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the tongue


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#1 elizabethcog

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Posted 30 November 2011 - 04:44 PM

I have been reading and praying and considering my tongue.In the bible God explains how our tongue is such a small member of the body,and how we can use it for good which would be how a wise person would use it.Exercising caution and thoughts before speaking out or just speaking out to do harm and hurt whether in anger or in gossip which would fall under folly.I have even been actively practicing being silent too which I love because then I am really ready to listen and therefore learn.Jesus set the ultimate example in this and with His wise instructions as my model,I am better able to ultimately hear Him.I don't want to get in the way of His plan in my deeds and words so I amcontinuously praying for His loving guidance in taming my tongue.
Jesus and Jesus alone saves=D

#2 Travis Richey

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Posted 03 December 2011 - 10:59 AM

Luke 8:18 in the NIV reads, "Therefore consider carefully how you listen." Listening is something which most of us do not know how to do. What we consider listening, is actually just waiting your turn to talk again. It is interesting that most of us had to take at least one speech class before graduating high school, and again in college, but never in our education did we take a class in listening. And just as we need training for our work, for our tasks that we do, and for our walk with Christ....so we also need training (or at least practice) to learn how to listen effectively and correctly. As you have so wonderfully reminded us, much of listening begins with ceasing from talking...quieting our tongues long enough to hear. Jesus many times ended His teachings with "Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear". Seems we are commanded to listen, and yet my prayer times are mostly me talking, complaining, asking....and hardly ever being silent and listening. How can I hear an answer to prayer, when I'm not listening?
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#3 Joel Stoddert

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Posted 03 December 2011 - 09:37 PM

Luke 8:18 in the NIV reads, "Therefore consider carefully how you listen." Listening is something which most of us do not know how to do. What we consider listening, is actually just waiting your turn to talk again. It is interesting that most of us had to take at least one speech class before graduating high school, and again in college, but never in our education did we take a class in listening. And just as we need training for our work, for our tasks that we do, and for our walk with Christ....so we also need training (or at least practice) to learn how to listen effectively and correctly. As you have so wonderfully reminded us, much of listening begins with ceasing from talking...quieting our tongues long enough to hear. Jesus many times ended His teachings with "Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear". Seems we are commanded to listen, and yet my prayer times are mostly me talking, complaining, asking....and hardly ever being silent and listening. How can I hear an answer to prayer, when I'm not listening?



Well said, Travis. I've struggled with this issue over the years too.

#4 Rick Reed

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Posted 06 December 2011 - 05:46 AM

Luke 8:18 in the NIV reads, "Therefore consider carefully how you listen." Listening is something which most of us do not know how to do. What we consider listening, is actually just waiting your turn to talk again. It is interesting that most of us had to take at least one speech class before graduating high school, and again in college, but never in our education did we take a class in listening. And just as we need training for our work, for our tasks that we do, and for our walk with Christ....so we also need training (or at least practice) to learn how to listen effectively and correctly. As you have so wonderfully reminded us, much of listening begins with ceasing from talking...quieting our tongues long enough to hear. Jesus many times ended His teachings with "Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear". Seems we are commanded to listen, and yet my prayer times are mostly me talking, complaining, asking....and hardly ever being silent and listening. How can I hear an answer to prayer, when I'm not listening?



#5 Rick Reed

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Posted 06 December 2011 - 05:48 AM

Luke 8:18 in the NIV reads, "Therefore consider carefully how you listen." Listening is something which most of us do not know how to do. What we consider listening, is actually just waiting your turn to talk again. It is interesting that most of us had to take at least one speech class before graduating high school, and again in college, but never in our education did we take a class in listening. And just as we need training for our work, for our tasks that we do, and for our walk with Christ....so we also need training (or at least practice) to learn how to listen effectively and correctly. As you have so wonderfully reminded us, much of listening begins with ceasing from talking...quieting our tongues long enough to hear. Jesus many times ended His teachings with "Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear". Seems we are commanded to listen, and yet my prayer times are mostly me talking, complaining, asking....and hardly ever being silent and listening. How can I hear an answer to prayer, when I'm not listening?



#6 Rick Reed

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Posted 06 December 2011 - 05:50 AM

Such a good point, about waiting to speak being our idea of listening. Isaiah 41:1 tells us to listen in silence. My mouth might not be moving but my mind is so often filled with noise. That's not silence. Travis, thanks for the thought and thanks Elizabeth for the topic.