truth: words

Proverbs 15:3 "A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit."

Proverbs 16:24 "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body."

May my words be a reflection of this truth this week.

Over my morning cup of Joe….

            On this rainy Columbia Saturday morning sitting here with my coffee, I began thinking about how good God is.   He shows His goodness in countless ways.  He holds the future in His hands.  He withholds knowledge that would overwhelm my mortal minds.  In the moment I see what I think is best, I ask for it.  He sees my future; He knows what will be best later and says “No.”   As angry and as frustrated as I may be, occasionally, he graciously reveals why he answered “No.”

 He shows this weary sinner that He is sovereign.  He continually reveals that He has my good in store.  Retrospectively, if I had had things my way I would have been angry and frustrated with the results.  Carolyn’s way would have led to bitterness, envy, pride, discontentment, irritation and arrogance.  All qualities that are opposite and opposed to the God I love.

            In his sovereignty, He chose to protect me.  He chose to edify in other ways.  James 1:21 says “therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”  He knew the paths that would lead me to salvation. I didn’t.  I needed help!   He provided it in the form of “No.”  Instead of giving bad gifts, he chose to give good gifts.  James 1:17 says that He gives good and perfect gifts because He never changes. That is how good He is :D

My life is a wreck but the Lord is good

I am such a sinner constantly reminded of whose Grace and Mercy I have to rely on.  This self-centered child would so rather worship HER-self than the God of the Universe.  So often, I find myself focused on me rather than the one who is worthy of my worship and the one who requires obedience.  I have to fall before his throne and receive his grace time after time.  The book of James has been pounding me and I have been meditating on James 1 a TON.  I am the man who looks into the mirror and forgets what his face looks like. How disobedient is that?! I don’t want to be.  I have been taught so many great things that I shouldn’t forget.  Oh, that I would learn to walk in His ways and remember his Truth all day long as I go throughout my day yet I sway my attention so often.

James 3 has also been hitting pretty hard these past two weeks.  What am I doing with my tongue? Is my speech gracious to those around me?  Are my words as Proverbs 16:24 says “like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body?”  He knows, as do those around me, that I have a tendency and all too often fall short of the glory of God with my tongue.  I am a gossip; I do like those morsels that appear tasty yet are venomous!!!  Oh, that my tongue would bring Glory to the Father instead of setting forests on fire.

He has also been teaching me to love the unlovable.  I could so say so much but I won’t.  He showed his love to us while we were still sinners.  He loved the unlovable as should I.  He provides grace to love them and through this we get to see His Glory shine.  He love for them is big.  He graciously planted that love within me.  They are beautiful when I look through his eyes.  Thank you, Lord, for the unlikeliest of friends, whom I dearly love.  It is all because of your love and compassion.  :D

My sweet friend Amy has been an encouragement with her blog.  She spurred me on with her recent post about Sunday Sabbaths and I cried when I saw her pictures of our beloved Bolivia.  I used to loath that command yet I too have come to love Sunday’s more and more because they are a day to spend time with the Lord and to be with His people.  They are SO good and SO refreshing when spent focused on him!! :D

I will praise the Lord for the great things HE has done! Gracias Sénior, gracias!!!