"Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build and bribed counselors against them to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia" (Ezra 4:4-5).
When Israel went into captivity God moved the heart of Cyrus the King to build the house of the Lord. It was a time of great rejoicing as many of God's people went up to Jerusalem to build the Lord's house with the support and help of the Persian King. This began a period of great revival as the people of God once again worshiped the Lord and offered sacrifices unto Him. But not long after the building began the adversaries of God's people attempted to frustrate their purpose. They managed to influence the King through false accusations and eventually the work of the house of the Lord ceased.
God forbid that our influence would be used to frustrate the plan and purposes of God in the lives of others. Oh how we need to think before we speak. The bible says "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin (does not lack sin): but he that refraineth his lips is wise" (Proverbs 10:19).
Before speaking to anybody about anything stop and think on this acronym based on the word THINK. Ask yourself "is what I'm about to say True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind? If what you want to say does not pass that test, put a muzzle on it. May we use our words and influence to build up others and God's work for Jesus sake.
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