Talking with God

During my walk as a Christian I have discovered that my conversations with God, my relationship with Him, didn't always look the same as someone else's. At first this concerned me. You see, I had a preconception that I had to speak to Him a certain way, use certain words, kneel or fold my hands, etc. I had preconceived "prayer rules," believed I had to have fear when approaching Him, etc.

As a former Catholic I was taught certain beliefs about God and how to address him. Sadly, these teachings were not the type that drew me to Him as a God I could truly have a relationship with, let alone call my best friend. The teachings were based on fearing the Lord -- not the reverence type of fear that all believers should have -- but a punishing oppressive fear. (This is not to say all Catholic churches taught or teach that way, just referring to my childhood church.)

With this incorrect view of God I found, and sometimes continue to find, it difficult to really talk to Him. It has been a relief to begin to truly understand who God is and His desire to relate to me in such a personal way each and every day. His desire is for me to know him as "ABBA" (Mar14:36; Rom8:15; Gal4:6) In Romans we are taught that we are adopted into His family: Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.)

As men and women, adopted into the family of God, we are called to go to Him at all times and for all reasons. To climb up into his lap as a child would, lay our head upon his chest and tell him our thoughts, ask him our questions, let him rock us and teach us in the comfort of his arms. And just like a true Father there will be times of rebuke, correction and lessons that need to be learned. How much easier to understand and accept these when we see God for who he really is and desires to be, our Abba Father.

May today be the first of many days that you find yourself climbing into the lap of God and having a good long talk as His child, His friend, your Heavenly Father.

Gossip

The following is but a brief overview on the topic of "gossip." The information comes from many sources and I will continue to study this subject for my own edification and those that come into my life.

As I myself have been found guilty of this sin, I am confessing now in a written prayer so I too may be cleansed and forgiven of this very real sin problem.

"Dear Father, please forgive the past gossip that has flown freely from my lips, let me now be washed clean and with a repentant heart desire only to use my mouth for honoring you and lifting up others. It is by your grace and the power of the Holy Spirit that I will be able to accomplish this, my hearts desire. Thank you for the victory you give me this very day over the wickedness of my tongue. In Jesus Name I pray and give thanks. Amen"

Know if it's Gossip
The dictionary defines gossip as rumor or talk of a personal, sensational, or intimate nature. To know if you're gossiping, a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself how you would feel if the person you were discussing suddenly happened upon your conversation. Would you be embarrassed?

Telling truths can be wrong.
Paul says that because something is lawful, or permissible, it is not always expedient or beneficial. We should not let any compulsion or habit master us, or bring us under its power (1 Cor. 6:12). What is basically true may not be constructive, uplifting, or kind to others. We should not act according to our impulses, but do that which is right for others (1 Cor. 10:23). Relating another's private matters in a thoughtless way shows lack of self-control. It is a mark of spiritual maturity to refrain from any words that might embarrass, hurt, or offend (James 3:2).

The Philippians 4:8 principle
To help us remember what is and isn't acceptable to discuss, use Philippians 4:8 as a guide: "Finally brothers, 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." This passage is an instruction to think about these things but I believe that it is also a good measure our conversations too.

Things to Remember about Gossip

Gossip is as sinful as murder and will suffer the same consequences unless there is repentance (Rom. 1:32).

God holds you accountable to your words (Matt. 12:36-37).

The person who gossips to you about others, also gossips to others about you.

Gossip & slander disqualifies persons for spiritual leadership (1 Tim. 3:11, Jas. 3:2).

Gossip often masks as pretentious concerns for others.

Gossip often thrives upon secrecy. Where secrecy is removed, gossip is hampered.

Gossip always contributes to a problem and never to a solution.

Gossip always distorts and exaggerates, and is never a reliable source of truth.

Those who gossip & slander are not in right fellowship with God (Rom. 1:28-32).

Those who gossip rarely get answers to prayer, and often face persistent, unexplainable problems (Psalms 66:18, Prov. 21:23, Prov. 6:12-15).

What to do about Gossip

If you have been a gossiper, confess this as sin and ask Christ to forgive you. "Repent" by turning in a new direction and surrendering your tongue to Christ, not to gossip or bad-mouth again (1 John 1:9, 1 Cor. 7:10).

Keep your nose out of other people's business.

If you can't say something good or encouraging about others, then keep your mouth shut (Eph. 4:29).

Never criticize another person, except to their own face with an intent to help. Criticism can never be "constructive" if expressed to anyone else.

If your "friends" start bad-mouthing others to you, stop them in their tracks -- refuse to be a partaker of their sins (1 Tim 5:22).

Avoid association with persons who gossip (Prov. 20:19).

Expose works of darkness by reporting gossip to the pastor that he may confront and offer correction. Gossip should be treated as any other vile sin (Eph. 5:11).