2: What Is Coming Out of My Mouth?

Hi ladies!  Just noticed that somehow my post did not get posted so here is the recap from Wednesday...I appreciate your patience as I learn to blog!

What Is Coming Out of My Mouth?
I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!"
Psalm 91:2

The above verse is a great reminder of truths of the God we believe in and have the ability to have direct communication with, whenever we choose.  You cannot deny the use of the  word "my" three times in this one verse.  Let's examine it a little closer.

"I will SAY to the Lord..."
Sometimes, prayers are more powerful when we say them out loud.  Debbie shared a terrifying story of a time when she, Angela and Bailey met some girls in Wolf Pen Creek park.  While there, Bailey wandered off, and panic struck as they began searching everywhere for her.  In desperation, Debbie cried out for her sweet daughter, and out to the Lord for her to be returned safely.  Angela was even skimming the bottom of the pond looking for her!  Eventually, Bailey was found playing in the men's restroom nearby, but Debbie said she will never forget that time, that desperate need to cry out.  

"..MY refuge.."
What does the word refuge mean to you?  Is it a hiding place, a place where you feel safe?  A place where you don't have to be anything to anyone...just you, alone, in the presence of God?

"...MY fortress..."
What does fortress mean to you?  A physical place of protection from the enemy, like a military fortress?  A place high above danger?

"...MY God..."
This statement makes a personal claim to God .So often we forget that the God who loves all of us, loves us and cares for us as if we are the only ones on the planet.

Have you ever tried to protect yourself from all the bad things that can happen?

Some quote Psalm 91 as though it was some kind of magic wand, but there is nothing magical about this psalm....don't get caught up in the words, but remember who the power, strength and protection of the one whom you are crying out to.

Good to train yourself to think in any particular situation, you have the ability to CHOOSE to trust.  Sometimes our prayers are quite, but God wants us to cry out to him.  He loves us so much and wants the best for us.

We should be mindful of words that come out of our mouth that "bring death."  Be careful to stay away from negativity or criticism...puts a damper on our relationship with God and our relationships with one another.

If you feel it is happening in your relationships, or thoughts, how do you balance that from happening?  Some find it helpful to have friends to help keep us accountable of our words.  Internally we are responsible for  renewing our mind.

Our fortress can be built through prayer, bible study, or listening to praise music, and helps keep the enemy out.

Have you ever stopped to think that if someone has a pessimistic comment come out of their mouth, there might be something they are struggling with, that is the root of those words?

Even when speaking positivity, when we are left to ourselves, the negativity can fester.  Really helps to have a "go-to" Psalm to help remind us.

We live in a realm of spiritual warfare.  God is omniscient, but very powerful to speak God's word and truth.  Ask for God to create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit in me.

Astonishing how quickly negative thoughts/anxiety/fear can disappear when we proclaim God's truth.  A power that we not are not always quick to rely on or call on, but God is so powerful.

Shepherds would break legs of sheep and carry on their back if they did not come when they called.  This taught them to recognize the voice of the shepherd, so they would come when called.  God, as our shepherd,  wants us to only hear his voice of truth, we all our broken, and in need of a shepherd.

God has to be the one to whom we run FIRST.  He is the only one who has an answer for whatever might come.  No true satisfaction in anything but Jesus.

In summation, our joy, our peace, can not be dependent in our circumstances.  That security has to come from the Lord, and the Lord alone.  Until we can get to that point where we can let go of these other things, we continue on the journey.

PRAYER REQUESTS/PRAISES
DP
-Man leasing house from son was on the same YL trip that Andy was, and Andy made a big impact on his son.  So proud of how Andy has stepped to the plate.  So thankful in God's provision in how Andy is responding to this situation.  And the peace she feels about it.
-Bailey on spring break.  Doing really great.
-She and Wade are not able to IM right now, but can still email. A little frustrating.  Spoke with him on Saturday morning and sounded great.  He is excited about people working with and excited about things that are coming up.
-Bailey and Debbie will be apart for a few weeks when Debbie leaves for camp.  Mom Priddy coming to stay with her so  Bailey can finish her first school year.  For peace for both Debbie and Bailey about being apart.
-Remember the Mount Ida staff.  Ladies there are working hard.

ST
-Praise, Wed night Mother and Jim went and put a deposit on a place.  So thankful they made that final call, and will move the end of this month.  Giving God the praise!

MK
-Houston best friend is in Ghana, Africa for 2 weeks on a mission trip.  Prayers for own motives are pure, and she is able to minister to those people.
-Roommate Meredith gets married in June, in the middle of TAKS, moving in June...has a lot of anxiety about all of the details or peace about her marriage.

CT
-Chris leaves for camp in 5 weeks.  Overwhelmed with everything have to do before that happens, especially with remodel.  Prayers for peace, and to keep focus.
-The best part of going to camp for busy families is that you are just running in one intentional direction!

SC
-Safe travels to Austin for Paige Rowley and Austin Jones' wedding.

AR
-Still be praying for April's family and for her discernment in giving wisdom.  For Zach's transition to go well. Has been set up for counseling, has walking pneumonia.
-Melanie's healing from her procedure.