Imparting Grace: Learning to Speak Words of Life

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

One day I committed a pointless act. Renee and I have a home office. In it we each have our computers, desks, and chairs. Years ago, we had a cat and I don't know why but our cat loved my chair. Although there are two chairs in the office, she loved and always sat in mine. I wouldn't have cared except that I often wore a dark suit to work. As I walked into our office one day, there was our cat Cuddles sitting in my chair. I picked her up nicely and put her on the floor. I then sat down in my chair only to realize a short time later, that my suit was covered with cat hair. Feeling upset, I looked at the cat and firmly said, "Cuddles, I don't want you sitting in my chair." I lectured her for about 30 seconds and a short time later I began to laugh thinking, "You are lecturing a cat." I pictured myself in one of those printed cartoons when someone is talking to their cat and all the cat hears is "blah, blah, blah..." My talk with my cat was pointless. It made me feel better for a moment but it was still pointless. It reminds me of people trying to communicate in ineffective ways that turn out to be pointless such as yelling and screaming at each other. They may as well be saying, "blah, blah, blah..."

Too often we participate in various kinds of pointless communication.  That would happen much less if we would consider our tongue to be one of the greatest God-given tools we have. He has given us our tongue as a tool to skillfully learn how to use. We are to learn how to communicate blessing to others which will at the same time contribute to our success. Even correction can be spoken skillfully and in a way that can bless if we let the Holy Spirit teach us how. Proverbs 15:23 (NLT) says, "Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!"

As we learned yesterday, the Bible tells us that ",,,no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." We in ourselves cannot tame our tongue. It only comes under control with the help of the Holy Spirit. The truth and revelation of Prov 18:21 is this, "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." We love life and blessing but knowing it can impart death and destruction should help instill a reverential fear of God on how important the words we speak are and how powerfully they affect our lives – good or bad!  They can be used skillfully to contribute to the well–being of others, or they can tear down the lives of others and ourselves.

We have to realize that our tongue spills over with whatever is in our hearts. We are all too unaware of all that is in our hearts. How do we find out what's in there? We pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help us hear our words. Then we just listen to what spills from our mouth–especially under pressure or in anger. The tongue is an extension of our thought life. In Mat 12:34 Jesus said, "...For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." Out of discipline, the tongue can be forced or made to say proper things at the proper time, but when you are by yourself or around those you feel most comfortable with and let our guard down, that is when your tongue simply reflects what's in your heart and thought life. Prov 12:6 "The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them."

God wants us to succeed in how we communicate. For this reason, He instructs in Eph 4:29 saying, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may impart grace to those who listen." Eph 5:4 says, "Dirty stories, profane conversation, and coarse jokes--these are not for you. Instead, remind each other of God's goodness, and be thankful."

What does it mean, "...that it may impart grace to those who listen?"  Grace is the supernatural help we get from God in all areas of life. It's the combination of God's mercy, His compassion, instruction from His Word, and His direct help in our life. When you do something wrong, the devil will try to accuse and condemn you in your thoughts. God will correct you showing you what is wrong, but God is interested in helping you change to become more like Him. He is not condemning you. Therefore, He'll show you what is wrong through His Word, but He'll also offer mercy, forgiveness, and help through His Holy Spirit so that you can get things right. Simply put, He is out to help you.  When someone wrongs you, is that your attitude? Are you ready to rip into them or can you focus on the solution and how to avoid the problem and conflict going forward? Are you as patient with others as God is with you? Have you asked God for forgiveness a dozen times but are furious with someone after they make the same mistake twice?  God imparts grace to you and He wants you to use words to impart grace to others – "...that it may impart grace to those who listen."

The imparting of grace is a supernatural thing. If we are to impart grace, then that means that God is going to be involved in it. He is the one that is going to help us put away the fleshly impulses that come with being offended. It means He is going to help us see things from a different perspective - His perspective. That is where the grace will come from - His perspective in us! Proverbs 19:11 (NIV) "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense."

Imagine that you feel like blasting a person that has offended you in some way. Instead God speaks to your heart and says, "Put your thoughts and words on pause. Don't slam dunk them because that's how the devil does business. Instead think for a minute. I have forgiven you. I have had mercy on you. You've blown it just like this person you're mad at. I've looked past your sins and continued to love you. Can you do it for them? Can you settle down and let me help you? Can you find kind words to speak truth, kindness, mercy, and help to them? Will you impart grace to them?"

Can you do this on your own? Usually not. In yourself you might want to lash out. The thoughts are in your mind fighting to make their way out your mouth. But, that isn't God's way. He wants you to be a vessel of His grace. It isn't about suppressing feelings of anger, or hurt, or disappointment. It's about God helping you see things in such a way, that you can have mercy knowing He's had mercy on you, forgive knowing He's forgiven you, and then manifesting compassion and kindness as God's grace is imparted through you!

God's grace is available to you whenever you need it! He says it's available. It's received by faith. 2 Cor 9:8 says, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." God wants it to abound in your life and through you! You have to pause, exercise your faith, and pull on His grace in difficult times. Then, over time, you will become supernaturally skillful drawing on Him for words that impart life and grace, blessing others and yourself. As today's Fresh Manna verse says, "...but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

Prov 12:18 "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2013 All rights reserved
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/

Learning to Speak Words of Life: The First Step

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

One day my four young children were waiting for me to come home from work. They all greeted me at the door with hugs and just a spark more excitement than was usual. I thought it was about me until the children's spokesperson – their mother, entered into the room. They had a group request. "Honey, one of the kids in Jeffrey's class brought a kitten to show-and-tell today. It's really cute! They are wondering if we could have a kitten.” I must have really been tired because I did something I don't usually do. I caved in immediately and said “Yes.”

I had never had a cat before. I grew up in a dog family. I knew nothing about cats. What a shock it was to learn how unusual cats are. Although I'm sure there are a few exceptions in the world, I quickly learned that cats, for the most part, don’t train easily if at all – at least compared to a dog. Cats seem to have a mind of their own. They do what they want, when they want. In that regard, cats remind me of the tongue – you know, that waggling little creature in your mouth that wants to say what it wants to say when it wants to say it!

James 3:8-11 reveals a profound truth. "… no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth comes praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?"

You know how it is. You've probably thought about it many times times. You know you shouldn't use your tongue – your words to tear down or speak against others. We find ourselves blessing others – saying kind things to someone’s face only to later say inappropriate things to others. People with a conscience hate that they do that. We find out that the Word of God is true. "...No man can tame the tongue."

James 3:3-6 tells us more about this untamable thing. It says, "When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." "...No man can tame the tongue."

If this is true, then what do we do? The first step is to recognize this truth and come to grips with it. You can't fix your tongue yourself. God is not lying when He says "...no man can tame the tongue." That includes you and me. At the same time we have to realize that God is not setting us up to fail. The answer in taming the tongue is recognizing that only with the help of the Holy Spirit can you tame the tongue. The Holy Spirit will help you tame your tongue through a number of ways. I'll only go into the two today.

First, pray that God through His Holy Spirit give you a revelation of the truth of this verse. Proverbs 18:21 says, "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." You will know when you’ve received the revelation of this verse from God. That revelation will put a reverential fear of the Lord in you. By that I mean that you will understand that your tongue can be used by God to be one of the greatest instruments of blessing in your life, or, a poison that will hurt your character, hinder your promotion and success, and will destroy the favor that God has given you to enjoy with people. Your tongue will advance you and others or it will tear down others, ultimately tearing down you. This word from God says that “we will eat” from the fruit of our Words. You will get what you are saying. Your mind can't take a hold of that but your spirit can. Let the Holy Spirit reveal this truth to you.

The second step in letting the Holy Spirit help you tame your tongue is asking Him to help you hear what you are saying. Once you can truly hear yourself, you'll be shocked by the number of negative things that come out of our mouth!

You’ll hear yourself say things like; "He is never going to change! I'm stuck with this situation and there is nothing I can do about it." “Nothing goes my way.” “I am never going to get into a good relationship there just isn't any good men out there.” "Nothing good ever happens to me."  Your tongue speaks more doubt and unbelief than you can imagine. Words like this reveal that this is your thinking. This is what is in your heart. What is in your heart not only influences others and situations, but also influences the health of your body! We need to guard our hearts by speaking right words. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Again, that is true whether you believe it or not. Your mouth is the barometer of your heart. And an indicator of what your body is going to experience.

God is trying to teach you to have faith in Him and speak words of faith and life. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand the power of Words. Then listen to what you say. You will become dependent upon the Lord for what it takes to change your words. That is the beginning! It is also the start of a powerful new life! More to come....

Eph 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may impart grace to those who listen."

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2013 All rights reserved
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/

"On Being Found" A Beautiful Story

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

My daughter Stephanie, her husband Daniel, and their children–my grandchildren Madeline and Macy are Pastors and missionaries in the country of Peru. Today's story, "On Being Found" is a beautifully touching story written by them and recently published on their blog–"The Gringa."  I am confident that this true story will touch your heart and bless you greatly!

In life we experience surreal moments. Sometimes they’re our own surreal moments, like holding your newborn in your arms for the first time and realizing, “This is my child,” or standing at the altar, hearing, as if in a fog, the pronouncement that you and your love are now man and wife.

They are surreal, because we recognize that in these moments, something profound is happening – something that will forever change life from the way it was to the way it now will be.

And one of the greatest joys in life is getting to witness those moments in the lives of those we love. To catch a glimpse into these magical moments in life is so sweet.

Two weeks ago, we had the privilege of witnessing one of these moments.

Several months ago, a darling little one-year-old boy was abandoned at the hospital by his mother. The little boy had Down’s Syndrome and other physical disabilities, and perhaps the mother felt overwhelmed by what it would take to care for him. Whatever it was, he was left. Alone.

The children’s home where we serve at, Padre Martinho’s Casa Hogar, received a call asking if they would be able to take him in for “just a week or so.” When he heard what had happened, the director, Brother Juan, immediately said yes, even though he knew it would certainly be more than a week and possibly permanent.

Jesús, a few weeks after arriving at the orphanage

We met “Jesús” (they gave him a name since he didn’t have one) shortly after when we went to volunteer with our church family. The entire team fell in love with Jesús; his mischievous, twinkly eyes and quick smile made him an instant favorite. Under the care of the staff, he grew healthy and strong. As the youngest child at the orphanage, he was everyone’s baby.

Two weeks ago, we went to visit “our kids” and as usual, our daughters Madeline and Macy came with us, and the first child they ran to look for was Jesús. We were told that he was at the clinic for a doctor’s visit and would be back soon.

A few minutes later, a middle-aged woman and a teenager knocked on the door. When Brother Juan let them in, Danny and I had just happened to walk into the room at the same time, so we got to hear their story.

They held up a picture of Jesús and asked if we had seen him. In tears, the woman told us how her granddaughter in Iquitos (the teenager with her) had received a call asking if she knew where the abandoned child’s family could be found. The granddaughter then reached out to her grandmother, who had been worried sick for the last few months because her daughter and grand baby had disappeared. Together, the grandmother and granddaughter had come to the children’s home when they had heard there was a chance the lost child had been found.

And just as they finished telling us their story, the doorbell rang. The nurse had just arrived home with Jesús. Everyone in the room looked at each other, took a deep breath, and then walked to the door.

Danny and I hung back as we allowed the grandmother and granddaughter to be the first to the door, our eyes fixed on the woman’s face as she choked back sobs at the sight of her lost grandchild. I pulled out my camera and was able to capture this moment of lost turned to found, anxiety turned to relief, sorrow turned to joy.

Our sweet Jesús had found his home.

Grandmother and grandchild, reunited

That day, we witnessed an unforgettable moment of unfiltered love and thankfulness. We were reminded that nothing on earth is sweeter than being found by the one who loves you.

We were lost. Now we are found. And the heavens rejoice.

If you enjoyed this story, visit and enjoy "The Gringa" and enjoy more...

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2013 All rights reserved
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/

Don't Let the Devil Accuse You!

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

Do you ever hear voices in your head that are trying to discourage and bring you down? Satan is a full time liar and accuser. It's what He does all day long. He can't read our minds. He is not God. But he does try to speak to us and get in our head. He does it to tear people down. He does it to bring strife and confusion, He does it to discourage people from believing God loves them so that they will walk away from Him. But, his day is coming as we see in  Revelation 12:10. (NIV)  "Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down."

There will be a day when all justice will finally be executed in God's timing. Satan and his demonic host will be hurled into the lake of fire and God's justice will be complete. After that, he will never bother anyone again. But for now God's judgment is reserved because the Lord is still trying to reach as much of mankind to receive Jesus as Savior as possible because of His mercy and grace.

In Rev 12 Satan is called “the accuser of the brethren.”  His accusations are designed to belittle you and to lift you in pride at the same time. He’ll work to point out every little failure. He'll accuse you of fault even when what you do right. He is a liar and discouragement is one of his greatest tools. He accuses you to make you feel disgusted with yourself. He does so to make you feel unacceptable to God. When you feel disgusted with yourself and unacceptable to God, then he’ll labor to get you to quit God. “You can’t please God so why bother?” He’ll work to undermine your relationship with God, luring you to backslide from spending time with God. He’ll lure you away from church, from fellowship with other Christians, from reading your Bible, and from praying. His goal is to get you to live daily without the thought of God guiding you. That is phase one of his plan. 

Then phase two kicks in. He’ll lift you up in pride in order to help you feel better about yourself. He’ll get you to focus on your personal justifications for why you are a good person. He tries to turn all your focus on yourself. Then he’ll work to get you to find fault in everyone else to make you feel better about yourself. This is how the world becomes critical, fault-finding, and learns to hate people.

I have noticed over the years, that no matter how much I do, (and I am one that believes in diligent effort) – the devil will still try to whisper that I am not succeeding enough, I don’t do enough, I am not living holy enough for God. And the devil’s efforts go on and on. I have to speak back to him. “No devil, my righteousness is not of myself. Jesus is my righteousness." "No devil, I work hard, but the grace of God is what helps me bear fruit and succeed. Not my own merit." "No devil, it's you who failed in your pride rejecting God's love. I've received Jesus as my Savior and He is the source of my eternal life and salvation. You will spend your eternity in the lake of fire." “I rebuke you in Jesus name. Flee!”

The Bible says Eph 1:4 says, “Long ago, even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes.” Think about it; God created this plan out of His love to make us not only blameless and without fault His eyes! That is a miraculous plan of love that keeps on going. He then reveals that this was His plan from the beginning – to love us and make us a part of His family. God’s love toward us was in force before any of us were born. His wonderful plan was and is to bring us into His love.

 

We read more… Eph. 1:5 “His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave Him great pleasure.”

He makes us His children! He then makes great blessing available to us! Eph 1:3 says, “How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ.”

We don’t have to feel like a failure. God’s love and grace is so great and desirous to bless and help us, we only have to know of it, believe, and thank Him for it. On that note, love others and lift them up into the same love that God has toward you – despite the obvious faults we all see! We are not to be like Satan - the accuser of others. We are to be like Jesus – the bearer of His Good News, His forgiveness, and His cleansing love!

Romans 4:5 (NLT) "But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners."

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2013 All rights reserved
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/