Halfbaked Cake

Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned.  Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth it not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not. ( Hosea 7:8-9 ) 

If you're a believer, you know that non-believers surround us all the time. Instead of being influenced by others to do ungodly things, be a light to others by demonstrating godly behavior. We all have a nemesis, or perhaps a not-so-favorite person. Instead of avoiding them or being short with them, give them a compliment or simply say something nice. In other words, be a light!

Snakes and Doves

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. (KJV) (Matthew 10:16) 

As much as we should desire to be kind and giving, sometimes it can be difficult to do so in our current culture. We want to be good but don't want to be taken advantage of. Like many things in life, this requires a delicate balance of assertiveness and servitude. If you are heavy on assertiveness, try being a bit more subservient today by allowing others to express themselves more. If you are in need of more assertiveness, try speaking up today, either by asking questions or praising someone.

Gossip (Day 7 of 7)

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

Ephesians 4:29 KJV

Gossip (Day 6 of 7)

“There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.”

Proverbs 12:18 KJV

Gossip (Day 5 of 7)

“Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”

Psalms 141:3 KJV

Gossip (Day 4 of 7)

But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

--2 Timothy 2:16 KJV

Gossip (Day 3 of 7)

Matthew 12:35-36

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

Gossip (Day 2 of 7)

Proverbs 26:20-22 --

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

“As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

“The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”

Gossip (Day 1 of 7)

“A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”

Proverbs 16:28 KJV

Loose lips sink ships. Hung by the tongue. Open mouth; insert foot. There are so many phrases that describe the dangers of not having control of your mouth and the things you say. Gossip is no exception. Gossip is one of those things that is so easy to justify especially if we have been hurt. Here are two basic principles for gossip: Those that gossip to you will also gossip about you. And, if you are not a part of the solution, you shouldn't be talking. Is God really that concerned about gossip? Does He really care about what we say? Take a look at God's Word to learn how to use your words!