What do you use your words for?

 Psalm 12:1–8 (ESV): 

1  Save, O Lord, for the godly one is gone; for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man. 

2  Everyone utters lies to his neighbour; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. 

3  May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts, 

4  those who say, “With our tongue we will prevail, our lips are with us; who is master over us"

5  “Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord; “I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” 

6  The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. 

7  You, O Lord, will keep them; 

you will guard us from this generation forever. 

8  On every side the wicked prowl, 

as vileness is exalted among the children of man. 

What do you use your words for? 

Here the psalmist tells us, ‘everyone utters lies’, people have, ‘flattering lips’ and ‘a double heart’. Does this in any way describe you? No-one would like to categorise themselves like this, but if you are honest with yourself; do you lie, use flattery or say things you do not mean? Even if you think it is not important and maybe you only do these things in certain situations or with certain people this is still not what is considered, ‘godly’ or ‘faithful’ behaviour. 

Can you sense the author's frustration with people who behave in this way? David, who wrote this psalm, feels surrounded by people who do not display integrity in how they communicate, and he hates it. He states, ‘the godly one is gone; for the faithful have vanished’. When you are amongst people who lie, boast, flatter and say what they don't mean it is difficult to trust them. It is hard to make friends or get things done when those around you are not genuine. Hence David's frustration. Those who speak the truth and do not try to ingratiate themselves or elevate themselves through their communications are hard to find, but invaluable. You can trust people that are genuine, you can build with them as they will do what they say and say what they do, no more no less. Are you someone like that? and do you endeavour to invite people into your life who are like that? Or would you rather surround yourself with people who say whatever they think you want to hear rather than the truth? Sometimes the truth is hard to hear and so it is easier to have those that will just agree with you, but it won's ultimately do you any good and you could well end up feeling like David does and ask yourself "where have all the good people gone?"!

Do you appreciate and take guidance from people that you know are real, natural, honest and fair?Are you someone like that - speaking the truth without embellishment, flattery or hypocrisy? When you communicate with others do you realise that you demonstrate something of who you are and who God is to you? The Bible tells us the mouth is the overflow of the heart - so what do you display as you speak?

The Bible has lots of warnings and advice about how we communicate, in fact it is quite clear that there is an inherent problem with how we use speech. We are told that the tongue is easily used but difficult to tame. Therefore lies, flattery and contradictory words can spill out causing wickedness and harm. The Bible is full of instruction about how you and I speak, not just in this psalm. Do you take notice of it? 

The way you use words is important. Words have power. This is implied in verse 4 and the writer of Proverbs agrees, ‘The tongue has the power of life and death.’ (18:21). So what are you doing with the powerful instrument you have in your body? In Psalm 12 the words that are spoken are for selfish gain - lies, flattery and hypocrisy used to gain; influence, power, strength and opportunity. What are you using the power that you have within you to achieve? Are your words bringing life or death, and what do you want them to do? 

You have responsibility in what you say, and also the way in which you receive the words spoken to you. Times have not really changed since this psalm was written. People are still lying, unfaithful, hypocritical, boastful and flattering. There are some who are not - look out for them and get to know them. It is hard to know who to follow and who to trust. Yet there is One that you can always depend on, whose words, 'are pure words’. The words of God are the words you can always, absolutely, 100% trust. God will speak truth and life to you and over you - are you listening to Him? Do you allow God's words to influence your life and do you allow God to influence the way you speak? God knows words have power - He made the universe with them! Since creation God has given mankind some of His influence and power - what are you doing with it? 

God wants to help you to be a faithful steward, and this includes being godly and faithful in how you speak. Do you take notice of what God is trying to teach you? Are you aware of the power of your words? Your words can bring life and can destroy, they can build up and tear down - what are you using your words for?

The deceptiveness of pride

The book of Obadiah is a short one in the Old Testament. The author, Obadiah, has written down what God has shown him about the judgement for the country of Edom. Here are the first few verses that we shall consider today;

*1*The vision of Obadiah. 

Thus says the Lord God concerning Edom: 

We have heard a report from the Lord, 

and a messenger has been sent among the nations: 

“Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!” 

*2* Behold, I will make you small among the nations; 

you shall be utterly despised. 

*3* The pride of your heart has deceived you, 

you who live in the clefts of the rock, 

in your lofty dwelling, 

who say in your heart, 

“Who will bring me down to the ground?” 

*4* Though you soar aloft like the eagle, 

though your nest is set among the stars, 

from there I will bring you down, 

declares the Lord. 

Obadiah 1–4.

A pretty harsh judgement you would think, but that is because of the harsh way the Edomites have treated others. The reason that Edom is going to be overcome is because they assisted the Babylonians in capturing the Israelites that fled when Jerusalem was destroyed. This is serious to God because the Edomites are actually relatives of those Israelites! Edom consisted of the descendants of Esau, who was one of the sons of Isaac, and the brother to Jacob. Jacob is the one from whom all of the tribes of Israel descended. Therefore, the Edomites are related to the Israelites and their tribes, so they had, in essence, turned against their own family to support the unholy Babylonian nation. Instead of caring for and assisting their fleeing family, they turned against them. So, God pronounces what He intends to do to Edom through the prophet Obadiah. 

The Edomites would have been aware of their heritage and who the Israelites were, they could not feign ignorance about knowing who their ancestors were. Yet this does highlight the fact that although people can be brought up in the same family, with the same values and expectations, they still get to choose their own way in life just like their forefathers; Jacob and Esau. Jacob chose to honour God and the nation that came through him did consider God in some way throughout their history. They have times of following and disobeying, but God's voice doesn't ever seem too far away. Whereas Esau's descendants, the Edomites, seem to have rejected God, living their lives for what they can get out of it with no consideration for God. We see that through this book of Obadiah. The Edomites believe they are thriving, they are successful and capable. Yet, despite appearances, God is showing that there are more important things to life than the outward visible achievements. God proves through this prophecy that he is concerned about the hearts of His people. Even though the Edomites may not consider themselves His people, He does. He still cares about them and wishes to warn them about their impending doom because of their disregard for Him and their kin.

God, through Obadiah reveals that the cause of the Edomites issues is not hatred, greed, jealousy or a violent temper, but pride (v3). The Edomites were deeply satisfied within themselves. They took great pleasure in who they were and what they could do. This is the source of their problems; a confidence in oneself, and a reliance on one’s possessions and capabilities. They were ok with that, but God says, 'The pride of your heart has deceived you'. 

You may have heard of the proverb, ‘pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall’ (`Proverbs 16:18). Pride - the deep pleasure and satisfaction of your own achievements or possessions is destructive. It is a problem because it is me-focussed. It gives no honour, glory or concern to anyone else, just oneself. The proud can be spotted as those who consider themselves better than others because of what they have got and achieved, they look to themselves for the solutions to life’s problems and think that they are responsible for their own success. The Edomites were such people. They knew what they were good at, and revelled in it. Even where they lived demonstrated something of how apart and above others they felt - they lived up high in the rocks - what a secure, solid powerful environment to oversee the other land and nations from, they would literally have to look down on everyone else from their dwelling place. They felt safe and secure, just like an eagle soaring around; confident, and unconcerned, unaware of any danger. Yet, in verse 4 God promises, ‘from there I will bring you down’. It seems impossible. From the top of a solid mountain plateau, from the soaring heights of the eagle, from there God will bring the nation of Edom down. It does not seem like it can happen, certainly not to the Edomites from their privileged position. Yet, no matter how secure you can feel in life, if you are consumed with pride and fail to acknowledge God’s favour, then you may be heading for a downfall just as these people were.

No matter how high you may feel in life, no matter the height of your achievements or capabilities, God can bring you down. So, what can you do to avoid it? Ensure that you are not 'deceived' like the Edomites were - that you are not blinded by success or achievement or that getting something or somewhere in life is your ultimate goal in life. Make sure that you are caring for others, that you are not destroying or degrading others in your attempt to succeed. Most importantly, consider God. What does God want you to achieve in life? What and who has He given you to take care of? Are you showing your gratitude and acceptance of God's favour, generosity and love to those around you? Do people hear you boast, not of yourself, but of what God has done for you?

Be aware of your attitude and behaviour towards God, yourself and others. God sees the deceptive nature of pride, and it is so easy to fall into the trap of self-sufficiency and feeling good about success and hardwork, after all, isn't that what the rest of the world emulates? God would like to rescue you from pride - will you let Him? Or are you just going to wait for the fall?

Psalm 127 - part 2

In part 1 of this psalm, we looked at the first two verses, today will will be focussing on v3-5. With the recollection that labouring, watching and toiling without God is all in vain;

 A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. 

*1* Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. 

*2* It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. 

*3* Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. 

*4* Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. 

*5* Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. 

After the initial 2 verses showing us that working hard, worrying and looking out for others is pointless if God is not in it, Solomon then speaks about children. I think it is appropriate that Solomon tells us about the everyday things of life that we can worry about before he gets onto talking us about kids. Most of the time they are the aspect of life that parents worry about most! Therefore we need good practice at trusting God with the other things before we can even consider handing over our children to God. I think that is why this psalm is ordered that way - by first telling us that worrying about work, finances and safety is all in vain if God is there, before speaking into raising children. We have got to get our security in God in  those things first before we can even entertain the thought that our children can be entrusted to God because that is much harder to do. We need the very real practice of trusting God. When we can trust God for our future, work, rest and protection rather than our own abilities and hard work, and we have seen Him be faithful in those, then we can begin to entertain the idea that He can be trusted with our children too. It is easy to say that we trust God with all of these things, but it is very difficult to actually do. 

Verse 3 clearly tells us that children are a blessing. Sometimes we know that, other times we forget it! Children are in fact a, ‘heritage from the Lord’ - what an amazing statement! The word heritage is about having an ‘individual possession’ or an ‘allotted portion’. Children are ‘allotted’ to us ‘from the Lord’. They are not really ours, but we get to share life with them and guide them. Children are entrusted to us by God as a part of our life. We have part-ownership in our kids, not full ownership as we sometimes mistakenly believe. God has shown me this recently when things have been incredibly difficult, and i have told Him that i cannot do it. I cannot parent this child and i do not know what to do. God clearly told me 'give them to me then'. It was then i remembered this very thing; our children are not really ours. They were always God's first. I was battling, stressing and worrying (in vain!) when it is not fully my responsibility to do so, as these children are ‘allotted’ to us. We have part-ownership and we can go wrong and get stressed out when we forget and try to fix it all ourselves. That is what i was trying to do. I was praying and asking for guidance and at my wits end, so i was trusting God, but I wasn't handing over to Him. Does that make sense? Sometimes we can hold on too tight. We feel the full responsibility, but we were never meant to carry it by ourselves. It can be easy to pray and know that God is present even when things are falling apart, but then comes the reality that we need to give up trying to fix things and let God do it. That is where i was and it is scary and painful realising that you are not enough, but it gives God a chance to work and show what he can do. It is also a massive relief when you are able to emotionally do that. Remember that children are an, 'heritage from the Lord'. We can easily forget that and mistakenly believe that they are ours. Yet we share part-ownership. God is also invested and involved in the lives of our kids, and sometimes we need to let go and let Him influence, guide and guard. 

‘Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.’ A warrior knows how to use his arrows. He takes care of them, protects them and refines them before he sets them loose. As a parent or influential adult in a young person's life, you can invest in guiding and refining them. The purpose of an arrow is to fly. A warrior does all he can to ensure it flies straight and hits the mark. That is our responsibility too - Children will one day fly - what are you directing them to when they do? 

One thing I often say as a parent is, “if my kids have got hold of who God is in their lives then I know they will be alright.” It doesn’t mean their lives will be easy or straight forward, but it does mean that their souls will be well. If our children know they have access to and can have a relationship with God, then they can handle life well. No matter what happens. So, it is my duty as a parent to do my best to model a good relationship with God and invite them into it and let them know they can have the same. To me, this is ensuring that the arrows fly well. Our children have purpose, meaning and a direction in life to follow. Our responsibility is to help, encourage and 'train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it' (proverbs 22:6). What great comfort that is.

Can you make space for God in your life?

 Whilst we were gathered as church this week, we were worshipping God, and appreciating the fact that we are children of God and that He has prepared room for us in His kingdom, even in His house. I was struck by a thought; As well as feeling incredibly grateful that God, the Almighty would consider me part of His family, and would even go as far as planning and preparing a place for me in His home, I was also inspired by the idea that this goes both ways. 

If God has prepared a place for me and welcomed me into His family, then do I do the same? Do I make space for God in my life? Do you?

If you or I are really serious about following God, does it show? 

If we are really honest with ourselves , do we make room for God at; home, work, school, the local high street? 

If we REALLY believe that Jesus is who he says he is, and that God is who Jesus shows Him to be, then it has to be more than a decision or mindset. As we recognise we are His children, this should effect how we go about our daily lives. If God is our Father, surely it is our responsibility and even duty to make room for Him in our lives just as he does for us.

The question is, how do we practically do that?

I think it is in the everyday routines and moments that we can make space for God and cause Him to be known or hidden. 

Here are some questions and thoughts i have been considering; 

• Does your daily routine take into account that you have a relationship with God? 

Being a wife, Mum and dog owner I have to keep in mind these relationships in my everyday life as I am responsible for how healthy these relationships are. The decisions I make, the time I spend doing things and the wants and needs of those I live with have to feature in my everyday life otherwise family will suffer. Same goes for having a relationship with God. If I am His child, do I spend time with Him? Or even consider Him as I make decisions, as I work or rest? Do I bother to read the Bible or take time pray and consider what God might want from me? Is there space for God in my routine or do I just spend a bit of time thinking about Him when I have the time, or when I am not too tired? (Because let’s be honest, we can all be too busy and tired at times). Is God a priority in life? If not, should He be? Is there something that can change in the everyday that can mean the relationship with Him is prioritised? 

Jesus made a point of seeking out God whilst he walked the Earth, he set aside time for Him, and we see how clamoured he was by people at times. Yet he showed us the importance of prioritising a relationship with God.

• How about the communications we have with people? 

It is not all about what we do or don’t do in life, but also how we communicate with others. I know I am pretty rubbish at email, I don’t really like email and can probably come across a bit short or cross because I am trying to get it over and done with quick. Yet, if I consider God, I would be making more effort and taking a bit more consideration in how things are put across. This goes the same for any way that we communicate whether it is verbally, physically or in writing.

Proverbs 15: 28;

The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words

• How do you connect with other believers? 

Hebrews 10: 24 - 25

Let us consider how to stir one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Here we are instructed to look out for one another and meet together. Do you intentionally connect with other believers to encourage and share what God is doing in your life, to learn more, to pray? It is not just about turning up at an event like it is some kind of attendance mark, but about being meaningfully engaged in a community of believers. It doesn’t mean we all have to preach or lead, or pray out loud, but do you consider how you might help the running of an event, or how to support or encourage someone else? Sometimes it is the washing or cleaning up, or a kind word that makes a difference to someone else. You are a child of God, and as well as having a lot to learn, you also have a lot to give as you have His character within you. God wants to use you to encourage others, He wants us all not to just turn up, but to be connected and participating in His family, not just one day a week but everyday. It inspires me that the disciples in Acts were in and out of each others homes and meeting together daily! What a community that must have been! Do you make space for other believers in your everyday? We are so privileged that we have technology that can connect us in an instant to other people; do you make use of it? We can send a text, ring someone or even knock on their door. Do you make the effort to keep in touch? This is what making space for God in your life can look like. 

God wants us to intentionally make time and space for each other, and sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to (just like in a family!) but that’s ok. Our time on this Earth, amongst other believers, is our practice ground for when we enter into the place God has prepared a place for us. Making space for God in our lives often has to include other people!

So, is there anything you need to change to make space for God in your life?

I know I need to consider how my evenings are spent. It is not that I do anything bad at those times, or am particularly lazy or sucked into the TV for hours, but I notice that it is a time that I can usually get to do something. It is a point in the day that I could make some space for God. Probably not every night, but I know I can set aside some time during the week of an evening. So, what should I do? Well here are a few ideas that will likely work for me; spending an hour or so reading a faith-based book, praying for my town/family/others; meeting up with and encouraging other faith-filled friends. Not an outrageous awe-inspiring list perhaps, but a practical way that I can implement a bit more space for God in my life. 

Is there some way that you could make space in your life for God, just as He has made space in His life for you?