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“When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.”
[ephesians 4.29, ncv]

In his book on Humility, C.J. Mahaney comments on this verse, writing:

Our words are intended to communicate encouragement. Our words are to edify–they should be “good for building up.” And that goes for all our speech. We’re specifically commanded to communicate “only” that which edifies.

What are edifying words?

Here’s what they’re not. They’re not simply polite words. This verse isn’t an exhortation to niceness or social protocol. And it certainly isn’t talking about flattery or about superficial words or about compliments that are man-centered or man-exalting.

Truly edifying words are words that reveal the character and the promises and the activity of God. They’re cross-centered words. They’re words rooted in and derived from Scripture, words taht identify the active presence of God, and words that communicate the evidences of grace that you observe in others. They’re words that flow from a humble heart.

We’re commanded to communicate only words like these that are good for building up another. What a sweet command! What a privilege!

i have to admit, i’ve been doing a really, REALLY bad job of this lately. i’ve been careless and even worse, wreckless with my words. i’ve said things that i haven’t meant and i’ve meant things that i haven’t said. what a fool! what an arrogant fool…i’ve been killing those i love most with my words. i seriously need to refocus and get my priorities straight again because i’ve been failing miserably at this life i’ve been given. we get one life…one shot at this. i need to make the most of it and live it well.

my friend Brian says that i should put this verse to music and make it the theme song of my life because i quote it all the time. here it is, Paul writes, “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back” [philippians 3.12, the message]. if i’m gonna quote it so much i’d better start living up to it…i need get on my way, “well on my way, reaching out for Christ” and live this life for Him who lived His life for me.

remember, we are called, and commanded, to encourage others all day, every day…our words are powerful…our words matter. “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose” [proverbs 18.21, the message].

…is a question that gets us in a lot of trouble… just let it be.

ct

“Here’s what I’m saying: Ask and you’ll get; Seek and you’ll find; Knock and the door will open. Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in.” [luke 11.9-10, The Message]

Don’t think true prayer escapes God’s ears,
He hears your every plea;
Though hope’s deferred, believe… believe!
The answer you will see.  [Anonymous]

God never tires of our asking.

and we should never tire of asking… i know the road can be long, lonely and sometimes pretty hard, but God is good, and He has you where you are, and going where you are going for a reason… just be open to His ways and let Him direct your steps every morning, trust Him, He’ll take care of you

ct

HUGE.
UNLIMITED.
WILD.
UNTAMABLE.
RAW.
ALL KNOWING.
ALLPOWERFUL.
LOVING.
FAITHFUL.
COMPASSIONATE.
FORGIVING.
AMAZING.
PERFECT.
AWESOME….

GOD

We shall never want to serve God in our real and secret hearts if He looms in our subconscious mind as an arbitrary dictator or a spoil-sport, or as one who takes advantage of His position to make us poor mortals feel guilty and afraid. We have not only to be impressed by the “size” and unlimited power of God, we have to be moved to genuine admiration, respect, and affection, if we are ever to worship Him. [J.B. Phillips, Your God Is Too Small]

There is no one who is like You
You stand alone as God
All the earth will bow before You
They’ll see You as You are
And Your people sing

Jesus is the Lord Who reigns forevermore
Jesus is the Lord
He reigns He reigns

Heros tremble in Your presence
Kings forget their crowns
Mountains shudder at Your whisper
Nations fall face down
And Your people sing

Jesus is the Lord Who reigns forevermore
Jesus is the Lord
He reigns He reigns

The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice! Let the farthest islands be glad. Clouds and darkness surround him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes forth before him and burns up all his foes. His lightning flashes out across the world. The earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens declare his righteousness; every nation sees his glory. Those who worship idols are disgraced- all who brag about their worthless gods- for every god must bow to him. Jerusalem* has heard and rejoiced, and all the cities of Judah are glad because of your justice, Lord! For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. [Psalm 97:1-9 NLT]

Our God is an awesome God He reigns
From Heaven above with wisdom power and love
Our God is an awesome God

Jesus You are Lord You reign forevermore
Jesus You are Lord
You reign You reign
[Forevermore/Awesome God]

i originally posted this about a year ago… just felt like reposting it here… great song… wish we’d do it at church again….

ct