June 19, 2022 . . .
Most of us are familiar with the verse in Psalms that states, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 (NKJV) I read right on past that verse today until I was prompted to go back and read it again, and again. Finally, I asked, “What are you trying to get me to see, Lord?” The only answer I received was, “read it again”, so, I read it again. This time, I read it slower. Then, I read it again and broke it down phrase by phrase, and finally, I saw it. I have read that verse all my life and missed one of the primary things this verse is trying to teach me. For 58 and a half years, I have read quickly through that verse and obviously, I read it too quickly, because I thought the verse was about asking God to help me keep my big mouth shut (and this verse teaches that) but look at the next phrase “and the meditation of my heart”. BAM! I need to pray that God not only is pleased with my mouth, but with my mind as well. In our world of free speech, (and it certainly is free, isn’t), words are hurled back and forth faster than gas being pumped out of a $3.00 per gallon pump. There are hateful words, harmful words, damaging words, and words we can’t take back, even if we want to. But do you realize there is something dangerous than these words? It’s the thoughts behind them. Not only do we spew angry words, but we hear angry words all day long, seven days a week and twice on Sundays. When we are so exposed to all of this negative, ungodly hate-speak, it can’t help but influence our thoughts. In another Scripture, Jesus reminds us, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:34 (NKJV). It’s bad enough we sometimes speak the things we do; however, the really sad part is the fact that we think ‘em too. I don’t know about you, but I really need to pray, “Lord, let the words of my mouth AND the meditation (thoughts) of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and Redeemer.” I also need to ask the Lord to help me remember, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)
Be blessed and be a blessing . . . Bro. Andy
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