WHEN YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND

“—who hath made man’s mouth? Or who makes the dumb, or deaf or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the LORD?”— Ex. 4:11

I’ll never forget the first time I read that verse. It stopped me in my tracks! I was a new Christian and was shocked that such things could be attributed to God. Yet there it was in the very word of God, and that was just the beginning. There are numerous verses that say basically the same thing. It’s as though God is saying, I’ve got big shoulders put it all on me.

Many are surprised to learn that the Bible ascribes our afflictions to God. He either allows or appoints, permits or plans everything. Nothing is by accident. That doesn’t mean God is the author or cause of sin. It simply, seriously, reveals that He is sovereign. He controls all things. He doesn’t cause sin, but he allows it, and rightly so. Made in His image and commanded to love, man has the God-given ability to choose one path or another.

We don’t always know what is best for ourselves, so we are blessed that God intervenes and gives us what is needed, although it’s not always what we desire. And knowing God– we don’t have to know the reason. Just knowing there is a reason is enough for those whose faith is in God. Having the assurance of Romans 8:28 we should never complain about our lot in life. That promise gives us confidence in God’s concern, comfort in our trials, and courage to face the future. The certainty of it lifts us out of the pit of depression and puts delight in our heart.- HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

SEASONED SPEECH

“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” – Co.4:6

It would be interesting to know what sin is most common. Whatever it is, I suspect that disobedience to this command would be in the top ten. We just don’t do well when it comes to controlling the tongue. And the strange thing is that we don’t seem to think it’s a big deal. Many feel at liberty to say whatever they want, and some even brag about doing so – such is the fool.

It’s noteworthy that it was said of Jesus, “All bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth” (Luke 4:22). On another occasion it was said, “Never a man spake like this man” (John 7:46).

I’m amazed at the amount of references to our words that are found in the Bible. Several are found in Proverbs. On a positive note they are likened unto refreshing water 10:11), silver (10:20), food (10:21), medicine (12:18), and a tree of life (15:4). Prov.18:21 says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” On the negative side James likens the tongue to “fire, a world of iniquity” (Ja.3:6), “an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (Ja.3:8). For good or bad, words are exceedingly powerful. We ought to take care in what we say and how we say it.

Our text tells us our speech should “be always with grace, seasoned with salt.” “Grace” indicates that our words should be gracious. The phrase “seasoned with salt” suggest that our words should be fresh, tasteful, pure, honest, palatable, savory. Just as food is better when seasoned with salt our words are to be pleasant or appealing rather than offensive.

Why is there such little regard for how our words will affect others? It’s because of a problem within. Our speech reveals what is in our heart (Matt.15:17-19). Notice also that our speech should meet needs – “that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (also see I Pet.3:15). May God help us to say those things that are helpful rather than harmful. Let us say with David “I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue! I will keep my mouth with a bridle…” (Ps.39:1).- HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

GOD’S STANDARD FOR STEWARDS

“Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.” I Cor.4:2

The great thing about the one thing God requires from every Christian is that it’s something we can all do. Although we don’t all have the same talent, experience, obligations or opportunities, we can all be faithful.

Faithfulness requires different things from different people. It’s doing the will of God, the best you can, with what you’ve got, where you are. God doesn’t expect the same from a person confined to a nursing home as He does from those who are young, healthy and able – because we’re all different. We don’t have the same ability and opportunities. However, regardless of our situation we can and should faithfully discharge our duties to the best of our ability.

We aren’t in competition with others. Doing something better than someone else doesn’t make you better. If you do the will of God fully, cheerfully and lovingly you are considered faithful and rewarded accordingly. And since that is all God expects we should be satisfied with it – whether in regards to self or others. If it’s good enough for God it’s good enough.

Expecting more than one’s best is not only unfair it is counter productive. Many are greatly discouraged and reluctant to even try all because they can’t live up to their expectations – or those of others. But the fact is, faithfulness is all that matters. Absolutely nothing better could be said of a person than they are faithful. That is the whole of their duty and it encompasses the whole of one’s life. We are not truly faithful if we are only faithful in certain areas, Excelling in one thing doesn’t justify failing in another. We are to be faithful stewards of the Lord in everything.–HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346