The Tongue - Edition #11: Sound Speech

April 12th, 2006

The Tongue – Edition #11: Sound Speech

Titus 2:1-10
You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.

Colossians 2:1-5
I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

I have to speak in such a way that others can not have anything bad to say about me… or for that matter, the church. And in this society that I live in, that is difficult at best. I mean, I cut up, crack jokes, and have fun… and I think the Christ had a fun time with the disciples, but there is a time and place for everything. And when it comes to my tongue, I don’t have the self-control and respect for others that I should. I feel that I am working in that direction, but I still have a ways to go.

Looking back at verse 7 and 8: a Johnny Ray translation:
In all things present yourself as a worthy model. Through doctrine show purity, honesty and speak true words that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may respect you because they have nothing bad to say about us.

I don’t think I spent so much time in the Greek before… but I like what I found out. If I have sound speech, those who oppose me will at least respect me and have nothing to say about me, and more importantly, the church. That is challenging but it is a good challenge, a strong challenge, and a worthy challenge.

I want to share some good news. I have been accepted into DBU. I think I may have shared that before, but yesterday, I signed up for classes. I want to appeal to you all to pray that there won’t be trouble with financial aid. Should things go well, I could end up graduating at the end of May 2007 and start teaching the following fall. The thought is a bit exciting, to say the least. Thanks so much, Johnny Out.

Prayer List: 4-11-06

Last Updated: 4/11/06

Prayer List:

1. Brenda Rivera and family for the passing of their dad, Rolando Rivera.


2. Renerick Slack: to do well in school.


3. Parents: financial difficulties.


4. Monroe Morgan: health issues.


5. Aunt Roxie: cancer.


6. Jenny’s brother to get a job.


7. Keith’s dad who has health problems.


8. Jenny’s father to find a more secure job.


9. Johnny: find what’s wrong with leg and for it to be resolved.


10. Jenny: to get a raise in pay.


11. Ray: health issues.


12. Texas Rangers: to have a winning season, win the division, and a playoff game.


13. Dallas Mavericks: to finish first and go to the NBA Finals


14. Dallas Stars: to get a cup or two.

The Tongue - Edition #10: Perseverance in Speech

April 11th, 2006

A friend responded yesterday to Edition #9 that I thought I would share.

Thank you for sharing your heart with the Scriptures God put on your heart today. I can be a constant worry wart if my eyes aren't on Jesus. I love the Scripture 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 and 1 Peter 5:7. I appreciate your heart for your friends and will pray that the IRS just passes them by.

2nd Corinthians 4:7-11
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body.

1st Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

I think these are great scriptures. I went and saw them this afternoon, to help comfort them, as I know they are troubled. It helped, I think, to just let them know that I would be there for them. They are going to have to sell a number of things and give up the lifestyle they are accustomed to, but I reassured them that as the morning turns to afternoon, these things will to pass. It’s hard to see sometimes as we tend to live in the moment, and dream about tomorrow. When things are taken away, we tend to think that the dreams of tomorrow are being squished. But the reality is, should the dream become a realization, it just makes it that much more enjoyable. Thanks for your thoughts and sharing. I appreciate it, as I know they do to.

Yesterday was a great day. My son turned 11 months old and he hit a ball for the first time. We have these things called bam-bams and also a blown up baseball which I hit for him and he enjoys it very much. For the first time, he did it on his own. He can’t even walk, but he can hit a baseball. AWESOME!

The Tongue – Edition #10: Perseverance in Speech

2nd Corinthians 6:3-13
We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.

2nd Corinthians 8:1-7
And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

God says that a truthful walk with him is not easy. If it wasn’t easy for his only son, why should it be a cake-walk for me? Truthful speech is commendable. And it is something that should be excelled in… if I excel in giving, in faith and knowledge, I should also excel is speech, truthful speech. And being a person who is great with numbers, speech isn’t my strong point. Yes, I write this blog and then email it out, but it doesn’t mean I have a strong hold on the English language. I use the dictionary quite a bit and I have grammar and spell check that catch a ton of things for me. As a matter of fact, spell check just told me I misspelled grammar in the last sentence (which I corrected). And this brings up a great point about speech. If I am to excel in my speech, what does the bible say about that?

1st Corinthians 14:6-12
Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.

Someone once asks after I was baptized if I spoke in tongues… and I said no. I only speak English. That’s it. I do desire to learn other languages, but I haven’t made the effort as of yet. I haven’t even mastered English. But the bible calls me to speak intelligently and to do so in such a way that builds up the church. Anything less would simply be useless. It would be futile to God, ineffective to his church, and to no benefit to me and to those who hear me. So, I then thought of this scripture, and it brings it new light:

1st Timothy 4:11-16
Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

To save those who hear me, I need to persevere in my speech. It’s part of the doctrine. Yes, I do have to do all the other things as well, but speech is part of it. I need to take care of how my tongue works. And if I do, I will save both myself and others. And that is always a good thing. Johnny Out.

The Tongue - Edition #9: Persuasive Speech

April 10th, 2006

It’s Good Monday! Of course, everyday is a good day and should be appreciated. Anytime I am given something, I need to appreciate it. Breath, life, family, friends, and especially a relationship with God, these things I need to appreciate on a consistent and continual basis. Unfortunately it doesn’t always happen that way.

The Tongue – Edition #9: Persuasive Speech

Acts 5:1-11
Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet.

Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.”

When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”

“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”

Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

You know, I am sure that Ananias was a great guy on the surface. He was probably a funny guy, demanded great attention, and most likely did a lot of things for the brothers and sisters. But a lie is a lie no matter how big or small. He wasn’t telling people that it would take him a week longer to do something than it would. He was saying that he was giving all the money to the church when in fact, he didn’t. The church would have been grateful for whatever money he gave, that wasn’t the issue. He was simply trying to look better than he was. He was trying to convince the people he was just as sacrificial as Barnabas. Truth of the matter is that they both were just as sacrificial, it’s just Barnabas didn’t lie about his contribution. When we lie and try to persuade men, we may succeed enough to fool them into thinking we are better than we are, but the fact is, we can’t fool God.

Acts 5:34-40
But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed them: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

This goes to prove, speech persuades men, and not God. Gamaliel persuaded them to let them go, although the Pharisees still had them flogged, there were set free. The IRS will come and go. Houses are built and then torn down. Newspapers are generally good for but a day. Things come and go, but God is forever. When I do things, am I trying to persuade men or God? Do I lie and minimize it (it’s just a white lie)? Speech is a reflection of the heart… how is my heart being reflected? Only God and I can truly answer this question, but if there are enough people in my life, maybe they can shed some light on it all and keep me from being carried away by young men.

Johnny always acted like he knew everything. On one occasion he accompanied a friend to buy a computer. Looking at an optical mouse, his friend asks “Why use light when you can use the ball?” Johnny thought for a minute and said; “You can use it as a flashlight when the power goes out!”

A driving instructor asked Johnny, “What would you do if you were going up an icy hill and the motor stalled and brakes failed?” Johnny then replied, “I’d quickly adjust the rearview mirror.”

The Tongue - Edition #8: Me Worry?

April 9th, 2006

A great day today… I got to spend time with a friend of mine as we went to the Ranger game. We got a Michael Young bobble-head, checked out the cool stadium, watched the Rangers upset an undefeated Tigers team and just had a great time. Not to mention it is Palm Sunday, things are simply great. I did find out some not so great news. Some friends of mine are possibly in trouble with the IRS. That’s never a good thing, even if it is simply an audit. An audit from them causes stress, even if there is nothing technically to worry about, you worry anyway. So I will be praying for them.

The Tongue – Edition #8: Me Worry?

Here are some scriptures that have comforted me over the years in time of stress. It really ties into this tongue series that I am doing.

Luke 12:22-34
Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”

“Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:25-34
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

I went back to the E-Sword and the word that was translated from the Greek is merimnao which mean to be anxious about, to take thought, or to be careful about. The same word is used in both Matthew and Luke. But I did stumble across something that intrigued me.

Luke 21:8-19
He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.”

“But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. This will result in your being witnesses to them. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.”

I don’t need to worry at how I will have to defend myself. God provides in a time of need. God puts the words in my mouth.

Worry (verb):

• To feel uneasy or concerned about something; be troubled.


• To proceed doggedly in the face of difficulty or hardship; struggle.


• To cause to feel anxious, distressed, or troubled.


• Something or someone that causes anxiety; a source of unhappiness.

Anxiety (noun):

• A vague unpleasant emotion that is experienced in anticipation of some (usually ill-defined) misfortune.

I can see how the IRS would cause anxiety. It is human nature to want to be distressed in such a time. One thing I know is that when trouble hits (and it will hit), what defines character is how we react to it. When someone cuts me off on the road, how do I respond? When I receive an unexpected bill, how do I respond? When a flood rushes into my apartment, ruining all my clothes and trinkets, how do I respond? I may not be able to control other people, but I can control myself and my responses. Wouldn’t it be great to respond in a righteous manner?

Proverbs 12:25 an anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.

Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Anxiety will come and go, but God is here at all times. I may become worried about something, but God provides the kind word. I put up the prayer and petition, I present my request to him, and he gives me peace. Johnny Out.