Our tongue can become a formidable foe, sharp as a razor's edge, cutting down those around us with careless words. We will be held accountable for every wound it inflicts.
Psalms 52:2-4 KJV Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.
While Jesus preached the Kingdom of God, many people used their resources to care for His physical needs and well-being. Ministry is a two-way street, and although we serve regardless of the response, it's wise and rewarding to respect the reciprocal nature of this relationship.
Luke 8:1 KJV And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
Luke 8:2 KJV And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
Luke 8:3 KJV And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
An emotional belief in itself is not a faithful belief. A devil’s belief has proven to show much emotion.
Luke 8:13 KJV They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
Case in point:
Luke 8:28 KJV When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.
God's gift of faith endures and believes to the very end.
Luke 8:15 KJV But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Despite Mary, the mother of Jesus, being a remarkable woman of God, I'm perplexed by the excessive, godlike reverence some Christians attribute to her.
Luke 8:20 KJV And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
Luke 8:21 KJV And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.
Tragedy is only a door knock away. When it bursts through our door, it is not the time for our faith to be shelved.
Luke 8:23 KJV But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.
Luke 8:24 KJV And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.
Luke 8:25 KJV And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.
Gospilled Minute #90
Most everyone knows of a life that has been transformed by Jesus, yet many of the same people simultaneously deny the very power thereof.
Luke 8:35 KJV Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
They even go so far as to say, 'Get lost, and take your Jesus with you.'
Luke 8:37 KJV Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.
If Jesus has truly transformed your life, you can't help but share the Good News with others.
Luke 8:38 KJV Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,
Luke 8:39 KJV Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.
Genuine belief is the fruit of saving faith. In other words, faith gives birth to belief; belief does not generate faith.
Luke 8:48 KJV And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
Luke 8:49 KJV While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.
Luke 8:50 KJV But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
As the LORD cares for His Church today.
Exodus 2:24 KJV And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.
Exodus 2:25 KJV And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.
Despite facing unimaginable pain and suffering, Job's faith endured through it all, and God ultimately heard and answered his prayers, as seen in his words even today.
Job 19:23 KJV Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever! For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
Father, may we guard our tongues today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
