Daily Huddle - Sat Jan 9, 2021 Watch Your Words

Love you all, praying for you,
 
I just love God’s Word.  It gives truth.  It gives the righteous standard for human behavior, instruction as to how to walk in it, and It also gives clear warning.    Psalms 19:7 - The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul.  The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.  The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.  The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.  The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.  The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous.  They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;  they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.  By them is your servant warned; and in keeping them there is great reward.  One of the clear warnings God gives – is to guard your tongue, watch your mouth, watch your words.  Matthew 12:36 – But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken (careless word, thoughtless word, unplanned word, unintentional word).  For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.  In every life, there are times of political upheaval, disagreement, even war.  What is a Christ follower supposed to do in these times?  Some say those who follow Christ are not to be involved in political things.  Jesus declined to run for office, they wanted to make Him King, (cause He fed everybody free lunch).  He already was – He didn’t have to… he slipped through the crowd and went His way.  They tried to trap him politically, should we pay tax to Ceasar or not?  His answer surprised everyone.  Give unto Ceasar that which is Ceasar’s and give unto God what which is God’s.  When standing before Pilate, who wanted to discover whether he was a threat to the Roman Empire, an insurrectionist, Jesus barely spoke a word?  He said my Kingdom is not of this earth – or my followers would fight.  Surprised at his few words, Pilate finally demanded don’t you know I have the power to put you to death or let you live?  Jesus simply said, “You would have no power over me, if my Father in Heaven didn’t give it to you.”  Jesus was not politically involved in Rome – because He wasn’t a citizen of Rome.  But for those of us who are citizens on earth.  God says pray for the city you live in, because if it prospers you prosper.  He said when the righteous rule the people rejoice.  And He gave clear instructions of how we should act in regards to government.  Pray for those in authority over you, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.  I Timothy 2:1-4.  God also makes it very clear, some things He despises.  Proverbs 6:16 – There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable unto him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.  Another thing he hates, uneven scales, false weights and measurements.  In those days in the barter system, they used the balance. You give me so much corn and I’ll give you so much of my flour.  But the scale favored one side.  My side.  So you got less flour, and I got more of your corn.  God hates it…  It was fraudulent.  We live in a society which slanders incessantly, speaking against those in authority, planting and perpetuating falsehood, the media is built on it.  Those who seek power are drunk on it.  They have no fear of God, so they cannot even detect their own sin.  They call truth a lie, and lies the truth.  Their tongues are forked, their truth is false.  God hates it.  Proverbs 10:18 – He that hides hatred with lying lips, and he that utters slander is a fool.  (Slander – defaming, evil report, infamy, stealing one’s character by unfounded accusation).  God makes it clear – Proverbs 28:4 – Those who forsake (God’s) law, praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them.  (Resist them, contend with them).  They don’t stay silent, when it is time to speak.  This takes great wisdom and discernment, and can only come from the Holy Spirit.  In order to watch your words, you must first watch your ears.  Do not join in with the wicked.  Psalms 1:1 - Blessed are they who do not walk in step with (associate with) the wicked, or stand in the path of sinners, or sit in the company of mockers (whose who disdain authority, or come against whom God has placed in authority).  God says Psalms 75:6 – No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves.  It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.  In times of upheaval – it is easy to discern who is of God, and who is against Him.  The wicked lie, slander, bring incessant false accusation, they reject God, His Word, and promote things God says are sinful.  They cover up the truth, rather than expose it.  Be careful you do not join with them…  Your words will determine who you join with.  Do not repeat the lies and slander of the wicked.  God hears.  To guard your words, you must first guard your ears.  Proverbs 17:4 – A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.  Who are you listening to? The righteous or the wicked?  And what is God saying?  What is He speaking?  The Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets - Amos 3:7.  So in this day, in this season of political unrest, confusion, and constant slander.  What are God’s people to do?  Watch your Words, first guard your ears, and find out what God is saying to His prophets.  Who has God chosen?  And join with God, not the wicked.  Pray the Word and will of God, declare what He promised regarding this nation – that He will surely do it.
 
Love you all,
dad