Month: February 2024

DEAR GOD: How Can We Tell Others To Be Still & Let You~

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Pin by Emmy on SUNRISE..SUNSET | God, Pictures, Christian art

“…Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10

Can we ultimately stop and just stand still and think “God, I know You have me and all good intentions towards me, so I’ll stop and let YOU be YOU!”

It can be life affirming to some to recognize the need to “let God take over and be God” in your life. For those who are “control freaks” let go – and let God be God. He is the ultimate Warrior and Savior and He conquered death, performed recorded miracles and countless others I’m sure that weren’t recorded, and He loves us with the intensity of ten thousand suns and more! So, why do some have problems letting go and letting God be God?

Well, the aforementioned one “control” is one of the reasons. A lot of Christians in a “tepid” relationship with Jesus may not have fully come to the understanding that we are “to go to Him in all things” both big and small, good and bad.  That is kind of a reason that sits atop a lot of people’s way of thinking. As a matter of fact, I ran a support group and that was the number one reason for the group. “I have to be in control – if I surrender that seems I’m a failure.”  NOT TRUE!

When we as believers go forward with the mind-set of “not allowing God to be God and acquiescing to His will, and His ways, and His commandments – that’s when we “fail.” We don’t fail when we give in to God, we fail miserably when we don’t.

I am trying to help some individuals who are just becoming Christian. They were acquainted with who Jesus is – but never really in the Word or understanding why or how to behave as a Christian.

Then God showed me verses and gave me the wisdom to show them what they can do, and where they could start. We spoke at length and there were many questions pouring forward, all rushing out at once. And it was quite a drenching in the Spirit, because they all gave themselves to Jesus and were born of the Spirit. It was fabulous!

If one tries to help those who are deeper in the Word, yet also don’t feel they “should bother God” with little things, so they do it on their own. This to me is probably worse than not knowing at all. Remember what was said in Revelation? Jesus used water supply as a spiritual metaphor. “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16).

So, for those who should know better – it retracts and meanders into another whole perspective. We should be aware that God is God, and in as much – know that He is capable of doing anything and has proven it over and over in the Bible – as well as in your life today. I’m sure you can think back to issues or circumstances where God took over – and brought you safely to a place of peace, or healing.

Jesus warned them that He would spit them out of His mouth, meaning that He would reject them and cast them away from His presence. This was a severe judgment that indicated their spiritual condition was wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked (Revelation 3:17).

Let God be God – be still…and enjoy the inherent joy of being a child of the King of kings, LORD of lords. And then watch how living as a Christian and going to God for all things will bring you a life WORTH LIVING! Amen!

“Father-thank You for being You and taking care of all things on my behalf, You are in control and I surrender to You fully and completely, You are my LORD and Savior, and I am Yours, may I remember to ‘be still and know that You are God’ all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Help Me To Walk In Spirit~

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Walking In The Spirit - Part 1 - CrossBridge Community Church

Living life according to the Spirit is a process and a journey. There are so many great verses throughout the Bible that discuss being and walking in the Spirit, Romans 8 – may perhaps be one of the most insightful. Walking in the Spirit promotes general well-being. Even when things are bleak and you might be hindered by circumstances, situations, individuals, or events that transpired in your life-being led by the Holy Spirit will bring about ways in which you not only can and will cope, but will survive all things in life.

Walk in the Spirit (Romans 8:4)

There truly isn’t any shortcut to learning about “how to walk by the Spirit.” Life in the Spirit is trying to live according to God’s law and fundamentally do the right thing. But it’s much more than that. Walking in the Spirit is what it means to live as a Christian-some might say it’s like a light went off -and that light is Jesus Christ.

Set your minds on the things of the Spirit (Romans 8:5)
The question becomes sort of an old riddle: “How can someone extract all of the air out from a drinking glass? – The answer-fill it with something else!

So how do we overcome and pull away from our flesh and our mortal carnal ways, thoughts, actions? Well similar to the riddle, you need to “fill up on good things, godly things, clean things, an entirely different mindset that is strictly oriented toward the things of the Sprit-(Galatians 5:22–23)

We can’t extract thoughts that are displeasing to God from our minds. So, we have to “fill up on all good things.” When we put to the death the deeds of our body by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:13) Life becomes engaging in the most beautiful ways. We get to view, act upon and develop into who we are supposed to be, according to the LORD, and we are then able to serve Him in all kinds of capacities. We are then actively involved with being “one body in Christ.”

Pray in the Spirit.  (Romans 8:26–27)
We are unsure at times what we need or how to ask for help. We are shown that the Holy Spirit will make known by intercessory prayers to the Father, by groanings from within. Overall outcome and result is that our prayers will be answered according to the will of God, because the Spirit is moving us to pray thusly, and in fact presenting our prayer to the Father, and guiding us all the way through!

Eventually walking, acting and presenting in the Spirit to all those we encounter will become part of whom we are.In fact, it is who we are! We are one body in Christ. Believers have His Spirit within. And we can accomplish so much more when we do things in the Spirit, as we are intended to do. The Bible has so many more rich verses pertaining to this in both OT and NT. We just have to open His book and read and commune with Him.  And doing all this- will in fact, make our life a life worth LIVING!

“LORD, help guide and direct me along the highway of life, show me the paths in which I should walk, teach me the gentleness of Your Spirit, help me to walk elegantly and majestically in the Spirit as You have, open my eyes, ears heart and soul to be more like Jesus’ Spirit each day of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: I Am Loved & Worthwhile Because Of You~

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God Loves You Wallpapers - Top Free God Loves You Backgrounds ...

Isaiah 49:15-16

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”

Many of us at one time or another, for whatever is happening in your life, may feel like “no one cares about you.” Naturally this is a human emotion, and being human we are subject to deep emotions, that run the gamut of – hot and cold, happy and sad, loving and disliking, etc., so on and so forth.

We as humans are therefore subject to the desolation of loneliness, physical pain, emotional aching pain, and the subversive nature of trials and tribulations. This in turn will give way to perhaps wondering or asking – “does anyone really care about me and what is happening in my life? –  What am I feeling this, and why am I going through at this difficult time right now?”

This is when as Christians we have to grab ourselves “inwardly” and awaken the spirit within. This is when we need to refuel and gain access to the ageless and timeless Word that will reinforce and rejuvenate us and catapult us from our “pity party.”

The Bible – is after all -God’s love letter to His children. It is a constant source of wisdom, insight in life, and His love for us.

2 Chronicles 16:9

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

God is with us at all times. Even when navigating the rough seas, He is our Captain and maintains the high waters and will ultimately bring us into safe harbor. He is our light in the darkness, and He is the One whose love is unwavering, and a continuous flow that soothes our very souls.

Our LORD is always at the helm and looks for those opportunities in our lives to strengthen and fully support us through both good times and bad.

God is our “LIGHT HOUSE” in each individual storm. When we are aligned in His Word, and our hearts are true to Him, He will always provide, supply, maintain and procure all that we need, today and forever.

Psalm 23:3

“He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”

He guides our steps and brings us to the right narrow path which leads to His heart and His mercy endures forever. Our journey with God is to bring honor and glory to His name, and we will of course reap the eternal rewards He promises each of His followers.

Psalm 143:8

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”

Putting our complete trust in the LORD will garner huge rewards not only in our life here on earth, but in our permanent home-eternity- in the hereafter.

Trusting in God then elevates our positions in terms of the spirit as we  should “live” by our spirit rather than our flesh. The spirit will always lead us to the green pastures and still waters (Psalm 23).

Don’t forget that GOD LOVES YOU! And that no matter what you may be feeling or going through, He is with you. His loving Spirit guides and pulls us along and will bring us to “peace” and and His love will never let us down.

When you feel those thoughts in your mind – that’s the enemy whispering and telling you lies. Satan in the father of lies and chaos. He wants you to feel worthless, unloved and incomplete.

But we know better. For there is One who died for us, One who loves us more than we could ever possibly equate or understand in this flesh body – Jesus Christ our HERO and the One that will always pick us up, and wipe away our tears, and strengthen our resolve and love us for the rest of our lives and beyond. Amen!

“LORD, thank You for always being with me, for never forsaking me, always loving me, and always guiding me, may my spirit be aligned with Your Spirit, today and all the days of my life and beyond, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: You Are My Choice Over Everything & Everyone~

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Prayer of Daniel

Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I make a decree, that in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and steadfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. So, this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Daniel 6:26-28 (KJV)-

Daniel understood God’s law prohibited eating foods that were being offered to idols. He was in Babylon in full captivity—a place that worshiped false gods—when he soon faced a difficult decision.  King Nebuchadnezzar demanded that only the finest foods be sent for Daniel’s consumption, but only after being presented to idols.

The question became for Daniel “was it better to merely obey the king—or disobey God to please the king? The underlying issues were about allegiance to God.  He could have reasoned that breaking the divine command was because he had no choice, that he was just a servant. That would have been an easy justification for disobedience. However, Daniel was filled with a driven desire to do what was right in the eyes of God—and so as a result, he resolved not to eat the royal food, and sought instead, for a way that would honor the Lord by keeping God’s laws.

Prayer and a reverent mind and heart helped Daniel, and only through God, was he fully strengthened, and able to pursue the righteous path instead of the thorny road.

It’s vital to realize that obeying God is clearly the right choice. No matter what the world is doing, or what your friends think is “cool” – outside of God’s will and laws, it’s like walking the tightrope without the protective net below. However, with God—should we fall, or slip -He is always there to catch us.

Prayers and daily dedication/worship is the preponderance of servitude in His eyes. To become like Daniel, it’s crucial to facilitate a wholehearted commitment to follow the Lord and consistently apply Scripture to circumstances and decisions. Then, when a challenge comes, we’ll have the courage and wisdom to obey God’s commands.

Which path will you choose?  For me -I will choose GOD each and every time!

“Father, I will choose You over everything and everyone each and every time in my life, may I be strengthened by Your love, and Your Spirit as I go through my daily tasks in life, may I be humble in my request to reflect Your light in all I do, and may I acquiesce to Your commandments and adhere to Your Word while honoring You, obeying You, worshiping You, and most especially loving You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: Show Us Our Purpose & Love~

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Christ's Amazing Love (Rewards Me) - YouTube

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful- Colossians 3:15 

As children of God, we are to reflect His light to those in darkness, and in so doing, we’re called to a higher purpose in fulfilling His commandments. By living as an example to those who might otherwise be “lost,” we’re walking the path in which we’re called. Saving even the “one sheep” is cause for a celebration, to which the angels sing and rejoice…but most especially, to our Father, who shall be well pleased with us.

Christ’ goodness inherently is in within those who believes.  He dwells in us.  Should we not then be compelled and honored at once to subsidize His love and purity from within?  His love is beyond the scope of all understanding, His pure love is a welcome balm to our very souls.

His love is the love that withstands all time and adheres to our souls and sustains us in all kinds of storms. He is the umbrella to the harsh elements, He is the Captain of our ship, He is the light shining in the darkness, He is the One that holds our hearts in His hands with a gentle kindness and sincerity that eclipses all else.

He is the one constant source in which we seek reinforcement on a daily basis that borders on redundancy…in a good way…it is fresh, and new, with each breath we take. With each day the formation of His love and Daily Bread transforms us to another level of understanding.  So, although a passage is well known, one never knows when it will “quicken” our spirit and bring forth a “new meaning” to absorb and share with others.

Breathe deep and aspire to His Word and His commandments. Follow Him, the Spotless Lamb of God as we go through our life here on earth. Each act of love is another solidification of our obedience, in which we strive together, in this race toward our inherent goals and promises spoken by our LORD- that is to say -eternal rewards!

“Blessed Father, King of the Universe, and Creator of all things, give us the ability, share Your insight and bring us to where we should be according to Your purpose, help us daily, and keep us from evil O’ Lord, in Jesus’ beautiful name, Amen…”

 

DEAR GOD: I’m Still Made In Perfect Love Right?~

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Perfect love casts out fear | Love cast, Love joy peace, Uplifting quotes

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” –1 John 4:18

Is something coming up that you have anxiety about today? Or are you feeling some sidelines of “fear” creeping up inside?   STOP! And read that verse up there! We are made in love, and perfect love has no fear – those that fear are not made in perfect love!

Let’s examine that verse for a moment. God knitted all of us inside our mother’s womb (Psalm 139) and knew us before we were born.

So- being that God formed us – we know we were created by our Creator King of the Universe – and therefore He is love, and He made us in love. Okay, that is simple enough to follow, correct?

Next – Those of us who fear are not from love? NO! That is not what it means, well – techinically.

See we are inherently called to trust in the LORD with all of our heart and soul – and He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-8) and He will give us health and peace.  So that is what the loving is all about, trusting and surrendering to the LORD who is in full control of our lives.

However – He also made us with emotions. Now this is where it becomes a little bit of a conflict, and I confess I struggle with this myself. I’ve asked God to give me a sense of pure clarity to fully take on the meaning of His verse. If God made us perfect in love, which of course I believe, because He willed it to happen and formed us.  And He made us with emotions – then how can we not “feel” the emotions of anxiety – or fear?

This is what the LORD showed me.

YES – we are made perfect in His love!

Yes – with perfect love there is no fear. Now this is the conclusion, stay with me here -Ready?

Yes- we can feel fear and anxiety all part of our complex mechanisms and emotions that comprise us as human beings. But we are to give “those emotions” over to the LORD and know in our heart of hearts that He will protect us from whatever we are dealing with – and He will guide us through it all.

So, when we feel those emotions- TRUST – GIVE IT TO HIM-and realize we will be taken care of. That in itself will allow the perfection of love which is what we are comprised of, to override the emotions of “fear and anxiety” knowing that the LORD is taking care of it.

See how that works? So, don’t beat up on yourself if you feel fear, and if you feel anxious about something. Doesn’t mean you are not being Christian, as some people like to “shame” others who feel these emotions – ready to point fingers saying “Christians don’t feel those things” – NOT TRUE.

How we precede after these emotions surface is what matters. How we handle it from that point in time is what matters. And trusting in God and asking for His divine help and surrendering to Him is how to go forward, and when we do – that verse is absolutely true overall.

“Father, thank You for Your love and perfection in all You do, I know and believe all of your promises and Holy Word,

DEAR GOD: How Can We Help People Who Are Bitter?~

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Breaking the Root of Bitterness - Part 1 — Grace Church

A bitter spirit is something that might happen to any Christian if we aren’t careful. Let’s face it, a bitter root can grow very slowly and surreptitiously in our hearts long before the “fruit of bitterness” comes to the surface and exposes it’s “ugliness.”

Unresolved matters, such as anger, resentment, jealously, pain, grief, and continuous disappointment are just a few ways the bitterness can grow into a cancerous growth on your very soul.

What is the remedy for a bitter spirit? Well – it would be the very Word of the LORD. It’s a life affirming panacea to one’s soul. It’s a balm and a refreshing prescription for the spirit.  The Holy Spirit can be a constant source of fuel to counter the arsenic that is poisoning your soul.

 “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” – Psalm 51:10

Bitterness is not a good thing for anyone at any time. It’s especially the polar opposite of a clean Christian heart. The LORD invariably by the Holy Spirit will reveal the “sin” of bitterness in our hearts-and give us the unction-or a discerning spirit to expose it and bringing us to His throne for healing and forgiveness.  We can sin and harbor bitterness in our souls, but we don’t have to stay there. Through the grace and open invitation of the LORD, we can go to Him in a humble spirit asking for help, healing and forgiveness. When we recognize it, and humble ourselves while we repent – we will get a “new heart and cleansed” by the LORD.

 “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

When we understand and recognize we are consumed by bitterness, we immediately must confess and ask for help. As a Christian we go to the One and only who can help cleanse us, and wipe it clean. But we must be sincere in our efforts and approach – God knows our intentions and heart, so we cannot fool Him. And who would want to?

The story of Ruth is a fine example of bitterness. Remember Naomi when she returned to her birthplace – Bethlehem? She was filled with bitterness after the loss of her husband and sons. She went so far as to ask friends and family to call her “Mara” and no longer call her Ruth. Because “Mara meant bitter.” Her circumstances, although bitter, were turned about in the end. She prayed and was blessed by the LORD with a grandson, who would be the direct king line to David and Jesus!

The compulsion to harbor ill feelings or slide downward spiraling into a self-loathing bitter miserable being – is one’s own choice. Circumstances and situations in life sometimes are not of our own doing, naturally that is a different scenario of course. However, staying in a constant state of “bitterness” and refusing to ask the LORD for help is a choice, and an ill choice because it can affect the rest of your life and make a difference to your health, heart, body, mind – and soul!

God is the answer to all of your issues, no matter how horrific! He is there. Go to Him. Reach out. Read His Book, ask for help, clarification of His messages, and pray, pray, pray – and repent! Eventually, in God’s timing based on your “sincerity” within your heart-He will answer your prayers and wipe the bitterness out of your heart.

“Father, may I recognize if bitterness ever shows up trying to enter my heart, may I seek You, ask for Your help and assemble myself in alignment of Your Word, and press on and continue to be a servant to You my LORD, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Your Rain Brings Growth & Renewal~

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What’s behind the behaviour? There’s always something. - Hannah Beach

“Into every life a little rain must and will fall.”  Thus, the saying about life and challenges and hardship.  There are storms that will lurk literally and figuratively throughout our lives. And sometimes — a life challenge will require enormous strength in order to get through it.  Strength as humans we cannot and would not achieve were it not for the Holy Spirit who provides the supernatural fundamentals in order for us to achieve and survive each storm we encounter.

Jesus Christ, and His power is released when we acknowledge our weakness and submit to Him and accept His help.  When we surrender, we can and will endure suffering and adversity while maintaining and preserving internal joy and His perfect peace.

When the ground is extremely dry you can see virtual cracks in the foundation.  When we strive to do things on our own it’s our “foundation” that’ll crack and dry up. We need the life force of our Lord to keep it from crumbling around us. Our souls are like the soil we need to keep it watered and nourished. We need His living water to sustain and nourish our souls.

When the sun comes out after a storm the aftermath is serene, tranquil, a sight to behold.  Dew seemingly sparkles like diamonds on the leaves of trees, on the grass, and on the flowers. A rainbow oft times will be present to further declare the power of God and His love.

We’ll all go through times of grief, sorrow and valleys of woe.  It’s faith and His love that’ll provide us the ability to catapult over the hurdles thrust in our paths.

It’s His strength that’ll pick us up when we are weak, it’s His hands of grace that’ll wipe our tears away and replace it with gladness and joy. He will deliver us from the suffocating grief or depressive circumstances we’re going through. He defeated death for us to give us eternal life. He raises us up at all times as we exalt Him and love Him and trust Him.

Turn to Him every day, acknowledge His greatness, and give Him continuous praise and glory. Seek His face daily and accept Him openly. God doesn’t promise that we won’t experience sadness and loss or hard times – however He does promise that He’ll uphold us with His right hand of righteousness, and He will bring us through it each and every single time.

The result?  The ability to be a vessel for the Lord as we attempt to soothe others as they’re going through similar circumstances we went through. All the while glorifying God and giving Him the praise and the victory!

“Dear God, thank You for all You are, all You do, and all You continue to do all the days of my life, may I glorify You in all I endeavor to do, today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;-  2 Corinthians 1:9-10 

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.   Proverbs 3:5-6

How Heavy Rainfall Can Affect Your Plumbing - Miller's Services

 

DEAR GOD: Is It A Sin Wishing To Die?

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I’ll Forgive (feat. Becky Willard)Suzanne Hodson – Music From Suzanne

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born,And a time to die; 
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NKJV)

I have known several people in my lifetime who have wished “to die” and prayed for death. Mainly in nursing homes, which was my entire career. My patients who were sick, riddled with excruciating pain were the ones most likely wishing for death.

Some screaming for it. And I’ve been in witness of others outside of the nursing home who have wished for death – and not from being ill, but from being lonely, bored, or depressed. All very sad – but not fatal in their physical sense – but spiritual sense.

Which brings me to what many Christians have asked – Is it a sin to pray to God for death?  Well -God has chosen to leave you here on this planet in order to accomplish something for Him. The scriptures remind us that God has determined the length of our days. –Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”  James 4:15 (NKJV)

We must recognize that it is His will and not ours when we die. We must be willing to submit to His plan for how long we live on this earth. God uses the difficult events of life to grow us and mature us spiritually. He uses these events in our lives to motivate us to seek Him with all our hearts.

When we know Jesus, we can readily accept the joy that comes from being in an intimate relationship with Him, and all that entails. Hearing His voice, listening with ears perked at all times, and steadfastly staying in His Word and adhering to it day and night, all the days of our lives. And when it’s over, it’s His call not ours.

With Jesus as your Lord, peace and joy will most definitely come to fruition -as you spend time in prayer and the scriptures, and dwell on Him. The following two examples are perfect verses to meditate and dwell upon as we seek His face wishing to grow closer still to Him.

I have inherited Your testimonies forever, for they are the joy of my heart-
Psalms 119:111 (NASB)

Those who love Your law have great peace- Psalms 119:165 (NASB)

As faithful Christians- we serve a Holy pure and loving God- who works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). I would encourage you to ask God to reveal His will and purpose for you over the remaining days of your life, and readily accept His will, His timing, and His control in all areas of life, including when the time is to be called home.

God our mighty Father has a plan and purpose for your life. He has brought you here on this planet in order to accomplish things for Him. Scripture always reminds us that the LORD has determined the length of our days. And until that time and length has expired – it won’t happen until it happens by God’s hands alone.

I therefore leave you to answer the question yourself after praying and spending time with the LORD – Is it a sin to pray for death? After reading scripture and asking for wisdom I think you will find your answers – Amen.

“Father, I pray for those who are in the grips of depression, grief, loneliness, and longing for death, may they be touched in spirit and heart by Your hands of mercy and grace, may they come ‘alive’ in the Presence of Your Spirit and willingly submit to Your will and purpose for their lives, and may they survive in a mode of optimism knowing if they believe, they shall live forever, all to all things there is a purpose, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: What Is Gossiping?

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19 ways to accidentally make everyone think you’re pregnant – SheKnows

Psalm 31:18
Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.

Gossip is ugly. Gossip can be inhumane and cruel. And most importantly – God frowns upon gossip. You might say, He abominates it with a passion.

Talking about someone or sharing in with a group of naysayers speaking boldly and harshly about someone is just downright wrong on so many levels. It can have devastating repercussions on the person that is being gossiped about. And again, it can wreak lots of harm on your status with God – and it may even start to unravel a piece of your heart and soul if you continue to do so.

There are so many types of gossip. There those who can’t wait to share to others about something they “know” exclusively about, “said individual.”  It can be a minor account of what the person said. However, most times it turns out to be a long story and then others join in, and before you know it- it’s become a feeding frenzy on who knows more and what the person did and has done.  Not good!

There are extenuating circumstances that can happen. Where someone thinks that another should be “warned” about an individual – due to some extreme outrageous behavioral issue – and is trying to basically give a warning of sorts. And the warning is in truth and good faith. That’s not gossiping.

The Bible teaches that gossip is a sin that can harm others and consequently, us as well. Gossip is speaking or listening to words about others, be it false or negative. The Bible does warn us against gossip because it can create strife, separation of friends. It can cause quarreling, keep people in trouble, lead to ungodliness, and cause much bitterness and anger. The Bible advises us to avoid spreading rumors, lying, and slander – but instead to speak in truth and in love!

The Bible labels gossips as untrustworthy and meddlesome (Proverbs 11:13; 20:19; 26:20; 1 Timothy 5:13) — and even as worthy of death (Romans 1:29, 32) So being One body in Christ, you don’t want to be among the gossipers, or in a group of such.

The book of Proverbs suggests gossip is like “delicious morsels,” a tasty treat that promises delight to those who indulge (Proverbs 18:8; 26:22).

I see gossip as the polar opposite of the Gospel. Why? Well simple really. We know that gossip is bad – whereas we know the Gospel is good. One could be lies – the other only truth.

And if the story is false – you may not just be gossiping you’re slandering someone and undermining and disparaging their reputation. Slander is a very wicked thing.  (Leviticus 19:16; Psalm 15:3; Proverbs 19:5)

 Gossip is usually always behind the victim’s back. By definition, gossip occurs only when the subject of the story is not present. It’s easier and more interesting that way when others aren’t there to “defend” themselves. And when people gossip, they usually lower their voices, look around to see if anyone is within ear shot, and then let it rip forth- “Psst-I know something you don’t know!” You know its gossip if you wouldn’t be saying it if the person that you’re speaking about was present. At least a good majority of times that is the case.
Gossip is clandestine, hidden, furtive, stealthy, sly (Proverbs 25:23; Psalm 101:4–5). In other words – it’s sneaky and underhanded and gutless!
There are frilly “so called innocent gossipers. Then there are those who are intent on destroying someone out of a warp sense of revenge. Mean vicious gossip bent on revenge is birthed in malice and threatens to sink whole fellowships (2 Corinthians 12:19–13:2; 3 John 9–10). This my friend is the kind of gossip that is a gazillion times worse than being a busybody, who is too interested in other peoples’ business (2 Thessalonians 3:11; 1 Peter 4:15). Yet Jesus said that we will give an account for every careless word we have spoken (Matthew 12:36), not just for the malicious ones.

The Gospel and doctrine of Christ offers pure and fulfilling promises and peace. It is my overall clothing of choice (Ephesians 6 – Gospel Armor) all the days of my life. Whereas gossip is grossly inadequate and has nothing to offer but a dark cloud of suffocation to those who choose to engage in its nastiness (2 Peter 1:3–4).

The Gospel provides all the resources you need to regularly resist Gossip in real time (1 Corinthians 10:13)- God protects you and what you are experiencing isn’t uncommon and has happened to others. God provides a way to escape and will always show you a way out.

Eventually the temptations to gossip and be at the circle of such back biting vapid nonsense will ease off.  There is a battle going on daily in our lives. Spiritual verses the flesh. We need to walk in the spirit and light, and in time – even the most delectable morsel of gossip you may want to share will drop away.

As you trust in God’s love and His grace – you will be strong through Christ to walk away and turn your back on gossiping for good!

“Father may I be a vessel for Your purpose and not be apprehended or tempted by gossip, whether listening or adding to it, may I be strong through Christ, and provide encouragement and inspiration and bring You all the glory, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

*Definitions according to online google.
Gossip –
(Noun) -Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true: “He became the subject of much local gossip.”
Gossip
(Verb)Engage in gossip: “They would start gossiping about her as soon as she left.”
Slander
 (Noun) – The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person’s reputation.  “He is suing his neighbor for slander.”