Sunday Writing... 5-24-20..."LOOSE LIPS"

Good morning!

On this Memorial Day weekend as our country in many places starts to relax stay-at-home orders during this COVID-19 pandemic, let's remember not only that many men and women sacrificed their lives to protect our freedom, but also that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, sacrificed his perfect life in our place to gain us our salvation!  Today's writing, "LOOSE LIPS," discusses how we use our words in life and especially in the church.

Blessings,
Jan

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Today's Devotional:

"LOOSE LIPS"

by
Jan Andersen

On Memorial Day this weekend we pause to give thanks for the sacrifices of the lives of men and women in our armed forces who died while serving our country.  There are many different causes for those deaths.  It is particularly sad when their deaths are caused by "friendly fire," or by treasonous behavior, or more subtly by careless talk that can be picked up by spies.  There was a whole series of World War II posters warning about the danger of losing lives if people talked carelessly about military matters with the wrong people.  One well known poster said “Loose lips sink ships.”  Another even accused the "talker" of murder.  Harsh words, but they do hold truth. 

The same can be said of unbridled talk in human relationships, where gossip and unfounded rumors can destroy those bonds.  The church can also become victim of loose lips when members "air dirty laundry" in public, gossip and share rumors, or just loudly give voice to personal disagreement or dissatisfaction within the hearing of visitors.  Some may feel there is nothing wrong with them saying these things, that it is their right to express their opinion.  But the unintended consequences of this talk can be damaging beyond imagination or repair. 

Let us therefore think before we speak and strive to give God all glory and honor through our words.  Even when we have a personal issue with how something is done or not done, or who is or isn't doing what or with whom, or why something is or isn't like it used to be, etc., we should guard our words.  If we have an issue with something someone does or says, we should go directly to that person and speak with them in private.  Want something different to be done?  Offer to help develop it or implement it, working together instead of against one another.  Want a better pastor at church?  Pray for the one you have, not that he see it your way but that God's will be done and that he be filled with the power of the Spirit.  In church matters let us set aside our personal ideas of what is right or wrong when it comes to matters of practice, not doctrinal teaching, and work together to build the kingdom of heaven in our place of worship and beyond.

Thankfully, we have a loving and merciful God.  Even when we have "loose lips" that sink “fellowships,” there is forgiveness.  May He help us strive to be better witnesses whenever and wherever we speak.  Let us use our lips to send up praises and prayers God.

Psalm 141:1-3 (ESV)  O Lord, I call upon you; hasten to me!  Give ear to my voice when I call to you!  Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!  Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!

Dear loving Father in heaven, I thank you for all of your wonderful blessings in my life.  Let me always remember to keep praises on my lips for what you have done, especially for the gifts of forgiveness and salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name I pray,  Amen.      

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Song:

EVER BE

Natalie Grant

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Prayers are lifted up daily for you by the Devotional Writers 

and the Monthly Writing Staff of Women's Focus Ministries.

Blog Writers

 Sandy Billingham, Carol Steficek,   

 Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward,  Cathy Friberg, 

Jan Andersen and  Corinne Mustafa

Occasional Contributors
Kathy Bireley,  Terri Baker

Lynda Kinnard, Beverley Napier, 

 Amie Spruiell, Linda Garrett, and Lisabeth Lipp