Iron Sharpening Iron

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

It is inevitable that in our lives there will be friction. It is just bound to happen. We can be unbending, demanding that our way is the right way with no exceptions or we can use it as an opportunity to grow and encourage others.

 

There are times when I just need to be reined in. I am opinionated and stubborn. But I am blessed with a Lord who is always with me and ready to forgive. I am also blessed with a few close friends/sisters.

 

These are the people I can share my frustrations with. We are able to speak freely amongst ourselves. We listen, pray and encourage each other. Sometimes the words prick our hearts and even make us a bit angry but they always bring us back to the Living Word, the sword of the Spirit, the Prince of peace. That's how the iron gets sharpened.

 

It is my sincere prayer that anyone who reads this is blessed with a friend who loves Christ!

 

Faith Comes By Hearing - Romans 10: 17

Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

I've always been of the mind set that this passage means that faith comes by hearing means strictly by hearing the word being preached or taught. But what if it's more than that?

Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would remind us of the things He said and that He would be our teacher.* Well, how can we be reminded of something we don't know in the first place?  How could we hear  and learn from the Holy Spirit  if we don't recognize His voice?

Here is an example. Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed, before it happened. How could Peter be reminded if he didn't first hear the Word speak to him?

The psalmist said, Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You. What would be the point of memorizing the Word if he didn't know he would have to recall it?

It is still true that we need pastors and teachers who will teach us. But it is up to us to have a personal relationship with the Living Word in order to hear Him by faith.





John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

Matthew 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.

Psalms 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.

Isaiah 30:21Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand  Or whenever you turn to the left.

Fightin' Words or Fishin' Words

  Death and life are in the power of the tongue. And he that wins souls is wise.*

 

With all of the unrest in our world today it is a knee jerk reaction to strike back when our ideals are challenged. But harsh words only stir up anger.  Conversely kind words promote peace.

 

Jesus said that we would be known as His followers by the love we share. It is only by our loving behavior that we can represent Jesus effectively.

 

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

John 13:35 “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

 

 *Proverbs 18:21 The tongue can bring death or life;those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

*Proverbs 11:30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise.