands.”  Proverbs 14:1

Those of us who are wives, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and just friends and neighbors, need to remember that our words have the power to build up or tear down!  We have the power to encourage or discourage!  We have the power to speak words of love, kindness, truth, and compassion, or we can blurt out words that hurt to the core of someone’s being, that cause those in our circle (especially those in our own home) to wonder where the real “love of Jesus” went?  I know many who use their words to put down rather than lift up; that speak words that exalt ourselves as we destroy the hopes, joys, dreams, and efforts of those we claim to love.

I remember an example that a Bible teacher gave once–a true account–while teaching classes on being godly women and wives.  An older lady who seemed like she had sour lemons for breakfast made comments about her ‘useless’ husband, and there was no use to put any effort into her relationship, for he would never respond, and she couldn’t think of anything nice to say.  She was encouraged to think of something nice to say to her husband that night before the next class.  Well, she went home feeling like she just couldn’t think of anything nice to say and went in and after a bit of time she went to sit with her husband and told him, “You really do a good job with out taxes”!  Well, not very romantic, you might think to no avail, but the woman returned to class with a broken heart and a more teachable spirit, sharing that her husband broke down and cried, saying that was the nicest thing she had said to him in years.  Needless to say, their marriage got a jump start because one wife was willing to hear and obey God’s voice, humble herself and say ‘something nice’!

Now, some of you are shaking your head, saying, “I’m not that bad!”  But in whose eyes?  Your husband’s?  Your children’s?  Your in-law’s?  Your neighbor’s?  The old adage that we all sang on the playground as children is NOT true–“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!”  Words can hurt and can stay with us years and decades longer than any broken bone!  What will you do with your words (and believe me, this hits me in the heart more than any of you reading it, for my tongue has often gotten loose in the wrong direction–no, I don’t curse, but you can be ugly without using one profanity!) today?

I simply want to leave you with a story and a challenge from the famous Proverbs 31 woman.  May we strive to please our Lord with our words and actions toward others, especially our husbands, children, and family.  I think many of us, like the woman in the story above, have become so proud in our own ‘self-righteousness’ that we haven’t heard God’s voice of conviction.  May we truly seek forgiveness, wisdom, and grace to be powerful and kindly women of GOD?

The story is told of a little boy who said mean things about another child and his father overheard his comments.  He asked the boy if he could take his words back, to which the child replied, “sure”.  Well, the father gave him a feather pillow and asked him to scatter the feathers around the town, which he did gladly.  The next day, the father gave the boy the pillow cover and asked him to go and gather the feathers back into the cover, and so he set out to obey.  But as we all know, he came back with only a few of the feathers that came out of the cover.  The boy’s father took the pillow cover and told his son, “so it is with your words”, once you spread mean things around about others, you can’t take them all back, no matter how hard you may try.  Our words fly just like those feathers, into places where we can’t retrieve them.  May we all learn a lesson from the feathers and ask God to set that “guard on my mouth” and think before we share, before we let those ‘put-downs’ make us feel exalted!

“She openeth her mouth

with wisdom;

and in her tongue

is the law of kindness.

27 She looketh well

to the ways of her household,

and eateth not

the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up,

and call her blessed;

her husband also,

and he praiseth her.”  Proverbs 31:26-28

Blessings on your day and week, may Jesus Christ receive praise and honor by our living!  Ladies let’s step up to the plate and bring the glory of JESUS into our homes and circles of influence-whether at the coffee-klatch, the ballgame, our living room, our bedroom, or shopping!  We can make a difference TODAY for good not harm! I love and pray for you all.

Amen and Amen!!!

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