Join us for Day 12 of Soul Detox and then join us for discussion and community in the comments below!
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44 thoughts on "Day 12"
Day 12
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44 thoughts on "Day 12"
Verse 29 "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. " this is good.
After reading todays scripture I knew that I had to e more verbally life giving to my co-workers. I am in a new position as a team member in a job where I think I can sometimes feel like I am better than everyone else. It's easy to get carried away and brag about my accomplishments or judge others failures to feel better about myself. The truth is that I have skills that will make moving up at my company fairly easy and I know when the timing is right God will present me with such opportunities. I in no way need to partake in the cutting down or especially initiating in the judgement of my co-workers. Since starting this devo with you ladies I have become increasingly aware of my toxic thoughts and catch myself wanting to say something "unchristian" and I catch myself. Today though I found myself able to listen and encourage my co-workers without having to sensor myself. Today I was able to be the kind of Christian woman, friend, and co-worker that I want to be. I was proud of myself and I pray that I make God proud as well.
Wow!!!! I really respect ur honesty most of us go thro that and sometimes nt even knowing that we. R doing it. Believe me God is so proud of u and may his Grace continue to b with u
Ellen thank you so much for your honesty! It is inspiring to me to see you put your faith in action! I'm praying for you! And your family! And even your neighbor! Lol.
Wow. Just unbelievable!! This morning after I drove my daughter to the bus stop (its -12° in Minnesota!! Ugh!) I had seen a neighbor doing the same with his daughter. Now this particular fellow I don’t care for at ALL – he has said some pretty awful things about and to my kids, as they “play” with his daughter. (My kids are 12yr twins- 1girl, 1boy) As I’ve stated before, my son has Aspberger’s- autism spectrum disorder, and he was placed in the same math class as my neighbor’s daughter. This man then called the school and had her removed from the math class because ” she is NOT going to be in the same class as that retard down the street” and “what’s wrong with the school to put them in the same classes” and on and on. My son’s case mgr told me about this because the man made such a commotion about it and felt I should know that he has such animosity and distaste for my kids.
Well I don’t have to tell you what my “mother’s instinct” was, and it was only exasperated by the rude comments he made directly to the kids. Boy! Did I want a confrontation!! Hurt my kids, hurt me!
After I saw him at the bus stop this morning, I came in and to my oldest daughter said “even tho I still want to tell that man off, my bible study is about toxic words, their effect, and by being saved- I’m supposed to LOVE him!!” Oh my….
Then I sat down to read the devo for today. Imagine my surprise when reading “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger do not sin; do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” v.25-27 NIV
I had basically just said this same thing to my daughter. I think the Lord is telling me something!! I have to forgive this hurt to myself and to my kids.
I honestly don’t know. It seems this guy will always be the racist, degrading man I’ve known him to be. But if God is telling me this, there must be something that needs to be done.
Which then, I must let it go. Sisters, this rubs me the wrong way!! I used to delight in just this kind of situation- “righteously” telling someone off, cutting someone to shreds with words. Because didn’t he DESERVE it?? Being soo mean?! And I would be proud of getting the best of him, that I would put him in his place!! Especially since I’d had so much experience being wounded with words. I could give just as good as I got!
Now I’m kind of disgusted with myself. After all of the things I’ve learned here and how toxic those kinds of confrontations are. “Hurting people hurt people” stands out- I don’t know what has happened to this man to make him verbally attack KIDS, but it’s not my place to judge anymore. I can only control MYSELF, and not continue a toxic cycle that I don’t want to perpetuate any longer…
Time to put into practice v.29-32:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth…, Get rid of all the bitterness and rage…., Be kind and compassionate… forgiving…as in Christ, God forgave you”
Guess I’ve been told!!
Thank the good Lord I HAVE been told- what to do, and what NOT to do.
Thank you Jesus!!
AmyKelly- have an awesome weekend, supported by all of us!
Cynthia- LUV your comment about speaking as if Jesus were standing right beside you! Great!
Rwalkup520- Soo true “the way u talk to your kids becomes their inner voice” Beautiful!
Brandi- WOW!! 7 kids!?! Bless u!
Lisabethjean- Agree! When u become NEW, you can’t bring your sin WITH you!! We can’t pick and choose what sins are OK with God, that’s His job!
Have a blessed day or night Ladies!! :)
for some reason, the first part of this never posted… I am sorry.
these are the verses that spoke to me today.
29 Do not let any unwholesome takl come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
ladies, today I was very toxic, even to god. My braille display that I use with my iPhone stopped working. My iPhone will takl to me, but when I am reading the bible or when i need lyrics to sing in priase team, the braille display is a necessity. I can't listen and sing at the same time. so I was quite upset. I have an older device I can use, but it's very primitive and hard to set up, or more time consuming, and I didn't want to spend my whole Saturday preparing for sunday, since I also have to play for communion and have to prepare that as well. so I said to god, why now? I said to my husband that I didn't even want to go to church, didn't want to sing at all if I had to do it that way.
Continuing… I am ashamed now. now that everything is working. One of the techs who had a similar problem said we needed to contact the engineer of the unit, since the company I work for makes the product. he took it and found the problem as one that the firmware it was using is causing on some units. so he updated the firmware, and it is working now. but I could have handled it better and I know it. And the worst thing is, if it still weren't working, I'm not sure I would have come to that realization even still.
This is such a perfect Scripture for me today! I love how God does this. My oldest son, a believer, has chosen to take an unbeliever as his girlfriend. This has caused a rift between us and we have not spoken for months because of it. I have seeked guidance at my church, repented for my wrong actions, and God has restored communication with my son as of this week. As he prepares to tell me formally about this girl, this Scripture truly will help me with my response.
Whoever reads this comment, please pray for me that my response will be glorifying to God. Many thanks.
Praying for you. However hard it may be you need to allow Gods love to flow through you to them both. Remember what you say and do will have a big impact on this non Christian girlfriends perception of faith…
Happy Friday Ladies! lisabethjean – your comment about how churches bend over backwards to be politically correct is something that I have struggled with in the past and led me to leave a church that I loved and I am in a new church that I believe is leading me down the right path. I believe that this devotional study has been so timely in my life as I said before and it seems as though each day the scriptures have spoken to me – God meant for me to be a part of this study and to read this right now during this time of my life. He knew I needed it. The verse that spoke to me was vs 26: "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil" I have struggled with circumstances in my life and sometimes I have difficulty letting them go (especially as they pertain to work). I am realizing that my continued anger is sinful, even if someone else provokes me ~ Jesus would have me forgive 70 times 7 times. vs. 31 "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice." Convicted, convicted, convicted … I am a ragamuffin, but I know Jesus still loves me.
Great inspiring words today Ladies!
I loved the phrasing in the NLT version of verse 29 “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those that hear them”.
My husband & I run a business that focus’s on medical and church apparel. Quite frankly, the medical customers are far nicer than the church people . It has been my goal to touch the hearts of my church customers, and I’m feeling God is calling me in this endeavor. I have been also following the SRT’S Ephisians study, and so when this scripture came up here , after studying it this week in the other devo, I kinda get the idea God wants me to take note! Lol…
Dear Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you.
I lift all you ladies of SRT up in prayer. We are all so diverse, and yet we all are valued equally by our Holy Father. How beautiful and inspiring I find you all. Blessings.
Verses 20 – 24 really struck a note with me today: "…That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness…"
So many times I feel like our churches so bend over backwards to be accepting of all & perhaps a little "politically correct" that we neglect to teach this to new believers. We don't like to put off the old life which is being corrupted by deceitful desires. We don't want to be made new in the attitude of our minds. But here is a wondrous gift of a new self, one that was built to mirror our Father's true righteousness & holiness.
But praise God, if though Bible study & prayer we let Him renew our mind, we won't leave an inch for Satan to gain a foothold in our conversation.
I appreciate how straight forward it is. Simply, we know about Jesus and follow Him if we're Christians so should act accordingly. By simply obeying God's ways we'll be made new ( verse 23-24)!
Good morning sisters. I’m not sure what the devotion was my Bible version is not working this morning. From the posts I have read it sounds thought provoking.
I soooo have been enjoying this study. I need it. It really is what has kept me grounded.
On wed I turned 58, yea. I purposed n my heart to enjoy the day. I’m big on birthdays for me as well as others. But things, people with their toxic stuff kept trying to invade my space. Lol. I’d tell um I am not play n into that. But on yesterday I was bombarded with mess. Christian mess for me this is the worst kind. In leadership u see and hear everything but I draw the line n arguing in God’s house. I was so through, so beat down I was so tempted to pass out the website for SRT. So here I am this morning filled with these thoughts I don’t want, faced with peoples stuff! I feel so burdened down and what makes it so bad these burdens aren’t mine. I know that God has called me to this postion, so I know his grace is here. Hey but my thoughts toward this situation ain’t great.
Any body got any suggestions on how u can stay non toxic after listening to toxics all day.
This evening I will be joining a group of students,friends, and family at dinner to celebrate my birthday I refuse to allow stink n think n to ruin the day. Ladies thnkU for letting me vent.
Hey sister! It's hard isn't it – when you're trying so hard to honor the Lord, but the toxins are creeping in from all around us. There was a time in my life after our daughter passed away that I felt this particular spiritual battle very heavily – perhaps it was a different, but my wise friends advice might help you as well. She said, for this season (and how appropriately as the Lent season approaches!), to be crazy protective of your heart and mind. Every day things like television that might not normally affect you – even the news, just keep it off for a season. I used to love watching those crime drama tv shows, but I found that I was so stressed and toxic-feeling afterward that, for that season, I really needed to protect myself.
And while the eliminating of something is a great start, that time will fill up somehow. So she encouraged me to be intentional with that, too. Even if I wasn't filling every spare minute with Bible reading (though that is an important thing to do in this and every season!), I could have uplifting music playing in my home or scriptures posted around my house.
The Lord is good and He gives us good instruction. If you are needing some daily detox, BE INTENTIONAL about what you are putting into your body on your own time.
Blessings, sweet sister! Grace and peace – Raechel
As a Pastor's wife I would sometimes be so overloaded with the problems of others I could hardly bear it! A wise lady told me once to take them to The Lord all wrapped up in a blanket at the altar and hand them over to Him….let Him take care of them and I could stop worrying. I am not sure of your situation but on one occasion when our church was going through MAJOR trouble I could barely stand to walk through the doors because of the "stink" I determined the only way out was through praise. So that is exactly what I did. I ignored everything else and worshipped my way through every service and concentrated on The Lord. And I did the same thing at home. I started every day by throwing my hands up in the air and worshipping God. Total surrender, total praise, adoration, giving all I had to give and He poured back into me everything I needed to get through each and every day. Strength, hope, peace.
Sorry. Meant to push the like button. Praying for you. Happy birthday! Remember you are tearfully and wonderfully made!
Happy birthday to you, my dear friend!!
I wish I had an answer for you… I have taken a job within my church and both my husband and I struggle weekly with the politics of it all. It is a wonder anything gets done with all the cooks in the kitchen! But God has a plan and I trust Him completely.
I think how God hardened Pharaoh's heart. It made Moses job a lot more difficult, but in the end it was all to His glory. If it had been easy, the Egyptians would not have known His power. But with all the plagues, God was able to refute every one of their gods and prove himself the one true God. Within our modern church, there is often hardening of hearts or dragging of feet, but they will all be used to God's glory in some way. I am seeing it now in something we are going through in our own church.
I love music and I love to sing. When I leave those meetings, I pop in a cd or tune in to my favorite station and sing God's praises at the top of my lungs. It helps me to brush off the negative and keep going.
I'm lifting you up, my friend… Daily. I thank you for all you have said to me to build me up and I hope I can return the favor. Have a blessed, praise filled weekend!!!
What I LOVE about this verse set is verse 26. I think it is important to note that God doesn't tell us to not have bad emotions, such as anger. Instead, he tells us that those negative emotions and feelings should not rule our lives. This passage also reminds me of 1 Peter 4:3 "For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry." In the context, Peter urges us that we've already wasted enough of our lives partaking in sin. Now is the time to put on the new self! We need to put on the new self because our whole purpose is to glorify God, and we can't do that if we are caught up with ourselves or with others.
Who do you need to start speaking life-giving words to? How will you go about doing it?
I find this question hard, because I have distanced myself from people I have the most negative thoughts about. Because I no longer see or speak to them, I guess I need to speak life-giving in my heart first. Instead of "She's was my best friend and now she's getting drunk with that terrible boyfriend of hers." I should be PRAYING for her "God, please lead her back to you, and convict her of the sin she is in! Reconcile her to yourself."
How will I go about doing it? I'm not sure. Aside from spending more time with God reading His word, I know I won't just remember and say "I won't be negative anymore!" Any suggestions? Maybe the best way to start is to pray for the people I have the most trouble with in the morning, and have sticky note reminders about life-giving words. Any other suggestions?
I can completely relate, Emily. Unfortunately, my most difficult and negative relationships are within my family – making it twice as hard. I've committed to doing a 15 day relationship challenge that I found online. It's a daily devotional that focuses on changing you and how you relate to the person/people. It's simple and practical, and I have found it helpful. You can find it on this website: http://www.changemyrelationship.com/. Hope it helps!
Srt quite often do ‘lock screens’ which is basically bible verses as images to save onto your phone. There are loads of apps that can help you make them (I use phonto) perhaps save one onto your phone then every time you look at it you will remember the scripture.
"No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort. Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ."
Hateful feelings stir up in me when someone hurts me. But I am getting so much better at just releasing hurt immediately and not letting it take up residence in my heart. I feel so much kinder and tender-hearted when I don't take things so personally. Big step for me!
Wonderful reflections this a.m.! Great devotional questions, too. I need to speak more life-giving words to my husband. The “how” I’m going to do it it is a bit more challenging. Blessings to all you ladies today!
Another wonderful section of scripture to hold in our hearts today!
I recently was part of a women's discipleship group, and one of the things we discussed doing when we read scripture is to select one verse that stuck out most to you in the reading. Then, you journal about the verse, think about it, pray about it, and discern why you think it stands out the most, asking yourself what you think God is telling you through that verse. What does He want you to do, and how are you going to respond?
I love looking at scripture in that way, because I think it helps it to be truly living and active in my life. This morning, it was a very small snippet that really grabbed a hold of my heart: "to be made new in the attitude of your minds." For me, this is the key. To start each day with His truth and allow it to take root in my heart and my mind, as part of the continual renewal that's taking place. When we're relying on Him and His truth, our attitudes about everything are shaped. We allow Him to take all negative thoughts captive and make them obedient to Him. We don't fear; We trust. We allow His truth to be what we speak to lift up and encourage others. This morning, I'm reminded how important it is to pray daily about this and to continually put off the old self, allowing Him to keep renewing my mind and my spirit and shaping me into the woman He's created me to be.
If you're looking for a new way to engage with the scripture you're reading, I encourage you to give this a try. It's really changed the way I interact with His word. If you try it, let me know how it goes. I'd love to hear about your experience (and would love to hear what verse/verses stood out most to you!).
Great idea, Katie! This month I am focusing on Truth about myself and who God says I am, rather than the lies (and fears) I have let settle in my heart. Each day I'm going to read and meditate on a verse of Truth & Love, and I think intentionally rolling it over in my head and heart (as you mentioned above) is a great addition. Thanks so much for sharing!
This was such a great refresher for me this morning. I have been really stuggling with my kids. I have an almost 5 year old, a just 2 year old and a 3 1/2 month old. The older two fight constantly. Not just, "hey that's mine", but they scream at eachother. I am a SAHM and you can imagine after hours and hours of that I start screaming too. The mornings are always good, but by the time my husband gets home I feel like someone stuck me in the toaster and turned it on high. So, rwalkup520, I really liked your qote you used and I copied it down and put it on my fridge. Through what I read this morning I am encouraged, that no matter how my children behave, I will be their example of love with Love flowing through me. I will speak words that edify and build up because children are as arrows in a warriors hand. I don't think the arrows are for the warrior,but for the General. Thanks Ladies.
Praying that the Father will direct your steps today and magnify and bless your efforts as your parent those precious gifts He has given you. I have 7 of them. And remember well those days when it seemed all i did all day was get on to them! Prayer! Prayer! Prayer! He has given you the tools you need to accomplish this task. Praying for great peace and wisdom. I used to pray when mine were young that He would help me to discipline as He does. . ,with love, with wisdom, and with consistency . Will keep you in my prayers today my sister!
Again – great day of reflecting. For me, I thought of my kids. I saw a quote the other day and it came to mind as I reflected today. "The way you talk to your kids becomes their inner voice." Wow – that's pretty cool. Do I want to speak loving words into their heads? Or always be telling them what to do? I want to run discipline in our home – but at the same time, I do want to be filling their heads with love too. That's what I got from this. So important! Thank you all for praying for me yesterday. Really enjoying being part of this community!
Wow, that IS really cool rwalkup520! That is so true. I sound like my mother because that's the voice in my head from all those years, now it's my turn with my kids. What a huge blessing to learn this. Thank you thank you!!!!!!
Aww – thanks! Glad to now someone read what I wrote :) Hope you have a great day!
I am my brother’s (sister’s) keeper! Although I am only responsible for my behavior, I am responsible also how my behavior contributes to the behavior of those around me.
I do not have the right to do and say anything I please. It is important to always consider others. Who do I need to start speaking life-giving words to? How will I go about doing it?
I make a commitment to choose life today! I will make a conscious effort to speak words that edify. My conversations will be only that that I am able to speak if Jesus was standing or sitting right next to me.
Lord help me to be more like you. Instill in me your compassion and love to esteem others higher than I do myself. Give me eyes, ears, and a tongue that will give You praise honor, and glory. Amen.
Claire, those were the 2 verses that jumped off the page for me too! AmyKelly.. thank you for sharing so openly. I am praying for you this weekend. love & blessings to all
Amen, Autumn!! Loved what you said!
I can relate to both Claire and Autumn. I used to be the positive, self-confident person that was hardly ever negative. But after all that happened in my life last year, I found myself filled with negative thoughts (almost entirely about myself) and fighting depression and pain. God has done an amazing turn in my life. I am still fighting off those toxic thoughts, but I feel more prepared for that battle than I did before… Thanks to all my new sisters here!
Claire, the same two verses stuck with me too. It means the world to me that I can be considered… No that I AM a new creation in Christ. I can shed the old life and leave it behind. And that I can be forgiven for all that I've done not only gives me hope and peace, but I fills me with joy and makes me sing God's praises each and ever day.
Sisters, I still struggle. I thank you so much for all your prayers earlier this week. To be frank, this past weekend was exactly one year since everything happened. God pulled all of us through, like He promised He would. But this weekend, all my former friends… The friends I lost because of my sin… They are all going on a retreat that we all used to go on together. The devil is using this to try and attack me… But I am arming myself with scripture for the day as I type this. It has been hard living the last year without friends to talk to, but I see God's purpose in it all. I have become so much closer to Him than I ever was before. And my study of the Word was practically nonexistent before. I cannot wallow in self pity when I see all that He has done and is doing in me.
God, thank you that you make all things new! Thank you that you make us all new creations! Thank you for absolving me of my past and giving me a future of hope! Thank you for dear sisters to fellowship with and to study your word. They build me up and keep me going. Help us all, Lord, to bridle our tongues and to offer words of encouragement to others so that someone else can come to know Jesus through us.
Have a great day, my friends!!
Praying for you!!!
Saying a prayer for you, right now this morning. Praying God gives you a spirit of strength this weekend, and that His Spirit protects your heart and your mind from toxic thoughts and feelings. I pray He fills your heart with joy and that you sense His presence with you this weekend in amazing ways.
AmyKelly may God bless you with your own "retreat" in HIM this weekend through the Word and Worship! That is where you will gain your strength! Get alone with God and just thank Him for the difference He has made in YOUR life this past year and let His presence wash over you and strengthen you in the Holy Spirit. Blessings!
Praying for you! Wishing you a spirit of peace and fulfillment in HIM this weekend! Keep us posted through the weekend! :)
Ooops, typo there…that should say Eph4:22-24. And, somehow missed out verse 23 – which is: "And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude]", ….that's what I get for copying and pasting, lol!
"Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it." – Eph 4:29 AMP Wow, what a challenging verse this is! See, unlike Claire there above me, I am not a naturally positive person – my flesh is VERY negative: I struggle with depression and have to really work at being positive, and – as I have mentioned before – I struggle to actually enjoy life as opposed to just enduring it. But, praise be to God, he gives more and more grace to help me overcome the evil tendency to be negative in my thinking and speaking. But, wow… here where it says let NO foul, poluting, unwholesome, worthless talk EVER come out of your mouth, but ONLY what ministers grace… well, if it wasn't for the grace of God, I know that this would be, for me, a total pipe dream. I can't do this in my flesh… but, I find such hope in the previous verses:
"Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness." – Eph 4:22-14
This refutes Satan's lie that "I just can't change; this is just the way I am", and it shows it to be a delusion (love that word – it really hit me between the eyes and right in the heart). Maybe my flesh is negative and naturally feels, thinks and speaks negative, toxic things, but God didn't create me to be negative and despairing: my real self, my true (re-created in Christ) spirit, is made in God's image and can be positive, can think and speak positvely – Hallelujah! Because I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me, therefore I can strip myself of the old, be continually renewed in the sprit of my mind (I can change, I AM changing); I am putting on the new and can, therefore, think and speak right things, good things, GOD things over my life and the lives of others.
Amen to everything you just said!
Hallelujah indeed! I can relate to every one of the feelings you described. Praise God and His grace for working in me and helping me achieve what these verses say! Praying for you sister! :)
Wow! this was so encouraging! I, too, tend to be negative.
Wow what a fantastic encouragement today! I have enjoyed this study so far but as a positive person have found it hard to focus on the negative side of our lives so much, although I know it is vital we address these things! Today for me was great to think about what we should do not what we should not do. 2 awesome verses that I took away from the passage were
Ephesians 4:24, 32 NIV
24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
I completely agree!!! Couldn't have said it better :)