Verse of the Day - 11/16

Through the Bible - Ezekiel 15-17, James 1

 

Good morning,

This morning we'll continue with another one of Paul's admonitions which preceded his call, his challenge to us to be imitators of God and to walk in love.  It is probably one of the most difficult challenges for most, if not all of us, when you think about the scope of what the verse is talking about, it is about how we use our tongue, our speech.

Ephesians 4:29 (Amplified Bible) Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it.

Think of the scope of "let no foul or polluting language, evil word, unwholesome, and worthless talk ever come out of your mouth.  In our, at least I know in my own strength, I am not up the challenge and all too often fail miserably.

 

We must constantly be "renewed in the spirit of our mind" as we read yesterday for God's grace to permeate our speech.  It takes diligence, prayer, and devotion on our part coupled with God's grace.  He has the power to change hearts, minds and tongues.

 

Probably the person that comes closest to controlling his tongue in this matter is my son Jeff.  Most of you know that he suffered a TBI several years ago and for a couple of years did not speak.  It has gradually come back and as it did, it revealed something else about Jeff.  He lost some of the natural inhibitions as far as what should be said in situations or he'll answer rhetorical questions (especially those asked by Pastor Bob).  His inner self, his spirit comes out in his speech.

 

You'll be hard pressed to hear foul or polluting language come out of his mouth, instead you are more likely to hear words of love, peace, joy, happiness and appreciation (thankfulness).  Many who have suffered similar brain injuries can't help swearing.  We are blessed that Jeff's speech has been restored and that it is a blessing, revealing God's favor, to us who hear it.

 

May my speech show more of His grace today and every day.

 

In closing, take a look at these words from James, they are the verses that end today's New Testament reading (above) in James 1.

 

James 1:26-27 (New Living Translation)  If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. ²⁷ Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 4:25-32 (New King James Version)

Do Not Grieve the Spiri

²⁵ Therefore, putting away lying, " Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another. ²⁶ "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, ²⁷ nor give place to the devil. ²⁸ Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. ²⁹ Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. ³² And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.