Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable
in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14
Dear Brothers and Sisters in our LORD Jesus,
What is in a name? Moses, Obama, the Beatles?
A 7yr old boy was playing with his small dog nearby a cave and decided to explore when the earth caved in on him. The dog ran barking frantically until he attracted attention and led the man back to help the boy. He was rescued none too soon. The boy's name? Abe Lincoln. What a great difference this name has meant to America. But the most life changing Name ever to be spoken is the Name of Jesus.
The name of God was so reverenced that Jewish priests would not speak the name aloud. When they copied the scriptures and they came to the name of God they stopped. They went and washed themselves and changed clothes before they would even write the consonants: YWH. Two Hebrew words 'the Lord' (Yaweh) and saves, work together to create His name: Jesus. The Lord saves. Even His name carries richness of who He is and the gift we are given.
How we think about God's name will determine how we live. How we use His name in thought, word and deed will affect the whole of our life. When I hear someone say carelessly, "Oh my God", it hurts me. I have determined to immediately turn and praise God in my heart. The commandment given was in relation to taking oaths, making promises and sealing it with God's name, though it also covers cursing but that was not the main issue. To break your word was to have taken His name in vain or using His name without reverence, carelessly. The commandment says we will give account of how we speak the name of God. Question: What attitude precipitates using God's name carelessly? Is it not our constant enemy pride. Also we are told we are to give account of every idol word we speak. Ouch! This causes me to pray Psalm 141:3, "Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips."
I am humbled and my heart quickened by the Truth God sets forth for me to live by. May I never get used to hearing the precious name of God and of His Son Jesus, used to curse or used casually. Lord show me if I am guilty of using your holy name without reverence and change me! I want to speak words of life.
Establish Your word to Your servant, As that which produces reverence for You. Psalm 119:38
I know a woman married over 40 years who was never called by her first name, nor were there any affectionate substitutes to fill in the gap. Many years went by before she realized he was refusing to call her by name. This passive aggressive behavior was the apex of disrespect. Even remembering a person's name is showing Christ's love, for He knows each one. I was shopping at a local store which hires many who are not citizens of this country. One man had an unusual name. I asked him to say it for me. He helped me put the accent in the right place. Then he shared how co-workers mocked him by saying something similar in sound, but degrading. We talked about the meaning of his name and he smiled as I wished him a good day. I felt I had spoken words of life, touched him with Christ's love and left a door open for a further witness for he was not a Christian.
I want to share something that has often helped me. It is referred to as the Three Sieves. I shake my head in wonder at how easy it is to sing praise and worship or quote God's word then in the next instance speak other words that are hurtful and negative! I am sorry when I have not remembered to use these sieves. You may have heard this before but it is a good reminder that all of our words should pass this test!
1. Is it true?
2: Is it kind?
3. Is it necessary?
When you feel yourself being drawn into a conversation that is negative or gossip, resist! Begin to thank Him for delivering you from what would not please Him because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.
The humorist Will Rogers is quoted as saying: Never miss an opportunity to shut-up! Good advice.
Only by God's grace will sieves keep us from grieving the Spirit of love and speaking hurtful words to those we love. We know the old sin nature, our flesh is always ready to speak its mind! Refuse it permission and reckon it dead. For it has been crucified with Christ.
The three sieves are only useful for keeping wrong words from being spoken. They do not give us right words, Love can fill the cup so full of love, that nothing can come out but love. AC
For when He lives through us in the power of His Spirit we will love, we cannot help but love, for He is love.
Pure and Holy One, You who are to be reverenced because You are worthy and Your holiness is beyond our ability to imagine! I bow in awe of You. Keep me sensitive to what is right and good and pleasing to You. May I never be overcome with ears calloused by dullness, until I no longer hear with my ears or my heart. I lift Your name high for You are majestic and righteous. Your loving-kindness is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear You! Your Sovereignty rules over all. You are very great, clothed in splendor and majesty. You cover yourself with light as with a cloak! You stretch out the heavens like a tent. How could I comprehend You? Glory to God in the highest. Glory and amen in the sweetest Name of all, name above all names, Jesus. Hallelujah.
I stand in awe of Him,
