I talk a lot….often times, too much.  Over the past few years, the Lord has revealed to me my sin in this area.  I still have a long way to go, but I know that sanctification will continue.

My husband and I have recently been sharing the following verses with our son for him to see his need for self-control and restraint in this area as well…and it has been a good reminder that the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, and I need to continually pray these verses:

James 1:19 – Know this my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger

Proverbs 10:8 – The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. (ouch!)

Lydia Brownback has a great article in NEXT Webzine that is a fresh reminder that we (Christian women) are called to modesty in our speech.  Here is an excerpt:

Sharing confidences and personal experiences with someone forms a bond. There is always an element of vulnerability when we choose to trust another with our confidences and with not rejecting us when our weaknesses are exposed. If we share a little bit with someone and all goes well, it seems safe to share more, and before we know it, a bond has formed. This can be a great blessing, but when we allow it to happen in the wrong context, it is unwise, and great hurt can result.

HT: Carolyn McCulley

(Thanks again, Carolyn)

John Piper posted this on April 13, 2007. I am a week late for a Friday the 13th post, but I think this would apply to every day fear. 

Consider two biblical truths in relation to this kind of fear.

1. God governs the lives of his children—not fate and not the devil.

One in-your-face example from the life of Jesus: “At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ And he said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox, “Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course”’” (Luke 13:31-32). In other words, sly as he is as a fox, and powerful as he is as king, Herod can’t trap me till it is my Father’s time for me to be trapped. My father rules my life.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31)

2. God lets no curse against his people stick.

Remember Balaam. King Balak hired him to curse God’s people. It backfired. God commanded the opposite. Here’s what Balaam said to Balak:

God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? 20 Behold, I received a command to bless: he has blessed, and I cannot revoke it. . . For there is no enchantment against Jacob, no divination against Israel; now it shall be said of Jacob and Israel, ‘What has God wrought!’ (Numbers 23:19-23)

The bottom line answer to the superstitious is: There is no divination against Israel. So go out today, Friday the 13th, find a black cat and cross her path, find a ladder and walk under it, and open your mouth and tell of the triumphs of the Lord.

In September of 2007, John Piper’s son and daughter-in-law (Abraham and Molly) lost their new born baby girl. You can read Pastor Piper’s blog entry about what happened.  I came across a blog post written by Molly Piper entitled: What does grief look like at 17 months?  I don’t know Molly, but I wept with her as I read this. I was encouraged by her honesty and faith. I know that Lord will use this un-imaginable sadness that the Piper’s have experienced, to encourage others who are starting this journey to know the all-satisfying comfort and love of our Savior. Please keep the Piper’s in your prayers.

This is a great post from the ladies at GirlTalk regarding singleness and children. I must point out how much I agree with this paragraph:

And may I say “thank you” on behalf of all of us mothers! Thank you for the way you nurture our children. Thank you for the countless times you have served us through babysitting. Thank you for the way you have loved our children as if they were your very own. It means so much to us!

I have been in a season of physical weakness.  I have seen a gaggle of specialists, and have recently taken more “tests” to hopefully get some answers.  I have been anxiously waiting for the results for the hope of some good news.  The Lord reminded me this morning that I have already received the best news possible.  There is nothing else that can be told to me by doctors (or anyone) that could bring me more peace and joy this:  

For a good man someone might die
But for an enemy Lord why
When I loved only self and sin
You gave Your life to call me friend

Every lash of the whip
Every stroke of the hammer upon
Every nail
Every insult You bore
Every minute You hung
Between heaven and hell
Every thorn in Your crown
Every tear on Your back
Every drop of Your blood
Was for me
Oh it was all for me
For me
Oh it was all for me

It was for me oh Lord
Such grace unknown
I pour out my love to You
And praise Your holy name
For all the things You’ve done

Sovereign Grace Praise – Words by Mark Altrogge
Music by Jeremy White
As recorded on Asleep in a Storm

I need to see affliction and suffering through new lenses. I need to focus on the Healer, instead of the healing.  The following is from Elisabeth Elliot’s book “The Music of His Promises”.

A Powerful Advocate

 “Their captors hold them firmly and refuse to release them. But they have a powerful advocate, whose name is the Lord of Hosts” (Jer. 50:30-34)

Not many who read this are literal captives of their enemies as Israel and Judah were, but it is possible to be limited and constrained by others in such a way that we feel captive. The One who left heaven for us was put into the hands of sinful men, bound, beaten, and led away to be fastened on a cross. He is our companion and fellow sufferer, understanding well the sense of helplessness that the captive feels.

 “Since he himself has passed through the test of suffering, he is able to help those who are meeting their test now” (Heb. 2:18)

 Not only does Christ fully understand our test – He can do something about it. He is no longer held by nails on a cross, but stands as our powerful Advocate before God, victor over whatever enemy we face today. The “captivity” may last a while – His did, too – but He can make it shine for you. Bear it in His name and be glad. It will be transformed into a privilege as you offer it back to Him.

Oh Lord, please make it so.