Grace

Unmerited….undeserved…unearned favor

Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Luke 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

John 1:16-17 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Acts 18:27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Romans 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 5:20-21 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

II Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.


Recommended reading Romans 6:1; Ephesians 2:1-9

Gossip / Use of the tongue

Gossip/Use of our tongue

Psalm 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Proverbs 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

Proverbs 18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Proverbs 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Proverbs 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

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.

I Timothy 5: 13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

James 3:3-18 Read regarding the tongue.

"He wronged me first!"

Daily I hear the rationalization that retaliation was dealt because the other brother wronged first. Thankfully, I report that that is not God's standard. Over and over the principle of repaying evil with good is taught in God's word. I am excited to share these passages with the boys. But, before I get too excited; this applies to me as well. In our society, the given and expected is to demand our rights and right any wrongs dealt to us. We are to treat others with kindness, love and respect; whether it is deserved or not. The verse that immediately comes to mind is "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God." (Matthew 5:9) Others will make that observation because it is such a supernatural thing to be a peacemaker!

Proverbs 25:21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Luke 6:27-29 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the [one] cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not [to take thy] coat also.


Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.


Romans 12:17-19 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.


I Thessalonians 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].

Giving

Commercialism has tainted the true essence of giving. Our giving should be an outflowing of the love of God shed abroad in our hearts for the meeting of needs of others. The overriding idea of giving is that of self sacrifice. The ultimate sacrifice of self being that of our Saviour. What an example to emulate! This time of year gets so absolutely hectic that it is easy to give a toy for a needy child, but are we available to give of our time for the needs of others. I challenge us all to make time for others...even if that is our own child in need of our time. God help us not just strive for the good, but make time for, and give of our best!

Readiness, cheerfulness, and love ought to be characteristic of our giving.

Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Luke 6:30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

II Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. (also Mark 9:41)

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

I Corinthians 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

The purpose of our laboring is to ultimately to be able to help others in need.
Ephesians 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

We recognize that our daily needs are ultimately provided by our loving Heavenly Father.
Luke 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

The most amazing and wondrous gift ever given was the life of our Saviour.
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Fruit

Fruitfulness is seen to be evidence of the blessings of God, and is said to be a good thing.

Deuteronomy 7:13 And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land,….

Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Proverbs 8:19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Matthew 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

Luke 6:43-44 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

Fruit bearing is dependent upon our dependence on Him. We achieve nothing profitable of our own power. Abiding in Him is critical!

John 15:4-5, 8 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

As children of God, what fruit are we to bear?

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Ephesians 5:9 For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;

Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Future

God has our future planned! He cares for our every need...before we know we need it! Why do we ever doubt his goodness? He knows our frame...that we are but dust. His thoughts toward us and His desires for us are found clearly in His word. Hope this comforts, strengthens and aids you in any distressing or perplexing time you may be facing.

Psalm 139:17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

Proverbs 3:25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

Jeremiah 29:11 - 12 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Matthew 6: 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.


Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

Psalm 86: 7-10 In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.

Our future is in God’s hands. I recommend that you refer to the study about fear in conjunction with this study. Regardless of political regimes or familial trials, God is working all things according to His good pleasure. All for the good of His children. He does not desire for us to live in despair and dread due to the conditions surrounding us. He want us to trust Him. He desires for us to abide in Him! How can we fear when Jesus in near?!?!?

FEAR

Deut 31:6, 8 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

II Kings 6:16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

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

Psalm 56: 3-4, 11 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

Psalm 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

Proverbs 3:24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

Isaiah 41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

I John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

THE RECOGNITION OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD DISPELS OUR FEAR.
John 6:20 But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.

Matthew 10:28, 31 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

I Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness

Cleansing effect of sins forgiven can only come from God.

Mark 2:7b , 10 who can forgive sins but God only?
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

Matthew 9:6b But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We have a duty to forgive others. To withhold forgiveness to others is cruel and frankly unhealthy as well. Bitterness and resentment is a systemic poison. The Lord's admonition to forgive is once again for our good. Our willingness or lack thereof, to forgive others is conditional to God’s pardoning us of our failures and sins.

Matthew 6:12, 14, 15 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Luke 6:37b Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

Christ gives such a perfect example of the practice of forgiveness while on the cross.

Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Who of us have even been wronged wrongly to that degree? Yet there are times that we find occasion to hold a grudge or resentment toward others…..It ought not be so.

FIGHTING/STRIFE

When we have the mind of Christ, that is, one of service to others; not preferring myself above the needs or demands of others…much fighting will be abated!!!

Read James 3:14-19 and Galatians 5:14-26...very convicting!!!

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Proverbs 15:18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Proverbs 16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

Proverbs 20:3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

Philippians 2:3-5 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

This is the fight in which we are challenged to be engaged!!!

I Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

EXAMPLE

Regarding children specifically:

Proverbs 20:11 "Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right."

I Timothy 4:12 "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

Related to believers of all ages:

Titus 2:7 "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,"

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Proverbs 27:17 "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." (The truest of friendships sharpen one another by “words fitly spoken”, but also by example.)

Hebrews 4:11 "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief."

I Peter 3:1 "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; " (conversation meaning lifestyle, behavior, or example)

Christ’s example:

He showed us an example of servitude.
John 13:15 "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."

His example involved enduring suffering.
I Peter 2:21 "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us,
leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:"

Endurance

the inward strength to withstand stress and difficulty to accomplish your best for God
(Tom Ross from Cultivation Christian Character)

Galatians 6:9”And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

As God’s children we are encouraged to endure in our life’s work of honoring and serving Him. “Endurance is found by exercising patience, faithfulness, determination, and diligence.”
Hebrews 10:36 “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”
Hebrews 12:1b “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”

Metaphors of Endurance: a marathon runner, a prize fighter, soldier
I Corinthians 9:24“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (also see Hebrews 12:1-3)
I Corinthians 9:26-27 “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
II Timothy 2:3-4 “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”

We are called upon to endure: Tribulation, Hardness, Chastening, Persecution, Suffering (II Timothy 2:12; Hebrews 11:25; I Peter 2:20; John 15:19-20; II Timothy 3:11-12; II Thessalonians 1:4 )
Romans 8:17 “if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”
Acts 14:22 “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”
Hebrews 12:7a If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons;
Endurance does not earn us salvation, it gives evidence of salvation; a true indwelling of God. (Matthew 24:13)

Examples of Endurance: God, Moses, Paul, Jesus Christ
Psalm 104:31 (also read Psalms 102:25-27; 106:1; 111:3)
“The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works.”
Hebrews 11:27 “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible”
II Timothy 4:7 (also read I Corinthians 11:21-30; I Timothy 2:10)
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,”
Hebrews 12:2-3 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”


Oh, God, help us to endure, for Christ's sake!

Encouragement

1.To inspire with courage, spirit or hope;
2. To spur on or stimulate

Recognizing the presence of God (His Spirit) yields courage and abates fear and dread.

Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Deut 31:23, Joshua 1:6, 9)

John 14:1,16,27
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
We must not quench the Spirit, if we desire the benefits of His presence.

When waiting and hoping in the LORD courage is found.

Psalm 27:14
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
Psalm 31:24
“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”

It is important to encourage one another to do right.

Hebrews 10:24
”And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:"
Hebrews 3:13
"But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."

Beware of those that seek to lead us astray by encouraging us to do evil.

Psalm 64:5
"They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, “Who shall see them?”

Here we see that the Lord has words of great comfort and encouragement to His people Israel during their captivity in Babylon. (we all have our own versions of captivity…do we not?! Take comfort.

Jeremiah 29:11 (read 10-14)
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you an expected end."

DISCOURAGEMENT

To be deprived of courage or confidence

Scriptures discussing sources of discouragement:

Psalm 119:53 “Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.”

Numbers 21:4b “and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.”

Proverbs 13:12 “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but [when] the desire cometh, [it is] a tree of life.”

Psalm 119:158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.

Psalm 6:7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.

Overcoming discouragement by:
The discouraged can be comforted by the Holy Spirit.
John 14:15-18 Obedience and the comfort of His presence go hand in hand.
Recognize that the path traveled “leadeth to life”. (Matthew 7:14)
John 10:10b “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
Psalm 16:11 “At thy right hand there are pleasures for ever more.“
Living a life honoring to God does not earn us eternal life, but we are promised abundant living.
Refocus on what God Word says regarding “the way”.
Psalm 37:23-24 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighted in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord uphold him with his hand.”
Focusing on the attributes of God will deliver us from discouragement
Psalm 13:5 Mercy; Psalm 11:7 Righteous; Psalm 27:13, 33:5 Good: Psalm 31:21 Kind;
By seeking to meet the needs of others our discouragement can be helped.
Job 42:10 “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends;

DISCIPLINE

Parents are commanded to discipline and train the children entrusted to them. It is not optional.
Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness [is] bound in the heart of a child; [but] the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Proverbs 22:13 Withhold not correction from the child:
Proverbs 29:15, 17 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother shame. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
The chastening of the Lord is God the Father lovingly training and molding us, His children, into Christ’s image.(notice the relation between love and discipline.)
Hebrews 12:6, 11 (read verses 5b-11) For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Proverbs 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son [in whom] he delighteth.
God’s Word teaches us proper responses to discipline.
Proverbs 10:17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
Results from not heeding instruction are discussed in God’s Word.
Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
God’s word offers us comparison and contrast for those who do and do not heed instruction, discipline and reproof.
Proverbs 10:17He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
As wise children of God we ought to become self-disciplined in
our daily walk.
James 4:17 Him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not to him it is sin.

DISCERNMENT

To perceive or recognize clearly

I Kings 3:9 (read 7-14) Solomon seeks wisdom and discernment above riches.
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people
Proverbs 21:29
A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 10:13
In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod [is] for the back of him that is void of understanding.

Scriptures relating to the Holy Spirit’s involvement in guiding us and giving us discernment…
Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
By virtue of His name being Holy, it makes sense that He will lead us to be holy in our discernment.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:
Psalm 107:7 (read 6- 11) And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
Psalm 25:9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
Psalm 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
II Thess 4:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
Psalm 18:30, 32 As for God , His way is perfect…..He maketh my way perfect.

Moses prayed and let it be our prayer, Exodus 33:13 “if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight:"

Cursing

Cursing

It is imperative that we seek to honor Him with our words. The world's coarseness of speech is creeping in among God's people. It ought not be. God does clearly have a set standard of what words would please Him.

Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

There is a correlation between wholesome speech and growth in the Lord. May the Lord help us in this area to honor Him.


Exodus 20:7

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Leviticus 19:12
And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

Psalms 10:4,7The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue [is] mischief and vanity.

Psalms 59:12
For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.

Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken [is like] apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Proverbs 29:24
Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth [it] not.

Proverbs 12:6The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
but the speech of the upright rescues them.

Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Proverbs 16:24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Ecclesiastes 10:12The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

Criticism/ Rebuke

Criticism

Proverbs 9:8
Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

Proverbs 13:1, 8
A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

Proverbs 15:31-33
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. 
He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Proverbs 24:25
But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

Proverbs 27:5-6
Open rebuke is better than secret love. 
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away.

Ecclesiastes 7:5
It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

Matthew 5:46-48
For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Matthew 7:2
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

CHOICES

Choices

As children of God we are called daily to decide to do that which is honoring to Him. The choices made span the small to the very significant. Our attitude is a choice as well as the “major” decisions like one’s life partner or a new job. In all these things we are to seek His assistance to have the strength and or wisdom to do the honoring thing.

Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Proverbs 3:5-7, 11
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 
My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

Proverbs 3:31
Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

Ephesians 5:15-17
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.

CHEERFULNESS

Cheerfulness

Psalms 68:3
But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.


Proverbs 15:13
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.


Proverbs 15:15b
All the days of the afflicted [are] evil: but he that is of a merry heart [hath] a continual feast.


Proverbs 15:30a
The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: [and] a good report maketh the bones fat.


Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.


II Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

CHARACTER

The sort of person you are

Ruth 3:11
And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou [art] a virtuous woman.


Proverbs 31:10
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies.


Luke 2:52
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.


Acts 17:11-12
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.


Ideas for topics of personal study:
Truthfulness vrs. Deception
Obedience vrs. Willfulness
Sincerity vrs. Hypocrisy
Virtue vrs. Impurity
Forgiveness vrs Rejection