A Cunning Move!

'A Cunning Move.'
Genesis 34:15. 
a)  Only on this condition will we agree with you -
b)  That you will become as we are
c)  By every male among you
d)  Being circumcised. 
(This QT reveals A Cunning Move by the sons of Jacob)
PRAY: That we will be free from cunning ways.
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'God Makes Good Things.'
Genesis 1:31. 
a)  God saw all that He had made,
b)  And it was very good. 
c)  And there was evening,
d)  And there was morning,
e)  The sixth day.
(Through this Second one I Believe that God Makes Good Things)
PRAY: To appreciate God's Creation.
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Chris. 
There may be times in our lives when we need to pause and consider God's Creation. This has been something in my lifetime experience as I have grown older. Considering God and His Creation is beneficial for our faith. if we just rush and hurry through our lives, we miss so much of and from God. 

Opportunity And Opposition!

'Opportunity And Opposition.'
1 Corinthians 16:9. 
a)  Paul wrote:
b)  "I have great opportunity
c)  "To do effective work here,
d)  "Although there are many people who oppose me."
(This QT teaches me about Opportunity And Opposition)
PRAY: That we will make the most of every opportunity for the Gospel despite the opposition that we may face.
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'Personalize It.'
1 Corinthians 16:21. 
a)  I, Paul,
b)  Am writing this greeting
c)  With my own hand.
(Through this Second one I see that the best way is to Personalize It)
PRAY: To be free from all fears: rather Personalize It.
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Chris. 
It is ethical to put one's name to any article or item that is written in a professional and critical way. Just to put 'anon' at the end of an article or item is a cowardly way. If we have a justifiable opinion, we should not be afraid to put our name to it. There are too many 'nasty' or over-critical items written that just bear the name: anon.

Showing Concern!

'Showing Concern.'
Philippians 4:10.
a)  The Lord has filled me with joy
b)  Because you again showed interest in me.
c)  You were interested
d)  But did not have an opportunity to show it. 
(This QT teaches me the importance of Showing Concern)
PRAY: That we can appropriately show concern.
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'Put An End To Childish Ways.'
1 Corinthians 13:11.
a)  When I was a Child:
1-I spoke like a child.
2-I thought like a child. 
3-I reasoned like a child. 
b)  When I became an adult
c)  I no longer used childish ways.
(This Second one exhorts us all to Put An End To Childish Ways)
PRAY: To be free from Childish Ways.
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Chris. 
It is not normal for a child to grow up showing concern, of course some contented and well-educated children do! Visit the junior school playground today, in many Western and Western-influenced countries, you will find many conflicts and sometimes even fights among the children! This teaches me that the growing child needs to be both contented and well-educated if they are to have good hope for the future. 

Maintaining A Standard!

'Maintaining A Standard.'
Genesis 34:14. 
a)  They said to them.
b)  "We cannot do this.
c)  "To give our sister to one who is uncircumcised
d)  "Would be a disgrace to us."
(This QT shows me the importance of Maintaining A Standard)
PRAYER: To maintain a good personal standard.
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'Jesus Was Weary!'
John 4:6.
a)  Jacob's Well was there.
b)  Jesus therefore, 
c)  Being wearied from His journey,
d)  Sat down by the well.
e)  It was about the sixth hour. 
(This Second one reminds me that even Jesus Was Weary)
PRAYER: To come to Jesus for help and rest when we are weary.
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Chris.
Jesus Himself sometimes grew weary from His journey. The environment in which He journeyed was often hot, uncomfortable and difficult. There was no comfortable public transport as we know it today. When we are tempted to complain about our modern day journeys, it may help us to consider Jesus and His Disciples and the journeys that they made. 

Learning!

'Learning.'
a)  Joshua 10:1. About the condition of the Nations. (So that we can pray for them!)
b)  Proverbs 5:2. Then expressing what we have learned with our lips.
c)  Proverbs 24:32. Lessons.
d)  Ecclesiastes 1:17. Is sometimes like chasing the wind. 
e)  Ephesians 4:20-21. About Christ. 
f)  Philippians 4:9. Then putting it into practice.
g)  Philippians 4:11-12. How to be content. 
h)  Colossians 1:7. About the Good News. 
i)  2 Timothy 1:13. The wholesome Teaching that we hear. 
(This QT teaches me some things about Learning)
PRAY: That we will learn well. 
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'Christ's Painful Learning.'
Hebrews 5:8.
a)  Even though Jesus was God's Son,
b)  He learned obedience
c)  From the things He suffered. 
(Through this Second one I find Christ's Painful Learning)
PRAY: That, when necessary, we can learn obedience.
------
Chris. 
Even though Jesus Christ was God's Son, He went through a Painful Learning experience during His sufferings physically on the Earth. Sometimes, it seems that a few Believers may be called to go through a suffering time, or a suffering life, on this Earth. Of course we should Pray for such Believers, the Bible calls us to do so. We should never forget them, to Pray for them. 

A Good Disciple Maker!

'A Good Disciple Maker.'
Philippians 4:9. 
a)  What you have:
1-Learned.
2-Received. 
3-Heard. 
4-Seen.
In me.
b)  Practice these things.
c)  And the God of Peace will be with you. 
(This QT teaches me what is A Good Disciple Maker)
PRAYER: For more good disciple makers to be in the Churches.
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'Following Together.'
Philippians 3:17. 
a)  Join one another in following my example brothers,
b)  And carefully observe
c)  Those who live 
d)  According to the pattern we set for you. 
(Through this Second one I see the sense of the Church responding to its leaders Following Together)
PRAYER: For our Churches to be Following Together. 
------
Chris. 
Join one another in following the example of GOOD Leaders. All Leaders can be tested by their fellow leaders and by the Church. We really need GOOD Leaders who are honest, pure and not manipulative. These kind of Leaders are something that the Church really needs to be Thanking God for and Praying for. 

Sin's Payback!

'Sin's Payback.'
Genesis 34:13. 
a)  The sons of Jacob
b)  Answered Shechem and his father deceitfully,
c)  Because he had defiled their sister Dinah.
(This QT simply teaches me about Sin's Payback)
PRAYER: For God to help us to live in Victory over sin.
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'There Is Salvation In No-One Else.'
Acts 4:12.
a)  And there is Salvation in no-one else,
b)  For there is no other Name under Heaven
c)  That has been given among men,
d)  By which we must be Saved. 
(This Second one reminds me that There Is Salvation In No-One Else)
PRAYER: Thanking God for His Gift of Salvation.
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Chris.
This Message must be clearly presented in every Christian Church! What ever other emphasis comes in Church life, this one is the most important: 'There Is Salvation In No-One Else'. The Church that does not present this Message may soon die or become a cult. The Salvation Message is the "core" of every Church. 

When Nebuchadnezzar Got His Mind Back!

'When Nebuchadnezzar Got His Mind Back.'
Daniel 4:34-35. 
a)  The restoration of Nebuchadnezzar's mind took seven years.
b)  Then Nebuchadnezzar looked up to Heaven.
c)  His sanity and reason was returned. 
d)  He Praised, He Worshiped, and He Honored the Most High, the One Who lives forever.
e)  His Rule is everlasting and His Kingdom is Eternal. 
f)  All the peoples of the Earth are counted as nothing,
g)  He does as He pleases with the Armies of Heaven and the peoples of the Earth.  
h)  There is no-one who can restrain His Hand. 
i)  Or say to Him: "What have You done?"
(This QT teaches me what happened When Nebuchadnezzar Got His Mind Back)
PRAY: For our continual good mind. Through this QT I find the importance of a Good Mind continually.
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'Do Not Talk Back To God.'
Romans 9:20. 
a)  But who are you,
b)  A mere man,
c)  To talk back to God?
d)  Will what is formed say to the One Who formed it: "Why did You make me like this?"
(This Second one teaches me that I Do Not Talk Back To God)
PRAY: Not to talk back to God. 
----
Chris.
----
Even though we are God's Amazing Creation we have no right to talk back to Him. He wants us to accept His Will and plans for our lives. When I hear Believers complaining about God's Plans for them it makes me feel very difficult because I know that God knows best. 
  

Good Thinking!

'Good Thinking!
Philippians 4:8. 
a)  Finally brothers,
b)  Whatever is True,
c)  Whatever is Honourable,
d)  Whatever is Just,
e)  Whatever is Pure,
f)  Whatever is Lovely, 
g)  Whatever is Commendable, 
h)  If there is any excellence,
i)  If there is anything worthy of praise,
j)  Think about these things. 
(This QT reminds me about Good Thinking)
PRAY: That our thinking will be good. 
-----------------
'Good Loving.'
1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
a)  1 Corinthians 13:4. Love is patient and kind. 
b)  1 Corinthians 13:4. Love does not envy, does not boast, is not proud,
c)  1 Corinthians 13:5. Love is not rude, does not demand its own way,
d)  1 Corinthians 13:5. Love is not irritable, keeps no record of being wronged.
e)  1 Corinthians 13:6. Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the Truth. 
f)  1 Corinthians 13:7. Love always:
1-Protects.
2-Trusts.
3-Hopes. 
4-Perseveres.
(This Second one teaches me about Good Loving)
-----------------
Chris.
The way of Love is to always protect. Even though Love sometimes confronts, it never does so publicly. Love begins at birth. A caring family love their babies and children, this is obvious and sensible. When a family does not care about its children, those children grow up with all kinds of problems, which, if not resolved, just pass down to the next generation. Good loving is also very important. 

Shechem Really Wanted To Marry Dinah (2)

'Shechem Really Wanted To Marry Dinah (2).'
Genesis 34:12. 
a)  Shechem would pay any price to marry Dinah. 
b)  He was very desperate to marry Dinah.
c)  His words: "Give me the Girl" did not seem correct.
(This QT teaches me that Shechem Really Wanted To Marry Dinah.)
PRAY FOR MARRIAGES IN OUR FAMILIES TO BE PURE AND CALM. 
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'After Turmoil - Encouragement.'
Acts 20:1-2.
a)  After all the turmoil ceased,
b)  Paul summoned the Disciples,
c)  And after encouraging them,
d)  He said 'farewell'
e)  And departed to sail to Macedonia. 
f)  After he had gone through these regions and encouraged them at length,
g)  He came to Greece.
(Through this Second one I find: After Turmoil - Encouragement)
PRAY: For the Ministry of Encouragement to be restored to the Churches. (Including serving meals and drinks when it is appropriate.)
----------------
Chris. 
Paul so often said: 'farewell'! This was a part of his Calling from God. Sometimes he stayed in a place for a longer time, sometimes for a shorter time, but as an Apostle, a part of his Ministry was to travel, teach and establish Churches. A Ministry that continues in the Body of Christ until this day. 

Assembling And Exhorting!

'Assembling And Exhorting.'
Hebrews 10:25. 
a)  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,
b)  As is the manner of some,
c)  But exhorting one another,
d)  And so much more
e)  As you see the day approaching.
(This QT teaches me the importance of Assembling And Exhorting)
PRAY: For the Believers in your locality to be Assembling And Exhorting {BOTH}
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'Extremely Compassionate Jesus.'
John 20:25-28.
a)  John 20:25. The other Disciples told Thomas that they had seen the Lord.
b)  John 20:25. Thomas said to those Disciples: "Unless I see in His Hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe. 
c)  John 20:26. After eight days Jesus' Disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!"
d)  John 20:27. Then Jesus said to Thomas: "Reach your finger here, and look at My Hands, and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing."
e)  John 20:28. And Thomas answered and said to Jesus: "My Lord and My God."
(Through this Second one I find Extremely Compassionate Jesus)
PRAY: Thanking Jesus for His Compassion.
----------------
Chris.
Jesus was very determined not for Thomas to miss out on any Blessing because of his struggles with unbelief. He invited Thomas to put his hand into His Side. This action by Jesus caused Thomas to be restored spiritually. Those people who may be struggling with unbelief do not need to be negatively spoken to by other Christians, they need encouragement, in the same way that Jesus gave encouragement to Thomas. 

A Helpful Reality!

'A Helpful Reality.'
Philippians 4:6-7.
a)  Do not be anxious about anything,
b)  But in every situation,
c)  By Prayer and Supplication,
d)  Let your requests be made known to God.
e)  And the Peace of God,
f)  Which surpasses all comprehension,
g)  Will guard your hearts and your minds 
h)  In Christ Jesus. 
(Through this QT I find A Helpful Reality)
PRAYER: In every situation that needs Prayer.
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'When We Fear The Lord.'
Psalm 34:7. 
a)  The Angel of the Lord
b)  Encamps around
c)  Those who fear Him
d)  And delivers them.
(This Second one teaches me what can happen When I Fear The Lord)
PRAY: To Fear the Lord.
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Chris.
We can thank God for the reality of Angels. The Bible also refers to the Angel of the Lord in a specific way. Some Bible Teachers explain from the Scriptures that the Angel of the Lord is actually a manifestation of the Lord Himself, and I go along with that opinion. It is unwise to deny the spiritual realm, both Angels and demons.

Shechem Really Wanted To Marry Dinah!

'Shechem Really Wanted To Marry Dinah.'
Genesis 34:11.
a)  Shechem also said to Dinah's father and brothers:
b)  "Let me find favour in your eyes,
c)  "And whatever you say to me
d)  "I will give."
(Through this QT I can see that Shechem Really Wanted To Marry Dinah)
PRAY: For the good and wholesome marriages for the single people in your Church who want to be married.
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'The Christian Way Of Entreaty.'
2 Corinthians 10:1. 
a)  The meekness of Christ. 
b)  The gentleness of Christ. 
c)  In humility. 
(This Second one teaches me The Christian Way Of Entreaty)
PRAY: For our Churches to follow The Christian Way Of Entreaty.
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Chris.
A part of the Testimony of the Christian Church should be its marriages. As mentioned above, I believe that God wants them to be wholesome, loving and a good testimony in the Church and to the World. Church Prayer and Care for its members who are getting married is very important but all domination and control of them should be avoided. 

A Good Stir!

'A Good Stir.'
Hebrews 10:24.
a)  Let us consider
b)  How to stir up one another
c)  To love
d)  And good works. 
(This QT reveals A Good Stir)
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'We Should Consider These.'
a)  Deuteronomy 4:39. That the Lord Himself is God. 
b)  Deuteronomy 32:7. The years of many generations.
c)  Proverbs 6:6. The ant.
d)  Proverbs 23:1. What we eat when we are eating with important people.
e)  Haggai 1:5 & 7. Our ways. 
f)  Matthew 6:28. The lilies of the field.
g)  Luke 12:24. The ravens.
h)  Luke 12:27. The lilies. 
(Through this Second one I know that We Should Consider These)
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Chris.
Culturally it is important to consider what we eat when we are eating with important people. We need to consider always in all things when we are with them. In order to do this we need to learn to be self-disciplined in our "every day life". Careless people do not progress very far or well, careful people progress further. Whether we are living within our own culture or in an unfamiliar one, we need to be careful!

Press On!

'Press On.'

Philippians 3:14. 

a)  I press on toward the goal

b)  For the prize

c)  Of the upward call of God

d)  In Christ Jesus.

(Through this QT I am called to Press On)

PRAY: For the Strength and Grace from God to enable us to Press On.

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'Keep Going On Until God Says 'Stop'.

Genesis 12:9. 

a)  So Abram journeyed,

b)  Going on still

c)  Toward the South. 

(This Second one encourages me to Keep Going On Until God Says 'Stop'.)

PRAY: For Grace and Energy to complete the journey that God has for us. 

-----------

Chris.

Abram journeyed trusting God. This sets an example for all of us. This example is that we should let God be in control of our lives and families. Abram did not journey by himself, he journeyed with his family and belongings. Many families miss the Will of God because they want to be 'in control' and do not trust God enough. False security is actually a bondage for our lives, we should allow God to be our security, without fear. To follow the Lord's Plan for us is always the best way. 

Temptation To Compromise!

'Temptation To Compromise.'
Genesis 34:9-10.
a)  The temptation came from Hamor, attempting to cover up for his son's sin.
b)  The temptation was:
1-Marriages for the sons and daughters.
2-A secure dwelling place. 
3-Open land.
4-Trade. 
5-Get property. 
(This QT reveals Temptation To Compromise)
PRAY: That we will not compromise but live righteously.
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'Our Covenant Making And Keeping God.'
a)  2 Samuel 23:5; Isaiah 61:8; Jeremiah 32:40. An Everlasting Covenant in all things. 
b)  Isaiah 59:21; Hebrews 8:10. A Covenant regarding the Word of God. 
c)  Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:8. A New Covenant. 
d)  Ezekiel 16:8. A loving Covenant. 
e)  Hebrews 8:6. A better Covenant. 
f)  Hebrews 10:16. A Covenant that puts God's Word into our heart and mind. 
(This Second one reveals Our Covenant Making And Keeping God)
PRAY: To enter well into our part of our relationship with Our Covenant Making And Keeping God. 
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Chris.
God's Covenants are both lasting and everlasting! We have a Covenant keeping God and that should bring great assurance to all of us. Even if we may be going through some difficult times now, God's Covenant still stands, He has not forgotten us. He will give us the Grace and Strength to keep trusting Him and we will come through, He has Promised never to leave us or forsake us. We need to keep trusting the Covenants and Promises of God.

No Need To Waver!

'No Need To Waver.'
Hebrews 10:23. 
a)  Let us hold fast
b)  The confession of our Hope
c)  Without wavering,
d)  For He Who promised 
e)  Is Faithful.
(This QT exhorts me that there is No Need To Waver)
PRAY: To hold fast the Confession of your Hope.
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'Consider Him Faithful.'
Hebrews 11:11.
a)  By Faith
b)  Sarah herself
c)  Received power to conceive,
d)  Even when she was past the age,
e)  Since she considered Him faithful
f)  Who had promised. 
(Through this Second one I realise the need to always Consider Him Faithful)
PRAY: To consider Him faithful.
---------
Chris. 
We need to understand and realise that God is the same God today as He was in the days of Sarah. He can still work amazing deeds. For many of us, the problem is not unbelief, it is simply that we do not understand and realise the Power of God. One of the major causes of this is that we do not hear enough in our Churches, or share enough in our Fellowship Groups about the Power of God. God is the same today. He never changes. 

They Need Teaching!

'They Need Teaching.'
Psalm 51:13.
a)  Then will I teach
b)  Transgressors
c)  Your ways,
d)  So that sinners will turn back to You.
(This QT reminds me that They (Transgressors) Need Teaching)
PRAY: For good teachers and Bible teachers to be appointed to schools and Churches.
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'Our Need Of Change.'
Matthew 18:3.
a)  Jesus said:
b)  "Verily I say unto you,
c)  "Except ye be converted,
d)  "And become as little children,
e)  "You will never enter the KIngdom of Heaven."
(This Second one renews my desire to Preach the Gospel: Our Need Of Change)
PRAY: That many people will realize Their Need Of Change.
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Chris.
The Ways of the Lord are very important and need to be taught in the Churches and Christian Institutions. His Ways are not 'old-fashioned' - they are always current and relevant. Jesus Himself is the Way and He will lead us in the right way. His Way is really the only Way for His People. 

A Marriage Should Never Be Used!

'A Marriage Should Never Be Used.'
Genesis 34:8-9.
a)  Hamor said to Jacob and his sons:
b)  "My son Shechem wants your daughter.
c)  "Please give her to him to be his wife.
d)  "Let your people and ours be married to each other.
e)  "Give us your daughters as your wives.
f)  "You can have our daughters as your wives."
(This QT reminds me that A Marriage Should Never Be Used)
PRAY: For good and wholesome marriages for your family and Church young people. (For those who want to get married!)
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'Our Neck.'
a)  Song of Solomon 4:4. Can be strong and beautiful.
b)  Song of Solomon 7:4. Can be smooth and beautiful.
c)  Isaiah 10:27. The yoke (heavy burden) should be removed from it.
d)  Isaiah 52:2. Be free! Remove the chains from your neck.
e)  Ezekiel 16:11. Can be decorated with a necklace (for a sister).
f)  Daniel 5:16 & 29. A gold chain can be put around it - indicating authority.
g)  Hosea 10:11. Can be pretty.
(This Second one teaches me that God cares about Our Neck)
PRAY: For our health and appearance. 
--------
Chris.
Marriage is a very important and significant act! It is something that should be entered into by both parties in a wholesome and Holy way. There should be no manipulative ideas by either set of parents, just a heart of Blessing and encouragement for the ones getting married. 
In some parts of the World, until today, families use the marriages of their children to try to gain something, this should not happen. 
The newly married couple should be given freedom to grow together and to grow in God as a new family. There should be no bullying or nagging. (The picture is Biblical - the Bible says that a nagging wife is like a dripping tap.)
Especially for Christian parents, the prayers, encouragement and welcome for their married children and their spouses should always be there! 

What Kind Of Mouth Do We Have?

'What Kind Of Mouth Do We Have?
a)  Exodus 4:15; Psalm 78:1. A teacher's mouth.
b)  Numbers 22:38; 23:12; 1 Kings 17:24. A mouth committed to the Word of the Lord.
c)  Job 6:30. A mouth that discerns malice. 
d)  Job 8:21. A mouth filled with laughter.
e)  Job 15:5. A mouth prompted by sin.
f)  Job 16:5. A mouth that brings encouragement and comfort. 
g)  Psalm 19:14. A mouth that speaks words that please the Lord.
h)  Psalm 40:3; 63:5; 119:108. A mouth that sings a new song of Praise to God.
i)  Psalm 49:3. A mouth that speaks words of Wisdom.
j)  Psalm 54:2. A mouth that prays.
k)  Psalm 66:14. A mouth that speaks when we are in trouble. 
l)  Psalm 66:17. A mouth that cries out to God. 
m)  Psalm 71:15. A mouth that tells of the Lord's Righteous deeds. 
n)  Psalm 89:1. A mouth that sings of the Lord's Great Love.
o)  Psalm 109:30. A mouth that greatly extols the Lord. 
p)  Psalm 141:3. A mouth guarded by the Lord.
q)  Psalm 145:21. A mouth that speaks in Praise of the Lord.
r)  Proverbs 4:24. A mouth free from perversity. 
s)  Proverbs 6:12. A corrupt mouth.
t)  Proverbs 8:7. A mouth that speaks the Truth. 
u)  Proverbs 8:8. A mouth that speaks only just words.
v)  Proverbs 10:11. A mouth that is a fountain of life. 
w)  Proverbs 10:14. A mouth that invites ruin.
x)  Proverbs 10:31. A mouth that produces the fruit of Wisdom.
y)  Proverbs 14:3. A mouth that lashes out with pride. 
z)  Proverbs 18:20. Words that, when spoken, will eventually fill the stomach.
(This QT makes me think: What Kind Of Mouth Do I Have?)
PRAY: For our words to be pleasing to the Lord.
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'What Kind Of Mouth Do We Have? (2)
a)  Proverbs 26:28. A flattering mouth. 
b)  Proverbs 27:2. A mouth that does not praise self. 
c)  Ecclesiastes 5:2. A mouth that does not give quick answers. 
d)  Ecclesiastes 5:6. A mouth that does not lead us into sin.
e)  Isaiah 37:29. An angry and rude mouth corrected by God.
f)  Isaiah 49:2. A mouth like a sharpened sword. 
g)  Isaiah 51:16. A mouth that speaks God's Words.
h)  Jeremiah 1:9. A mouth touched by the Lord. 
i)  Jeremiah 5:14. A mouth that speaks God's fiery Word. 
j)  Ezekiel 3:27. A mouth opened by the Lord. 
k)  Malachi 2:6&7. A mouth that speaks true instruction. 
l)  Matthew 12:34; Luke 6:45. The mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 
m)  Romans 10:10. A mouth that professes Faith and Salvation.
n)  2 Thessalonians 2:15. The mouth of a Bible Teacher. 
o)  James 3:10. The incorrect mouth that both blesses and curses. 
p)  Revelation 13:5. A mouth that utters proud words. 
(This Second one continues with the same challenging theme: What Kind Of Mouth Do I Have?)
PRAY: That our mouths will not lead us into sin.
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Chris.
If a Believer has an angry or rude mouth I know that this sin and problem can be corrected by God. The solution is very simple, it starts with confession to God. We ask Him to cleanse us and forgive us for all the angry and rude words that we have spoken, all our words that have hurt others and have been displeasing to God.