What We Say Matters!

Following up with my previous blog, I wanted to draw attention to "what we say," which can be quite revealing.

     Malachi 4:16 - "Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said.  In His presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared Him and always thought about the honor of His name. 
     17-'They will be my people,' says the Lord of Heaven's Armies. 'On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure.  I will spare them as a father spares an OBEDIENT child.  18- Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not."

I was quite happy to "come upon" the above scripture because, on certain occasions, after a lengthy conversation, it may be decided that, rather than just "talk", we should pray.  Rather than having to remunerate every concern, I will recall this verse and "THANK" the Lord for hearing and recording our words which we hope to have changed to requests of God with answers coming closely behind.

I know this may sound like we're taking a shortcut, but the Bible clearly states that it is not the "length" of our prayers, but the sincerity!!  In fact, there is a Proverb that promises, "Where there are many words, there is sure to be transgression."

I am reminded as I read scripture about WORDS...that it seems it has taken us a long time to learn to speak what agrees with the Bible.  Peter was "rash" in his speaking, and thankfully Jesus gave him another chance (three, to be exact)!

 If our thinking leads to "speaking", then let's remember to obey Philippians 4:8 - Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

I have become a big fan of the Life Application Study Bible and in the footnotes, it says about "Phil.4:9 - It's not enough to hear or read the Word of God or even to know it well.  We must also put it into practice. How easy it is to listen to a sermon and forget what the preacher said.  How easy it is to read the Bible and not think about how to live differently.  How easy it is to debate what a passage means and not live out that meaning.  Exposure to God's Word is not enough.  It must lead to obedience."

Fairly recently, I heard about the primary difference between humans and other kinds of life being our ability to "speak."  This obviously carries with it a godlikeness...who when HE spoke...He created! Because, in the earliest of days, all humans spoke the same language, God saw He needed to confuse their language to "limit" their possibilities.  In reverse, we see the importance of language...speaking and the effect it can and may have.

Angels move on the "word" of God.  I believe this includes "quoting" the scriptures as they relate to our prayers and words in general.  It is interesting to me that Satan brought "doubt" into the Garden when Eve listened to his evil intent:  "Hath God said???  speaking deceitfully to her.  We can stand firmly in faith ONLY when we don't waver.

James tells us that God is generous in granting us "wisdom," but we have to ask in 'faith' without doubting. How may we rid ourselves of doubt?  I suggest it is by getting more and more familiar with God through His word....and calling on Him.  I love this scripture:  "Ask and receive, that your joy may be full."  We aren't just to ask....but we should expect Him to answer us...revealing His character and generous nature!

Finally, be filled with His Holy Spirit which will counsel and comfort us when we need Him:)