Clishmaclaver (Proverbs 10.19)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “clishmaclaver.”  Growing up I was always one to speak way before I listened. Then I began hanging out with some people who made wiser decisions than me on a more consistent basis, as opposed to the way I was used to doing them on my own. At first, of course, I did not want to listen to anyone. I believed I knew enough on my own to get through life. But, of course I was wrong. It wasn't until I started listening to wise counsel that I began to make decisions differently.

“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” ~Pr. 10:19

My question is: who are the people in life that you give advice… and whose counsel do you listen to most? The mentors in my life have always listened to me and never sought to speak into my life more than they knew I was going to accept their words and counsel. I guess that's why I always went to those specific people. Most of the time they were reluctant to give me any words of advice, knowing that I was probably going to do things the way that I wanted to anyway. And that is why I always hung on every word that these people said. They were never about meaningless clishmaclaver. They always had my best interest in mind, and gave me exactly what I needed. Who are those kind of people in your life?

Praying for you,

MO

Blarney (Ephesians 4:29)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “blarney.”  I think one of the most important parts of growing up is learning how to interact with other people.  We learn at a young age, without anyone really having to tell us, how to deal with people.  It doesn't take too long for little kids to understand that there are rules within society.  Pretty much, words matter.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” ~Eph. 4:29

My question is: what do the words that come out of your mouth say about you, and your character?  Are you the kind of person where people know you as a person of your word?  My prayer is that in a world of lessening morals and restraint, that you become a person who serves God both in word and in deed.  Take the opportunity to become more like Jesus, as the apostle Paul recommended, and engage less in flattery and nonsensical blarney.  You can never go wrong with allowing helpful speech and all of your relationships.

Praying for you,

MO

Railbird (Ecclesiastes 5:2)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “railbird.”  It seems that everyone has an opinion about stuff. When you do anything in life there will be others that think that they know what is best for you and the situation. And, even though they may be right (and much of the time wrong) it is our responsibility to God to be the kind of people that look to him for the best way to do life, and make decisions based on how we would like to be perceived by others.  And in the same way, we must be careful of what we say and do.

“Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.” ~Ecc. 5:2

My question is: what are the words that come out of your mouth?  Kevin always told me that it is very true that the things that one says is a reflection of the heart. I don’t think that’s anything new for anyone to hear.  My prayer is that when people hear you speak, and look at your actions, that they see a reflection of the kind of person that you would like to be.  Don’t be a railbird, just criticizing peeps for what you might think is a good reason, but instead be careful with your words. Remember that people judge you on that kind of stuff, both good and bad.  Use today as a way to honor God in the way that you live your life.

Praying for you,

Mo

Verbigeration (1 Timothy 1:1-7)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “verbigeration.”  During my initial years of the Christian life I was often drawn to this book in the Bible.  The reason is that my mentor, and the man who had eventually led me into a relationship with Jesus, told me that my life needed to be similar to the young man to whom Paul is talking.

“But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. For some men and women, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.” ~1 Timothy 1:5-7

My question is: what are the things in life that you give most of your time?  The Apostle Paul understood the importance of keeping one's heart pure, and new that the words that came along with this task were pertinent.  As Christians, we do not have the luxury of engaging in verbigeration, but instead our words need to have complete and full meaning.  In your quest to become a better person, my prayer is that you choose your words carefully, and help others to feel encouraged.  One of the most significant ways Christians can keep themselves separate from the ways of this world is to speak truth, and love.

Praying for you,

MO