Ms. Rita's Minute

Jeremiah 10:10/NIV

“But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King.
When he is angry, the earth trembles; the nations cannot endure his wrath.”

So I asked the Lord what I should write about this week. Then, before I even finished asking, my eyes fell exactly upon this: “Tell them this: ‘These gods, who did not make the heavens and the earth, will perish from the earth and from under the heavens ’” (Jeremiah 10:11/NIV). I didn’t want to write it because anything mentioning death sounds so negative. But it is a serious reality I am unable to casually dismiss. Death happens.

Verses like these only serve to remind us that God isn’t sharing his spot as God with anyone, folks. He is still a jealous God, which brings to mind Exodus 34:14/NIV: “Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” I, especially recently, have to monitor my own behavior on what or who I may be giving “God” status in my life. There truly is no comparison on earth, or in the universe, for that matter.

What a blessing that God is superbly gracious, merciful, and forgiving, but He can and does get angry. His emotions and feelings are valid, as are His desires and commands. Jeremiah 10:12/NIV reminds us that He “made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.” He’s not just another influencer or content creator. He’s the First and the Last, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.

Regarding those who fashion things as gods, He says, “Everyone is senseless and without knowledge; every goldsmith is shamed by his idols. The images he makes are a fraud; they have no breath in them” (Jeremiah 10:14/NIV). To put faith in statues, amulets, medals, stones, minerals, herbs, symbols, etc., as security or protection, is futile.

It does none of us any good to hold anything else as an idol. Thankfully, our God “is not like these, for he is the Maker of all things” (Jeremiah 10:16/NIV). Our God orders the thunder, lightning, clouds, and rains from the sky, the wonder of creation; His control over history, the person and work of our Savior Jesus Christ; God’s work in our lives, among many other things. He is matchless! He just wants us to remember who He is. He alone deserves our love, respect, and worship!

Matthew 10:27

“What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.”

We are all familiar with the temptation to say something upsetting in frustration or anger. Yet I’m trying to consistently remind myself to be cautious of the words I speak. Why? Not only because words have power, but they produce death and life. Not to mention we are accountable for those words we speak. Hence, it’s best to speak as Jesus has spoken. People did not always like what He said, but that was not because He spoke evil or a lie. My solace is that Jesus will tell us what to speak by His Spirit and the Bible if we are open to reading and listening. Proverbs 10:11 reminds us that “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.”

Our human nature desires us to be understood and heard, with a need for expression of our feelings, which isn’t really a bad thing. What’s needed is that we aren’t too quick to speak, but take notice of what we are about to say; whether it is helpful or hurtful to those who may hear it. Not to mention how much we should say. This may be difficult to do and must be learned and exercised.

Often, if we’re especially emotional, we can let those emotions cause our speech to be either damaging or a blessing of encouragement and inspiration. Understanding how and when to impart information helps to keep us in line with using godly wisdom in what we say and how we say it.

If we are rather introverted and quiet, we may not be heard very often speaking words out loud. Or, if we are rather choleric, decisive, and goal-oriented in personality, we might be curt with our words, often not taking into account the consequences of what we say. Many great leaders have choleric personalities, and the good thing is that they get things done and get their points across frankly. Yet, in some instances, they may lack tactfulness in doing so. Assertiveness can often be mistaken for aggressiveness.

We can learn from Jesus that He is gentle and humble in heart, and with Him we find rest for our souls (Matthew 11:29). Hence, His words are full of compassion and security, with warnings and assurances sprinkled throughout. Jesus told us in John 6:63 that the words He spoke were full of the Spirit and life. I’m convinced we need God’s Holy Spirit to help us in this endeavor of using our words in a holy manner. We cannot consistently do it without Him.

However, using wisdom and kindness in our communication does not negate correction or reproof. We are also told to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16). Yet understanding the importance of deeds, not just words (James 2:17). Though no human’s love matches that of Jesus, there were times He said some pretty hard things to certain people; things they just weren’t trying to hear! Nevertheless, they were the truth and apparently needed to be heard, as in saying those things, He did not sin.

Below, I’ve listed some verses of Scripture to help us remember the importance of using our words wisely. We can use wisdom in our speech through daily practice, as we are sure to encounter ample opportunities in our interactions with various types of people. In any event, we should be ready for those who take offense even when what we communicate is helpful and necessary. In those cases, we might just have to walk away or add a word of encouragement depending upon the circumstance.

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Proverbs 10:19
Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 16:24
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 17:14
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

Proverbs 17:27
The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

Proverbs 18:21
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 20:3
It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.

Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 12:36
But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.

Luke 6:45
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

Ephesians 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 benefit those who listen.

John 1:1-5

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Entering this new month of October, my heart beats, “What did Jesus say?” I’m truly grateful for the awesome writings of His disciples, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, as well as all the other great brothers and sisters in the Old and New Testaments of our Bible family. 

In addition, I know that “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16). Nevertheless, I am often reminded that what Jesus actually said, most often shown in the red letters of the Bible, is crucial!

What did the one who was given “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:13) say in the years He spent on earth? We must know since we are now His Body on the earth. We must not allow any disconnection from our Head. Sadly, as the Old Testament prophet Hosea prophesied in Hosea 4:6, “my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” The issue was that they rejected knowledge and had forgotten the laws of God.

What values did Jesus possess? What was most often on His mind to share? What kind of works did He do and how do they relate to us? What has He finished for us? What has He commanded His followers to do? 

I’m asking myself all these questions and more, realizing I need to know, retain, and share the answers, not to mention do what He desires of me. We must remember that God has given us the victory in Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:57). We overcome the world by believing that He is God’s Son (1 John 5:4-5). Whatever He said is vital; extremely important, necessary, or essential for success, survival, and understanding.

2 Peter 3:8

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. 

Photo: Joshua Sortino

Have you got time? Are you pressed for time? In any event, do you know who isn’t in a rush? Jesus. Sure, when we simply don’t have time, or urgency is at hand, the Lord will sustain us, providing prompts of wisdom. Sometimes, ahead of time, if we’re likely to listen (and even sometimes when we aren’t). At least this has been my experience.

Moreover, the Lord has been faithful to warn me about major events in my life years in advance, either through dreams or a sudden knowing in my heart. But I must admit I wasn’t always ready to receive the information. However, He has proven His amazing kindness by sending me little reminders so that I wasn’t totally blind sided or unprepared for the events. The Bible tells us that God will teach and instruct us in the way to go and counsel us with His loving eyes upon us.

In addition, I’ve found that God is a God of order and peace, not confusion. He has precise ways and times of doing and arranging things in each of our lives. Further, He’s a good Father who wants us to have what we need. So, He’s provided wisdom to make life easier to navigate. He doesn’t just throw His children into situations without help, though it can appear that way for a time and season. Nevertheless, sometimes, when we reject His ways for us, He will allow us to do things our own way. Only to see us later humble ourselves and truly seek Him for His solutions with obedience. 

Thankfully, our heavenly Father leads us in the paths of righteousness. He’s even provided His own Holy Spirit to live in us as our Helper. He assists us with decision-making and other duties. Yet we must exercise faith, trusting that we can hear Him clearly and He knows the best time and method for any action we are challenged to perform.

The Lord knows us at the core of our being, better than we know ourselves. Hence, we must be willing to accept that truth and choose His ways over our own, knowing that with everything there is a time and season. The more we come to know Him, the easier it will be to yield to Him as we find Him trustworthy and loving in our day-to-day interaction. Hence, the reason we must pray and study the Bible in order to become more familiar with the way He thinks, noting His actions in various situations in the lives of His people and enemies. 

Rest is His way for us. He has never instructed us to worry or be anxious about anything happening in our lives, but commands us not to worry about tomorrow, as tomorrow will worry about itself! So, because having enough time can play such a big part in our stresses and worries, we can be safe and secure in casting our cares on the Lord as He promises to sustain us, since He cares so much for us. There’s no greater caregiver!

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Scripture references: Job 43:14-16, 1 Corinthians 14:33, Psalm 32:8, 1 Peter 5:6-7, Ecclesiastes 3:1, Matthew 6:34, Psalm 55:22.

2 Corinthians 13:5

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?”

Well, I’ll be adding another candle to the birthday cake of life soon. Hence, I’m pondering what I can do better in my life. For me, it’s a time to reflect on where I am in my walk with God and others.

The Prophet Moses tells me to number my days to gain a heart of wisdom, teaching me my time on earth is limited and I should spend it wisely, while King Solomon reminds me to avoid all extremes, which indicates opting for balance, choosing humility rather than haughty perfectionism or reckless sin. Also, the Apostle Peter reminds me that a person is a slave to whatever masters them. So, I’m remembering I need to be mindful of what and who I submit to.

It’s wonderful how patient the Lord is. He is long-suffering and merciful, as we human beings are not easy to deal with. Yet He doesn’t want anyone to perish. When one is loved as much as He loves us, perhaps it isn’t so hard for Him.

Sadly but thankfully, He puts up with our many distractions, lovingly as a good shepherd and with discipline, guiding us on the right paths. Though often seemingly satisfying to our souls, distractions can be a weight or hindrance to better things for us. If not prayerful, we can get caught up, trapped, or delayed by many things, good or bad, if we yield to them.

The Apostle Paul’s teaching on his focus can also be ours. He did not view himself through a lens of perfection, but, forgetting his past, would choose to focus on what Jesus had next, pressing on to reach the end of his life’s race, receiving the prize for which God, through Jesus, was calling him.

Everyone has their own unique interests; things on which we spend much time. Yet though I cannot see Him physically with my natural eyes, I’d like to ensure that God and His way of living have priority in my life. There is still much of Him available for me to access, know, and hold close by faith working through love.

Time spent with Him in prayer, Bible study, and relating to others is all a part of getting to know Him and growing in Him. His desire is that, as Christ’s ambassadors, we help others to know Him. This involves discipleship, baptism, and teaching, taking place in various ways, from informal to formal.

How much do I love the Lord? Only He knows for sure. Yet Scripture tells me I am to love Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. That’s a whole lot, “the most,” and best, and He deserves it!

I know I’ve fallen short in some areas, but as I continue to seek Him genuinely and consistently, He’ll get me together. Thank God, with Him, all things are possible, and it’s not by our own might or power, but by His Spirit.

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Scripture references: Psalm 90:12, Ecclesiastes 7:18, 2 Peter 2:19, 2 Peter 3:9, Philippians 3:14, 2 Corinthians 5:20, and Matthew 28:19-20.

Romans 5:17

“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!”

As God’s beloved sons and daughters, we are new creations in Christ Jesus. We aren’t the same as we were before knowing Him, as we’ve been reborn, receiving the gift of righteousness through our Lord and Savior. Therefore, when we work out salvation, we are merely walking out the new life Christ has already given us. The Bible reminds us that Jesus suffered to sanctify us through His own blood. So, now we have graciously been given His gift of eternal life!

By the power of another gift, His Holy Spirit, Christ now lives His life through us, as we are changed from glory to glory. We’ve been crucified with Christ, and no longer live as we did before, but Christ lives in us. Hence, the life we now live is by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us.

Amazingly, we no longer have to see in order to believe, as we live our lives by faith, not by sight. We realize that without faith, it’s impossible to please God. In addition, we’re transformed by the renewing of our minds with God’s word, and His law is fulfilled when we love others, as love does no harm to a neighbor.

Moreover, we realize that without the Lord, we can do nothing because it is God who works in us to will and do of His good pleasure. As the Body of Christ, He has given us various gifts and talents to carry out His will. So, whether functioning as a hand, arm, leg or foot, we are each a part of the Lord’s Body.

Thankfully, God has equipped us with weapons of spiritual warfare that are mighty through God; spiritual armor to withstand the wiles of our enemy. We are not alone through life’s challenges or attacks, and our heavenly Father has provided many precious promises regarding our welfare. He has not only heavenly gifted us, but I’d say heavily, gifted us. There is so much He has freely done for us. Who is like the Lord?

Now, we can rest in knowing we belong to a Savior who will one day return for us to take us home to live with Him forever. However, until then, we are to occupy until He comes.

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Scripture references: 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 5:17, Hebrews 13:12, Philippians 2:12, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 12:2, Romans 13:10, 2 Corinthains 5:7, Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 11:6, Philippians 2:13, Romans 12:6, 2 Corinthians 10:4, John 14:2-3, and Luke 19:13.

2 Timothy 4:2

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.“

The Apostle Paul offered vital, wisdom-filled information for the difficult times ahead in the second of two letters to Timothy, a young man who was a trusted partner in his missions and was described as a son in the faith.

His words are still of great value in making us aware of those people and attitudes we will encounter in the last days. Here, Paul provides how one should preach or give God’s instructions. He basically says to be ready at all times, to correct, rebuke, and encourage in delivery.

When correcting someone’s error, the actual truth is to be given. Rebuking someone is an authoritative or formal way of telling someone they have done something wrong and need to correct it. Encouraging someone would be giving them courage, hope, and confidence so they feel able to do something or keep trying.

In teaching the truth of the Bible, it should be communicated not just with patience but with “great” patience and “careful” instruction. The goal is to be able to plant the seed of the Lord’s instructions, not to be disrespectful or offensive.

Nevertheless, some people may be offended by anything spoken from the Bible, which sometimes can’t be avoided apart from not speaking. Sometimes, people will not want to hear what you have to share, but only what they want to hear.

This message was necessary for Paul to teach as he highlighted that the time would come when people wouldn’t embrace sound doctrine. But, instead, to suit their own desires, they would gather around them many teachers to say what their itching ears wanted to hear, resulting in turning their ears away from the truth, to myths (2 Timothy 4:3-4); meaning accepting false stories, man-made fiction, or deceptive ideas.

Paul knew, as many of us know today, that people wouldn’t always desire to hear the truth of the Bible, and we should be prepared for that occurrence as well. Yet Paul encouraged Timothy to keep his head in all situations, to endure hardship, doing the work of an evangelist, discharging all the duties of his ministry (2 Timothy 4:5).

God has given us the fruit of self-control by His Holy Spirit, and walking by the Spirit in communicating the Lord’s teachings is necessary in representing Him well and making an impact on the listeners. Sometimes, people may be offensive and disrespectful in their response to what you share, but we are to endure with a lot of patience and carefully continue with all the responsibilities God has given us in ministry.