Power and Benefit of the Words

“For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23 NLT)

The oxygen that we breathe in is carried by our blood cells to all the regions of our body. If the heart stops pumping, our blood stops circulating. Then it’s only a matter of time before our cells and tissue die from lack of oxygen. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) provides a way to revive a person whose heart has stopped temporarily.

“Revive me by your word.” (Psalm 119:25 NLT)

The Word of God has the power to resuscitate a languid soul. It transforms us by changing the way we think. The expressions of God convey truth, strengthening and encouraging us. We learn God’s will for us--which is good, pleasing, and perfect.  

The Bible is an excellent prayer manual. God enlightens us through Scripture. We can use these same words to communicate with Him. This Divine dialect has power. God’s voice comes through Scripture, stirring our conscience. It reawakens life in us, quickening our pulse, inspiring us with the Spirit. It revives every soul.

Repentance vs. Regret

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV)

What is the difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow?

In order to process this, let me give you an illustration:  

What if your neighbor trespassed against you in some way that you found upsetting. Then you sent an email complaint against him to the Homeowners Association. Your neighbor no longer speaks to you. You feel badly, because you used to be able to ask your him for favors, but now you can’t. Plus the other neighbors think you are mean for reporting your neighbor. You regret your reaction. You wish you could go back and undo it, because the consequences of your actions are causing you more grief than you imagined. This is worldly sorrow. Repentance involves returning to God. It produces a clarity of conscience. We see how we have strayed away from God’s intentions. Our thoughts and behavior have dishonored God. This produces a grief and a desire to make things right. This is godly sorrow.

Worldly sorrow is self-focused, leading to self-pity, concern for the consequences that we may have to face, and anxiety about our own reputations. Godly sorrow is focused on God. We are distressed over our separation from God. We are more concerned about God’s reputation and restoration of relationship with Him.

“Isn't it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you closer to God? You're more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible.” (2 Corinthians 7:11 MSG)

Be Quiet and Trust

“Turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me.” (Isaiah 30:15 MSG)

Some days, my life feels like a sinking boat. I frantically try to bail the water out, but it is beyond my control. I want to protect my loved ones and my way of life; yet, I can’t. I get anxious; I feel like a failure; I despair.

What are we to do when we are overwhelmed by our circumstances?

“Keep still, and stop your own restless working until He begins to work. Do nothing that He does not Himself command you to do. Give Him a chance to work, and He will surely do so; and the very trials that threatened to overcome you with discouragement and disaster, will become God’s opportunity for the revelation of His grace and glory in your life.” —A. B. Simpson

Submit every concern to God. Cease striving to solve things on your own. Stop deluding yourself; you are not in control. Turn back to the Lord in quietness and trust. Our strength comes from settling down in complete dependence on Him. Wait for God’s directions. Stay alert and remain obedient. Give God a chance to reveal His grace and glory through every circumstance.

“God will fight the battle for you. And you? You keep your mouths shut!" (Exodus 14:14 MSG)

Praying Psalm 46

God, You are safe and strong

Always ready to help in times of trouble.

When our hopes crumble,

And everything seems to be falling apart,

We will remain fearless.

For YOU will fight for us and protect us

Your sacred presence exudes joy.

As long as we dwell with you

We cannot be destroyed

You bring calm amid chaos.

No weapon will harm us

For YOU will fight for us and protect us.

Lord, help me to cease striving

And acknowledge that You are in charge

To honor You in everything I say and do

To remain still

To be quiet

And wait..

For YOU will fight for us and protect us.

For-Profit Relationships

“All my life I've been charmed by his speech, never dreaming he'd turn on me. His words, which were music to my ears, turned to daggers in my heart.” (Psalm 55:21 MSG)

We all tend to choose to be with people who make us feel good--who are fun, fair, and bring out the best in us. Many of us also cultivate relationships where we hope to get more than we give--even though we would never admit this to be  the case. This is so common, that we have accepted it as normal. However, there is a small segment of people whose motives are more sinister. For them, the primary goal of every relationship is personal gain. They will manipulate almost all of the people they encounter to advance themselves.  Even the people who are closest to them--their spouses, their children, their relatives, and their best friends will all be seen as tools to serve their own agenda. In order to get ahead, they will step on the backs of anyone who will allow it. Even their generosity is not free. They rarely give of themselves without expecting exorbitant interest in return. All their relationships are for-profit. Watch Out! Steer Clear!

These slick-tongued hypocrites can be quite charming. They know what to say and how to influence people. They set their traps early and wait patiently for their prey. They lure their victims with flattery, gifts, and attention. They hide daggers of deception under their smooth exterior cloaks. They pretend to be concerned for your welfare, but they only care about themselves. They do not wish for your success, but for you to aid them in their success. Watch Out! Steer Clear!

Morally Bankrupt

“Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.” (Proverbs 13:20 MSG)

How can we differentiate between a wise person and a fool?

“The fool is not one who is mentally deficient, but is morally bankrupt. It is not that he cannot learn wisdom, but that he won’t.” (The MacArthur Study Bible)

Fools are not mentally deficient, just morally bankrupt. They have ample opportunities to learn from their mistakes and change their ways. However, they choose to continue their degenerate behavior, poisoning everyone who gets close. A wise person would have the opposite traits. They are rich in understanding, learning from every opportunity, morally upright, a blessing to everyone who crosses their path. Stay away from those who are morally bankrupt, or else your life will also fall apart. Instead, choose to surround yourselves with wise people

Good Judgment vs Judgmentalism

“You think you are so wise, but you enjoy putting up with fools! You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face.” (2 Corinthians 11:19-20 NLT)

How can we differentiate between using good judgment and judgmental criticism?  

If you see a snake that you know to be poisonous, it would be wise to stay away from it. You may even warn those around you to give that snake a wide berth. In this case, you would be using your good judgment, not merely being critical of the snake. Yes, God made the snake poisonous, and we don’t have to beat it with a stick or persecute it in anyway. Neither do we have to bring it into our homes.

Why do we suffer fools gladly? Why do we tolerate imposters who have a history of taking advantage of others for their own gain? Why do we make space for them in our lives? We do not need to make excuses for why they are the way they are. Staying away from these sorts of people is a matter of discernment, not judgmentalism.