The Words of My Mouth

By Gina Stinson

Praise, compliments, encouragement, lies, yelling, gossip, exaggeration, truth—all kinds of words that can come out of our mouths. It’s easy to see why we would need to join the Psalmist prayer for acceptable words to the Lord! The Bible warns us in the book of James about the daunting task of keeping our mouths under control. The job was tough then, and it’s tough now.

The verse is Psalms outlines the process pretty carefully. First, it talks about our physical and spiritual make-up—that battle between the flesh and the spirit—the tongue and the heart. There are so many times when the things we think about slip off our tongue with no thought. A word spoken in anger, gossip or a lie. There is almost always an aspect of regret or guilt after the words are spoken; and the heart plus the spoken word do not equal “acceptable in God’s sight.”

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Summer Clearance

It’s that time of year.  Stores are calling your name with signs that yell “Summer Clearance, Summer Markdowns, Summer Savings.”  But in reality, the message they are sending is “Summer’s Over.”  School starts in just a matter of days and routine will replace lazy days of summer.  It’s a fact.

We love summer because it gives us a change of pace.  Kids run wild, we vacation, we plan fun events…it’s a virtual party with spend-the-night guests and late nights.  The variety makes it fun and come February we are literally salivating on it’s memory.

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Trading My Sorrows

In a world where it’s easy to get caught up with dissatisfaction, complaining, grumbling, and despair, it’s reassuring to know God has a trade-in policy.  He has his own “cash for clunkers” deal!

If you’re feeling down, troubled, distressed or perplexed, God’s Word says you don’t have to feel despair.  Feeling persecuted?  Don’t…He’s not forsaken you.  Feeling cast down?  Don’t you know the end of the story…HE wins!

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Reminders

God has a gentle way of reminding us that He is in control. Last month in Beaumont, Texas a tornado popped up without any warning. The TV weathermen all tried to figure out how they didn’t see it coming. One of them finally admitted that sometimes things were out of their control.

Sometimes? 

Giving God control of all things…big or little makes life a little less stressful.  When you aren’t in control, your only obligation is to do what you’re told—to obey. Well, that’s exactly how it is with God. People ask “How do I know what God is telling me to do; how do I know what to obey?” When you begin reading God’s Word you become familiar with His voice, His commands, His Words, His direction. It doesn’t mean that you’ll never go another way, but it does mean He will guide you if you give Him control.  Just like the weathermen in Beaumont, don’t be surprised when God pops in and does something unexpected.  It’s just a reminder that in this world of crazy control freaks and manipulators, He really is still in charge of everything!

PRAYER: Thank You Father for Your guiding hand that controls my life.  Help me to submit to those things You allow and to learn from the valleys and the mountaintops.

“Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power,” Psalm 150:1 KJV.

Today’s devotion is by Gina Stinson, wife to Bruce, mom to Savannah and Tucker and publicist assistant for Kathy Carlton Willis Communications.  In her spare time you can find her blogging, gardening and working in her community and church. Check out her blog http://journalinggina.blogspot.com

Living it Up RV Style

My family is in the midst of a move. Our problem isn’t unique. Our previous home hasn’t sold and we aren’t in the position to purchase another home until that happens. Meanwhile God has provided us a wonderful RV for our family to live in during the waiting game.  Going from a modest middle class home to an RV has been easier than I ever imagined.  Albeit small, the home comes equipped with all our necessities. Air conditioning, hot water, refrigerator and other kitchen appliances and even two televisions! Wow…home sweet RV home. We’ve moved a week’s worth of clothing in and our toiletries and a few toys for the kids and we are set to make it for a while.

With all the modern conveniences we thought we had it made. I made advance preparations with groceries and toilet paper. We even waited one day before we moved in with the kids. Last Saturday night was our first night to spend the night. The kids were excited. We took our first showers, ironed clothes for the next day and took care of bedtime routines. Everyone was snuggled in bed.  We all fell asleep, slumbering like babies….until 2:00 a.m. when out of nowhere the loudest train ever made barreled through the city train tracks, located right behind the RV spot.  As you can imagine we were immediately awakened and nearly horrified. None of us had given thought to a train. We hadn’t prepared ourselves for the enormous noise and whistling.

The next night at bedtime, we talked about the train with the kids. We reminded them it would be loud and we assured them that nothing would happen to them. We went to bed prepared and even expecting of what was to come. That night when the train came through, the children slept through the same terrifying noises that woke them the night prior.

Isn’t that so like trusting children? Children who trust their parents, who believe they will be taken care of.  Shouldn’t that be how we are with our Heavenly Father? Shouldn’t we trust his guidance? Shouldn’t we know that He will take care of us? No amount of noise, hardship, disease, pain, divorce or finances can keep us from His care. Thankfully we can sleep easy when we trust in Him.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for the sweet slumber You offer Your children when we rest in You.  Thank You for protection and peace even in the midst of loud noises and big trains.

“When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet,” Proverbs 3:24 KJV.

Today’s devotion is by Gina Stinson, wife to Bruce, mom to Savannah and Tucker and publicist assistant for Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. In her spare time you can find her blogging, gardening and working in her community and church. Check out her blog http://journalinggina.blogspot.com

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