Tell them to shut up.

DE20100921
(NLT)Matthew 15:11
It's not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth."

(NLT)Matthew 15:15-20
Then Peter said to Jesus, "Explain to us the parable that says people aren't defiled by what they eat." [16] "Don't you understand yet?" Jesus asked. [17] "Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer. [18] But the words you speak come from the heart-that's what defiles you. [19] For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. [20] These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you."

In our society the "heart" is the seat of emotion. Our emotions are effected by many things including, hormone levels, health and other circumstances. Our thoughts, if left unchecked are then effected by our emotions.

God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He, His promises, His commands remain constant no matter how bad we feel, no matter how bad our circumstances get, no matter what threats or temptations lay ahead. He is still God, still on the throne, still able to work all things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Emotions are fickle. They change fast and often and for those controlled by them their thoughts flip flop between opinions. They are double minded. Today "God is good", tomorrow, "He doesn't love me."

From the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.

Today, choose to take control for your thoughts by taking them to God's Word. God's Word is truth. Make and keep your heart pure by the power of the Word. At the gym where I work out there is a sign on the wall that says, "When your body starts screaming at you tell it to shut up." When your circumstances start screaming something other than God's truth, tell them to shut up. Take your thoughts back to the Word.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr.