Gossip Girls and Boys Ephesians 4:29

"Do not let any unwholesome talk 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." I told you yesterday God is leading me in this area so it came as no surprise when I came across this verse.

I have over the years participated in GOSSIP. Good and bad, hurtful, behind the back gossip of any kind is detrimental not only to the people involved but to building a stronger relationship with God. Its hard to remember that when we are hurt or upset with someone, jealous or angry, those thoughts and feelings are against one of God's children. Christian or not...Buddhist, athiesist, Muslim, we are all God's children. Chinese, African American, Spanish...you get the idea...we are all God's Children. Tall, short, fat, alcoholic, addict. We are all God's children.

So, when we have negative thoughts we are not only hurting relationships but hurting God as well. He aches when he hears us and when we particpate. Over the years I have removed myself from those opportunities, but every once in awhile, I walk into a situation where someone is talking about someone else. My reaction is to listen without saying words, or in some cases to offer another point of view. In any event I am still participating. It takes courage to say..."This is gossip and not healthy for the organization, community, church". Sometimes its uncomfortable and I feel as though by commenting in that fashion I won't be liked any more. It's a difficult task for me but one that I feel I need to work on.

Watch your self over the next month, how many times do you find yourself drawn into a situation where you know the conversation is being heard by God and he is aching over it? Think about how you can change the world one conversation at a time by ending the conversation or making others aware of the damage it is causing.

I The Lord, Do Not Change. Malachi 3:6

What an amazing realization. To know that in the midst of all I face you are there, never changing. The constant, The Truth, The Way. When things seem to be at their worst for me, I am comforted knowing that you never change. I don't have to guess your thoughts, words, actions, deeds. I don't have to question your motives. All I have to do is honor you. You never change, and you are with me always.

Lord, each day I see your hands at work in my life. You are leading me day by day, verse by verse to be an authentic woman. I am learning about who I am, and how important it is for me to seek you always. Its interesting that often times the way you work in me, the outcomes, my responses are so different from the norm in this world, and people have a difficult time believing the choices I make. I even look at them sometimes in disbelief.

There is alot going on in my life and at the end of the day or in the midst of time where I don't think things are going to work out, I am frustrated, or saddened, I am reminded of this verse. You never change. You didn't move. I may have but you did not.

Today I had some challenges at work, and you blessed me with solutions. I know that I have to participate and honor you with hard work, and I know that I will not always receive the blessings in the way I would like, or desire. But I know you are at work all throughout my life and its a liberating feeling knowing that you are with me always. It sometimes seems unreal, and I know that people often times don't believe the depth and detail that I find you involved in my life, but I know that you are. To be able to be appreciative of the good things you bring my way takes the responsibility and the ego out of the way as we continue this journey. I don't know the plans you have for me Lord, and I know that I don't need to know, that the journey is one taken blindly and reliant solely on your promise, my faith, and my acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Son and my saviour. It enables me to focus on honoring you which will always result in a greater good.

Does all this sound to much? Too corny? Perhaps for some Lord, but I profess my faith and trust in you. I have witnessed your blessings in so many ways that I could never take credit for your actions in my life. It is all you. I just had to be obedient and honoring.

Thank you for never changing. Thank you for understanding my shortcomings and still working with me to become a better, God fearing woman. I know I won't get it all right all the time, but I do know that you promise blessings beyond understanding for those who honor you. You never change.

Day Three...

Dear Father, Last night I came home feeling lost, frustrated and alone because I am unsure and uncomfortable in my work surroundings. I feel fear of this new unknown. People around me seem to be isolating themselves, or insulating themselves from the surroundings. I seem to be in a non participatory environment. People don't want to communicate, support or work together for a common good. That is how I feel. Are my feelings right and just Lord?

You directed me to several passages: Proverbs 6:15, 18-23, 7-8. You immediately brought to my attention my actions, my words, my responsibilities while also acknowledging that you are giving me the wisdom to act accordingly. It seems difficult for me right now to have the wisdom and be aware of what is going on around me at the same time trusting in you to deal with it as part of your promise to me. My desire or first response is to react, or act on the issue. Solve the problem, defend myself and many times defend and protect others and you are telling me to simple focus on my job, be obedient and focused. I guess I can see that by focusing on others and actions of many I reduce my effectiveness in my own job. By focusing on my work and my responsibilities I will be responding to you and your plans for me, This is such a challenge and a struggle for me Lord. This is big. I always feel the need to protect myself, justify what is going on, find the reasoning behind it, try to solve it (unsuccessfully I might add!) I come to you again in prayer asking you to change me Lord. Today let me be totally focused on my job and not get entrenched in gossip and what on the surface appears to be wise words from above when in fact its masked as leadership and is exactly what others are doing, gossiping, creating doubt and ill will. Its not up to me to find the reasoning behind others actions, yet the wisdom you give me can help me to react and respond according to your will. Right now, you are asking me to "Be Still and Know that you are GOD. Thank you my dear father. Teach me to focuse on and listen to you. AMEN