Power of Words/Temper (Topical Bible)

My husband and I tend to have one weakness in our relationship: We are headstrong, so we argue. A lot. Constantly it seems. Since we started praying together every morning and evening, we seem to be under attack from the Enemy. Before, it would at least take one of us being in a less than ideal mood to start an argument. Lately, it doesn't take but one word to start us up.

Today, we had another argument over - as usual - something minor, petty. I prayed about it and, of course, went to the Bible to seek some answers. I used a topical search that I found at Open Bible. I looked up "power of words" (because I felt that my husband had said some hurtful things, and I KNOW I said some). I also looked up "temper"(as in Tim's temper).

Wow.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Whoa...

I had to stop and really shake myself. In Bible study last night, we briefly touched on the subject of "words have power," and those verses brought it right to the front door of my own heart.

I called Tim and read through some of the verses right then. It stopped him too. I think we both felt the way we should when God chastises us: convicted and in need of repentance. Tonight we are planning to pray about how we use our words and how the Enemy uses our temper against us and others.

Mainly, I wanted to do this post to alert you all to the existence of this search site. My own Bible does not have a very extended concordance, so a topical search this thorough is going to be really helpful to my study of the Word. I hope it is a blessing to you all as well.

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Prov. 18:15

Peace
--Free

Backsliding & Ignorance

This is something that has been on my heart for a while. How can people who know about God be so happy to ignore Him?

I am just amazed at the people I know who were raised in homes where they were taught about the Lord and about salvation - but they just go on with their lives as if it's not important. And when the subject comes up, they will look a little shame-faced and admit that they need to "get it together."

"I know," they say. "I remember my mom's (or grandma) talking about it. I went to church all the time when I was little..."

And yet - well, they're grown now, and going about life just like they don't have an appointment with the Lord one day.

What goes through their minds? Or do they just fill up their minds - their lives - with other things so that they don't have to think about it all? Do they think that they can just put it off forever? That they are going to live forever?

It's so puzzling to me.

And then there are the folks who believe that because they KNOW about God and they "got saved" when they were young they're going to be all right. Even though they have made the World their master, they feel like God is going to be pleased with them. Even though they don't honor Him, praise Him, or depend on Him - they are going to be all right.

You can look at some of the celebrities who claim to be believers in Christ and look at the way they are living and acting... Saved? Oh, really?

Now I'm not saying that I know what is between a believer and the Lord. I'm just saying that if you are a believer, shouldn't people be able to tell that you are by your actions? I don't mean because you wear a cross around your neck or "give thanks" to God when you accept your Grammy or whatever. I mean, people should be able to tell there is something more about you. People should not be surprised to see you on a list of "Christians in Hollywood" or whatever!

Don't even get me started on the folks who claimed Christ early on, but then as their careers took off, suddenly they are giving credit for their success to strange "spirits" and "guides" and all the stuff that is "deeper within them." Puh-lease.

So, anyway, I guess I'm just wondering how people rest well, knowing that they might close their eyes never to open them again. They can't claim ignorance. They were introduced to Him, then when they met the World, they walked away from Him. I guess the World looks really good as long as you are living...

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. (John 6:66)

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Mtt 24:44)

He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. (Mtt 12:30)


Peace
--Free

CARM (and other tweetpal faves)

I've been tweeting with all sorts of folks lately. One of the things I love so much about Twitter is that I get to touch bases with people I might never otherwise share moments with.

I've been especially blessed to find resources that provide information for folks who are searching for answers. Lately it seems that a lot of people are really questioning their own mortality. I have some favorite tweet-pals, including JC Cooley @VictoryMinistry (on Twitter), Thomas Tan @twhtan of the Cyberfellowship blog, @AnointedArts of the Candace Loves Creative People blog, Paul @biblestudies over at Bible Study Planet and Matt Slick @carmorg of Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry.

Recently I've been tweeting with a person who wants to know about Jesus. CARM lays out the answers in a wonderful and concise way. The article shows Jesus is divine, to be worshipped, prayed to, and that he is first and last. Beautiful.

These tweetpals of mine are a source of encouragement and smiles. If I feel silly, I can share that light moment with them. If I am in need of prayer, I only have to send the tweet out. We have talked food, life, joy and hope. They have put up with my whining about my computer and the weather, but they never stop reminding me that we are brothers and sisters sent to be a blessing to one another. These are some seriously beautiful people.

If are on Twitter, check out these folks. If you aren't on Twitter, well... GET on there! Look what you are missing! LOL.

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. (I Thess 5:11)

Peace
--Free