Tag: Thought for the Day

Thought for the Day – What Kind of Wife Am I?

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But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; 2 Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. 3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. 1 Kings 11:1-3 (KJV)

Solomon had his relationship with God and God blessed him. He started out well, but like so many, he did not end well. God warned Solomon to stay away from “strange” women (1 Kings 11:2). God told him what would happen and we see in the next verse that it happened exactly according to what God said.

We can learn a couple of things from this passage in Scriptures. First, what kind of a wife am I? Do I encourage my husband toward the things of God and His word or does my testimony speak otherwise? (1 Peter 3:1-4) Do I blatantly “strut” my spirituality or does my walk speak louder than my talk? The best thing I can do for my husband is to be close to my God! If I am right with God, His Holy Spirit will lead me and guide me in all things. (John 16:13)

Secondly, do I obey the Scriptures or do I disobey as Solomon did? God gives us many warnings in His word. For example, we are not to be “yoked” with unbelievers. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) This could mean by marriage or into any close relationship, like business. Picture a yoke, if you will. It has two openings, one for each oxen. One oxen cannot go in one direction and the other in a separate direction. They must go in the same direction. So any relationship or contract which causes a Christian to go in one direction with an unbeliever is not in accordance with God’s word. You can almost be certain that the unbeliever will not want to go in a godly direction. It will lead to compromise for the Christian. The Christian cannot sit on the fence when it comes to compromise – we all know who owns that fence of compromise and that is the devil! God says to come out from among them. That relationship cannot possibly lead to any good.

If your husband is a believer, do you encourage him in the Lord? When he comes to you for input on a decision, do you speak with worldliness or do you seek after God’s word? Are you his helpmeet or do you tear down what he is working hard to do? (Proverbs 14:1) It’s good for us to evaluate our spiritual walk and seek God’s will for our lives. Moral inventory in light of God’s word should be a daily task!

Do you encourage your husband to go the way of the world as Solomon’s wives did or do you encourage him to walk with the Lord as David? (1 Kings 11:6) Is it your goal to help your husband end well? We know Solomon did not end well because of his wives and their influence over him. What kind of wife are you?

Thought for the Day – Cure All

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~Job 28:28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

When the Christian is in the middle of a crisis, as Job was, he must ask himself this question:

Am I where I should be in my walk with God?

There’s no sense asking this question if the believer is living his life in rebellion and does not want to know the answer. The Christian who truly wants to know will seek God’s face and will search His Word to find out the answers.  (II Timothy 2:15)

The Lord spoke and said that the fear of God is wisdom and departing from evil is understanding.  (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 9:10, Proverbs 15:33) When a believer rightly fears God and has a moral reverence for God, he will desire the things of God – and the one who does not fear God won’t desire the things of God. (Job 13:3, Galatians 4:9) The one who desires to walk more closely with God will have the need to be in the Word, studying and learning, and applying it to his spiritual walk. The results produce a Christian who receives understanding from His God.

Are there areas in your life where you do not acknowledge God’s words?  Do you pick and choose what you will obey? To obey only in certain areas is quenching the Holy Spirit’s work in your spiritual life. (I Thessalonians 5:19) Are you in the midst of a trial and it is due to neglecting God’s Word and His instruction? You will not receive wisdom and understanding if you are in direction contradiction to what God is saying and the word of God says that is rebellion. (Nehemiah 9:17, Proverbs 17:11)  Repent of this rebellion and fix your eyes on God’s word. Let His Holy Spirit instruct you in the way you should go. (Psalm 119:105)

Seeing your God with the reverential awe He deserves will humble you and will open your heart to His instruction. Departing from known sin is a start. You know in your heart when you have sinned – admit that and turn away from it. It is then that you will receive that wisdom and understanding.

Thought for the Day – Unnatural Reactions

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~Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

It is not a natural thing for us to obey this verse. Our first reaction is to “get even”! But to the born-again believer with a new nature, it should be our first reaction.

~2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Our old nature that desires to sin, to bicker, etc. is the same nature that thinks we are right and everyone else is wrong. This same old nature is not willing to be taught that it is better to be at peace.  (Psalm 119:165) However, the new nature given to us at salvation does not need to yield itself to the reactions of the “old man.”

Granted, Paul’s letter to the Romans is talking about being persecuted for the faith. Remember Nero and how he persecuted the early Christians and many were martyred for their faith? We are not at that point in these United States … yet. But that time is coming! [Side note: I read in the news that a street preacher was being cursed by a Muslim for preaching about Christ and against the sin of sodomy.] The persecutions of faith that we see from day-to-day is that of family and friends who disagree with our relationship with Christ. They are religious but they do not have that relationship and, thus, do not understand why we are excited about our faith. (Luke 12:53)

It is in these persecutions that we must remember with what we are dealing. They need Christ – they need salvation (John 3:16) – they need to hear the blessed Gospel of mercy! (Ephesians 2:4)  How can they hear it if we are at odds with them? Can our boldness lead them in the opposite direction?  Must we point out their sin with hatred in our voices? Instead of approaching our family with a defensive attitude, how about showing them the Scriptures and letting the Holy Spirit of God do the convicting? Sometimes in our boldness we are passing judgment – we know we have reached that point when we get angry, rather than desiring to share the blessed Gospel with love for their lost souls. (Matthew 7:3) It is not for us to judge but for God and God alone.

~Psalm 50:6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.

Therefore, it is up to us to show Christ to our family and friends. Yes, Christ was not hesitant in pointing sin. But no where in Scriptures have I read where Christ put His finger in sinners’ faces and yelled at them. The only time I read about Him displaying anger was when he cleansed the temple. (Matthew 21:12-13) We need to remember that once we were as our lost family members and friends. In fact, we still sin. With this merciful approach, we can keep the doors of communication open. It is God’s holy word that will do the convicting, just as it did for us, amen?

When we rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us, He will place someone in our path that He wishes for us to speak to. When that opportunity presents itself, the Holy Spirit will prepare the heart of that person to hear what He would have you to say. When a heart is ready to hear the blessed Gospel, our words filled with mercy and grace will point them to the Cross and the Holy Spirit will be able to do His job!

Thought for the Day – Judge Yourself

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~Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

What is in our hearts will most assuredly come out of our mouths. Both Matthew and Luke recorded these words from Christ. If we are honest with ourselves, we will agree with this.

If our hearts are not centered around Christ and the things of Christ, our mouths will reflect it. When you are in the presence of someone who “practices what they preach” when it comes to Christianity, you know that they have “something” different because they walk the walk.

The same is true when you are in the presence of someone who could care less about the things of God. Their mouths are filthy and their lives reflect their heart.

But what about the one who goes to church faithfully and tries to be a good person? He appears religious on the outside but what happens when he is alone where no one sees him? The Pharisees were like this and Jesus called them hypocrites.

~Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

God looks on the heart. Just because you “act” religious does not mean that you have a relationship with God.

~1 Samuel 16:7b …for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

God sees everything – nothing is hid from Him. God told Jeremiah:

~Jeremiah 16:17 For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.

So dear reader, if you are born again, live like you are and don’t keep your light where the world cannot see it. To the one who is not born again, take a moment and be honest with yourself!

Thought for the Day – Do You Hear God?

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~John 8:47 He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

~Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

~John 3:5-7 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Let God’s Word speak for itself. If you go to church and follow the church rules, yet you disregard what the Word of God, the Bible, teaches, you must question if you are a child of God.  The Bible teaches that it is not following rules or man’s teachings that will get you to Heaven.  One must be born again!  The Holy Spirit enters one’s heart at that point and lives within him.  One is then born of the spirit and the water of the Word, the Water of Life!

~Revelation 22:17  And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Thought for the Day – Encouraging Ourselves

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But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Cor. 2:9)

I love this verse, don’t you? Many times when I need to encourage my own heart, I think of this verse. I remind myself that despite all the beauty around me, Heaven will have more. I can’t even fathom this in my finite brain!

I remember when I was first saved, how I looked for the rapture to happen at any moment! I looked up so often then. I have thought about the rapture every day since my salvation, however, not with the same enthusiasm. I’ve allowed the cares of this world to slowly quench my enthusiasm. Forgive me, Father. So I sit here this morning, renewing my strength and renewing my enthusiasm.

1 Cor. 15:51-55, Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

Titus 2:13, Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Acts 1:11, Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

So once again, I am looking up!! Our Blessed Saviour’s return is imminent because the Word says so. Our Saviour’s return can be at any moment so I need to be busy doing His work and leave the cares of this world in HIS care.

Thought for the Day – Reaching Family Members

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And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. 15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. 16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. 18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her. Ruth 1:14-18 (KJV)

As I read today’s text, it struck me that although Naomi had two daughters-in-law, and both witnessed her devotion to her God, only one of them (Ruth) followed after her. No matter what kind of testimony we hold fast to, sadly not every one of our family members will accept our beliefs.

The condition of the heart of each individual is what lays the foundation. I think of the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 11:13-23) and how the seed (the Gospel) fell on different types of “ground.” The same holds true in today’s text. Rachel and Orpah’s hearts were different. One clung to her religious upbringing while the other was teachable – she was open to truth.

Orpah went back to her people AND to her gods. No matter how much she loved her mother-in-law (Ruth 1:14), it was not enough for her to part from her religious upbringing. Hearts must be like fallowed ground ready to be touched by the seed of the Gospel.

I have so many relatives who are determined to follow after their religion rather than God’s word – they are no different than Orpah. Their religious leaders are taking them straight to Hell and they are blindly following. (Matthew 15:14) They have a responsibility to search the Scriptures themselves but they will only search out what their religious leaders guide them in. (John 5:39) How can learn any truth when the only direction they are being given is full of lies?

Ruth had no idea what was going to happen to her but yet she has observed Naomi’s testimony long enough to know that her God would be there. She did not know that once she got to Bethlehem, her Kinsman Redeemer (Ruth 2:20), her future husband, would be there. But yet she went – what great faith!

As well, Ruth was a very hard worker (Ruth 2:2-3). She cared for her mother-in-law; she could have sat back but she didn’t. Her steadfastness brought grace in the eyes of Boaz (Ruth 2:11-12). Her meekness and humbleness brought her even more blessings (Ruth 2:15-17). What a beautiful depiction of someone with a teachable spirit! She didn’t understand all that was about to happen to her but yet she knew enough to listen to Naomi and follow her instructions. Why? Because Naomi’s God had made Himself real in Naomi’s life and Ruth was tender enough to see it. Her faith in Naomi’s God was great and the Lord blessed her!

We may not be able to win each of our family members. But our testimony is all we have. If their hearts are fallowed ground ready to receive the word of God, the Holy Spirit will use your testimony to plant a seed. Don’t be discouraged! I’m sure it ached Naomi’s heart terribly to see Orpah, in a lost condition, go off into the distance. But what joy came out of her when Ruth accepted her God and He blessed her for it! Stay constant, Christian! Don’t lose ground – someone is watching!

Thought for the Day – Denials

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~Mark 14:72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.

Before we get all self righteous and criticize Peter for his three denials, we need to examine ourselves – examine our own lives. Do we unknowingly deny Christ in our actions? I believe we deny Him daily when we refuse to do as He asked in the Scriptures! God tells us in His word to be holy for He is holy. We all know that unless one is born again, (John 3:3) we cannot even begin to attempt this command.

Denying to be born again, to have a newness of life the biblical way, is to deny Christ. Salvation is not through a church, or through an “experience.” God shows us in His word how salvation can be attained. To try to earn/achieve salvation any other way will result in a life filled with trying to be holy, attempting to live a religious life but failing daily. The guilt from this daily failure will be such a heavy weight. I personally know because I was one of these who carried an enormous weight of guilt. No amount of “good works” lessened my weight. One can go to church daily, say rosaries daily, have communion daily, but none of that counts for anything if one doesn’t have the new nature that comes with newness of life in Christ Jesus. (Isaiah 64:6)

Let’s read what Peter had to say:

1 Peter 1:13-25 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

Now concentrate on the underlined portions of these verses. Peter clearly outlines the plan of salvation and the results of the new life – the natural progression of the born-again nature. Verse 13 says the revelation of Jesus Christ – this is the Gospel that draws us to God. The Gospel is just this: Christ (God in the flesh) left Heaven to become a man. He was born of a virgin and walked this earth, experiencing everything man experiences. He lived a sinless life and became our sinless offering to the Father. He died on the cross and shed His own blood for the remission of our sins. He arose three days later and is now in Heaven awaiting His return. Glory! God knew man could not abide by all the Laws – man could not keep them. But sin cannot be allowed into Heaven. Therefore, a perfect sacrifice – a sinless sacrifice – was provided so God’s creation would have the opportunity.

How? Well, verse 14 states that in obedience to the word of God (John 3:3), we must shed the old nature (our former lusts) and put on the new nature (II Corinthians 5:17). Do you see the progression? First was the Gospel, then the repentance and acceptance, then the new nature. Verse 15 states that now that we have this new nature, we are exhorted to live holy lives. This can only be done (I Corinthians 10:13) through the power of the Holy Spirit who now resides in the one with the new nature. One doesn’t have new life if one doesn’t repent from the former lusts of the flesh and believe on the Lord Jesus (Mark 1:15). The two go hand-in-hand! On a side note: Too many so-called ‘born-again Christians’ are out there living in sin with no desire to remove themselves from it. They claim to be saved but yet they continue to live with another person outside the bonds of marriage. They claim to be saved but continue in a sodomite life. They claim to be saved but they curse, drink, and party like they did before. Really? Does this sound like what Peter is speaking of in today’s text? There’s something wrong if you are reading this and are guilty of those thing I just wrote.

Verse 18 shows us that we were not redeemed by someone who has sinned and who provides a salvation that we can lose (corruptible). No, we have been redeemed by God Himself, Jesus Christ the Messiah, and His work is incorruptible. His blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). Because our salvation was not provided by us, there is nothing we can do to earn it or keep it. It was not our work (Ephesians 2:8-9) but Christ’s work on the cross. The Righteous Judge is the only one who can forgive our sins (I John 1:19) and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Verses 23 and 25 reveal that our salvation is from God through His word. When we are truly saved, we cannot lose what He has given to us. There is only one way – the word of God reveals this. (John 14:6) Jesus is the only way to Heaven. God’s word endures forever. When we are born again by the word of God, it is incorruptible because it is now man’s (who is corruptible) but God’s (who is incorruptible). The Lord gave us the scriptures so we can find Him, fellowship with Him and look forward to His return! Amen!!

Thought for the Day – We Don’t Sin Alone

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~Joshua 7:20-21 And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: 21 When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.

Coveting – the root of many a sin in man’s life. We desire to have something that we don’t currently have. In today’s text we find that Achan coveted some of the spoils from Jericho, he took them and hid them. God had told Joshua not to kill everyone and every thing in Jericho. God commanded that all gold, silver, vessels of brass and iron were to placed in the treasury. However, Achan kept back a “goodly” article of clothing, silver and gold. One man disobeyed God’s command and the results were catastrophic. Israel lost the battle at Ai because of Achan’s disobedience! Later, this disobedience cost him his life and the lives of his entire family! We neversin alone. You may think that what you did in secret, like Achan, won’t affect anybody but yourself, you’re sincerely wrong!

Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity. Joshua 22:20

Not only was Israel affected by his sin, but Achan’s entire family was affected. God does not look kindly on disobedience. It is a serious matter that is not taken seriously enough today.

And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the Lord shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones. Joshua 7:25

I’ve had Christians tell me that we do not live under the “rules” of the Old Testament. This does not negate the fact that God hates disobedience. The Old Testament andthe Law are our schoolmaster. They point us to our wicked sin and show us that we are in need of a Saviour! I Samuel 15:23 tells us exactly what God thinks:

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king. I Samuel 15:23

This verse points us to three things: rebellion, stubbornness, and rejection of God’s word. All three have consequences: (a) rebellion equalled the sin of witchcraft in severity; (b) stubbornness equalled the sin of idolatry; and (c) rejection of God’s word had a cost. Witches were put to death in those days (Exodus 22:8). I’d say that rebellion was pretty serious if it ended in death! (Deuteronomy 21:18-21) Stubbornness is also serious because it is compared to worshipping other gods – idolatry! And look what happened to King Saul! His rejection of God’s word cost him the throne! We never sin alone! Just as Achan’s entire family was put to death because of his sin! You may not think this applies for today – and maybe the actual act of stoning doesn’t apply. But again, (Hebrews 13:8) God never changes. What He hated back in the Old Testament days, He hates today. Rebellion, stubbornness and the rejection of God’s word are still a serious matter to God. All three depict the hardened heart that rejects the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, even we Christians rebel on a daily basis by sinning against God. We reject His word by sinning; His word says that He provides us with a way out of each and every sin. (I Corinthians 10:13) Too many Christians make light of their sin by saying, “The devil made me do it!” The devil may put the temptation in your path, but you are the one that succumbs to that temptation – and you don’t need to. You have the power of the Holy Spirit in your life and you can say no! Each time we sin, we are no better than Saul who rejected God’s word. We actually tell God by our actions that we refuse to believe I Corinthians 10:13 and we would rather commit the sin than to fight it. Whew! :-( We are not powerless! We are able to say no! I once heard a Pastor preach “Are you the Achan in the camp?” Is your spiritual life powerless? Do you not have that close walk with the Lord that you desire? Maybe you’re the Achan – until you get rid of your “spoils,” you won’t be able to have the walk you desire. Is your church powerless today? Maybe you are the Achan in your church that is keeping the entire church from moving forward? It is good that we do a moral inventory of our life every day. Keeping ourselves pure and clean has benefits that affect all those around us.

Thought for the Day – Our Speech

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My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. ~James 3:1-12

Our tongue is little in comparison to the rest of our body but it sure can be a sharp little tool if it is not trained! (James 3:10) One minute it can praise God and the next minute it can gossip about another!

So how can we train our tongue? (Psalm 39:1) Firstly, we must change the condition of the heart, amen? (Luke 6:45) Starting the day with the words from Psalm 19:14 is an excellent beginning :-) When my heart is right, the words coming from my lips will be also.

As I read today’s text, the Lord impressed upon my heart Colossians 4:6 – my speech should be seasoned with salt. Just what is the purpose of salt in our lives? Why would the Lord use this analogy? Meditating on the little word salt and comparing it to our everyday life opened this part of scripture so much more. I don’t know about you, but I really get more out my reading when analogies are used. The Lord sure knows His creation :-) He knows we learn better with real life applications. So what does salt actually do for us?

(1) It adds flavor to food – Again, Colossians 4:6 says my speech should be “seasoned” with salt. We all know what food tastes like when too much salt is added. It’s just not edible! But the right amount of salt makes food taste awesome! So does my speech add flavor to a conversation?   Do I contribute something from God’s Word when someone opens their heart to me? When someone comes to me discouraged, do I have the right words to encourage them? (Psalm 19:14) We should strive to share verses with everyone we talk to, saved or unsaved, and add flavor to our conversations. Remember, God promises that His Word will not go out void.

(2) To preserve food – Do your words preserve? There are lost souls everywhere and their souls need to be preserved, if you will. They need to hear the Gospel and they need to hear it with “flavor.” (John 6:68) We have the words of life and they are lost! Do you see a Christian friend heading toward distruction? That friend needs to be preserved – that friend needs you to love her and show her through the scriptures what she is doing wrong. I am close to two dear ladies and both are not hesitant in preserving me :-D They would rather see me living for the Lord than to stray and be chastised. That is a characteristic of a good friend!

(3) To heal open sores – We have all gargled with salt water at one time or another. It helps to heal mouth sores. Do your words bring comfort and healing?  (Proverbs 12:18) To the lost, your words should be the Gospel.  (John 6:68) To the saved, your words should be full of mercy rather than judgment. (Luke 6:36) We say that we love the sinner yet hate the sin – do we really ? We need to remember that we all are sinners. (Romans 7:24) Not one day goes by that we are not tempted and sin because of it. So who are we to consider ourselves better than the one who has fallen? We are told to love one another – only then will our words bring healing to those who are hurting!

Our goal should be to draw others to the scriptures. (Acts 8:31) Just as salt causes us to thirst and to heal, so should our speech be to others. God’s words will not return to us void – He promises us this! (Isaiah 55:11) Every time I look at a salt shaker, you can be sure I look at it differently! :-)