The Words I want to Hear
With a good dose of Nyquil, I am making a valiant attempt to write a fairly coherent post. (i.e., If I write off the wall stuff, blame it on the Nyquil).
I was just thinking about the pure power of our words in how from the same person they can be uplifting one second and cause destruction the next. Here's what James 3 says about the power of our tongues.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
For instance, when we hear the words "I told you so!" it is usually associated with condemnation by a person who could foresee something you couldn't. In my experience, I have usually walked away from a statement like that experiencing hurt and frustration.
But what if when we meet God, he told us the same thing? Would we experience condemnation or hurt? In my mind quite the contrary. One thing I long to hear from God is Him conveying a sense of approval that I was faithful in what he asked me to do given the gifts, opportunities, and circumstances he placed before me while I walked on earth in a pursuit of serving Him and His Kingdom. This comes from Matthew 25 where it says.
23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
So going back to the same statement of "I Told you So." Could that same phrase coming from God be sweet and affirming? I heard a sermon recently in which the pastor was sensing from God that he was saying "I Told you So," meaning that there was a reason and purpose behind ALL circumstances. And it got me to think.
I would want to know that....
He told me so.... that all things work for the good for Christ in those who love and believe in Him. (Romans 8:28-30). All things, including the not so fun stuff.
He told me so ..... that He has a plan for my life and that if I seek him with all my heart, I will find Him. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
He told me so.... that even with a heavy heart, that he would give me rest. (Matthew 11:28)
The list could go on and on for God's promises. But I'm sure you get it. When we meet and stand before him, a possible phrase of "I Told You So," can also indicate a fulfillment of His promises, His Love, His Glory, and His Grace.
And I'm sure he'll provide reason for why a Justin Bieber song can swing in your head for days on end! I'm sure there's a purpose in that as well!
Until next time.
I was just thinking about the pure power of our words in how from the same person they can be uplifting one second and cause destruction the next. Here's what James 3 says about the power of our tongues.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
For instance, when we hear the words "I told you so!" it is usually associated with condemnation by a person who could foresee something you couldn't. In my experience, I have usually walked away from a statement like that experiencing hurt and frustration.
But what if when we meet God, he told us the same thing? Would we experience condemnation or hurt? In my mind quite the contrary. One thing I long to hear from God is Him conveying a sense of approval that I was faithful in what he asked me to do given the gifts, opportunities, and circumstances he placed before me while I walked on earth in a pursuit of serving Him and His Kingdom. This comes from Matthew 25 where it says.
23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
So going back to the same statement of "I Told you So." Could that same phrase coming from God be sweet and affirming? I heard a sermon recently in which the pastor was sensing from God that he was saying "I Told you So," meaning that there was a reason and purpose behind ALL circumstances. And it got me to think.
I would want to know that....
He told me so.... that all things work for the good for Christ in those who love and believe in Him. (Romans 8:28-30). All things, including the not so fun stuff.
He told me so ..... that He has a plan for my life and that if I seek him with all my heart, I will find Him. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
He told me so.... that even with a heavy heart, that he would give me rest. (Matthew 11:28)
The list could go on and on for God's promises. But I'm sure you get it. When we meet and stand before him, a possible phrase of "I Told You So," can also indicate a fulfillment of His promises, His Love, His Glory, and His Grace.
And I'm sure he'll provide reason for why a Justin Bieber song can swing in your head for days on end! I'm sure there's a purpose in that as well!
Until next time.
I also can't wait for Him to say "I told you so". To finally make sense of it all and see how His hand was behind it all, all along. Including Justin Bieber's hair do.
ReplyDeleteKeep on posting! - Jorge