This Month's Topic Is:
In marriage, many a partner has said the cruelest of words to another in a moment of anger, and found, when the "crisis" was over,...the words remained. How many children spend their lifetime trying to get over "nasty words" spoken to them by their parents. My friends, words hurt, sometimes a word spoken at the most inopportune moment will leave a lifelong scar on your mate, your children, or anyone else who is at the receiving end of a "vicious" word.
When we speak "In the Spirit", our speech is in "The Word of God"! When you are Not "In the Spirit", you will say whatever you want!
So what exactly is "Speaking in the Spirit"? The best way to check your speech is to review the "Fruit of the Spirit"!
"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
The Christian lifestyle is meant to be one filled with the "Spirit"! But, it is this battle that must be fought everyday. Unfortunately, human nature makes us tempted to be "sinful", and fall into the "flesh".
What is "in the flesh"? It is those WORDS and DEEDS that are in direct contrast to the "Spirit": hatred, envying, jealousy, anger, evil, impatience, etc.etc...
J. R. Caldwell wrote: I find that the greatest hindrance to the Gospel and the greatest hindrance to many precious truths taking effect in the hearts and consciences of unbelievers is the un-Christlike lives of those who profess the truth. Oh, give me a hundred people that are making it the business of their lives to be "like Christ"--reading His Word and crying to God to show them the right way--and I will show you a place where there will be permanent blessing.
Are you faced with one of those days, where it seems everything around you is in confusion? Don't fall into the temptation to "get even" at your spouse, your children, your co-workers, your boss, etc. if you feel wronged! If you feel a confrontation coming up, stop yourself! Don't say anything! If you feel yourself ready to react badly, get to a place where you can pray for the help you need.
Dear Lord, I'm at my end. I don't know the answer here. I can't handle this situation and I need your help . Help me to not speak of my own will . Help me to speak in Your words Lord. Let my heart soften before I speak. Help me find the way to speak in Your love. In Jesus name I pray, Amen
Another way to help you "speak in the Spirit" when faced with a situation where you have been hurt, is to say the Lord's Prayer as many times as necessary, until you can get through the entire prayer without hesitation. This is a great deterrent from speaking "in the flesh"! Sometimes, it could mean saying this prayer 10 or 20 times, just as many as takes before you can say the entire prayer without your mind wandering. What a calming effect it has! You can become re-focused before you are tempted to take things in our own hands! The answer always comes when you are calm and at peace! It is at that moment you can get back to speaking in the Spirit!
Allow your words to convey the message of Jesus, even when you feel hurt! Allow your words to give peace, hope, encouragement, and love each and every time you speak! Your own heart will soften as you cultivate your words in "the Spirit".
When we are in obedience to God, the Holy Spirit lives within. Take the time each day to meditate with God and pray to have the Holy Spirit guide your thoughts and your words each day. Reviewing the "Fruit of the Spirit" each and every day will help to remind you of your walk. Let God do His talking through you! Let Him say what needs to be said. As you learn to allow the Spirit to direct and influence your life, you will destroy the power of sin. Your life will be blessed forever!
A cruel word may wreck a life;
A bitter word may hate instill,
A brutal word may smite and kill
A gracious word may smooth the way
A joyous word may light the day;
A timely word may lesson stress,
A loving word may heal and bless."
--Selected from Knights master book of new illustrations
Heavenly Father, thank you for dwelling inside me today. Thank you for the countless blessings You have bestowed upon my life. Help me to walk in Your spirit Father. Help me to understand the power of my words. Help me say only those things today that will foster love, hope and peace to whomever I come into contact with. Let me shine as Your example of a good Christian soldier. Allow me to speak only those words that will bring joy into the lives that I touch today Father. Let me fill my family with love, kindness and patience just as Your Son would if he was standing right here beside me. I thank you also for Your patience and love You give to me everyday, even when I sometimes don't deserve it Father. Thank you for being there for me when I need You, and thank you for Your Spirit which I hold in my heart forever. In Jesus name I pray.
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