Daily Devotionals by Ardith Keef

     Over and over, Paul reminds and implores Timothy to refrain from even listening
to idle and irreverent chatter, and godless talk.
     The tongue can often direct the course of the mind.  
     Yes, the enemy pierces thoughts into our stream of thought - that is why we are 
told to take every thought captive and lead it away.  But once one declares an 
intention, or veers off into silly drivel (not to be confused with funny), the tendency is to
establish a vector in the matter.
      As a pastor's wife, there have been many times over the years when others have 
come to me in complaint against someone.  Always, it is imperative to be on guard,
so as to avoid recreational criticism.
     And it is never easy to say "Excuse me, but I understand the issue.  Now, let us 
discuss something else. . ."  I do this often, and it makes people angry.  But I am
convinced that the Bible teaches me to deter such talk and forbids me to participate
once I have realized it cannot lead to healthy prayer about the matter.
     Soldier of the Cross, you have a stunningly powerful weapon - your tongue.  
     Never forget it is heavily influenced by your ears.