EXAMINE THE HEART

Matthew 12:33-37

Make a tree good and its fruit will be good.......for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
The first step to check the way we speak is to check on the condition of the heart.

The book of Proverbs has much to say about how the condition of our hearts affects our speech:
* The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction (16:21)
* Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life (4:23)
* The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin (10:8)
* A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly (12:23)
* An anxious heart weights a man down, but a kind word cheers him yo (12:25)
* The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly (15:14)
* The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil (15:28)
* A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones (15:30)
* The hearts of the wise make their mouth prudent, and their lips promote instruction (16:23)
* One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend (22:11)
* Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart (26:23)
* Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbour deceit. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts (26:24-25)

So, how's your heart? The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart!

DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING

PHILIPPIANS 4:6

Quite a few Christians live in a terrible state of anxiety,constantly fretting over the concerns of life. The secret of living in perfect peace amid the hectic pace of daily life is one well worth knowing. What good has worrying ever accomplished? It has never made anyone stronger, helped anyone do God's will, or provided for anyone a way of escape out of their anxiety or confusion. Worry only destroys the effectiveness of lives that would otherwise be useful and beautiful. Being restless and having worries and cares are absolutely forbidden by our Lord. (Matthew 6:31) He does not mean that we are not to think ahead or that our life should never have a plan or pattern to it. He simply means that we are not to worry about these things.

People will know that you live in a constant state of anxiety by the lines on your face, the tone of your voice, your negative attitude, and the lack of joy in your spirit. It is a sign of weakness to always worry and fret, question everything, and mistrusts everyone. So, brothers and sisters in Christ, return to your place of peace, and rest within the sweet embrace of the Lord Jesus.

GOD'S GARDEN

Proverbs 11:25
"Do not withhold good from those who deserves it, when it is in your power to act" We always have the power to offer an encouraging word.

In growing a healthy, fruit-bearing church, try this plan:

Plant three rows of squash
* Squash gossip
* Squash criticism
* Squash indifference

Plant seven rows of peas:
* Prayer
* Promptness
* Perseverance
* Politeness
* Preparedness
* Purity
* Patience

Plant six heads of lettuce:
* Let us be unselfish and loyal
* Let us be faithful to duty
* Let us search the Scriptures
* Let us not be weary in well-doing
* Let us be truthful
* Let us love one another

A NEW COMMANDMENT

Jesus' final words before His arrest is "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)

At least 55 times the words 'one another' appear in the Bible. Here are just a few:

* Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves.(Romans 12:10)

* Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16)

* Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God (Romans 15:7)

* Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness (Hebrews 3:13)

* Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2)

* Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32)

* Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13)

* Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Extracts from the book entitled 'THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S WORDS' by Sharon Jaynes

BE AN ENCOURAGER!

Even as I write these words, I am struck with just how much fellow Christians need encouraging words to continue in the faith. It is easy to say, "Well, God should be enough. People should find their strength in Christ." Yes, Christ is enough for salvation. However, God has placed us in a body. He called us the body of Christ because we are dependent on each other to function well, to love well, to struggle well.

"I had worked all year long on the women's retreat," Ann explained. "I didn't get a paycheck, but that wasn't what I was doing it for in the first place. I was planning the retreat to honour Jesus. I'll admit, though, that I longed for someone to tell me,'I appreciate all your hard work,' or 'You really ministered to me,' or 'Thank you for all you do to encourage women.' I didn't do all that work for a pat on the back, but a pat on the back would have meant so much." Then she concluded,"I'm not sure I have it in me to do it again."

I wonder if a few positive words of thanks would have given Ann the fuel she needed to tackle the women's retreat for another year. While the women who attended were filled, Ann left drained and discouraged.

Take a look at how Paul used his words to encourage the various churches in the New Testament in Philippians 1:3-11 and Colossians 1:3-8 and to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:3-4!

Simple words, but powerful words! Encouragement will help someone grow!
(Extracts from the book entitled 'THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S WORDS' by Sharon Jaynes

2 Samuel 7:27

What comes from heaven in a promise Should be sent back to heaven in a prayer.

A well-known and dearly loved Bible teacher in Seattle, Dr. Arthur Petrie, wrote;"God in heaven is looking for those on earth in whose hearts He can put prayer for the performance of His promises. If He does not find your heart open for His prayer, He will find other hearts that are, and you will surely miss something."

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is toward him (II Chronicles 16:9) And into such hearts, the Spirit of God will put the prayer of God, for 'Prayer is nothing but the breathing that out before the Lord, that was first breathed into us by the Spirit of the Lord.' The teaching that promise and prayer must go together and be used together is one of the primal laws of the spiritual world

James 3:6

TALES OF TWO HOUSEHOLDS

"I got two A's", the small boy said.
His voice was filled with glee.
His father very bluntly asked, "Why didn't you get three?"

"Mom, I've got the dishes done," The girl called from the door.
Her mother very calmly said,"Did you sweep the floor?"

"I mowed the grass," the tall boy said,"And put the mower away."
His father asked him with a shrug,"Did you clean off the clay?"

The children in the house next door
Seemed happy and content.
The same things happened over there,
But this is how it went.

"I got two A's," the small boy said, His voice was filled with glee.
His father proudly said,"That's great;I'm glad you belong to me."

"Mom, I got the dishes done," The girl called from the door.
Her mother smiled and softly said, "Each day I love you more."

"I've mowed the grass," the tall boy said, "And put the mower away."
His father answered with much joy, "You've made me happy day!"

Children deserve just simple praise
For the tasks they're asked to do.
If they're to lead a happy life, So much depends on you!.

A poem taken from the book by Sharon Jaynes entitled 'THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S WORDS'