daily IMPACT by selahV today

WORTHLESS WORDS, USELESS SPEECH

Sometimes I think about what folks say, what I say and have to wonder.  In the scheme of things, what do these words and sentences accomplish?  I had a friend tell me with the sincerity of a heart for God, that some discussions are simply fruitless.

When I think of things that are fruitless I think of some pumpkin vines I had that bloomed profusely.  The blossoms were gorgeous.  They were huge and colorful against the drab brown earth and brilliant green leaves.  Unfortunately, they never bore one pumpkin.  Not a single gourd bubbled up from the promising source of fruit to come.

Our words and conversations are like that sometimes.  No matter how well-written, spoken or rational, the words bear nothing of value.  There are volumes and volumes of books in libraries which are never read.  Not because there is a lack of readers--but because they lack, period.  Millions upon millions of conversations go on each and every minute, but few carry on to bring about a fruitful conclusion.

"To his neighbor each one speaks words without use or worth or truth; with flattering lips and double heart [deceitfully] they speak." Psalm 17:2

What does one do with worthless chatter, banter without truth?  The psalmist calls upon God to intervene.  "May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and the tongues that speak proud boasting.  Those who say, With our tongues we prevail; our lips are our own [to command at our will]---who is lord and master over us?" Ps. 17:3,4.

We think we have a right to our opinions.  And we do.  But opinions may not carry one bit of worth, value, use or truth to them.  May the Lord, indeed, cut off our words before we utter them should they bring Him dishonor once our tongues move to our own accord.

"The words and promises of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times over." Psalm 17:6

God is the author of words.  We can use them or abuse them.  In the end we will account for them.  selahV

[copyrighted, SelahV Today, 2008]

DISPUTE NOT WITH GOD

Ever wanted to challenge God's way of handling things?  Ever think you know a better way to get things done?  Ever feel your way is His way and thereby you are sanctioned to move forward with His plan only to later find yourself and your plan wallowing in a hogpen of God's permissive will?

Oh, my, I have.

"Moreover, the Lord said to Job.  Shall he who would find fault with the Almighty contend with Him? He who disputes with God, let him answer it." Job 40:1,2

I use to get way ahead of God in things.  I'd see a wrong to right.  I'd see a right to enact.  And when things weren't going quite fast enough to suit me, I'd go in and try to help God out.  Yes sirree, I'd help God accomplish what I knew He wanted to accomplish.  Can you believe that?

"Then Job replied to the Lord, Behold I am of small account and vile!  What shall I answer You?  I lay my hand upon my mouth." Job 40:3,4

Vile!  Of small account!  That us when we presume we know best how to answer the trials and circumstances we face in life.  God is Almighty!  God is Sovereign!  And God has a great sense of humor.  He lets us go our way, lets us walk the pathway of our own self-indulgence and pride till we walk straight into a hogpen of our own choosing.  selahV

[copyrighted, SelahV Today, 2008]

HEARING VOICES

"And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it, when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left," Isaiah 30:21

Sometimes I've heard that word behind me and I've ignored it.  I've rejected it.  I've argued with it.  Those were times when I was relying upon myself, seeking my own way and rationalizing my behavior.  When I am totally abandoned to Jesus and seeking first the kingdom of God, then I give up my rights to myself and let go of the things on earth in opposition to my Lord.  I hear clearly which way to turn.  I have no doubts.

Today was one of those days.  I was fighting an emotional battle.  I'd been given an opportunity to deal with the situation.  I didn't want to "go there".  I didn't want to walk in the way I heard behind me.  I wanted to walk in the opposite direction.  But I recalled all the devotionals I'd been writing the past few days from Isaiah 30.  I remembered how stubborn the Israelites had been.  They chose to go to Egypt and trust in Pharoah rather than turn to God and rest in Him.  God longed to bestow His grace and mercy upon them.  He was waiting to do so---just as He is waiting to bestow it upon me.

Israel was clinging to carved and molten images covered in silver and gold.  I was clinging to emotions covered in images of yesterday's heartache and pain.  Very little difference---one tangible, the other intangible.  The results were the same---misplaced trust.  Empty efforts.

I turned.  I want to walk in the way the word directs behind my ears.

"...you will cast them away as a filthy blood-stained cloth, and you will say to them, Be gone!" Isaiah 30:21b

Lord God, my Father, I do want to cast them away.  I do want them to be gone.  I rest in You, O Lord.  May I walk "in the way" Your word speaks with Your discerning ears.  selahV

[copyrighted, SelahV Today, 2008]