"You are a Crown of Splendor in the LORD"s Hand, a Royal Diadem in the hand of your God." Isaiah 62:3.
Thursday, 29 November 2018
KACHELBELA: Trapped By Words
KACHELBELA: Trapped By Words: Dear Diary, #Trapped_By_Words On my day 13 of #40Day_Zip_it_Challenge I learned that words can be ensnaring. I don’t know about yo...
Trapped By Words
Dear
Diary,
#Trapped_By_Words
On
my day 13 of #40Day_Zip_it_Challenge I learned that words can be ensnaring. I
don’t know about your experience but there are times I have said some things
that eventually got me trapped. I have also observed that there are some sweet
talkers who engage you in conversations with the intentions of trapping you in
your words. Woe to you if you ain’t smart and economical with words!
Matthew
22:15 says, “Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap Jesus in His
words.” Actually, Luke 11:53-54 tells us that the Scribes and the Pharisees
resorted to intense interrogation with many hostile questions; their sole
purpose was to trap Jesus into saying something they could use against Him.
Surely, as Proverbs 12:6 says, “The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood…”
You’ll agree with me, with fiery darts Satan tries to provoke us to say
something that will give him access into our lives.
How
can words trap you?
- When you tell a lie, it will get you trapped. Remember, “God detests lying lips but He delights in people who are trustworthy,” Prov 12:22. Keep off white lies.
- When you can’t shut down the motor mouth, remember, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent,” Prov. 10:19.
- Sometimes being nice to people-you know, wanting to help them (well-meaning). By giving a surety in their behalf can be ensnaring, Prov. 6:1-2.
- When vexed you end up saying words that will make Satan put a noose around your necks. Remember, “The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent man ignores an insult,” Prov 12:16
So
many scenarios in which we can end up saying things which ultimately ensnare
us.
Look
here, “Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk….” Proverbs 12:13. Not only
the evildoors who’re trapped by their evil words, even the well-meaning
Christian can fall into the trap, “You have been trapped by what you said,
ensnared by the words of your mouth,” Proverbs 6:2.
Moving
on…
Now,
if you find yourself trapped by your words, how can you free yourself? The best
answers I have: first, CONFESS and REPENT your sin! Secondly, once you become
aware of how important words are, PRAY as the Psalmist did, “Set a guard over
my mouth, O lord, keep watch over the door of my lips,” Psalm 141:3. Remember, “From the fruit of his words a man is satisfied with
good,” Prov. 12:14. As long as we keep a watch over our mouths,
Satan doesn’t have a booby trap to tighten around our necks.
Regards,
NzakuNashipae
Monday, 26 November 2018
KACHELBELA: Whose Mouth, Whose Words!
KACHELBELA: Whose Mouth, Whose Words!: Dear Diary, #Whose_Mouth_Whose_Words? #Shut_Down_the_Motormouth On my day 11 of the #40Day_Zip_it_Challenge I learned that the God w...
Whose Mouth, Whose Words!
Dear Diary,
#Whose_Mouth_Whose_Words?
#Shut_Down_the_Motormouth
On my day 12 of the
#40Day_Zip_it_Challenge I learned that the God who made the mouth is able to
to put in it the appropriate words to speak in every circumstance.Whether a stutterer or
diffident, God is sufficient for us, no matter what real or imagined
inadequacies we have.
In Exodus 4:10-12, Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never
been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I
am slow of speech and tongue. The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who
makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it
not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to
say.”
God
told Jeremiah, “Before I formed
you in the womb I knew you, before you were
born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations,” Jeremiah
1:5. But Jeremiah, had a different opinion, “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” Jeremiah said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young,” v.6.
I love the LORD’s response, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to
everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do
not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,”
declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached
out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in
your mouth,” v.6-9.
Now, how many of us feel like Moses and/or
Jeremiah? Probably you feel you can’t speak up because you’re not eloquent.
Maybe the situation you’re supposed to speak to frightens you. Well, thing is,
God made your mouth and if He says you can do it, He means it. Maybe, you’re
bankrupt of the appropriate words to speak, I just want to tell you that He who
made the most eloquent mouths is able to give you the right words; He is also
able to make your words authoritative so just depend on Him.
Regards,
NzakuNashipae
Saturday, 24 November 2018
KACHELBELA: Toxic Mouth
KACHELBELA: Toxic Mouth: Dear Diary, #Shut_Down_the_Motormouth On my Day 11 of the #40Day_Zip_it_Challenge, I learned that one of the marks of the godles...
Toxic Mouth
Dear Diary,
#Shut_Down_the_Motormouth
On my Day 11 of the
#40Day_Zip_it_Challenge, I learned that one of the marks of the godless (hypocrite)
is that they destroy people and/or lead to overthrow of a nation with their
words, Proverbs 11:9, 11-13.
How do the godless destroy their neighbours?
How do salacious gossips spread? Consider gutter press, social media,
newsrooms, radio stations. What be the effect? Nasty scars, damaged character! Maybe,
you’re saying, “He/she deserves it!” Well, give the benefit of doubt; some of
those people are lampooned and pierced mercilessly for no reason. Without thinking
through or even listening to the other side of the story, some of us as soon as
we see /read/hear of a scandalous gossip we hit the share/forward button. Actually,
as you hit forward/share button, you don’t consider yourself godless, do you? See
your life! Verse 13 tells us, “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy
person keeps a secret.” The thing about gossip is that some of us, Christians,
we share it as a sly prayer item in our prayer meetings or use it in the pulpit
as a cunning sermon illustration. What we don’t realize is that it is character
assassination at times! In addition, the
mouth of the godless destroys a neighbour through disparaging, perverting and
corrupting them. “Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who
has understanding holds their tongue,” v. 12.
In our country, every
electioneering period is marked with viciously bitter hate speech that stirs up
tribal clashes. While the mouth of the righteous is a well of life, the mouth
of the godless leads to the overthrow of a nation. “Through the blessing of the
upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed,”
v.11. Some of us, during our elections
year- political campaigns our mouths are destructive, if you know, you know! Sitasema
mengi.
Now, next time when you
hear/read or see a scandalous gossip, pause and think through before you hit
forward/share button. Before you disparage someone for whatever reason, think
about the scars you might leave in them. You know, 2022 politics are gaining momentum;
the famous handshake has kept us guessing but just before you open your mouth
to speak, think through your words-don’t spread, incite, promote or justify tribal
hatred. Careless words can destroy our nation.
Regards,
NzakuNashipae
Tuesday, 20 November 2018
KACHELBELA: A Well of Life
KACHELBELA: A Well of Life: Dear Diary, Day 10 of # 40Day_Zip_it_Challenge # A_Well_of_Life # Shut_Down_the_Motormouth A week ago I had a conversation wi...
A Well of Life
Dear Diary,
Day 10 of #40Day_Zip_it_Challenge
A week ago I had a conversation with someone. One of us said, “You don’t know my heart!” Coming to think of it, you can say that but I think it is easy to know someone’s heart by the kind of words that come from the mouth. Actually you can measure a person’s character by their speech.
Come with me to Proverbs 10:11. It says, “The mouth of the righteous is a well of life.” A well/fountain is the source from which something proceeds or is supplied. It is a spring of water issuing from the earth. The mouth as such, is an overflow of what’s in the heart and in effect of its flow, it refreshes and impregnates the surrounding desolateness.
The same way a well nourishes and refreshes its surrounding so is the mouth of the righteous. The mouth of the righteous blesses and enhances lives; it carries Good News and feeds many, “The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense,” v. 21. Additionally, “From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced,” v. 31. A righteous man knows acceptable words and speaks them appropriately-at the right time and at the right place. “The lips of the righteous know what finds favor, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse,” v.32.
Now, RIGHTEOUSNESS is what makes the mouth a fountain/well of life; in addition, what is STORED up in the heart, “The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin,” v. 14.
You see, God cares so much about my mouth.
Is your mouth a well of life? "Help me God!"
Regards,
NzakuNashipae
NzakuNashipae
Monday, 19 November 2018
KACHELBELA: The Great Know it All
KACHELBELA: The Great Know it All: Dear Diary, Last week was quite busy I wasn’t able to do much write up, but my 40 Day #Zip_It_Challenge continues. Here is what I learned l...
The Great Know it All
Dear Diary,
Last week was quite busy I wasn’t able to do much write up, but my 40 Day #Zip_It_Challenge continues. Here is what I learned last week on my Day 9.
#The_Great_Know_it_All
#Shut_Down_the_Motormouth
Know-it-all! Ha ha ha, I know in your mind you might have someone you consider a know-it-all. I can sense the annoyance.
Know-it-alls are those irritating human beings who behave like they are authorities on every topic. When engaging in a conversation with a know it all, you are likely to find yourself deeply frustrated and helpless. Most times know-it-alls are unteachable. I know most people can’t stand a know-it-all. Well, don’t work yourself up #BoraUhai.
Well, I’d like to introduce you to a different Know-it-All. Actually a conversation with Him is life changing not frustrating. Psalm 139:1-4 tells us about the Great Know-it-All. He knows us perfectly well. He knows when we sit down and when we rise. He perceives our thoughts from a far; He discerns our going out and laying down. He is familiar with all our ways and before a word is on our tongues He knows it completely!
How do I even begin to express this! Yaani, God not only knows my outward habits and actions, He’s familiar with my inward thoughts, motives, desires, and fears. He is acquainted with my day to day hustles and bustles. He knows the thoughts am mulling in my mind. He completely knows the words that have formed in my mind long before they leak out from my lips and/or fingers.
So what? Because the Great Know-it-All knows me well, I pray that He’ll set a guard over my mouth and keep watch over the door of my lips, Psalm 141:3. I will intentionally align my thoughts with God’s word for a better chance to have a wholesome and humble speech.
Regards,
NzakuNashipae
Last week was quite busy I wasn’t able to do much write up, but my 40 Day #Zip_It_Challenge continues. Here is what I learned last week on my Day 9.
#The_Great_Know_it_All
#Shut_Down_the_Motormouth
Know-it-all! Ha ha ha, I know in your mind you might have someone you consider a know-it-all. I can sense the annoyance.
Know-it-alls are those irritating human beings who behave like they are authorities on every topic. When engaging in a conversation with a know it all, you are likely to find yourself deeply frustrated and helpless. Most times know-it-alls are unteachable. I know most people can’t stand a know-it-all. Well, don’t work yourself up #BoraUhai.
Well, I’d like to introduce you to a different Know-it-All. Actually a conversation with Him is life changing not frustrating. Psalm 139:1-4 tells us about the Great Know-it-All. He knows us perfectly well. He knows when we sit down and when we rise. He perceives our thoughts from a far; He discerns our going out and laying down. He is familiar with all our ways and before a word is on our tongues He knows it completely!
How do I even begin to express this! Yaani, God not only knows my outward habits and actions, He’s familiar with my inward thoughts, motives, desires, and fears. He is acquainted with my day to day hustles and bustles. He knows the thoughts am mulling in my mind. He completely knows the words that have formed in my mind long before they leak out from my lips and/or fingers.
So what? Because the Great Know-it-All knows me well, I pray that He’ll set a guard over my mouth and keep watch over the door of my lips, Psalm 141:3. I will intentionally align my thoughts with God’s word for a better chance to have a wholesome and humble speech.
Regards,
NzakuNashipae
Saturday, 10 November 2018
Suretyship
Dear
Diary,
Day 8 of #Zip_It_40_Day_Challenge
#Shut_Down_the_Motormouth
Have
you ever become a surety/guarantor for someone then the whole deal turned bad
on you? Did you figure out the best way to extricate yourself from the deal? I don’t
know about your experience but if you know you know, giving surety or guaranteeing
performance of a financial obligation for someone can turn bad on you. Proverbs
17:18 says, “It's poor judgment to guarantee another person's debt or put up
security for a friend,” (NLT).
I
love the Bible because it has answers for all the issues of life. In my zip it
challenge I came across this passage about giving suretyship, Proverbs 6:1-5. Note,
the Bible doesn’t tell us not to help out a friend in need but it gives us a
warning against imprudent and spontaneous commitments; we must be careful what
we agree to and/or what we promise.
What
are the consequences of becoming a surety/guarantor? If you are in a SACCO am
certain a friend has approached you requesting you to be his/her guarantor for
a loan. I have done that and I thank God my friends so far haven’t defaulted. I
once took a loan from my SACCO and had two friends co-sign for me. I paid my
loan without default. My mom did the same and she ended up paying tens of
thousands because the friend defaulted. I saw the pain and distress she went
through!
Prov.
6:1 warns us not to put up security for our neighbour. Surety/ Guarantor mean
becoming legally responsible for the debts or default of another person. By
becoming surety, you legally obligate yourself to pay the debt if the person
proves unable or unwilling to do so. You simply become trapped by your words;
the vow of promise you took; you agreed to be responsible; you made yourself
accountable to his/her financial obligation.
Now,
if you find yourself in this situation, what do you do? Look at the advice the wise
man gives in v.3-4. For the sake of your well-being: with urgency go and humble
yourself before your friend; plead with him/her; don’t delay until you do
everything possible and appropriate to extricate yourself from the financial obligation.
For my mom, unfortunately she had to pay to free herself from the debt. Her
savings were swallowed just like that!
In
future, consider these passages before you put a security for someone’s debt, “He
who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates
indebtedness is secure,” Proverbs 11:15; “Do not be one who gives pledges, who
puts up security for debts,” Proverbs 22:26. Si mimi nimesema, ni Bibilia!
Regards,
NzakuNashipae
Friday, 9 November 2018
KACHELBELA: The Honey-Lipped Woman
KACHELBELA: The Honey-Lipped Woman: Dear Diary, Day 7 of the # Zip_it_40_Day_Challenge # Shut_Down_the_Motormouth Proverbs 5:3, “For the lips of a loose woman drip hon...
The Honey-Lipped Woman
Dear Diary,
Day 7 of the #Zip_it_40_Day_Challenge
#Shut_Down_the_Motormouth
#Shut_Down_the_Motormouth
Proverbs 5:3, “For the lips of a loose woman drip honey as a honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil.” Now, what gives an immoral woman power over a decent man? It’s the power of her words! Her lips drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil! How now? Yaani, she is filled with compliments and sweet words!
This is what I know, and if I know I know! From a personal experience, I have learned that a man longs to hear his woman say nice things to and about him! Now, when he misses to hear those nice things, an adulteress comes into his life. Her lips drip honey. Her speech is smoother than oil. She uses her lips and speech to reel a man in for a kill. Just like a Tilapia bites bait, the innocent man bites the honey-lipped compliments. Without realizing it, he gets hooked!
Granted! Her lips drip honey and her speech smoother than oil. Verses 4-6 tell us, “But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged and devouring sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold of Sheol (Hades, the place of the dead). She loses sight of and walks not in the path of life; her ways wind about aimlessly, and you cannot know them.”
My lady, don’t let a strange woman be the one to shower your knight with compliments! Don’t let your man get accustomed to your angry, hateful, mean and resentful speech. There are plenty of slay queens who will compliment him if you don’t! And you dear brother, please run away from that slay queen who is so generous with her compliments, it is no good thing!
Regards,
NzakuNashipae
Wednesday, 7 November 2018
KACHELBELA: A Rule for Conversations
KACHELBELA: A Rule for Conversations: Dear Diary, Day 6 of the #Zip_it_40_Day_Challenge #Shut_Down_the_Motomouth My speech will never be the same after these 40 Day C...
A Rule for Conversations
Dear
Diary,
Day
6 of the #Zip_it_40_Day_Challenge
#Shut_Down_the_Motomouth
My
speech will never be the same after these 40 Day Challenge so help me God!
Proverbs
4:24 says, “Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your
lips.” “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your
mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their
needs, that it may benefit those who listen,” Ephesians 4:29.
As
human beings, whether a chatterbox or an introvert, our daily garrulity and
banter conversations might have some profane, perfidious, arrogant, flattery,
vain and trifling, contemptuous, railing and abusive words. Both the writer of
Proverbs and Ephesians give us a doable rule for our conversations, i.e. to
keep our mouths free of perversity and our lips from corrupt and unwholesome
talk.
Merriam
Webster defines these key words as follows: 1. Unwholesome, “Detrimental to
physical, mental or moral well-being.” 2. Corrupt, “Morally degenerated,
adulterated or debased speech.” 3. Perversity, “Turned away from what is right
or good contrary to accepted standards.” So, perverse, corrupt and
unwholesome talk is detrimental to physical, mental and/or
moral well-being of a person. It could be an idle tale, a joke, and an
irrelevant word. Such unwholesome and corrupt talk defiles people, injures
souls and leaves fatal scars in people’s hearts. Besides, it grieves the Holy
Spirit!
Words
act in two ways: 1. Words are results, i.e. they come forth and show what’s
inward; 2. Words are acts, i.e. they cause something beyond. Therefore it is
prudent to double the guard over our mouths. Observe the rule: keep your mouth
free of perversity and your lips from corrupt and unwholesome talk. Let only that which is helpful for building others up according to their needs proceed out of our mouths; only that which will benefit your listeners!
#Resolve
Psalm
141:3 is my earnest prayer, “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord, keep watch over
the door of my lips, that no perverse, corrupt and unwholesome talk will come
from my mouth. Amen!”
R,
NzakuNashipae
Tuesday, 6 November 2018
KACHELBELA: Mastering The Art of Listening
KACHELBELA: Mastering The Art of Listening: Dear Diary, Day 5 of the #Zip_it_40_Day_Challenge #Shut_Down_the_Motormouth Here is a quotable quote, “Most people...
Mastering The Art of Listening
Dear Diary,
Day 5 of the #Zip_it_40_Day_Challenge
#Shut_Down_the_Motormouth
Here is a quotable quote, “Most people
do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to
reply,” Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of
Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. Besides,
the Holy Book teaches, “To answer before listening, that is folly and shame,” Proverbs
18:13. “Everyone should be quick to listen; slow to speak and slow to become
angry…,” James 1:19.
Last week I had a confrontation with
someone. Honestly, I was well-meaning, but when I said the first word, the
person interjected me sharply! Considering there were people around, I shut up
and went home. Few minutes later the person send me some short messages. I
returned the text, “I wish ungeniskiza kwanza!” What followed were insults and
condemnation but for once I behaved and restrained myself from texting back angrily.
I apologized but was met with hostility and my apology trashed, so because I
didn’t want the matter to escalate, I blocked the number! The next day, this
person sought audience with me but honestly, I had shut down and didn’t want to
listen! I regretted starting the conversation; I should have minded my own
business!
I love what am learning on my Day 5, the
challenge is to learn to listen. Hearing is not necessarily listening. Ouch! You
see, I have some traits of a typical sanguine-I dominate conversations;
sometimes am not so patient enough with slow talkers so I do them a favour; sorry,
I interrupt the conversation and help them complete what I think they needed to
say. Eeer, I love spontaneity and long talks make me slip into wonderland and a
time into dystopia. To the introvert, kieleweke, just because you’re quiet and
you let others do 99% of the talking, doesn’t mean you’re a good listener.
Today’s world is high-tech, high speed,
and the art of listening has become a rare gift. How then do I even master the
art of listening? They say a good listener makes eye contact; doesn’t
interrupt; listens without judgement;
observes non-verbal signals; creates a suitable environment, makes it easy. Am
not anywhere close to this kind of maturity!
To be a good listener, I know I need patience, love and insight.
Listening prepares a person to speak well. I won’t add any more word; I repent
for being a poor listener. I resolve to be an intentional listener, so help me
God! “God, you know she talketh! Please help her to be quick to listen. Amen.”
R,
NzakuNashipae
Monday, 5 November 2018
KACHELBELA: Know, Understand, Be wise
KACHELBELA: Know, Understand, Be wise: Dear Diary, Day 4 # 40Day_Zip_it_Challenge # Shut_the_Motormouth # Know_Understand_be_Wise Proverbs 18:2 says, “A fool takes ...
Know, Understand, Be wise
Dear Diary,
Day 4 #40Day_Zip_it_Challenge
Proverbs 18:2 says, “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in expressing his opinion,” Ouch!
I remember sometime last year after our August General elections, I saw a post on Facebook which I instantaneously shared in a huff. Shortly, two facebookers namely, Kanini June and Risper Mrembo sent me a DM. I remember Risper telling me how the Holy Spirit nudged her to repent because of the malicious propaganda and lies that were being peddled through social media. June wrote to me, “Don’t be caught up in the politicians’ gibberish…” That day I learned a valuable lesson. (You girls are good people, true sister keepers.) Some people will delay speech and judgment until they are conversant with facts and situation. Others are prone to broadcast the alleged information, data or facts instantaneously whether they know or are ill-informed of the circumstances.
When you receive facts, data or information how do you respond there and then? Well, now you know, only a fool “takes no pleasure in understanding,” Proverbs 18:2.
Next time before you express your opinion, make sure you are well-versed; be aware and have understanding of the facts and circumstances and be wise how you respond. Knowledge is the facts, data, information, awareness or familiarity about a situation. Understanding is ability to decode meaning from the facts. Wisdom is the ability to discern inner qualities; insight; good sense or judgment.
Proverbs 24:3-4 says, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” Surely, it takes wisdom, knowledge and understanding to build, maintain and appreciate healthy and meaningful relationships. Only a fool “takes no pleasure in understanding,” and by so doing relationships are destroyed!
Saturday, 3 November 2018
KACHELBELA: The Heart Tongue Connection
KACHELBELA: The Heart Tongue Connection: Dear Diary, On day 3 of the #Zip_it_40Day_Challenge #Shut_Down_the_Motomouth Yesterday I learned that nobody can tame the tong...
KACHELBELA: The Heart Tongue Connection
KACHELBELA: The Heart Tongue Connection: Dear Diary, On day 3 of the #Zip_it_40Day_Challenge #Shut_Down_the_Motomouth Yesterday I learned that nobody can tame the tong...
The Heart Tongue Connection
Dear Diary,
On day 3 of the #Zip_it_40Day_Challenge
#Shut_Down_the_Motomouth
Yesterday I learned that nobody can tame the tongue
on his/her own will power; only with the help of the Holy Spirit. As prophet
Zechariah declared, “It is not by power nor by might but by My Spirit,” says
the Lord, Zech 4:6.
Both Matthew 12:33-34 and Luke 6:43-45, demonstrates
a heart-tongue connection. “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good; or
make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad for a tree is recognized by its
fruit,” Matt 12:33. In addition, “A good man brings good things out of the good
stored up in him…, for the mouth speaks what the heart is full of,” Matt:12:35;
Luke 6:45. Further, “But the things that come out of a person's mouth come from
the heart, and these defile them,” Matt 15:18. When evil resides in the heart,
it will be exposed in perverse speech.
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Guard your heart with all
diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” There are times we let unforgiveness,
bitterness, anger, a critical spirit dock in our hearts! As a consequence, we let
out unwholesome talk from our mouths, instead of what is helpful for building
others up according to their needs.
The battle for verbal holiness starts in the
heart. What have you stored up in your heart?
Now, I repent and resolve to allow the Holy
Spirit to control my tongue. In addition, I resolve to fill my heart with “Whatever
is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think
about such things,” Phil 4:8.
Dear reader, I don’t know about your experience
but make sure what you store up in your heart is the right stuff-pure, lovely,
true, noble, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.
R,
NzakuNashipae
Friday, 2 November 2018
KACHELBELA: Taming the Tongue
KACHELBELA: Taming the Tongue: Dear Diary, # 40_Day_Zip_It_Challenge So, I am more like a # Motormouth ; an incessant talker! Am taking this journey because I am con...
KACHELBELA: Shut Down the Motormouth
KACHELBELA: Shut Down the Motormouth: On a # 40_Day_Zip_it_Challenge Day 1 Motormouth is a person who talks quickly and incessantly. Proverbs 10:19, tells us that ...
Taming the Tongue
Dear Diary,
So, I am more like a #Motormouth; an incessant talker! Am taking this journey because I am consciously aware that life and death are in the power of my tongue.
Day 2
James 3:1-12 is an extensive and single most sustained discussion about the use of the tongue. Surprisingly, “Not many of you should become teachers my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness,” v.1. Why is it so? Well, what a teacher says has weight and potential influence and thus requires canon judgment and accountability. James tells us that mastery of tongue is a sign of maturity. He doesn’t talk like a perfect man though, “We all stumble in many ways. …and if anyone does not offend in speech, he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature,” v.2. Eer, am not anywhere close to this level of maturity!
The Disproportionate Power of the Tongue
• The tongue is like a bit in the mouth of a horse, v.3. The tiny object is able to control the massive muscle and energy of the horse and to give it a sense of direction.
• The tongue is like a rudder in a boat/ship, v. 4. Such a capacious and heavy vessel is directed by a small steering apparatus wherever the helmsman determines.
• Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze! The tongue is powerful indeed!
• The tongue is like a bit in the mouth of a horse, v.3. The tiny object is able to control the massive muscle and energy of the horse and to give it a sense of direction.
• The tongue is like a rudder in a boat/ship, v. 4. Such a capacious and heavy vessel is directed by a small steering apparatus wherever the helmsman determines.
• Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze! The tongue is powerful indeed!
An unregenerate tongue is a crater of death
- Consider these vivid pictures. The tongue is:
1. A Fire, v. 6. A small uncontrolled spark can destroy a vast forest, so it is with a callous word and/or a loose phrase/sentence, it can consume and destroy a life! The energy source for such destruction is itself ignited from hell! Ouch!
2. A world of unrighteousness, v. 6.
3. A restless evil, v.8. The unregenerate tongue roves around and is swift to attack.
4. A deadly poison, v. 8. Suddenly or gradually, the venom of snakes, asps, scorpions eats away or destroys life, that’s so with the unregenerate tongue!
5. Contradictory in nature, v.10-12. The unregenerate tongue is the most contradictory thing in nature. With it we bless God and at the same time we curse people who are made in the image of God, v. 10. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. But this should not be so! “Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? … can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water,” v.11-12.
- Consider these vivid pictures. The tongue is:
1. A Fire, v. 6. A small uncontrolled spark can destroy a vast forest, so it is with a callous word and/or a loose phrase/sentence, it can consume and destroy a life! The energy source for such destruction is itself ignited from hell! Ouch!
2. A world of unrighteousness, v. 6.
3. A restless evil, v.8. The unregenerate tongue roves around and is swift to attack.
4. A deadly poison, v. 8. Suddenly or gradually, the venom of snakes, asps, scorpions eats away or destroys life, that’s so with the unregenerate tongue!
5. Contradictory in nature, v.10-12. The unregenerate tongue is the most contradictory thing in nature. With it we bless God and at the same time we curse people who are made in the image of God, v. 10. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. But this should not be so! “Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? … can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water,” v.11-12.
Resolution
“But no man can tame the tongue, v. 8?” Yes, no man can tame the tongue on his own will power. It takes the power of the Holy Spirit within me to control the tongue! As I cleave to Him and yield to Him in obedience, He controls my tongue. As I begin this 40-Day Challenge of learning to zip it, I pray that the Holy Spirit will control my tongue; I pray that He will convict me of any sinful/offensive word and will enable me to repent.
“But no man can tame the tongue, v. 8?” Yes, no man can tame the tongue on his own will power. It takes the power of the Holy Spirit within me to control the tongue! As I cleave to Him and yield to Him in obedience, He controls my tongue. As I begin this 40-Day Challenge of learning to zip it, I pray that the Holy Spirit will control my tongue; I pray that He will convict me of any sinful/offensive word and will enable me to repent.
R,
Nzakunashipae
Shut Down the Motormouth
Day 1
Motormouth is a person who talks quickly and incessantly.
Proverbs 10:19, tells us that when there are many words, sin and offense are unavoidable. But he who can muzzle his lips and maintain a thoughtful silence is wise.
Are you talkative? Well, learn to give your lips a break and perfect the art of wise and thoughtful silence.
This is my prayer and resolve, Psalm 39:1, I said, "I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present."
R,
NzakuNashipae
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