A SHINING LIGHT

TEXT: PROVERBS 12:17-28

KEY VERSE: “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad” (Proverbs 12:25)

The writer in this passage addresses the character of some individuals – how their attitude to life promotes or diminishes their worth. He talks about a diligent person who will always find food and the man who runs after fantasies and lacks good judgment. Whereas righteous men work for their food, the wicked would rather steal from others than work for honest wages. The writer also points out that a man must reap whatever he sows.

Nowadays, many people are depressed on account of the challenges of life. A large number of the people go into harmful practices while seeking solution to life’s challenges. Sadly, many seek solution the wrong way and from wrong sources. By so doing, they complicate their cases. The only sure refuge in time of trouble remains the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Many lives have been destroyed by wrong use of words. In these perilous times, the love of many is waxing cold; people are lovers of themselves and have no affection or regard for others; interpersonal relationships are going down the drain. People freely employ caustic against others. It is also sad to see that even within the Body of Christ, this insensitivity is manifest as so-called believers tear apart their brethren through uncharitable words.

These unchristian behaviours have destroyed the faith of many and have caused heaviness of heart to others. This is the reason some churches are becoming scanty and believers who were once vibrant are no longer showing interest in the things of God. It can be traced to the carefree attitude of some Christians who are detached from fellowship and see no reason to show the all-important christian love which soothes the wounded heart.

Let’s return to the cross for cleansing so that our first love for God and fellow men can be restored. Then, there will be revival!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: A soothing word doeth good like medicine.
COVER to COVER: EXADUS 7-9.

PONDER:
The text concentrate on the tongue - a small member of the body and its great effects on human.
1.Whatever comes out of the tongue is a function of the heart v20,23. Want your tongue to be moment by moment say the right? Deal with the heart first.

1. Deceit v17,20, painful words v18, lies v22, bragging v,23 are some of evil use of the tongue.
2. Speaking the truth v17, wise words v18, good words v25 are some good use of the tongue.
3. Check the blessings in the good use of the tongue and the dangers of bad use in the text.
4. The way you use your tongue is a matter of decision and choice. A wise person will surrender his/her tongue to God's use.

HYMN: Take my life

1. Take my life and let it be
   consecrated, Lord, to thee.
   Take my moments and my days;
   let them flow in endless praise,
   let them flow in endless praise.

2 Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee,
swift and beautiful for thee.

3 Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee,
filled with messages from thee.

4 Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose,
every power as thou shalt choose.

5 Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne,
it shall be thy royal throne.

6 Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee,
ever, only, all for thee.

PRAYER POINT:

1. Give me grace to do restitution where I have wrongly used my tongue.
2. Touch my heart and let me be careful henceforth not to allow my tongue to speak wrongs.
3. Lord, cancel by the blood of Jesus, all the effects of negative words working against my life and destiny.
4. Give the tongue that is rooted in perfect love to your children in the church.