"Before You Hit Send..."

Proverbs 18:20-21 (ESV)

20 From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

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Words have always had great power, even the power of life and death.  There is a great need to be very careful with language. Unfortunately, few consider the potential dangers of carelessly and thoughtlessly letting words fly!  While the benefit of the electronic age has been great and provided the opportunity for quicker communication, it has also become a problem.  Email, Twitter, Facebook, and text messaging provide convenience, but they also offer an opportunity to act rashly and without thinking.  A quickly fired email or an ill-advised text or Facebook post can do much harm and ultimately lead to regret.

The Bible states:  "When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent."  (Proverbs 10:19 ESV)

Basically, the more words we use the greater the likelihood of getting ourselves into a mess.  Yet the one who limits his verbal barrage is prudent, and carefully considers the consequences of his actions, or in this case, his words.

So before you shoot that next email, update your Facebook page, or send that text...

1. Carefully consider what you want to communicate.
2. Carefully consider if what you plan to say will glorify and honor God.
3. Carefully consider the consequences or long-term effects of what you communicate.
4. Carefully consider if the message is even necessary.
5. Carefully consider if your emotions are in check before you communicate.
6. Remember that your words reveal your heart.  (Matthew 15:18-19)
7. Remember that you will have to give an account for every word you use.  (Matthew 12:36-37)

Finally, regularly apply the advice that James offers...

"Know this, my beloved brothers:  let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger."  (James 1:19 ESV)

Your words have the power of life and death; choose them carefully!

Twisted Vision

My mother is a big fan of A. W. Tozer and she recently passed this quote along to me.

"Sin has twisted our vision inward and made it self-regarding.  


Unbelief has put self where God should be, and is perilously close to the sin of Lucifer who said 'I will set my throne above the throne of God.'  


Faith looks out instead of in and the whole life falls into line."


Are you outward or inward focused?

The Study

Here is where I work and pray.

The tools...

Read With Your Kids

Don't waste an opportunity to cast vision for your children.  One great way to do it is to read with them each night before you put them to bed.  It can lead to some great discussions.

Here are two great books to start with:

This one written by Sally Lloyd-Jones is my favorite.  Each story concludes with Jesus as the hero.

This is a good one also.  You can't go wrong using this one by David Helm.

"Jesus Is" (Part 3)

Here are the 12 observations given this morning from Isaiah 52:13-53:12.

1. The exaltation and humiliation of the Servant points to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
2. The suffering of the Servant will be so great that he will not be recognized as human.
3. The suffering of the Servant will result in world-wide influence.
4. The suffering of the Servant will be misunderstood apart from a revelation from God.
5. The Servant suffered in our place.
6. We tend to be indifferent/unmoved/calloused at his efforts.
7. We have our own self-centered agendas.
8. The Servant's suffering was voluntary and undeserved.  
9. The suffering work of the Servant was the will of God.
10. The suffering work of the Servant pleased God.
11. The suffering work of the Servant provides the way to accepted righteousness.
12. The suffering Servant is Jesus Christ and he came to take your place.  Jesus is your substitute.

Consider these verses as well:  Philippians 2:5-11; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24; Colossians 1:19-20.

"Jesus Is" Reading (3)

Here is another book that has been helpful in preparing for "Jesus Is."