MAY OUR GOOD WORDS AND OUR HEARTS MATCH

Proclamation:

"These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.  They worship Me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men." Matthew 15:8-9 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were spoken by Jesus, The Christ, and recorded by the Apostle Matthew.  In response to some Pharisees who had questioned the behavior of His disciples, Jesus said that the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah was right when he prophesied about them saying that they were honoring God with their words, but their words did not reflect what was in their hearts. (Isaiah 29:13)

Application:
We need to be very careful when we speak.  God knows exactly what is in our heart, how we really feel, and what we truly believe.  It is not good for us to say one thing when we actually believe differently. (Mark 7:6)  Maybe we should just say "yes" when we mean yes and say "no" when we mean no, and not say very much else. (Matthew 5:37 and James 5:12)  We talk a lot and frequently say things to impress people.  The more we talk, the more likely we are to say something that is offensive to God.  If we truly believe in The Lord God, then our thoughts, words, and actions should reflect our beliefs.  It is sinful when we say something, knowing that we really believe something totally different.  Let's be true to our belief in God, let's make sure that our good words and our hearts match each other.

WE SPEAK POWERFUL WORDS

Proclamation:

“Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’” Acts 3:6 (NIV)

Explanation:

After the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, The Christ, and after they had received The Holy Spirit, Peter and John were on their way to the temple.  A lame man outside of the temple gates asked them for some money. (Acts 3:1-3)  This verse is Peter’s response to the lame man.  Jesus had told them that that they would receive power when they received The Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8)  Peter spoke “in the name of Jesus” and through the power of The Holy Spirit the lame man “jumped to his feet and began to walk.” (Acts 3:8)

 Application:

Believers were not saved just to sit back and do nothing.  We were also given power when we received The Holy Spirit of God.  We are to tell people about our Lord and Savior, and to be His witnesses. (Acts 1:8)  We may not be able to lay our hands on people and heal them but we have the power to help people.  Our words and our prayers are powerful.  We can share The Word of God with people and help them.  Helping is not always about giving someone money.  Peter helped the lame man but he did not give him any money.  (Acts 3:6)  We are empowered to speak to people in such a way as to change their lives through the power of The Holy Spirit.  Our prayers are also powerful.  We can bless others by praying for them in the name of Jesus, by the power of The Holy Spirit, to the glory of God. (John 14:13)  So, be very careful what you say when you speak to people.  Speak to them in a way that will be helpful to them.  Don't just show them the error in their ways.  Help them to see The Way, The Truth, and The Life. (John 14:6) 

SPEAK WHOLESOME HELPFUL CONVERSATIONS

Proclamation:

“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.  And do not grieve The Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."  Ephesians 4:29-30 (NIV)

Explanation:

In his letter to the believers in The Church at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul to guide and direct them in their Christian walk.  Under the direction and influence of The Holy Spirit of God, Paul told them to let their speech and choice of words reflect a Christ-like communication.  Their words should benefit the listener, and they should build each other up when they speak.  He told them to control their tongue and not let any unwholesome words come out of their mouths, least they grieve The Holy Spirit of God.

Application:

We know that telling a lie is a sin. (Exodus 20:16, Proverbs 14:5, and Matthew 19:18)  However for some unknown reason, a lot of us seem to think that it is okay to use foul language and profanities in our conversation.  We will have to give an account for every word that we speak. (Matthew 12:36)  If what we say does not give glory to God, then it is a sin. (1 John 5:17)  We need to clean up our communications.  It has been said that "the use of profanity is just a weak mind trying to express itself forcefully." (author unknown)  Our communication should always be Christ-like, even when we are upset, hurt, or angry. (Colossians 3:8 and James 3:6)  Additionally, if what we have to say will not be helpful to the listener, then it should not be said.  On three occasions The Bible gives an example of men being told to encourage another. (Deuteronomy 1:38, Deuteronomy 3:28, and 2 Samuel 11:25)  Our conversations should please, and not grieve The Holy Spirit of God.

Be Kind To People

"They replied, 'If you will be kind to these people and please them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants." 2 Chronicles 10:7 (NIV)  The King James versions reads: "And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever."

This verse, penned by the Prophet Ezra under the divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God, reflects the advice which the old wise men, who had been with King Solomon during his good times, gave to the new King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon.  Their advice was for him to be kind to the people, speak good words to them, and give them a favorable reply.  In his old age, Solomon had turned from God, his wisdom failed him, he wasted his vast treasures, and he burdened the people with taxes and servitude.  After Solomon's death the people asked Rehoboam to ease their burdens. (2 Chronicles 10:4)  

A kind word can turn away wrath. (Proverbs 15:1)  A kind word can comfort and encourage. (Proverbs 12:25)  As believers, we are taught to be kind to one another. (Ephesians 4:24)  Kindness is part of the fruit of The Holy Spirit of God which should be displayed by all believers. (Galatians 5:22-23)  It is good advice, and it is Godly advice, to be kind to others.  It is not good to ignore wise counsel or The Word of God.  Those who are not kind to, and who 
mistreat the people of God, will incur the wrath of God. (Deuteronomy 32:35 and Romans 12:19)  We should treat people the way that we would like for them to treat us. (Matthew 7:12)