DCLM Higher Everyday 17 December 2024 — Disciplined For Loose Lips
DCLM Higher Everyday 16 December 2024 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Disciplined For Loose Lips
Topic: Disciplined For Loose Lips
Text: Numbers 12:1-15
1And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.
3(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
4And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.
5And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.
6And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.
7My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.
8With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?
9And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed.
10And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.
11And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.
12Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb.
13And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.
14And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.
15And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.
Key Verse: “And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman” (Numbers 12:1).
Message
There is a saying common to the mariners, “Loose lips sink ships.” This is an American English idiom meaning “beware of unguarded talk.” In our text, we see Miriam leading a discussion with Aaron about Moses marrying an Ethiopian Woman. God heard from heaven and later brought judgment on Miriam who became leprous and thereby slowed down the journey of the Israelites for seven days.
Also Read: Open Heaven 16 December 2024 – Give God All The Glory
As Christian youths, we must avoid idle words such as gossip, and false statements spoken or written. Idle words never build; they only destroy because they are untrue stories, foolish talk, and jesting. Micah the daughter of Saul never had children because of negative words spoken against the Lord’s anointed. As Christians, we must be positive in our speech. “For in many things, we offend all. If any man offend not in words, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” (James 1:3). Support the work of God in your school fellowship or community with edifying words of encouragement to help others to stand and grow in the Lord.
Quote: Avoid idle words
Challenge: Idle words never build; they only destroy.
Prayer for today: Lord, help me to bridle my tongue.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
