Guard My Mouth, Lord by B J Bassett

 Guard My Mouth, Lord

Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. James 3:10 NIV

“You look tired,” my friend said.

What?

Why do people, even those closest to us, feel it’s okay to say what they think, not considering how the other person will take it? Her words brought me low. I thought I looked well-rested. What did she see that I didn’t observe when I looked in the mirror?

My friend is outspoken and says what she thinks without filtering her words.

Some of the filters to ask ourselves before we speak include: Will my words encourage or discourage? Will what I say uplift or cast down?

Before we speak, we need to guard our mouths and be encouragers.

Guard my mouth, Lord. Put a sentry over my lips. Help me filter my words so they encourage and don’t discourage someone. Amen.

Reprinted from

The King’s Daughters

                                                                                  By BJ Bassett

 

B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story; and coauthor of a children’s devotional My Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000 copies sold.

 

As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 - February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.

 

Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper publishers include Focus on the Family, Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace, WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).

 

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published book.

 

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea.