In God's Image! - Part 4

Good day. Today we are posting Part 4 of a six part newsletter series In God's Image! written in 1996 by our dear brother, fellow steward and ambassador of the mystery of Christ, Larry Gazelka. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this newsletter series. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 1996.

In God's Image!     v18n50
Part Four


Matthew 12:36-37 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. (KJV)


Last week, we left off talking about being justified or condemned by our own words. We have the choice to speak words that give life, or words that bring about death. It is each of us as an individual, that will give account of the idle words that we have spoken, and have not sought out Father’s forgiveness for (and in most instances, that would be quite a few). The words that we have not asked for forgiveness for, we will give account of, and be held responsible for! Being created in God’s image, and after their likeness, does come with responsibility. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, even though most do not believe it.


Proverbs 18:20-21 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (KJV)


Death and life are in the power of the tongue, whether you believe it or not. The tongue is an extension of the heart, and will speak forth that which you believe. What words do you have working for you?


1 Corinthians 15:33-34 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. (KJV)


We fail to see and understand, (and in most instances even believe), that we become a product or likeness of who and what we hang around, or associate with. Such as, maintaining relationships with those who do not hold fast the word of God in its entirety. This will eventually lead to our downfall. (We have to remember, that God’s laws work, whether we believe them or not.)


James 3:1-2 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. (KJV)


How many of you, have taken a good look at the third chapter of the book of James? It is a very powerful message on the tongue, and the life or destruction that it can bring. Have you ever stopped to ponder where James received all of this insight? Where did he acquire all of this knowledge on the tongue? It gives us a clear understanding of the power and force that our words have and hold. It also gives us a clear picture, of how the words around us, can and do direct our footsteps.


Psalms 119:104-106 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. (KJV)


What is directing your path? Only the Word of God can and will illuminate the straight and narrow path that leads to Father’s house. There are many though, that will try to get you to take a detour. Whose direction and guidance will you follow?


James, one has to remember, was the half-brother of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. What we fail to see and hear, is what it must have been like growing up next to Him. How often, do you think that James may have been told by his older brother, that he should not be using those words, or even saying the things that he was saying? What kind of example, did James constantly have before him?


Where do your words have you hanging out at? It is so easy to blame everyone else for our problems that we have surrounded ourselves with. However, the fact is and remains, that we, with our words have framed the world that currently surrounds us. You can only blame yourself!


How often in the gospels, do you see where Jesus Christ goes off to pray and to be alone with Father? Have you ever stopped to hear and see how important His prayer time was to Him? We all want to see the signs and wonders that follow the Word, but, we are not willing to do what is necessary for us to get to that point.


2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (KJV)


A good example of this, are the words that we choose to use in everyday life. We, as people, have tried to change the definitions of words to suit and justify our lifestyles. We use the change of meanings to justify what we have become. Let’s take a look at a few of these words.


Care: mental distress; uncertainty; mental suffering or grief; anxiety.


Is this really what you are trying to convey to someone as they are leaving, when you tell them to “take care”? We are told to cast all of our care upon Father! We are told to be careful or anxious for nothing! Have we decided to ignore what the Word says?


1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (KJV)


Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (KJV)


Father already has a solution for all of our cares, worries and problems; but He can only work in our behalf, if we allow Him to. Father can not, and will not, force Himself upon anyone. The choice is ours alone, as the individual that we are, created in the image, and after the likeness of God.


We have changed words and the definitions to justify where we are, and what we are doing. It is very easy to be led astray, if we do not know the Word of God for ourselves. This is why we study the Word for Father’s approval, being able to rightly divide the Word of truth, with no reason to be ashamed!


One thing that we do need to keep in mind, is the fact that we did not get ourselves in the mess that we are in overnight. We worked long and hard at it for many years. Now, when we want to get back on the straight and narrow path to Father’s house, it takes much diligence and effort on our part. Much study of the Word becomes a weariness to the flesh. We find out how lonely it is to the flesh on that narrow path, since few choose to travel on it.


Many want to be as Lot’s wife, even though we have been delivered from the power of darkness. To take a long look back at what they think that they are giving up for the kingdom of God. Then, that is when we have a pity party, so that we can feel sorry for ourselves. Have any of you ever felt this way?


Another good example of a word that is misused, is the word kid. The dictionary says that a kid is a young goat or similar animal. There is not one place in the Bible, where I can find that Father refers to His children as kids. I know that God does not do things by hit or miss. The Father and the Son have set an example for us to follow; will you follow too?


Many people tell me that all of this concern over the words that we speak, is just a bunch of pettiness, and going over board and that it is not necessary to be this precise. Yet, as I look at and study the Word of God, I find it to be quite precise, even down to every jot and tittle.


1 Corinthians 2:12-13 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (KJV)


We need to learn to speak with the same wisdom that Father has given to us, through Christ Jesus. We are not to be swayed by what the world tries to force upon us. Where are you standing with God and His Word?


That you may know Him
In the service of Jesus Christ
Larry Gazelka


Next week: In God’s Image!  part 5