I recall an older sitcom where the stereotyped ditzy blonde was being prepared to be on a television game show. And for every useless piece of information she gathered in to her mind in order to win, she lost a piece of useful information. By the end of the show she could barely remember to tie her shoes yet she won the grand prize of something like four years worth of canned tuna fish. Sad. I would have much preferred canned chicken myself
The apostle Paul said, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things and the God of peace will be with you" Philippians 4:8. That being said it also says in John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
I was reading that "of all the gifts given to mankind by God, there is none greater than the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit has many functions, roles, and activities. First, He does a work in the hearts of all people everywhere. Jesus told the disciples that He would send the Spirit into the world to “convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment” John 16:7-11. The Holy Spirit's primary task is in coming to glorify Christ. PoW! “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you” (John 16:14).
So you have all heard that "God is a jealous God" right?! Did you know, even though well intended, you actually grieve the Holy Spirit when you fill your conversations and prayers for others with stories and glories about the tribulations sent in affliction from the evil one. WHAT! ?! ummm... yes. Paul tells us not to "grieve the Holy Spirit" meaning "to pain, to hurt, to cause sorrow". When we as Christians allow negatives to be such a big part of our life, God is hurt and the indwelling Holy Spirit is affected by this attitude. And you are in the lineup to be put into a serious timeout. When one asks for prayer, pray to Jesus for them. Give Him the top billing as well as the total package. Do not make the whole prayer in honor of the devil and all the things that are wrong or going wrong.
Hence the series of the Lessons from the Jars! Jars Yes! The canning season is upon us and just as we put up seasonal goodies for the winter ahead it’s also a good time to remember to lay up our treasure in heaven. And with the right spices, accurate amounts and time and patience the pantry can be laid in waiting like treasures in Heaven.
So here's the deal... "check yourself" the Father says. "Put yourself together a swear jar. And start owning your conversations." For every time you speak of the devil or His minions, add coins to the jar. If you are talking about him how an you be talking about Jesus. And really, would you like it if your spouse spoke so often of their ex?
It is to be to Christ be the glory. Only. Forever and ever. Amen.
PS... the "I CANNOTs" cost double. And it looks like this story just cost me $2.
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