Ponder

“But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.“
Luke 2:19

She kept all these things in her heart. You and I need to be careful what we say. The Oxford Dictionary says, to ponder is to consider carefully.

We must not be frivolous in these times. Frivolous means to be superficial and carefree. To just let it go and not consider what you are saying. People are suffering everywhere. People are nervous, fearful and are extremely sensitive. You and I need to count to ten before we say something and then we won’t say it.

You know the adage: “Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never harm me”? That's not true, It is the opposite. You can heal from a wound but a word said in the moment, not meant... you can never bring it back. We need to be very careful and ponder, that's right - to ponder, consider very carefully, like Mary did before we actually say it.

I want to say to moms, I know what kids are like - I have had many. Jill and I have had many and I want to tell you, sometimes, you are in a fluster and in the moment and you say something, “You little devils!”

What are you saying, mom? That is a curse that you are putting on your kids - Don’t say that. Or, “I wish you would just go away and die somewhere.” You don’t mean it but these kinds of words cut deep.

Now Jesus never ever did that. If we look at John 8:6:

“This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.”

He was pondering. Remember, they wanted to stone the woman caught in adultery... He never said anything. He was just quiet. Remember when He was facing Pontius Pilate. Pontius Pilate couldn’t believe that He wasn’t defending Himself.

“But He answered him not one word so that the governor marvelled greatly.” Matthew 27:14

That's why God gave you and me two ears and one mouth... This message, I think, is for me this morning! We need to listen twice as much as we speak.

I remember like yesterday, a farmer, father and his son, a young farmer, come to see me - They were very upset with each other. They were talking about the farm and inheritance, etc. I just sat there and I listened and I pondered. And they went on and on about the cattle and the maize and the tractors and what they should buy and who should have what and then eventually, right at the end of the meeting they broke down and wept. You see, what had happened was the dad just wasn’t spending time with his son and wanted fellowship with his dad. They stood up from the table, they hugged each other. They asked forgiveness and then they went out rejoicing.

Today, let us consider carefully what we say and listen to people.
God bless you and have a wonderful day.