Post by mommadee48 on May 24, 2023 13:00:03 GMT -5
"BECAUSE YOU SAID THIS"
Dear Friends, brother's and sister's.
Sometimes we say things off the top of our heads without first checking down on the inside to see what our hearts are telling us. It would be wise to look inwardly and pay attention to see what our hearts are telling us. It would be wise to look inwardly and pay attention before we say or do something that we may regret. This is part of what the Apostle Paul meant when he spoke of the inward man dominating the outward man. The body is to be subservient to the spirit of man. Too often, people say things that they cannot undo, even if they wanted to. The flesh was easily provoked, and now there's a mess to clean up. We'd all be happier if we would just follow our hearts instead of letting our feelings control us.
"But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (1CORINTHIANS 9:27 [KJV].
It is true that many people have never learned to first check in with the HOLY SPIRI, that is, to first look inwardly and follow their hearts. If we fall short here, we usually find ourselves in trouble. I don't know how it was for you growing up, but my mouth got me in trouble more times than I care to remember. Proverbs 6:2 is very clear: "You have been trapped by what you said, by the words of your mouth." I believe a lot of people need a refresher course in this arear. Learning to speak English is one thing, but it's something entirely different to be educated in the language of faith.
If we can ever truly grasp the power and effect that our words have, I believe we will think before we speak. Our words not only effect and leave an impression on those within earshot, but they also touch the spiritual realm. Let's examine a few instances from the Bible and note the different outcomes that individuals had based on what was spoken. Our first and primary example is Jesus. Throughout the Bible, there is story after story that illustrates the impact that his words had on other peoples' lives. Take, for example, a man who was deaf and dumb.
" And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue; And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain." (MARK 7:31-35 [KJV].
Did Jesus' words carry authority? Absolutely! Because He said, "Be open, "did this affect this man's life in the story? For sure, it did, because now he could hear and speak. Would the man's condition have changed if Jesus said nothing and instead walked away from him? I would venture to say no. Thank God Jesus spoke, and because he did, a miracle took place that day. You may be thinking, "Yes, but that was Jesus; his words were powerful, but I'm not the Son of God." Yes, that would be correct. You're not the Son of God, but you became a child of God whenever you committed your life to the Lord. Do you think your words have an influence on how things turn out or how you and people around you are affected? The Bible certainly says so.
" A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." (PROVERBS 18:20-21[KJV].
Throughout the life and ministry of Jesus, we can read about the multitudes who were changed as a result of what he said to them. But today, I want to take a close look at what happened to a few individuals on the basis of what they had to say.
"Jesus set out from there to go into the non-Jewish region of Tyre. He intended to slip into a house unnoticed, but people found out that he was there. But when a woman whose daughter had a demon spirit heard he was there, she came an threw herself down at his feet. She was not Jewish, but a foreigner, born in the part of Syria known as Phoenicia. She begged him repeatedly to cast the demon out of he daughter. Finally, he said to her, "First let my children be fed and satisfied, for it isn't fair to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." She answered, "How true that is Lord. But even puppies under the family table are allowed to eat the little children's crumbs." Then Jesus said to her, "That's a good reply! Now, because you said this, you may go. The demon has permanently left your daughter." And when she returned home, she found her daughter resting quietly on the couch, completely set free from the demon!" (MARK 7:24-30 [TPT].
Notice in this passage that Jesus points out that what made the difference in whether or not her daughter remained bound by the evil spirit or was set free was her words. Jesus said, "because she said this." This' refers to this mother's faith-speaking and resolve to not walk away empty-handed. She said, "But even puppies under the family table are allowed to eat the little children's crumbs." Have you ever considered what may have happened if she had given up when it appeared as though the Lord was not going to help her? I'm sure that many folks have sold themselves short of the blessings and miracles that God had for them. They gave up too easily. Someone told them that if God wanted them healed, then it would automatically happen. The thing is, while many preach it. the Bible doesn't teach this.
Let's return to Jesus reply, "Because YOU said this." Notice that it wasn't the Lord who determined whether his healing virtue would flow that day; it was the woman's faith. No change would have occurred in her daughter if she would have left too early, took offense at Jesus, became angry with the world, and mad at God. Yet in the midst of the storm, she steadies the boat and keeps her eyes fixed on the Lord. She remained steadfast and immovable and continued to keep the switch of faith turned on.
Once again, Jesus emphasized the fact that it was her voice of faith that brought about the result she was looking for. "Now, because you said this, you may go. The demon has permanently left your daughter." What do you think would have happened it her response was different? Perhaps resentful: "So I'm not good enough." Or maybe angry: "Who do you people think you are?" Possibly skeptical: "Yeah, just like I thought---nothing but a bag of wind." Or even cynical: "So you think you're God or something, then prove it." What if she would have responded religiously: "It must not be God's will since nothing is happening." Thank God she stayed in there and didn't blow it like the dad in the next story, who almost did.
We read of a father's son in Mark chapter 9 who was tormented by the devil to the point that it was continuously trying to end his life. This father brought his boy to the disciples in the hope that "they" could heal and deliver him, but it was unsuccessful. When Jesus learned of this, he intervened, however, the father nearly botched the whole thing up by saying, "But please, if you're able to do something, anything---have compassion on us and help us!" Jesus said to him, "What do you mean 'if?' If you are able to believe, all things are possible to the believer." (MARK 29:22-23).
What the father said next would decide the outcome. According to Mark 9:24, the father's response was as follows: "When he heard this, the boy's father cried out with tears, saying, "I do believe, Lord; help my little faith!" This goes right back to the point I want to get across to YOU today. It was "because he said this" that Jesus command, the child was immediately delivered. The father's response brought about the desired result.
The account of blind Bartimaeus is found in Mark chapter 10. This man sat daily by the side of the road begging. Once he learned that Jesus was passing by, he began to call on the Lord for help. It was in this instance that his "dream" came true, and he was brought before the Lord.
"And Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto Him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus in the way." (MARK 10;49-52 [KJV].
Keep in mind that it was after Jesus asked Bartimaeus what it was that he wanted, that Jesus responded with, "Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole." It was because he (Bartimaeus) spoke up, and said, "that I might receive my sight." that he was made whole. What do you think the outcome would have been if Bartimaeus' response had been different from the question that Jesus had presented to him in verse 51: "What do you want me to do for you?" He very easily may have walked away with no results.
Thank God, Bartimaeus wasn't undecided as to what he wanted the Lord to do. This goes right back to what I had mentioned earlier concerning Jesus' reply in Mark 7: "Because you said this." What if Bartimaeus replied, " I want to see, but there's nothing the doctors can do for me, and there is nothing God can do either." YOU must ask YOURSELF. "What would have happened then?" I know this may sound extreme, but this is the answer I received one day after praying for a woman. I laid hands on her, according to Mark 16:18, and she testified that her back was instantly healed. I also asked her if she would let me pray for her hearing loss, and she went crazy. "There is nothing the doctors can do for me, and there's nothing God can do either," she replied. I would say she had more than just hearing problems based on her shocking response.
I don't think people realize that when they speak words of doubt and unbelief, they're essentially putting on the hand brake. They are limiting what God wants to do in their lives. (PSALMS 78:41) According to God's word. "By the stripes of Jesus, you were healed." (1PETER 2:24). Yet some claim that God doesn't heal today because the age of miracles is over. And yes, this is true; for that person only, it's over. Because they said this, they have stopped the healing power of God from working in their body. In other words, they have made the power of God of no effect for them. Do you see this? When will we wise up and think before we speak? When will believers begin using their faith and taking God at his word? When will God's word of promise be enough for us to believe? When will we stop questioning the integrity of God and start taking the Bible seriously? When!
I often tell the story of a woman that I had the opportunity to pray for in England. She came forward with back problems. After I ministered the healing power of God to her through the laying on of hands, she testified that she had been healed. I noticed that by her side was a seeing-eye dog. She informed me she was blind. I said, "The same God who just healed your back can open your eyes." She replied, "I use this to glorify God."
Fast forward this story, I said, "Wouldn't it be a greater testimony to tell others that I once was blind but now I can see?" She agreed, but then immediately destroyed any possibility of her situation changing. She said, " I'm used to this condition; I'm ok with being blind. However, if you still would like to pray for me then go ahead." What was the point?
She just sealed the deal with her own mouth. She pulled the hand break.
Remember what Jesus said to Bartimaeus?
What do you want me to do? Did he reply, "Nothing, Lord, I've been blind my whole life, I'm used to it, but if you feel like praying for me, then knock yourself out?" No, Bartimaeus answered and said, "I want to see! It's BECAUSE HE SAID THIS, that Jesus was released to do something about his situation. BECAUSE HE SAID THIS the power of God opened his blind eyes!
What have you been saying lately?
You are where you are today because your words have paved the road that you've been traveling on. It's because of the things that we have said that determine whether we live in a world of peace or pain, poverty or prosperity, success or failure, or freedom versus bondage. BECAUSE WE SAID THIS.
When the three Hebrew children, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refused to bow down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar set up, they were thrown into the fiery furnace. Before they were cast into the fire, they said, "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O King." (D ANIEL 3:17). GUESS WHAT? God delivered them. WHY? BECAUSE THEY SAID THIS. This was their faith speaking.
Things weren't looking good for Moses or the Israelites who had just escaped Egypt when they stood before the Red Sea and saw Pharoah's army approaching from behind. However, BECAUS HE (Moses) SAID SOME THINGS, the outcome was in his favor.
"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever." (Exodus 14:13 [KJV].
What followed next was purely a miracle. In response to what MOSES SAID, God stepped in, parted the Red Sea, and delivered everyone from the hands of the enemy. What if Moses had said, "I missed it. We never should have left Egypt. Let's all turn around and surrender to Pharoah's army. We're done here." Then surely, we would be reading an entirely different ending to this story.
According to Psalm 14:1, "The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God." And BECAUSE HE SAID THIS, the fool will spend eternity in the lake of fire. However, for the believer, the outcome is much different. Because when they said, "Jesus, I believe you died on the cross for me and were raised from the dead, I have peace with God. I turn from a sinful, self-serving life and invite you to take over. Fill me with your Spirit so that I might live a life that glorifies you." Then according to Romans 10:9-10, they are saved and part of God's family now. How did this change come about in your faith? Simply by making a quality decision in your heart and CONFESSING WITH YOUR MOUTH.
Let's BE CAREFUL OF NOT JUST ABOUT WHAT WE WISH FOR; BUT ALSO PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO WHAT WE'RE SAYING.
If our steps have been ordered by the Lord, then things don't happen by chance or coincidence. Our words play a significant role in determining what we will have in life or do without. Choose wisely, as you will be eating the fruit of them!
Dear Friends, brother's and sister's.
Sometimes we say things off the top of our heads without first checking down on the inside to see what our hearts are telling us. It would be wise to look inwardly and pay attention to see what our hearts are telling us. It would be wise to look inwardly and pay attention before we say or do something that we may regret. This is part of what the Apostle Paul meant when he spoke of the inward man dominating the outward man. The body is to be subservient to the spirit of man. Too often, people say things that they cannot undo, even if they wanted to. The flesh was easily provoked, and now there's a mess to clean up. We'd all be happier if we would just follow our hearts instead of letting our feelings control us.
"But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (1CORINTHIANS 9:27 [KJV].
It is true that many people have never learned to first check in with the HOLY SPIRI, that is, to first look inwardly and follow their hearts. If we fall short here, we usually find ourselves in trouble. I don't know how it was for you growing up, but my mouth got me in trouble more times than I care to remember. Proverbs 6:2 is very clear: "You have been trapped by what you said, by the words of your mouth." I believe a lot of people need a refresher course in this arear. Learning to speak English is one thing, but it's something entirely different to be educated in the language of faith.
If we can ever truly grasp the power and effect that our words have, I believe we will think before we speak. Our words not only effect and leave an impression on those within earshot, but they also touch the spiritual realm. Let's examine a few instances from the Bible and note the different outcomes that individuals had based on what was spoken. Our first and primary example is Jesus. Throughout the Bible, there is story after story that illustrates the impact that his words had on other peoples' lives. Take, for example, a man who was deaf and dumb.
" And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue; And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain." (MARK 7:31-35 [KJV].
Did Jesus' words carry authority? Absolutely! Because He said, "Be open, "did this affect this man's life in the story? For sure, it did, because now he could hear and speak. Would the man's condition have changed if Jesus said nothing and instead walked away from him? I would venture to say no. Thank God Jesus spoke, and because he did, a miracle took place that day. You may be thinking, "Yes, but that was Jesus; his words were powerful, but I'm not the Son of God." Yes, that would be correct. You're not the Son of God, but you became a child of God whenever you committed your life to the Lord. Do you think your words have an influence on how things turn out or how you and people around you are affected? The Bible certainly says so.
" A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." (PROVERBS 18:20-21[KJV].
Throughout the life and ministry of Jesus, we can read about the multitudes who were changed as a result of what he said to them. But today, I want to take a close look at what happened to a few individuals on the basis of what they had to say.
"Jesus set out from there to go into the non-Jewish region of Tyre. He intended to slip into a house unnoticed, but people found out that he was there. But when a woman whose daughter had a demon spirit heard he was there, she came an threw herself down at his feet. She was not Jewish, but a foreigner, born in the part of Syria known as Phoenicia. She begged him repeatedly to cast the demon out of he daughter. Finally, he said to her, "First let my children be fed and satisfied, for it isn't fair to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." She answered, "How true that is Lord. But even puppies under the family table are allowed to eat the little children's crumbs." Then Jesus said to her, "That's a good reply! Now, because you said this, you may go. The demon has permanently left your daughter." And when she returned home, she found her daughter resting quietly on the couch, completely set free from the demon!" (MARK 7:24-30 [TPT].
Notice in this passage that Jesus points out that what made the difference in whether or not her daughter remained bound by the evil spirit or was set free was her words. Jesus said, "because she said this." This' refers to this mother's faith-speaking and resolve to not walk away empty-handed. She said, "But even puppies under the family table are allowed to eat the little children's crumbs." Have you ever considered what may have happened if she had given up when it appeared as though the Lord was not going to help her? I'm sure that many folks have sold themselves short of the blessings and miracles that God had for them. They gave up too easily. Someone told them that if God wanted them healed, then it would automatically happen. The thing is, while many preach it. the Bible doesn't teach this.
Let's return to Jesus reply, "Because YOU said this." Notice that it wasn't the Lord who determined whether his healing virtue would flow that day; it was the woman's faith. No change would have occurred in her daughter if she would have left too early, took offense at Jesus, became angry with the world, and mad at God. Yet in the midst of the storm, she steadies the boat and keeps her eyes fixed on the Lord. She remained steadfast and immovable and continued to keep the switch of faith turned on.
Once again, Jesus emphasized the fact that it was her voice of faith that brought about the result she was looking for. "Now, because you said this, you may go. The demon has permanently left your daughter." What do you think would have happened it her response was different? Perhaps resentful: "So I'm not good enough." Or maybe angry: "Who do you people think you are?" Possibly skeptical: "Yeah, just like I thought---nothing but a bag of wind." Or even cynical: "So you think you're God or something, then prove it." What if she would have responded religiously: "It must not be God's will since nothing is happening." Thank God she stayed in there and didn't blow it like the dad in the next story, who almost did.
We read of a father's son in Mark chapter 9 who was tormented by the devil to the point that it was continuously trying to end his life. This father brought his boy to the disciples in the hope that "they" could heal and deliver him, but it was unsuccessful. When Jesus learned of this, he intervened, however, the father nearly botched the whole thing up by saying, "But please, if you're able to do something, anything---have compassion on us and help us!" Jesus said to him, "What do you mean 'if?' If you are able to believe, all things are possible to the believer." (MARK 29:22-23).
What the father said next would decide the outcome. According to Mark 9:24, the father's response was as follows: "When he heard this, the boy's father cried out with tears, saying, "I do believe, Lord; help my little faith!" This goes right back to the point I want to get across to YOU today. It was "because he said this" that Jesus command, the child was immediately delivered. The father's response brought about the desired result.
The account of blind Bartimaeus is found in Mark chapter 10. This man sat daily by the side of the road begging. Once he learned that Jesus was passing by, he began to call on the Lord for help. It was in this instance that his "dream" came true, and he was brought before the Lord.
"And Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto Him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus in the way." (MARK 10;49-52 [KJV].
Keep in mind that it was after Jesus asked Bartimaeus what it was that he wanted, that Jesus responded with, "Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole." It was because he (Bartimaeus) spoke up, and said, "that I might receive my sight." that he was made whole. What do you think the outcome would have been if Bartimaeus' response had been different from the question that Jesus had presented to him in verse 51: "What do you want me to do for you?" He very easily may have walked away with no results.
Thank God, Bartimaeus wasn't undecided as to what he wanted the Lord to do. This goes right back to what I had mentioned earlier concerning Jesus' reply in Mark 7: "Because you said this." What if Bartimaeus replied, " I want to see, but there's nothing the doctors can do for me, and there is nothing God can do either." YOU must ask YOURSELF. "What would have happened then?" I know this may sound extreme, but this is the answer I received one day after praying for a woman. I laid hands on her, according to Mark 16:18, and she testified that her back was instantly healed. I also asked her if she would let me pray for her hearing loss, and she went crazy. "There is nothing the doctors can do for me, and there's nothing God can do either," she replied. I would say she had more than just hearing problems based on her shocking response.
I don't think people realize that when they speak words of doubt and unbelief, they're essentially putting on the hand brake. They are limiting what God wants to do in their lives. (PSALMS 78:41) According to God's word. "By the stripes of Jesus, you were healed." (1PETER 2:24). Yet some claim that God doesn't heal today because the age of miracles is over. And yes, this is true; for that person only, it's over. Because they said this, they have stopped the healing power of God from working in their body. In other words, they have made the power of God of no effect for them. Do you see this? When will we wise up and think before we speak? When will believers begin using their faith and taking God at his word? When will God's word of promise be enough for us to believe? When will we stop questioning the integrity of God and start taking the Bible seriously? When!
I often tell the story of a woman that I had the opportunity to pray for in England. She came forward with back problems. After I ministered the healing power of God to her through the laying on of hands, she testified that she had been healed. I noticed that by her side was a seeing-eye dog. She informed me she was blind. I said, "The same God who just healed your back can open your eyes." She replied, "I use this to glorify God."
Fast forward this story, I said, "Wouldn't it be a greater testimony to tell others that I once was blind but now I can see?" She agreed, but then immediately destroyed any possibility of her situation changing. She said, " I'm used to this condition; I'm ok with being blind. However, if you still would like to pray for me then go ahead." What was the point?
She just sealed the deal with her own mouth. She pulled the hand break.
Remember what Jesus said to Bartimaeus?
What do you want me to do? Did he reply, "Nothing, Lord, I've been blind my whole life, I'm used to it, but if you feel like praying for me, then knock yourself out?" No, Bartimaeus answered and said, "I want to see! It's BECAUSE HE SAID THIS, that Jesus was released to do something about his situation. BECAUSE HE SAID THIS the power of God opened his blind eyes!
What have you been saying lately?
You are where you are today because your words have paved the road that you've been traveling on. It's because of the things that we have said that determine whether we live in a world of peace or pain, poverty or prosperity, success or failure, or freedom versus bondage. BECAUSE WE SAID THIS.
When the three Hebrew children, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refused to bow down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar set up, they were thrown into the fiery furnace. Before they were cast into the fire, they said, "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O King." (D ANIEL 3:17). GUESS WHAT? God delivered them. WHY? BECAUSE THEY SAID THIS. This was their faith speaking.
Things weren't looking good for Moses or the Israelites who had just escaped Egypt when they stood before the Red Sea and saw Pharoah's army approaching from behind. However, BECAUS HE (Moses) SAID SOME THINGS, the outcome was in his favor.
"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever." (Exodus 14:13 [KJV].
What followed next was purely a miracle. In response to what MOSES SAID, God stepped in, parted the Red Sea, and delivered everyone from the hands of the enemy. What if Moses had said, "I missed it. We never should have left Egypt. Let's all turn around and surrender to Pharoah's army. We're done here." Then surely, we would be reading an entirely different ending to this story.
According to Psalm 14:1, "The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God." And BECAUSE HE SAID THIS, the fool will spend eternity in the lake of fire. However, for the believer, the outcome is much different. Because when they said, "Jesus, I believe you died on the cross for me and were raised from the dead, I have peace with God. I turn from a sinful, self-serving life and invite you to take over. Fill me with your Spirit so that I might live a life that glorifies you." Then according to Romans 10:9-10, they are saved and part of God's family now. How did this change come about in your faith? Simply by making a quality decision in your heart and CONFESSING WITH YOUR MOUTH.
Let's BE CAREFUL OF NOT JUST ABOUT WHAT WE WISH FOR; BUT ALSO PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO WHAT WE'RE SAYING.
If our steps have been ordered by the Lord, then things don't happen by chance or coincidence. Our words play a significant role in determining what we will have in life or do without. Choose wisely, as you will be eating the fruit of them!