“Silence of the Lambs”
Prayer
Good Morning! This morning I have been given the honor of imparting the word of God to others. James asked me to “preach” for Fathers Day! I immediately said “OK” but my heart and mind said, “can I really do this?” But I am reminded that with Christ I can do all things. So I stand here today to let you know there is a word from the Lord. The thought that I will share today is “Silence of the Lambs”. Now for some of you the first thought that popped into your head is the sinister/ psychodrama that the actor Anthony Perkings starred in. Please clear you mind of that thought—I would not give the devil honor by advertising a movie that was written to cause fear, confusion, and many of his other divices. I use this title because it speaks to us “the Lambs of Christ”. I also use this title without any disdain braces it is tine for the people to God to take back what the devil stole to use for our destruction.
My prayer this morning is that after hearing this word you will carefully consider when is it is time to be silent and listen and Reconsider your decisions to speak without considering silence. How many know there is power in silence. Your silence can symbolize strength, respect, meekness, knowledge, courage, forgiveness, obedience, acceptance, and wisdom. Often these virtues may not be intended but they are understood. But in all honesty these are my thoughts and opinions about silence, but what does God say?
The key verse this morning is taken from John 8:43 and it reads” Why do you not understand my speech? Because you are not able to listen to my word” I thank God for being one who loves and respects me with all of my frailties. In his awesomeness he still does not insult my minute intelligence by telling me what to think. This great God who is the creator of all thinks still wants to know what is on y mind. We all know that God knows everything so when he asks a question it is not because he NEEDS and answer. He wants us to reflect upon our actions and to help us to correct our rationale. John 8:43 tells me that if I don’t take the time to listen, I will miss hearing from God. We all know that it is quite difficult to talk and listen effectively at the same time. But what does God want us to hear? He has a specific and individual word for all of us in here. If we will listen and hear God, he will reveal all the good news and wise instruction we need. John 8:47 tells us that “He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear because you are not of God.” Now someone is saying, “wait a minuet, I know I am a Christian because I tell his word everywhere I go, I shout the victory over every situation, I sing of his goodness to all that I meet. But I don’t always hear from God. “ Well, While you are telling, shouting, and singing, you did not have time to listen. If you are of God you will do as he commanded and sometime of the day “be still and know that I am God”.
The book of Proverbs is very rich in wise instruction. This book was written by Solomon who was considered the wisest man who ever lived. Proverbs 10: 8 tells us “ the wise are glad to be instructed, but the babbling fools fall flat on their faces. “ This verse speaks to the “know it all’s” God considers you a “Babbling Fool” His word tells us to listen to instruction. The more you know the more you grow! There is no one in this room who can not improve from constructive advice. Verse 19 of that same chapter says” Don’t talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow!” Have you ever had the nicest person go on, and on, and on, and on, so long that you begin to think of all kinds of things that you could stuff in your ears or their mouth to get them to be quiet. You begin to think sinful thoughts or do sinful deeds to them because they talk too much. They may be giving good advice but after so long their voice becomes like a grinding flow of noise. (Mr. Moore Example) Take a moment to think of the person that gives you the best advice. Most likely they are a person they speaks few words but there is wisdom in every word. Proverbs 17 v27-28 says this” A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even tempered. Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. There is a saying that I like to use as food for thought. “ It is better to be thought of as a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”
To everything there is a season. Just as there is a time to keep silent there is a time to speak… those thinks that God would have us to say. Just as children we all know what not to do but lets talk about what to do. Take a minuet to think about the last time that you said words that were not pleasing to God. For example gossiping, lying, coveting, degrading others. What could you have said to uplift that person and God? God has better uses for our words. Before we talk to others we should talk to him through prayer. The bible tells us in Phillippians 4: 6-7 to “don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for what he has done. “ God has blessed us all beyond measure so if we act according to scripture, we wont have time to use our words in ways that don ‘t please God. And when we talk to others according to Psalms 146 v 11 we should talk together about the glory of God’s kingdom and celebrate examples of his power. This bible is full of about 4,000 years worth of examples of God glory we don’t have time to talk about anything else.
We don’t often realize how powerful our tongue can be. Some people have gained life in various areas because of our words. Others have died emotionally or mentally because of something we have said.
God wants us to use godly wisdom in the area of communication with others.
