Judges 8:22-35
After Gideon saves Israel, the men of Israel approach him and ask Gideon to rule over them. Gideon's answer is impressive. "I will not rule over you. . .the Lord will rule over you" (Judges 8:23). But then, almost in the same breath, he asks each person to give him the earrings from the spoil of the battle. As a result, Gideon rakes in 1700 shekels of gold and proceeds to make an ephod (a garment worn by priests) which he places in his home city. "And all Israel whored after it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family" (vs. 27). So Gideon talked the right talk about God, but his actions didn't match up.
Now, as much as I want to roll my eyes and point a condemning finger at Gideon here, I can think of a number of times when I've done the same thing. I know the right answer so I speak it, but in my heart, I'm not quite there. Are you with me? So what are some things we can do to make sure our lips and our heart are in agreement? And if we find ourselves in an out of sync situation, how do we take care of it? Tami W.
We can see how important it is to read the Word daily, so that we can learn from those who have gone on before. God must really be sad when that happens. God sees our hearts and knows out hearts. I find that having a hymn on your mind is a great way to get your heart in tuned with God.
I love the story of Gideon, it is so closed to heart where Gideon is a mare man like us who often speak like we are righteous but our actions said otherwise. Like Tami, I too have done the same thing. To make sure my lip and my heart are in agreement, I pray. I simply can't do it without God's help.
I'm pretty sure that none of us is immune to this. I also know that when I speak something that has not yet been worked out in my own heart, not practicing what I preach so to speak, I get a nudge from the Holy Spirit. At that very moment if I repent and ask God to work in my heart on the matter I get peace, if I ignore it then God in all His love and mercy is sure to remind me again.
Blessings to all!
I like Proverbs 13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. And 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I have a fierce anger, it scares me to the point that "I" must be able to recognize it and deal with it immediately or suffer the repercussions (which I have in the past & didn't like), i.e. learning from my mistakes. Now as a follower of Jesus and Bible reader and practitioner I can identify anger "brewing" and remember that: "sin lies at the door."---my heart---and I don't wanna be a Cain! Amen?! May GOD bless all, & I love you!
If we find ourselves in an "out of sync" situation, the fact that we recognize that is evidence of that "nudge from the Holy Spirit" that Cindy P speaks of. I love her response. If you immediately pause to pray, the tongue is silenced and can do no further damage to your witness for Christ. A humble apology may also be in order. There's an amazing hidden strength within humility, and coming clean with the truth surely sets you free. To be in agreement is to live by the Spirit (see yesterday's comments). To do this we must follow Ernie's example and daily seek the heart of God through His Word as well as foster a healthy prayer life, as Cecilia stated, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to manifest itself through us.
i always wonder that people who know god, directly intervine in their life,how can they forget their god? Immaturity to attain the almighty may be the reason. Thank god we have holyspirit, if we think about wrong things immediately one big needle pricks.but we should sensietive then we can recognise it. every day walk with god,reading the word of god,and our willingness keep us away from this suituation. god be with us always. I also surrender my weakness to HIS HOLY HANDS.
The Holy Spirit is working on me with this one and He gave me this word from the Lord Ecclesiastes 5:2 Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God