This Fruit of the Spirit Equips You to Shine in a Mean-Spirited World - ADAM WITTENBERG CHARISMA NEWS

Start by doing this one thing to follow God's word in our social media and texting culture of quickly expressing our opinions. (Guillaume Bolduc)

This Fruit of the Spirit Equips You to Shine in a Mean-Spirited World

 1/28/2017 ADAM WITTENBERG  CHARISMA NEWS

Listening is tough. So is holding our tongue. Maybe that's why the Bible instructs us to do both.

The writer of James tells us, "But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger" (James 1:19, NASB).

It may seem simple. As Christians, we are to listen readily, hold our words closely and not get angry fast. But this is often easier said than done.

In our social media and texting culture, where people express their thoughts (and anger) quickly, how do we follow God's Word? Can we learn to control ourselves—and our words—and really listen to each other?

Scripture offers much advice on this (see the book of Proverbs). The Holy Spirit also helps in our weakness (Rom. 8:26).

Perhaps the best place to start is by agreeing with God's Word. We must include ourselves in the "everyone" of James 1:19. It doesn't matter what your personality is or what other people do, the Lord says "everyone" for a reason.

The truth is, we all need grace to walk this out—and our God is more than willing to help in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).

The Bible urges us to watch our words (Prov. 29:11) and to tame our tongues (James 3:2–12). This applies both to our spoken words and our words on social media. God's Word is especially relevant today when people express their thoughts freely online, where tempers flare quickly.

Instead of jumping to conclusions, getting angry or airing all of our thoughts and arguments in public, as Christians, we are held to a higher standard. The Lord will judge us—and the world—by our words. "But I say to you that for every idle word that men speak, they will give an account on the Day of Judgment," Jesus says in Matt. 12:36).

But the good news is, "if any man does not err in word, he is a perfect man and able also to control the whole body" (James 3:2–4), because the tongue is a very small rudder that turns a large ship.

There is great reward in watching our words. As we learn to really listen—to God and to others—and not let ourselves be easily angered, we become people of peace (Matt. 5:9). And while we may utter careless words at times, we can repent and ask God and others for forgiveness. We'll still feel angry at times—Jesus certainly did—and yet, the Bible tells us "be angry but do not sin" (Eph. 4:26). This can mean restraining our desire to lash out and refusing to vent all our frustration, in person or online.

The Christian walk isn't easy. Jesus said anyone wanting to follow Him would have to "count the cost," "deny themselves" and "take up his cross" (Luke 14:28 and 9:23), but the Holy Spirit is our promised helper (John 14:16). The Lord wants His people to resemble Him—"meek and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:29), not crying out in the streets or quarreling (Matt. 12:19) but quick to forgive (Luke 23:34).

The desire to listen and watch our words is a great way to do this.

You may want to pray a daily prayer like this:

"Father, I want to be like Jesus: quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. Please help me do this in every area of my life—at school, work, home, with friends and online. Wherever I go and whatever I say, give me Your words and peace. Help me, Holy Spirit, to tame my tongue. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Blessings to you as you walk toward the Lord, "who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or imagine" (Eph. 3:20). 

Question: What is one way you can start watching your words? Tell us on Facebook.

A Detroit native who was raised in Vermont and Connecticut, Adam Wittenbergworked as a newspaper journalist until 2012, when he moved to Kansas City to complete the Intro to IHOPKC internship. Afterwards, he earned a four-year certificate in House of Prayer Leadership from IHOPU and is now on full-time staff in the Marketing department at IHOPKC. Adam is also active in evangelism and has a vision to reach people everywhere with the good news of Jesus Christ.

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When You Can't Pray Anymore - LINDA WILSON CHARISMA NEWS

Before you give up thinking that this is not God's will, read this. (Charisma archives)

When You Can't Pray Anymore

 2/6/2016 LINDA WILSON  charisma news

What is your heart longing for? A godly mate? The return of a prodigal? A satisfying job? You are waiting. You are praying. You are fasting. You are forgiving. You are doing everything you know how to do, yet the longing remains unfulfilled. Hope deferred makes the heart sick (Prov. 13:12, NKJV).

I love this compelling Scripture: "You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing ... And, He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him (Ps. 145:16, 19, NKJV). You can trust the Lord God.

Launch Into the Deep  In Luke 5, we read the story of Simon Peter fishing. He had been up all night fishing and had caught nothing. NOTHING! He, a professional fisherman, had worked all night for nothing. His livelihood was fishing. His friends were into fishing. He lived in a fishing village. If anyone could make a catch, surely it was Peter. But he fished all night in vain.

You can easily relate to Peter. You have been up all night fishing unsuccessfully – the loneliness continues, the rebellious child has not returned home, the bills keep piling higher. ... and, you know how to fish! Your heart feels sick.

Jesus arrives on the scene. He is not known for being a bass pro. He was a carpenter's son from landlocked Nazareth. Jesus did not own a boat. Had He ever cast a net? In this fascinating story, He has the audacity to tell the fisherman two things to do – launch into the deep and let the nets down for a catch (Luke 5:4).

Might He be saying the same to you? Launch into the deep. Let your net down. What is this deep? What is the net you need to lay down? Can you trust Him with these most vulnerable heart longings? These questions demand an answer.

The Mighty Lion of Judah  Some years ago, I had a heavenly encounter in which I saw the Mighty Lion of Judah. He was a magnificent Lion, strong and all-powerful. He was slowly walking around His throne in heaven. In this encounter I knew deep in my being that He was fully aware of all things on earth, both good and bad. Yet, He was unshaken. The Lion of Judah was strong. He was in control. Following this experience I am much better at trusting Him regardless of what things look like in this physical realm. Dan (my husband) and I even had a serious car wreck in which we easily could have been killed. We were totally at peace as the car rolled again and again.

The Lion was there with us, fully in control. He was, He is, and He will be trustworthy.You can trust Him with the deep things – the wounds and disappointments in your past, the fears and uncertainties in your present, the heart desires and hopes for your future. Dare you launch into the deep?

Drop Your Nets – It's Fishing Season  And the nets? The secure nets – the default actions and reactions, the personal traditions and habits, the independent way of thinking – these nets need to be dropped. Letting down our nets releases another wave of insecurity or fear, doesn't it? Sometimes layer after layer of nets must be released until we get to the secure place of, yes, you guessed it – trust.

Peter reminded Jesus that they, the pros, had been fishing unsuccessfully all night long. Then he makes the all-important statement, "... at Your word I will let down the net" (Luke 5:5). And you know how this story ended, they caught a great number of fish, so many that their nets were breaking from the tremendous catch.

Simon Peter heard the clear directive given by Jesus. He immediately responded in spite of his own experience with fishing. He then pulled in a massive, astonishing load of fish. Peter's desire was abundantly fulfilled.

It is fishing season. The Holy Spirit is granting fishing licenses to all. Trust God in the deep. Release your net to Jesus. Listen. Hear. Obey. And, you will be astonished as you realize the desires of your heart. 

In Jesus' mighty name I decree:

• You will trust in the Lord, and He will give the desires of your heart (Ps. 37:3-4).

• As a righteous one, you will not lean on your own understanding, trusting God to direct your steps (Prov. 3:5-6).

• You will heed what you hear (Mark 4:24).

• You will hear swiftly (James 1:19).

• You will walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16).

Reprinted from The Elijah List. Linda Wilson, along with her husband Dan are the co-founders of Supernatural Marriage & Missions. They have taken their message of Spirit-led intimacy to numerous countries throughout the world in an effort to encourage the kingdom and prepare the bride for the bridegroom's return. Together they have published five books, including 7 Secrets of a Supernatural Marriage andLovemaking. Dr. Dan & Linda were also executive producers of the popular worship album "CHOSEN." The Wilsons have been happily married 34 years. Email Linda atinfo@supernatural-marriage.com.

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