Why is it so important that we be determined not to lose sight of the protection of our heavenly Father? Because it is possible to be overwhelmed by circumstances and forget where our real security lies. This is seen in the example of King Asa, a man who generally trusted in Jehovah. During Asa's reign, a million-strong army of Ethiopians attacked Judah. Realizing that the military advantage was on the side of the enemies, Asa prayed: "O Jehovah our God, for upon you we do lean, and in your name we have come against this crowd. O Jehovah, you are our God. Do not let mortal man retain strength against you." (2 Chronicles 14:11) Jehovah granted Asa's request and gave him a decisive victory.
After many years of faithful service, however, Asa's confidence in Jehovah's saving power faltered. To avert a military threat from the northern kingdom of Israel, he turned to Syria for help. ( 2 Chronicles 16:1-3) Although his bribe to the Syrian King Ben-hadad did result in removing the threat Israel posed to Judah, Asa's covenant with Syria showed a lack of confidence in Jehovah. Hanani the prophet pointedly asked him: "Did not the Ethiopians and the libyans themselves happen to be a very great military force in multitude, in chariots and in horsemen; and because of your leaning upon Jehovah did he not give them into your hand?" (2 Chronicles 16:7, 8) Nevertheless, Asa rejected this reproof. ( 2 Chronicles 16:9-12) When faced with problems, let us not rely on human solutions. Instead, let us display confidence in God, for trusting in the power of men will inevitably lead to disappointment. -Psalm 146:3-5.
Next time: Seek The Power That Jehovah Gives
Awake! 2000
10.28.2009
"Search For Jehovah And His Strengths"
Power can mean a number of things, such as the possession of control, authority, or influence over others; the ability to act or to produce an effect; physical might(strength); or mental or moral efficacy. Humans do not have a good record when it comes to wielding power. Lord Acton, a historian, speaking of power in the hands of politicians, said: "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Modern history abounds with examples showing the general truth of Lord Acton's words. During the 20th century, "man has dominated man to his injury" as never before. (Ecclesiastes 8:9) Corrupt dictators have grossly abused their power and have snuffed out the lives of millions. Power unrestrained by love, wisdom and justice is dangerous.
Unlike many humans, God always uses his power for good. "As regards Jehovah, his eyes are roving about through all the earth to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him." (2 Chronicles 16:9) Jehovah directs his power in a controlled way. Patience holds back God's execution of the wicked to give them the opportunity to repent. Love moves him to make the sun shine upon all kinds of men-righteous and unrighteous. Justice will move him finally to use his unlimited power to bring to nothing the one having the means to cause death, Satan the Devil. -Matthew 5:44, 45; Hebrews 2:14; 2 Peter 3:9.
The awesome power of the heavenly Father is a reason for trust and confidence -both in his promises and in his protection. a small child feels safe among strangers when he clutches the hand of his father, since he knows that his father will not let any harm come to him. Likewise, our heavenly Father, the one "abounding in power to save," will protect us from any permanent harm if we talk with him. (Isaiah 63:1; Micah 6:8) And as a good Father, Jehovah always fulfill his promises. His unlimited power guarantees that his 'word will have certain success in that for which he has sent it.' -Isaiah 55:11; Titus 1:2.
Next time: Conclusion of the above subject.
Awake! 2000
Unlike many humans, God always uses his power for good. "As regards Jehovah, his eyes are roving about through all the earth to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him." (2 Chronicles 16:9) Jehovah directs his power in a controlled way. Patience holds back God's execution of the wicked to give them the opportunity to repent. Love moves him to make the sun shine upon all kinds of men-righteous and unrighteous. Justice will move him finally to use his unlimited power to bring to nothing the one having the means to cause death, Satan the Devil. -Matthew 5:44, 45; Hebrews 2:14; 2 Peter 3:9.
The awesome power of the heavenly Father is a reason for trust and confidence -both in his promises and in his protection. a small child feels safe among strangers when he clutches the hand of his father, since he knows that his father will not let any harm come to him. Likewise, our heavenly Father, the one "abounding in power to save," will protect us from any permanent harm if we talk with him. (Isaiah 63:1; Micah 6:8) And as a good Father, Jehovah always fulfill his promises. His unlimited power guarantees that his 'word will have certain success in that for which he has sent it.' -Isaiah 55:11; Titus 1:2.
Next time: Conclusion of the above subject.
Awake! 2000
10.27.2009
Jehovah's Power Guarantees The Fulfillment Of His Promises
Jehovah's power is also closely connected with his name and the carrying out of his will. The unique name Jehovah, which means "He Causes to become," reveals that he causes himself to become the fulfiller of promises. Nothing or nobody can prevent God from bringing his purposes to fruition, however, farfetched skeptics may consider them to be. As Jesus once told his apostles, "with God all things are possible." -Matthew 19:26.
To illustrate, Jehovah once promised Abraham and Sarah that he would make their descendants a great nation. However, they were both very old when Jehovah told them that the promise was about to be fulfilled and Sarah laughed. In reply, the angel said: "Is anything too extraordinary for Jehovah?" (Genesis 12:1-3; 17:4-8; 18:10-14) Four centuries later, when Moses finally assembled Abraham's descendants-now a great nation-on the Plains of Moab, he reminded them that God had fulfilled his promise. Moses said: "You continue to live, because [Jehovah] loved your forefathers so that he chose their seed after them and brought you out of Egypt in his sight with his great power, to drive away nation greater and mightier than you from before you, so as to bring you in, to give you their land as an inheritance as at his day." -Deuteronomy 4:37, 38.
Centuries later, Jesus censured the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection. Why did they refuse to believe God's promise that he would bring back the dead? Jesus told them: "You know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God." (Matthew 22:29) The Scriptures assure us that 'all those in the memorial tombs will hear the voice of the Son of man and come out.' (John 5:27-29) If we know what the Bible says about the resurrection, our confidence in the power of God will convince us that the dead will be raise up. God "will actually swallow up death forever, . . . for Jehovah himself has spoken it." -Isaiah 25:8.
In the near future, there will come a time when every one of us will need to trust in God's saving power in a special way. Satan the Devil will launch and attack on God's people, who will appear to be unprotected. (Ezekiel38:14-16) God will then manifest his great power in our behalf, and everyone will have to know that he is Jehovah. (Ezekiel 38:21-23) Now is the time to build our faith and confidence in God the Almighty so that we will not waver at that crucial time.
Without doubt, there are many reasons for meditating on Jehovah's power. As we contemplate his works, we are humbly moved to praise our Grand Creator and give thanks that he uses his power in such a wise and loving way. We will never be intimated if we trust in Jehovah of armies. Our faith in his promises will be unwavering. Remember, though, that we have been created in the image of God. Hence, we also have power-albeit to a limited extent. How can we imitate our Creator in the way we exercise our power? This will be considered in the following article.
Next time: "Search For Jehovah And His Strength"
Awake! 2000
To illustrate, Jehovah once promised Abraham and Sarah that he would make their descendants a great nation. However, they were both very old when Jehovah told them that the promise was about to be fulfilled and Sarah laughed. In reply, the angel said: "Is anything too extraordinary for Jehovah?" (Genesis 12:1-3; 17:4-8; 18:10-14) Four centuries later, when Moses finally assembled Abraham's descendants-now a great nation-on the Plains of Moab, he reminded them that God had fulfilled his promise. Moses said: "You continue to live, because [Jehovah] loved your forefathers so that he chose their seed after them and brought you out of Egypt in his sight with his great power, to drive away nation greater and mightier than you from before you, so as to bring you in, to give you their land as an inheritance as at his day." -Deuteronomy 4:37, 38.
Centuries later, Jesus censured the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection. Why did they refuse to believe God's promise that he would bring back the dead? Jesus told them: "You know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God." (Matthew 22:29) The Scriptures assure us that 'all those in the memorial tombs will hear the voice of the Son of man and come out.' (John 5:27-29) If we know what the Bible says about the resurrection, our confidence in the power of God will convince us that the dead will be raise up. God "will actually swallow up death forever, . . . for Jehovah himself has spoken it." -Isaiah 25:8.
In the near future, there will come a time when every one of us will need to trust in God's saving power in a special way. Satan the Devil will launch and attack on God's people, who will appear to be unprotected. (Ezekiel38:14-16) God will then manifest his great power in our behalf, and everyone will have to know that he is Jehovah. (Ezekiel 38:21-23) Now is the time to build our faith and confidence in God the Almighty so that we will not waver at that crucial time.
Without doubt, there are many reasons for meditating on Jehovah's power. As we contemplate his works, we are humbly moved to praise our Grand Creator and give thanks that he uses his power in such a wise and loving way. We will never be intimated if we trust in Jehovah of armies. Our faith in his promises will be unwavering. Remember, though, that we have been created in the image of God. Hence, we also have power-albeit to a limited extent. How can we imitate our Creator in the way we exercise our power? This will be considered in the following article.
Next time: "Search For Jehovah And His Strength"
Awake! 2000
10.26.2009
Jehovah Reveals His Power To His Servants
On several occasions, Jehovah manifested his might to his servants. One of such occasions was at Mount Sinai in 1513 B.C.E. During that year the Israelites had already seen impressive evidence of God's power. Ten devastating plagues had revealed the strong hands of Jehovah and the impotence of Egyptian gods. Soon thereafter, the miraculous crossing of he Red Sea and the destruction of Pharaoh's army gave further proof of divine strength. Three months later, at the foot of Mount Sinai, Jehovah invited the Israelites to become his "special property out of all other peoples." For their part, they promised: "All that Jehovah has spoken we are willing to do." (Exodus 19:5, 8) Then, Jehovah provided a vivid demonstration of his power. Amid thunder and lightning and the loud sound of a horn, Mount Sinai smoked and trembled. The people, standing at a distance, were terrified. But Moses told them that this experience should teach them godly fear, a fear that would move them to obey their all-powerful and only true God, Jehovah.- Exodus 19:16-19; 20:18-20.
Several centuries later, during the time of Elijah, Mount Sinai witnessed another display of divine power. The prophet had already seen God's power at work. For three and a half years, God "shut up the heavens" because of the apostasy of the Israelite nation. (2 Chronicles 7:13) During the resulting drought, ravens fed Elijah in the torrent valley of Cherith, and later a widow's meager supply of flour and oil was miraculously extended to provide him with food. Jehovah even empowered Elijah to resurrect this widow's son. Finally, in a dramatic test of Godship on Mount Carmel, fire came down from heaven and consumed Elijah's sacrifice. (1 Kings 17:4-24; 18:36-40) Nevertheless, soon thereafter, Elijah became afraid and discouraged when Jezebel threatened to kill him. (1 Kings 19:1-4) He fled the country, thinking that his work as a prophet was over. To reassure and strengthen him, Jehovah kindly gave him a personal demonstration of divine power.
While Elijah hid in a cave, he saw an awe-inspiring exhibition of three of the forces that Jehovah controls: a strong wind, an earthquake and finally a fire. However, when Jehovah spoke to Elijah, he did so in "a calm, low voice." He assigned him more work to do and informed him that there were still 7,000 faithful worshipers of Jehovah in the land. (1 Kings 19:9-18) If, like Elijah, we ever feel discouraged at the lack of results in our ministry, we can petition Jehovah for "power beyond what is normal" -a power that can strengthen us to continue preaching the good news, without letup. -2 Corinthians 4:7.
Next time: Jehovah's Power Guarantees The Fulfillment Of His Promises
Awake! 2000
Several centuries later, during the time of Elijah, Mount Sinai witnessed another display of divine power. The prophet had already seen God's power at work. For three and a half years, God "shut up the heavens" because of the apostasy of the Israelite nation. (2 Chronicles 7:13) During the resulting drought, ravens fed Elijah in the torrent valley of Cherith, and later a widow's meager supply of flour and oil was miraculously extended to provide him with food. Jehovah even empowered Elijah to resurrect this widow's son. Finally, in a dramatic test of Godship on Mount Carmel, fire came down from heaven and consumed Elijah's sacrifice. (1 Kings 17:4-24; 18:36-40) Nevertheless, soon thereafter, Elijah became afraid and discouraged when Jezebel threatened to kill him. (1 Kings 19:1-4) He fled the country, thinking that his work as a prophet was over. To reassure and strengthen him, Jehovah kindly gave him a personal demonstration of divine power.
While Elijah hid in a cave, he saw an awe-inspiring exhibition of three of the forces that Jehovah controls: a strong wind, an earthquake and finally a fire. However, when Jehovah spoke to Elijah, he did so in "a calm, low voice." He assigned him more work to do and informed him that there were still 7,000 faithful worshipers of Jehovah in the land. (1 Kings 19:9-18) If, like Elijah, we ever feel discouraged at the lack of results in our ministry, we can petition Jehovah for "power beyond what is normal" -a power that can strengthen us to continue preaching the good news, without letup. -2 Corinthians 4:7.
Next time: Jehovah's Power Guarantees The Fulfillment Of His Promises
Awake! 2000
10.23.2009
"Jehovah Of Armies, The Powerful One"
In the Scriptures, Jehovah is called "God Almighty," a title that reminds us that we should never underestimate his power or doubt his ability to vanquish his enemies. (Genesis 17:1; Exodus 6:3) Satan's wicked system of things may seem well entrenched, but in Jehovah's eyes "the nations are as a drop in a bucket; and as the film of dust on the scales they have been accounted." (Isaiah 40:15) Thanks to such divine power, there is no doubt that good will triumph over evil. At a time when wickedness is rampant, we can take comfort in knowing that "Jehovah of armies, the Powerful One of Israel' will eliminate evil forever. -Isaiah 1:24; Psalm 37:9, 10.
The expression "Jehovah of armies," which occurs 285 times in the Bible, is another reminder of God's power. the "armies" here referred to are the host of spirit creatures that Jehovah has at his command. (Psalm 103:20, 21; 148:2) In a single night, just one of these angels slew 185,000 Assyrian soldiers who were threatening Jerusalem. (2Kings 19:35) If we recognize the power of Jehovah's celestial armies, we will not easily be intimidated by opposers. The prophet Elisha was unconcerned when trapped by an entire army that was seeking him because, unlike his servant, he could see with the eyes of faith a vast host of heavenly forces supporting him. - 2 Kings 6:15-17.
Jesus was likewise conscious of angelic support when he face a mob armed with swords and clubs in the garden of Gethsemane. After telling Peter to return his sword to its place, Jesus told him that, if necessary, he could appeal to his Father for "more than twelve legions of angels." (Matthew 26:47, 52, 53) If we have a similar appreciation for the heavenly armies at God's disposal, we will also trust implicitly in divine backing. The apostle Paul wrote: "What, then, shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who will be against us?" -Romans 8:31.
We have every reason, then , to trust in Jehovah's protection. He always uses his power for good and in harmony with his other qualities-justice, wisdom and love. (Job 37:23; Jeremiah 10:12) While powerful men frequently trample on the poor and humble ones for selfish gain, Jehovah 'raises up the lowly one from the very dust' and 'abounds in power to save,' (Psalm 113:5-7; Isaiah 63:1) As Mary, the modest and unassuming mother of Jesus, understood, "the powerful One" unselfishly exercising his power in behalf of those who fear him, humbling the haughty and exalting the lowly. -Luke 1:46-53.
Next time: Jehovah Reveals His Power To His Servants
Awake, 2000
The expression "Jehovah of armies," which occurs 285 times in the Bible, is another reminder of God's power. the "armies" here referred to are the host of spirit creatures that Jehovah has at his command. (Psalm 103:20, 21; 148:2) In a single night, just one of these angels slew 185,000 Assyrian soldiers who were threatening Jerusalem. (2Kings 19:35) If we recognize the power of Jehovah's celestial armies, we will not easily be intimidated by opposers. The prophet Elisha was unconcerned when trapped by an entire army that was seeking him because, unlike his servant, he could see with the eyes of faith a vast host of heavenly forces supporting him. - 2 Kings 6:15-17.
Jesus was likewise conscious of angelic support when he face a mob armed with swords and clubs in the garden of Gethsemane. After telling Peter to return his sword to its place, Jesus told him that, if necessary, he could appeal to his Father for "more than twelve legions of angels." (Matthew 26:47, 52, 53) If we have a similar appreciation for the heavenly armies at God's disposal, we will also trust implicitly in divine backing. The apostle Paul wrote: "What, then, shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who will be against us?" -Romans 8:31.
We have every reason, then , to trust in Jehovah's protection. He always uses his power for good and in harmony with his other qualities-justice, wisdom and love. (Job 37:23; Jeremiah 10:12) While powerful men frequently trample on the poor and humble ones for selfish gain, Jehovah 'raises up the lowly one from the very dust' and 'abounds in power to save,' (Psalm 113:5-7; Isaiah 63:1) As Mary, the modest and unassuming mother of Jesus, understood, "the powerful One" unselfishly exercising his power in behalf of those who fear him, humbling the haughty and exalting the lowly. -Luke 1:46-53.
Next time: Jehovah Reveals His Power To His Servants
Awake, 2000
10.22.2009
God's Power Is Manifest In Creation
The apostle Paul explained that our Creator's 'eternal power can be clearly perceived in the things he has made.' (Romans 1:20) Centuries earlier, the psalmist David, who as a shepherd must frequently have looked up at the night sky perceived the grandeur of the universe and the might of its Maker. He wrote: "When I see your heavens, the works of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have prepared, what is mortal man that you keep him in mind, and the son of earthling man that you take care of him? (Psalm 8:2, 4) Despite his limited knowledge of celestial bodies, David understood that he was very insignificant in comparison with the Creator or our vast universe. Today, astronomers know much more about the immensity of the universe and the power that sustains it. For example they tell us that our sun every second emits energy equivalent to the explosion of 100,000 million megatons of TNT. A very small fraction of that energy reaches the earth; yet that is enough to sustain all life on your planet. Still, our sin is by no means the most powerful star in the heavens. Some stars radiate in only one second the energy that the sun radiates in a whole day. Imagine, then, the power at the disposal of the One who created such heavenly bodies! Elihu rightfully exclaimed: "As for the Almighty, we have not found him out; he is exalted in power." - Job 37:23.
If we 'search for God's works' as David did, we will see evidence of his power everywhere -in wind and waves, in thunder and lightning, in mighty rivers and majestic mountains. (Psalm 111:2; Job 26:12-14) Furthermore, as Jehovah reminded Job, animals testify to the strength. Among these is Behemoth, or the hippopotamus. Jehovah told Job: "Its power is in its hips. . . Its strong bones are like wrought iron rods." (Job 40:15-18) The fearsome power of the wild bull was also well-known in Bible times, and David prayed that he might be spared from "the mouth of the lion, and from the horns of the wild bulls." -Psalm 22:21; Job 39:9-11.
Because of its strength, the bull is used in the Bible to symbolize Jehovah's power. The apostle John's vision of Jehovah's throne depicts four living creatures, one of which had a face like a bull. (Revelation 4:6, 7) Evidently, one of the four principal attributes of Jehovah portrayed by these cherubs is power. The others are love, wisdom and justice. Since power is such an important facet of God's personality, a clear understanding of his power and how he uses it will draw us closer to him and helps us to imitate his example by using well any power at our disposal. -Ephesians 5:1.
Next time: "Jehovah Of Armies, The Powerful One"
Awake, 2000
If we 'search for God's works' as David did, we will see evidence of his power everywhere -in wind and waves, in thunder and lightning, in mighty rivers and majestic mountains. (Psalm 111:2; Job 26:12-14) Furthermore, as Jehovah reminded Job, animals testify to the strength. Among these is Behemoth, or the hippopotamus. Jehovah told Job: "Its power is in its hips. . . Its strong bones are like wrought iron rods." (Job 40:15-18) The fearsome power of the wild bull was also well-known in Bible times, and David prayed that he might be spared from "the mouth of the lion, and from the horns of the wild bulls." -Psalm 22:21; Job 39:9-11.
Because of its strength, the bull is used in the Bible to symbolize Jehovah's power. The apostle John's vision of Jehovah's throne depicts four living creatures, one of which had a face like a bull. (Revelation 4:6, 7) Evidently, one of the four principal attributes of Jehovah portrayed by these cherubs is power. The others are love, wisdom and justice. Since power is such an important facet of God's personality, a clear understanding of his power and how he uses it will draw us closer to him and helps us to imitate his example by using well any power at our disposal. -Ephesians 5:1.
Next time: "Jehovah Of Armies, The Powerful One"
Awake, 2000
10.21.2009
Jehovah-The One Who Is Vigorous In Power
Power is something many of us take for granted. For example, we give little thought to the electrical power that gives us light and heat or to the convenience of plugging in any electrical appliance we may own. Only an unexpected power outage brings home to us that without power, man's cities would practically be shut down. Most of the electricity on which we depend comes indirectly from the earth's most reliable power source-the sun. Every second this solar reactor consumes five million tons of nuclear fuel, showering the earth with life-sustaining energy.
Where does all the solar power come from? Who constructed this celestial power plant? Jehovah God did. Referring to him, Psalm 74:16 says: "You yourself prepared the luminary, even the sun." Yes, Jehovah is the ultimate Source of all power, just as he is the Source of all life. (Psalm 36:9) Never should we take his power for granted. Through the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah reminds us to look up at the heavenly bodies, such as the sun and the stars, and meditate on how they came into existence. "Raise your eyes high up and see. who has created these things? It is the One who is bringing forth the army of them even by number, all of who he calls even by name. Due to the abundance of dynamic energy, he also being vigorous in power, not one of them is missing." -Isaiah 40:26; Jeremiah 32:17.
Since Jehovah is vigorous in power, we can rest assured that the sun will continue to provide us the light and heat on which our lives depend. However, we rely on the power of God for much more than our basic physical needs. Our redemption from sin and death, our hope for the future and our trust in Jehovah are all inseparably linked to his exercise of power. (Psalm 28:6-9.; Isaiah 50:2) The Bible abounds with examples that testify to Jehovah's power to create and redeem, to save his people and destroy his enemies.
Next time: God's Power Is Manifest In Creation
Awake, 2000
Where does all the solar power come from? Who constructed this celestial power plant? Jehovah God did. Referring to him, Psalm 74:16 says: "You yourself prepared the luminary, even the sun." Yes, Jehovah is the ultimate Source of all power, just as he is the Source of all life. (Psalm 36:9) Never should we take his power for granted. Through the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah reminds us to look up at the heavenly bodies, such as the sun and the stars, and meditate on how they came into existence. "Raise your eyes high up and see. who has created these things? It is the One who is bringing forth the army of them even by number, all of who he calls even by name. Due to the abundance of dynamic energy, he also being vigorous in power, not one of them is missing." -Isaiah 40:26; Jeremiah 32:17.
Since Jehovah is vigorous in power, we can rest assured that the sun will continue to provide us the light and heat on which our lives depend. However, we rely on the power of God for much more than our basic physical needs. Our redemption from sin and death, our hope for the future and our trust in Jehovah are all inseparably linked to his exercise of power. (Psalm 28:6-9.; Isaiah 50:2) The Bible abounds with examples that testify to Jehovah's power to create and redeem, to save his people and destroy his enemies.
Next time: God's Power Is Manifest In Creation
Awake, 2000
10.19.2009
Swearing Shows Disrespect For The Creator
Suppose you gave your friend-as a gift-a shirt or a blouse. How would you feel if you saw your friend using that garment as a rag or a doormat? Think of how our Creator feels, then, when we misuse the gift of speech. Little wonder that God's Word states: "Let all malicious bitterness and anger and wrath and screaming and abusive speech be taken away from you along with all badness." - Ephesians 4:31.
As you can see, there's good reason to stop swearing. If it's become a deeply ingrained habit, though, how can you overcome it?
First: See the need to change. You likely won't stop swearing until you understand how you will benefit from altering your speech. Which factors below would motivate you to stop swearing?
Pleasing the Creator of speech
Gaining greater respect from others
Expanding my vocabulary
Bettering myself as a person
Second: Figure out what's behind the swearing. Melanie says: "Swearing made me feel tougher in a way. I didn't want people pushing me around. I wanted to have the upper hand, to tell people off the way all my friends did."
What about you? Understanding why you swear is a key to determining how you will address the problem. For example, if you swear just because everyone else does it, you need to learn to build confidence in your own strengths. taking proper pride in being your own person is a vial part of growing up-and a big help in eliminating the habit of swearing.
Third: Find alternative ways of expressing yourself. It's not just a matter of biting your tongue. Conquering the bad language habit involves putting on "the new personality." (Ephesians 4:22-24) This will help you to gain greater self -control and self-respect-as well as respect for others.
The following scriptures will help you to put on-and keep on-the new personality.
Colossians 3:2: "Keep your minds fixed on the things above."
Application: Train your mind to value things that are upright. Your thoughts influence the way you speak.
Proverbs 13:20: "He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly."
Application: The language used by your associates can rub off on you.
Psalm 19:14: "Let the sayings of my mouth and the meditation of my heart become pleasurable before you, O Jehovah."
Application: Jehovah notices how we use the gift of speech.
Still need help? Why not use a chart to track your progress by noting how many times you used a bad word? You may be surprised at how quickly you improve your vocabulary.
As you can see, there's good reason to stop swearing. If it's become a deeply ingrained habit, though, how can you overcome it?
First: See the need to change. You likely won't stop swearing until you understand how you will benefit from altering your speech. Which factors below would motivate you to stop swearing?
Pleasing the Creator of speech
Gaining greater respect from others
Expanding my vocabulary
Bettering myself as a person
Second: Figure out what's behind the swearing. Melanie says: "Swearing made me feel tougher in a way. I didn't want people pushing me around. I wanted to have the upper hand, to tell people off the way all my friends did."
What about you? Understanding why you swear is a key to determining how you will address the problem. For example, if you swear just because everyone else does it, you need to learn to build confidence in your own strengths. taking proper pride in being your own person is a vial part of growing up-and a big help in eliminating the habit of swearing.
Third: Find alternative ways of expressing yourself. It's not just a matter of biting your tongue. Conquering the bad language habit involves putting on "the new personality." (Ephesians 4:22-24) This will help you to gain greater self -control and self-respect-as well as respect for others.
The following scriptures will help you to put on-and keep on-the new personality.
Colossians 3:2: "Keep your minds fixed on the things above."
Application: Train your mind to value things that are upright. Your thoughts influence the way you speak.
Proverbs 13:20: "He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly."
Application: The language used by your associates can rub off on you.
Psalm 19:14: "Let the sayings of my mouth and the meditation of my heart become pleasurable before you, O Jehovah."
Application: Jehovah notices how we use the gift of speech.
Still need help? Why not use a chart to track your progress by noting how many times you used a bad word? You may be surprised at how quickly you improve your vocabulary.
10.15.2009
Swearing Hurts Your Reputation
Like most youths, you probably care about your appearance. You want to make a good impression. But did you know that how you speak can have a greater impact on others than how you look? The fact is, your speech can determine such things as
Whom you will attract as friends.
Whether you will be hired for a particular job or not
The amount of respect you will receive
It's true- often the initial impression people form of us based on our appearance quickly fades when we start talking. Says O'Connor: "You have no way of knowing how many opportunities to make a new friend you might have squelched, or how often you alienated someone or lost a degree of respect through your lackadaisical use of foul language." The lesson? If your speech is vulgar you're only hurting yourself.
Next time: Swearing Shows Disrespect For The Creator Of Speech
Awake!, 2008
Whom you will attract as friends.
Whether you will be hired for a particular job or not
The amount of respect you will receive
It's true- often the initial impression people form of us based on our appearance quickly fades when we start talking. Says O'Connor: "You have no way of knowing how many opportunities to make a new friend you might have squelched, or how often you alienated someone or lost a degree of respect through your lackadaisical use of foul language." The lesson? If your speech is vulgar you're only hurting yourself.
Next time: Swearing Shows Disrespect For The Creator Of Speech
Awake!, 2008
10.14.2009
They're Not Just Words
Another note that I forgot to mention yesterday. I may not be able to post everyday, as the library has outdated computers and tend to freeze easily and I do not exactly live next door to it. So please excuse me, if I am unable to post everyday, but I will do so as often as I can. Now for my new post.
Jesus said: "Your words show what is in your heart." (Luke 6:45,Contemporary English Version) Note that What we say doesn't simply reflect the type of person we would like to be-it reflects the type of person we already are. Even if you use bad language simply because others doit, copying their example reveals that you "follow after the crowd" and that you're not your own person. -Exodus 23:2.
But that's not all. Language expert James V. O'Connor says: "People who swear often tend to be disagreeable, critical, cynical, angry, arugumentative and unhappy complainers." For example, those who curse whenever something goes wrong reflect the belief that everything must always go right. It's as if they just can't handle mistakes. On the other hand, O'Connor notes, those who don't swear "are often calm, . . . mature people who [can] deal with daily annoyances." which type of person would you rather be?
Next time: Swearing Hurts Your Reputation
Awake, 2008
Jesus said: "Your words show what is in your heart." (Luke 6:45,Contemporary English Version) Note that What we say doesn't simply reflect the type of person we would like to be-it reflects the type of person we already are. Even if you use bad language simply because others doit, copying their example reveals that you "follow after the crowd" and that you're not your own person. -Exodus 23:2.
But that's not all. Language expert James V. O'Connor says: "People who swear often tend to be disagreeable, critical, cynical, angry, arugumentative and unhappy complainers." For example, those who curse whenever something goes wrong reflect the belief that everything must always go right. It's as if they just can't handle mistakes. On the other hand, O'Connor notes, those who don't swear "are often calm, . . . mature people who [can] deal with daily annoyances." which type of person would you rather be?
Next time: Swearing Hurts Your Reputation
Awake, 2008
10.13.2009
What Is So Bad About Swearing?
Well, I am back. I still do not have my own computer, but I did find a library that has computers that I can use. I appreciate all my followers and I hope that you will continue to read my blogs. I am sorry it took me so long to get here. Now for my blog.
Why is it often viewed as normal when adults swear, or use profanity, but when young people do it, it is considered shocking? Does a person's age determine whether its okay to curse? Since so many people use foul language-and there seems to be a double standard when it comes to age- you might as well ask, "What is so bad about swearing?"
Bad-language brainwash
There's no doubt that swearing is wide-spread. In fact, some youths would say that if they could have a dollar for every vulgar word they heard at school,they'd never have to work and their parents could retire. "In casual conversation," says 15-year old Eve, "my schoolmates seem to swear several times in each sentence. When you hear that kind of talk allday, it's hard to keep from joining the crowd.
Are you, like Eve surrounded by swearing? Have you picked up the habit yourself? If so, take a moment to examine just what motivates you to swear. Once you identify that, you'll be in a better position to eliminate the habit. With this in mind, try answering the following questions.
In most cases, why do you swear?
To express anger or frustration
To get attention
To fit in with peers
To appear tough
To challenge authority
Other
In what circumstance are you most inclined to swear?
At school
At work
In e-mails, instant messages or text messages
When by yourself
How do you excuse your swearing?
Peers do it
Parents do it
Teachers do it
Entertainment is saturated with it
Its no big deal-they're just wordsj
I only swear around people who aren't bothered by it
Other
Why conquer this habit at all? Is swearing really that bad? Consider the following.
Next time: They're not just words
Awake,2008
Why is it often viewed as normal when adults swear, or use profanity, but when young people do it, it is considered shocking? Does a person's age determine whether its okay to curse? Since so many people use foul language-and there seems to be a double standard when it comes to age- you might as well ask, "What is so bad about swearing?"
Bad-language brainwash
There's no doubt that swearing is wide-spread. In fact, some youths would say that if they could have a dollar for every vulgar word they heard at school,they'd never have to work and their parents could retire. "In casual conversation," says 15-year old Eve, "my schoolmates seem to swear several times in each sentence. When you hear that kind of talk allday, it's hard to keep from joining the crowd.
Are you, like Eve surrounded by swearing? Have you picked up the habit yourself? If so, take a moment to examine just what motivates you to swear. Once you identify that, you'll be in a better position to eliminate the habit. With this in mind, try answering the following questions.
In most cases, why do you swear?
To express anger or frustration
To get attention
To fit in with peers
To appear tough
To challenge authority
Other
In what circumstance are you most inclined to swear?
At school
At work
In e-mails, instant messages or text messages
When by yourself
How do you excuse your swearing?
Peers do it
Parents do it
Teachers do it
Entertainment is saturated with it
Its no big deal-they're just wordsj
I only swear around people who aren't bothered by it
Other
Why conquer this habit at all? Is swearing really that bad? Consider the following.
Next time: They're not just words
Awake,2008
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