Jul 30th, 2013 Just for Ladies – by Camille Stahl

Today’s Passage – Isaiah 1 – 4 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Luke 15 – 16; Psalms 141 – 145; Proverbs 30)

Scripture Memorization for June – Great Commission Verses

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – 1 John 4:7 & 8

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “Rest for the Busiest People“

Read the “0730 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

A Study of the Women of the Bible

Tryphena, Tryphosa and Persis – Unknown Workers For the Lord.

“Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord.  Salute the beloved Persis which laboured much in the Lord.” (Romans 16:12)

In Romans 16, we read Paul’s salutation to many co-laborers in Christ. In verse 12, Paul mentions three women friend: Tryphena, Tryhosa and Persis.  We don’t know what they did to help build the Roman church, but it states they laboured in the Lord.  Were they leading people to Christ?  Did they suffer great persecution?  Were they teachers?  Paul only said they were hard workers.

When I first got saved, I remember meeting so many ladies of the church who were important to the ministry.  The Sunday School teachers, the secretaries, and the bus workers. The first time I went to a ladies conference I thought how important the speaker was to God for Him to use her in that great way.  I thought how special and important to God the missionary and Pastor’s wife must be. Everyone looked up semenax works to them, they were the leaders and were important to God. I wanted to be important to God, to please Him and for Him to be proud of me!  I wanted my name in lights too!  Not for man, but for God!   Don’t misunderstand, we all want and sometimes need that little pat on the back. We all want our name called by the Preacher when credits are anounced. And God forbid if he forgets a name!!  We labor long and hard for the cause of Christ. But lets be honest and ask ourselves if we are doing it for attention or would we be content if no one knew what role we play in our labor for the Lord. These three ladies just labored and yet God allowed their names to be written for all to read.

I love that God uses and remembers the unknown.  Not everyone can be the “front-line person”.  There are many, many people behind the scenes.  They are just as important because without them the person in front could not complete their task.  In eternity, we’ll meet many believers who were used of the Lord to build His Church.  Are they any less important because no one praised them?  God’s rewards in heaven will not short-change anyone; even giving a cup of cold water will receive its reward.  So, no matter what role you play in the service to the King, be content and wait.  Your reward is waiting.  God is watching.  He loves you more than you can imagine.

Thank You

1 John 5:13

Jul 23rd, 2013 JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL

Today’s Passage – Proverbs 25 – 27 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Luke 1 – 2; Psalms 111 – 115; Proverbs 23)

Scripture Memorization for June – Great Commission Verses

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Micah 6:8

Read a great article by Brother John Goetsch – “Uncola Christianity – 7 Ingredients To Add To Your Faith“

Read the “0723 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

A Study Of Women In The Bible

She Never Gave Up  –  The Woman Who Touched Jesus’ Garment

“And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” (Mark 5:25-34)

Twelve years of suffering from bleeding. Her emotional and physical needs were great. Not only had her body endured misery, but also because of the law, she was unclean. This had made her an outcast to her people. She was lonely. Twelve years of Doctors poking and prodding, trying to figure out what was wrong. Twelve years of working hard to earn money, just to give it all away. Then she heard of Jesus’ healing touch. With one last effort she had to see him. She had nothing to offer Him. No money, no hope, no importance.  But she had to press on. She finally got to the place where Jesus was. There were people everywhere. She could barely see him, but she had to press on. She knew she had to touch his robe. She wasn’t very strong but she pushed and pushed her way through the crowd. Everyone was crying out the name “Jesus”.

“And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.” (Matthew 9:20-21)

Then finally, maybe when crawling, she reached out and touched the hem of His robe. She was healed! What a thrill! What all the doctors could not do was accomplished by a touch of Jesus’ robe, all because she did not give up.

Now you ask yourself why the picture of the ants for this study. While on vacation camping, I learned something from watching ants. No matter what comes their way, they just keep going forward.  I was lying down in the camper and I notice an ant walking on the canvas roof.  When I tried to flick it off, it continued to walk up the roof. I flick it again. The ant did the same thing. No matter how many times I tried to flick it off, it just continued to walk up the roof. Also, while sweeping off the outside carpet, I notice the same thing happening. No matter how many times I swept an ant off the carpet, it walked back on. It just kept pressing on to get to where it was going.

Like the picture above, the rock didn’t stop the ants from going where it wanted; they just walk over or around it. Ever notice when ants are building an ant hole, that if you step on it, they never miss a beat. They pick up that next grain of sand and start building the hole again.

Many times in life we come across obstacles. When they come, we want to quit. Sickness, finances, health, relationships. The list goes on. Do you stop and give up? Or do you pick yourself up and move on? Keep your eyes on the goal. Keep pressing towards the mark. If the woman never pressed to touch Jesus, she would have never been healed.

How about you? Quit or move on for God? It’s your choice. Choose wisely.

Thank You

1 John 5:13

Jul 16th, 2013 Just for Ladies – by Camille Stahl

Euodias and Syntyche

Today’s Passage –Proverbs 4 – 6 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Mark 3 – 4; Psalms 76 – 80; Proverbs 16)

Scripture Memorization for June – Great Commission Verses

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 92:1 – 4

Read a great article by Brother Rick Houk – “Keeping It Fresh – Summer Bible Study“

Read the “0716 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

A Study of Women in the Bible

“I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.” (Philippians 4:2-3)

Two Christian ladies got into an argument about how they should help Philippi. Maybe it was about the color of the walls or what flowers should be planted outside. It didn’t have to be a large issue that started their disagreement, but it clearly affected the whole congregation.

Faithful Christians don’t always agree. Sometimes their personal preferences don’t align perfectly, and that can cause stress and contention. It does not mean that either has given up the faith. All believers need to “agree to disagree in love”. Personal preferences should not hurt the cause of Christ.

When you have a difference of opinion with another believer in your congregation, do you deal with it in love, or does it become an opportunity to battle each other? Remember new believers are watching. You don’t have to love everything your brother or sister does, just agree with that person that in Christ you will work together for His kingdom, and not your own.

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

Thank You

1 John 5:13 – 14

Jul 9th, 2013 JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL

Today’s Reading – Psalms 115 – 118 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 17 – 18; Psalms 41 – 45; Proverbs 9)

Scripture Memorization for June – Great Commission Verses

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 47:1

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “Standing on the Promises“

Read the “0709 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

A Study Of Women In The Bible

Peter’s Mother-In-Law

You think ‘No big deal. Just a little fever.  Take an antibiotic and call me in the morning’.  But remember, antibiotic’s were not invented yet.  High fevers then, could be deadly.  Simon, who Jesus later named Peter, knew who to send for,  Jesus, the Master.  Jesus commanded the fever to leave and immediately it left the woman who is known only by her relationship to Peter.  As soon as she felt the change in her health, she ministered to them.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  (Matthew 11:28-30)

Most will wake up in the morning not wanting to face the day because of some kind of pain.  Go to God for encouragement.  Be like Peter’s mother-in-law.  Get up and serve HIM.  Serving Jesus Christ is our praise for all He’s done for us.

Jul 2nd, 2013 JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL

Today’s Reading – Psalms 80 – 85 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 3 – 4; Psalms 6 – 10; Proverbs 2)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Joshua 1:8

Read a great article from Ministry 127 by Pastor Paul Chappell – “Striving Together“

Read the “0702 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from today’s reading passage – “Visit This Vine”

A Study of Women in the Bible

This Week – Lot’s Wife

“Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:24-26)

Lot’s wife is not mentioned in the Bible account of Abraham’s family as they journeyed from Ur of the Chaldees, or as they left Canaan to go down into Egypt. The first mention of her is at Sodom. This could mean that she was from Canaan or perhaps she was from Sodom. Regardless of where she was born, Lot and his wife had two daughters who left Sodom with them, and at least two other daughters who, along with their husbands and possibly children, refused to leave. We do know that in Genesis 18:32, God’s promise to Abraham was not to destroy the city for the sake of 10 righteous. This could have included all of the family of Lot if they were, in fact, all saved. Apparently Lot’s family was not.

Lot’s wife was a privileged woman. She was married to a “righteous man”. Genesis 13:12 says, “Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.” Just a side note, in the very next chapter of Genesis the Bible says, “And they took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.” Notice it says “in Sodom”. Anyway, there was very little chance that Lot’s wife would be able to withstand the evil of Sodom unless she was very strong in the Lord. It reminds me of 1 Corinthians 15:33, which states: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”

Lot’s wife was warned of the coming danger from God Himself.

“And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place:  For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.” (Genesis 19:12-13)

Whether she really believed it or not, she did follow her husband and left. When leaving, she must have heard the cries of the people when fire and brimstone fell from Heaven. Her heart must have broken as she thought of her daughters and possible grandchildren being destroyed. But then she committed the sin. She looked back.

In our day, we have a tendency to minimize and downplay sin and its consequences. The consequence of sin without Christ is death.

As you may already know, last week many states in our country passed a law for same sex marriage.  Just like Lot’s wife we have been warned.  Time is short and Christ will return.   Christian liberty will soon be taken away.  Preaching against sin will no longer be allowed.  The sins of the world will be viewed as being ‘correct’.  The public schools are already teaching our children that living contrary to God’s word should be accepted.  By no means am I saying that we should ever be unkind to anyone. Love the sinner, hate the sin.  Remember Christ died for everyone.  But we need to share the Gospel to win the lost and teach them what the Bible says.  If Lot and his wife stood strong in the faith and shared the love of Jehovah God, there would have been more then ten.  Sodom and Gomorrah would have been spared.

Can we tell God that we found ten?  Don’t be afraid.  Get yourself some tracks, tell people about Jesus and bring your ten or more.

“Rushing wind blow through this temple. Blowing out the dust within. Come and breathe your breath upon me, I’ve been born again. Holy Spirit, I surrender, take me where you want to go. Plunge me by your living water, plant me deep, so I can grow. Jesus, your the One, who set my spirit free. Use me Lord glorify, your Holy name through me. Separate me from this world Lord, sanctify my life for you. Daily change me to your image, help me bear good fruit. Everyday your drawing closer, trials come to test my faith. But when all is said and done Lord, you know, it’s been worth the wait.” (Keith Green)

Thank You and God Bless

1 John 5:13

Jun 25th, 2013 JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL

Today’s Reading –  Psalms 46 – 50 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Revelation 1 – 3; Psalms 121 – 125; Proverbs 25)

Scripture Memorization for June – Verses Supporting an Unlimited Atonement

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Ephesians 4:32 (slower version)

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “Everyday Legacy“

Read the  “0625 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

A Study Of Women In The Bible

Gomer, Loved By Her Husband Hosea

“The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD. So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; which conceived, and bare him a son.”  (Hosea 1:2-3)

Last week we studied Leah, a woman who was unloved by her husband and stayed trued to him.  Today we’re going to take a look at Gomer who was loved by her husband and was unfaithful.

It almost seems strange that God would ask a prophet to marry a faithless harlot.  But God had a plan.  He wanted to show Israel just what their unfaithfulness to Him looked like.  So He gave His people a practical view of it by having the prophet marry a woman who would seek out other men and bear illegitimate children.

Gomer gave birth to Jezreel, which means God scatters; Lo-Ruhamah, which means not loved; and Lo-Ammi, that means not my people.  Sometime after, following their birth, Gomer left her husband to live as a prostitute. After all her wild living, Gomer ended up a slave.  But God commanded the prophet to love her again. Hosea was obedient to God and brought her back just as Jesus brought us out of our sin.

This past Saturday night, my husband and I went to see Cirque du Soleil in Camden, NJ.  After the show we decided to ride past the home we owned in the Gloucester City, the next town over. Instead of traveling on the main highway, we went through the center of Camden.  The sights were as sad as they were last time we were there.  We passed several prostitutes. Then at a red light, I noticed a woman walking on the other side of the road where another car was coming from the opposit way of us. Needless to say she got in the car. This was not the first time I saw this, but this time I was angry. I could not get the thought out of my mind. Why would someone do that? I wanted to stop their car, pull her out, and smack the two guys upside the head (in a Christ like way). The more I thought about the question “Why?”, the more I realized it was because of love. There was a lack of love in her life somewhere. Yes maybe she was trying to get money for drugs or liquor, but when you come right down to it, it was love she was craving. People try to satisfy love with sex, crime, overspending, not loving self, and the list goes on. Because of the lack of love a person can become lonely, angry, critical, absorbed with self; or they try to buy love.  There is nothing that can take the place of love. Where do we find this love? Jesus Christ. Only He can satisfy the true love we crave. When we look to him for love He will heal our hurting heart.  He will build in us self worth.  We will feel complete.  We will begin to love others and forgive those who may have wronged us.  Only His love will empower us to develop an intimate relationship with others and to serve them. Love is an unselfish sacrificial giving of one’s self. Hosea was like that. Inspite of what his wife did, he still loved her and took her back as the Lord asked him to do. But you ask why did Gomer go in the wrong direction and then stay there?  Some people feel unworthy to be loved. Remember she came from a heathen nation. Maybe she felt unloved by the people around her. Many times people who are in a bad situation stay there because they feel stuck. They feel as if there is no way out, and they’ll do anything to be accepted.

Time is short. The return of Christ for His bride is near. I believe a great revival will take place and our churches will be filled with the “unloveables”. Busses will be full of little ones who’ll write in or tear out pages in the song books. They’ll throw paper on the floor or stop up the bathroom bowl. They’ll be disrespectful to an adult or pick a fight with their classmate. They’ll be the ones who never heard a parent say “I love you”.  Maybe that was Gomer.

Will you share a little love with someone? Will you take the time to point someone to our Lord and Saviour no matter who they are?

Thank You

1 John 5:13

Jun 18th, 2013 JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL

Today’s Reading – Psalms 9 – 16 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Hebrews 5 – 8; Psalms 86 – 90; Proverbs 18)

Scripture Memorization for June – Verses Supporting an Unlimited Atonement

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Proverbs 3:5 & 6

Read a great article by Pastor Paul Chappell – “Everyday Legacy“

Read the  “0618 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from today’sBible reading  passage – “Does God See?“

A Study Of Women In The Bible

Leah, A Woman Whose Unhappy Marriage Became God’s Blessing To Humanity

And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter. And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me. And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her. And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her. And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast. And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her. And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid. And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me? And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years. And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also. And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her maid. And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years. (Genesis 29:18-30)

Every young girl dreams of the day she will meet the love of her life and marry him.  Leah’s dreams fell to pieces when she learned that the man she was forced to marry did not love her at all, but rather loved her sister.  Against all hope she lay with her bridegroom dreading the hour of truth, the break of day.  Just as she anticipated, Jacob  ran to his father-in-law in a rage.  Leah no doubt understood Jacob’s sense of betrayal.  She knew she meant nothing to him, even though she cared deeply for him.  There was no turning back now.

And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years. And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren. And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me. And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon. And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi. And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing. (Genesis 29:30-35)

Here we see God giving balance to the unbalanced family.  Rachel was loved but barren, Leah was unloved but brought forth children first.  She named her first son Reuben, which meant “He has seen my affliction.”  Her second son was named Simeon, which meant “the Lord has heard.”  Leah had a close relationship with God, and God blessed her.  She did not become proud when Rachel was childless, but remained humble despite her sister’s envy.

Leah may have been the most unloved woman of the Bible.  Through no fault of her own, she never had her husband’s affection, only his children.  Even her conniving father didn’t care for her. But Leah shows us what God can do, even with a hurting heart. Because of Leah’s dedication to God, she was blessed with having six sons.  One was in the line of Christ.

God can also take our less-then-perfect lives and make them perfect in Him.  We may never get all the human love and attention we’d like, but He’ll always draw us near to His side. Isn’t that where we really want to be anyway?

Never give up – Serve Him!

Thank You

1 John 5:13

Jun 11th, 2013 JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL

Today’s Reading – Job 22 – 26 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – 1 Thessalonians 1 – 5; Psalms 51 – 55;Proverbs 11)

Scripture Memorization for June – Verses Supporting an Unlimited Atonement

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 61:1 – 3

Read a great article by Pastor Cary Schmidt – “Wait Before You Step Out“

Read the “0611 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a post from this morning’s Bible Reading passage – “Gold”

A Study Of Women In The Bible

“Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh down with her hands.” Proverbs 14:1

What do our families see when they look at our hands?  We use our hands for many purposes.   We go to work and use our hands.  Later we come home and count what we earned to see what we can give back to the Lord, and buy what we need, and pay our bills.  We may have hobbies such as gardening, sewing, knitting, painting….. all which is used to build the house and a strong family.  Our hands should be a great blessing to our family.  They should be used to love, comfort and serve those around us.  Our hands are used to hold our Bibles, and are folded when in prayer.  They are used as an example of what our children’s hands should do someday.

Many families are brought to ruin by the foolish use of  hands.   A foolish woman has no fear of God.  No Bible reading or praying.  Her money is wasted on indulgences and for the ‘ease of life’.   The once embracing warm arms and hands are now being used to push her family away.  She uses her fingers for texting, while her family waits for them for help.  The hands of a foolish woman are no longer cooking for her family.  She waves her hands towards her family members, and says “Go away and leave me alone”.   Oh, on the outside her hands are bathed in soft hand cream and she’ll have them manicured, but they’re not serving.

What are your hands doing?  Who are they serving?  Others or self?

“I Washed My Hands This Morning”

(A children’s Christian hymn – witten by Lucinda M. Beal Bateman.)

I washed my hands this morning
So very clean and bright
And lent them both to Jesus
To work for Him till night

Little feet, be careful
Where you take me to
Anything for Jesus
Only let me do.

My eyes are set to watch them
About their work or play
To keep them out of mischief
For Jesus’ sake all day

Thank You

1 John 5:13

Jun 4th, 2013 JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL

Today’s Reading – Esther 6 – 10 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – 2 Corinthians 9 – 13, Psalms 16 – 20;Proverbs 4)

Scripture Memorization for June – Verses Supporting an Unlimited Atonement

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Psalm 25

Read a great article by Pastor Cary Schmidt – “The Power of Biblical Affirmation“

Read the “0604 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “Sometimes We Reap More Than We Sow“

A Study Of Women In The Bible

Herodias and Salome – More Bad Babes Of The Bible

“And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.” (Mark 6:21-25)

Herodias, who was married to her uncle, Herod Philip, went to Rome and met Herod Antipas, Philip’s brother, a tetrarch of Galilee.  She later left Philip and married Antipas.  When John the Baptist told Herod the marriage was unlawful, Herodias wanted to get rid of him.  She had great hatred towards John the Baptist.  So she manipulated her daugther Salome to ask for John the Baptist’s head.  Very bad advice to give her daugther.  She could of had anything up to half the kingdom.  I wonder what Salome would have asked for if she made her own decision.

These verses makes me think of how important it is to guard our words.  Regardless of what the situation is, we must watch our lips.  It shouldn’t have mattered that Herodias was so angry, her words changed the direction of not only herself, but of her daugther and John the Baptist.   It’s not only our children hear our lose lips, but so do others.  Our words effect all who hear it.  Have you ever said something about someone (ie. Oh, did you know so and so did such and such) later to find out they got right?  When they got right did you go back to the ones you told, and told them that they got right?  Usually not.  Those few words you spoke could change an opinion of someone.  Our mother’s were right when they taught us ‘If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say nothing at all.

I would like to share some verses about our speech.  I pray they will help.

“Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.” (James 3:10-12)

“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” (Matthew 15:8)

“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.  In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:18-19)

“Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.” (Proverbs 4:24)

“Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.” (Proverbs 24:28)

“Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.” (Psalms 34:13)

“He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.” (Proverbs 20:19)

In closing just remember, we can never take back that which has already been said.

Thank You

1 John 5:13