Oh the Tongue! It Is a Fire!
My husband Steve and I have both had such a stirring and an ache, a need to talk over and deeply ponder many “questions of the heart” and have spent hours in dialog, crying out in messy prayers to the Father, shedding many tears, much of them in unintelligible sobs and choked out words.
We’ve wept and prayed for those who are forever stirring up and demanding others to “push, give, sacrifice” —serve me, do for ME, give more at the job” etc…. yet many of these individuals who push others hard hide internal rage and insecurities, not heeding the warnings about their own home life and the seething rage and strife within.
And, all too often they project shame and demand respect, regardless of what needs to be addressed in their own behaviors.
Oh the tongue! It is a fire! The tongue represents the world of wrongdoing among the parts of our bodies. It pollutes the entire body and sets fire to the course of human existence — and is set on fire by hell, (James 3:6).
Our little piece of trying to warn about and address it as we minister in churches and also meeting people for ministry advice, comfort in child rearing in a nasty digital age, and pastoral counseling, sees a massive escalation of many families fighting (young and old).
A steady stream of people resisting the taking of “humble steps” towards change that would spare children, parents, siblings and spouses deep wounds.
There are some MEAN adult bullies in the world folks! And although they may have a claim to relationship with God, the altar they worship at more often is their own denial of accountability for their harsh and punishing behavior.
We live in a world that is passing away. Every day this occurs and it edges us closer to the time of choosing whom we serve….
…not whom we “casually have knowledge of” or a limited commitment to.
I’m ever so aware of the need to live, limp, exist each moment of the day in “the Presence”, in full exposure to the probing eye and heart of God.
I whisper repeatedly,
“Have your way Father.
Have your freedom to do your work in me.
Have your way.”
Are you being drawn into a place of desperate abandon to separate yourself and re-examine the path up ahead?
Friend, yield to the tears, the examination and probing of your heart, and speak out to the Father about all of it.
These are the days where you and I can “choose” to grow, move forward, and live simpler, narrower paths, or — draw back and remain dull, returning to the familiar and comfortable settings where WE “choose” to steer the course of our hearts.
There’s no humility there friend. None. Just self protection, empty of mature repentance.
When this happens, relationships drastically change. People go into hiding, isolation, numb living, compartmentalization, and “shut out” help.
Choose the way where Peace leads you, even when torrents of tears and unanswered longings are prevalent.
Keeping letting go of “fears within and fears without” until your stride is firm and has consistent sweet conversation with the one called alongside to help.
The very Holy Spirit Of God, is a wonderful traveling companion.
The heavy judgements of those who rarely risk authenticity and carefully orchestrate their control over what they allow to penetrate past their insecurities and pride, are fully engaged in denial and can be ruthless and punishing.
Let them be surrendered to God my friends.
Hand the entire setting over to Him and then, go about the humble work of digging new wells for those who value the effort that it takes.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to walk alongside with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you,” John 14:16-17.
In His Shadow,
~ Mary Lindow ©
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” THE MESSENGER ” ~ Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
Global Prayer Rooms
Mary Lindow has a passion for encouraging others – all generations, careers or vocations to live expressing excellence through personal integrity, healthy accountability, and wise management of talents and skills. She’s a sought after keynote, inspirational, humorous speaker and teacher across the USA and internationally in Ministers & Spiritual leaders Conferences, and training seminars for various organizations.
Amazing.