Proverbs 13:1-12
If we're not careful, our mouths can get us into trouble. So Proverbs 13:3 is going to be my verse for the day. Let me explain. Today (Saturday) is the first Nebraska football game. My husband and I are Husker fans and have season tickets. So I'm looking forward to going--except for one thing. There is a man that sits behind me that is over the top negative and tremendously verbal. Now I'm just going to be blunt here--HE GRATES ON MY NERVES BIG TIME and I find it enormously difficult to keep quiet. In fact, there have been a couple of times when I've failed in those efforts. :( So as you can see, I need to be prepared for attending the game.
Now we all get into situations where we're irritated and angry and want to let off some steam or fight back using words. That's where Proverbs 13:3 comes in because it cautions us about doing that. So how can we prepare in advance for these types of situations? Let's hear some thoughts on having a wise mouth and what that might look like. Tami W.
P.S. I want to be a godly example today. So if you have a minute, I could use your prayers. Thanks.
studying Gods words and practicing them in our daily walk will undoubtly help us but sometimes we get caught in the heat of the moment and face some tough challenges and the flesh takes overand we make bad decisions that we regret after. In my personal life i am struggling with individuals who says things or do things to my children and i just want to get mad and speak my mind but at the end of the day i am miserable and i fail God.If i choose to walk in the spirit, allow Gods words to come alive in my heart and humble myself in God then i would be surprise what that would do for me. Challenges will come,persecutions will come so will fiery trials,but God will not give us more than we can bear and he will make a way of escape.1 John5 v4 "and this is the victory that overcometh the world even our faith". I am learning to let go and let GOD AND IT MAKES MY LIFE SO MUCH EASIER AND THE NEED TO GET MAD IS GOING AWAY.PRAISE THE LORD
Well, my "ears" perked up when I read the words, Nebraska and Husker fans :) I carried out my sports career at Big 12 rival Colorado...haha! Anyway...yes, this situation is a tough one because I have had plenty of exposure to negative fans who don't stop the whole game long. Immediately I'm thinking of the weapons of our warfare not being carnal...so that means even our weapon of "kindness" can't just be of the carnal sort.
If we are just simply "nice" to the people who are grating our nerves, I think that example only goes so far and barely gets recognized. To be a godly example we have to start in prayer and even an authoritative prayer about the atmosphere at the game. I would claim the arena for the glory of God and that every voice that is taking away from it or being used for evil would GROW WEARY and be silenced. Now...this might take a whole game or it might take a whole season. Giving yourself another purpose in the Lord through prayer and battling the spirits that operate in such negativity may give you more of a patient heart. You can sit there and know that those voices are failed attempts from hell. Pray that the fans who sit there and yell such ridiculously negative things would HEAR themselves in a different way and almost think to themselves, "what am I doing?" And that the Spirit of God would rise up in people all around that arena and, with or without words, bring a sense of conviction! God can do it! Let's persevere in kingdom prayer and watch the shift that takes place throughout the whole season. People have fallen asleep in the habits and ways of the enemy and they are using their words for death and not for life. Let's pray for EVERYONE, including ourselves that we would AWAKEN to our words and understand that they are a gift to be used for great purpose...TO MAGNIFY THE LORD...how glorious :)
God, thank you for the way you've equipped Tammy to share on this blog and lead so many other people. I pray that Tammy has a different experience at this football game today. Thank you for the battlefield of college sports. Please give her eyes to see and ears to hear the deeper rumbling at that football game that speaks to eternity and not merely another touchdown or good/bad play. Empower her with your incredible Holy Spirit...and may she know that by simply being there and carrying Christ, that she is a godly example. God let it be a victorious day for her in ways that even only she can see and share with her husband. We love you JESUS! Thanks for these "practice fields" where you train us in the way we should go! Glory be to YOU! In Jesus' name.
UUGGHH!! I shouldn't take space with this, but TAMI, I'm sorry I spelled your name wrong in the previous post!!! SO sorry!! Hopefully, the prayer still touches you in a personal way!
I have had success in dealing with irritating people by praying for more compassion toward them. I have exercised this a lot as I have family members who seem to need to find the negative in all matters. My husband has taught me to let the negativity bounce off of me. Through much frustration and struggle I have learned to accept that this is their way. I don't have to agree or help them see it differently-in fact, judging their beliefs inwardly or outwardly stood in the way of truly loving them. So, even though I believe that finding a reason to be grumpy every day is futile, who am I to judge? I just TRY to refocus the energy to work on me as God knows I have much work to do!
"..do good to those who mistreat you.."
Maybe buy him a hotdog (or Runza) and soft drink!
Just wanted to say thanks for all the encouraging words and your prayers today. It all helped. This was the most enjoyable game (as far as the comments are concerned) I've been to in probably three years. There were almost no negative comments and even some positive ones. I got a good reminder today that there is power in prayer. God is so good. So thanks again and thanks for being part of Powered by 4! Tami W.
Hi Tami. Prayed for you and for myself. Thanks for this reminder to always guard our mouth from utterin hurtful words, or words that will not help in the spiritual growth of our brothers and sisters.