For many years now, we have done skits as a family, and sometimes including the crowd in a few of them. We have done these at the OR State Gideon camp and many New Year parties. I thought I would share a few that we have done, just for fun.

We usually adjust them to fit most of our family in.

Worst Criminal

Required: 4 to 8 people

Notes: All the criminals should act as tough as they can. The worst criminal should be kind of sitting quietly in the corner away from the others. (jailer leads new criminal #1 to a cell, opens door, and pushes him in with the rest of the criminals. Jailer walks offstage.)

#1: (shaking bars to cell) But, I’m innocent, I tell you!
(all the other criminals laugh at him)
#2: Yeah, sure, we’re ALL innocent. What did they say you did?
#1: Robbed a bank.
#2: Aw, I stole a Dodge Viper.
(everyone looks at #3 expectantly)
#3: Heck, I hijacked a city bus and drove it all the way to California.
(everyone looks at #4 expectantly)
#4: That’s nothing, I shot a guy – in the back.
(everyone looks at next one. Repeat for each person until you get to the last one. Everyone is looking at him, but he doesn’t say anything. Finally, …)
#1: Hey, what did you do?
Worst Criminal: (slowly looking around at each one. Say in a mean, tough voice.) You know those little tags on mattresses that you aren’t supposed to remove? Well, I cut the one off my mattress!

(The rest of the criminals run to the bars, start shaking them, and screaming in fear)
All: Help! Get us out of here!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yaputcha
Required: 5 or more participants

Indian Chief is sitting center stage.
Each brave approaches the chief in turn…

Brave: Chief Lightfoot, is it time for Yaputcha?

Chief: (looks at sun, drops some dirt to check wind, sniffs the air, sticks tongue out like gaguing something… whatever you can think of.) No, the time is not right.

The braves sit in a circle which includes the chief.

Finally, when the last brave asks, the Chief checks things out and replies.

Chief: Yes, it is now time for Yaputcha!

Everyone cheers, stands up, and begins the hokey-pokey – ‘Yaputcha right foot in, Yaputcha right foot out, Yaputcha right foot in and shake it all about…’

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hair in my Hamburger
Required: 3 people (person #1 enters a restaurant and is seated by person #2. We had our twins both be #2 at the same time. Then #3 is the cook.)

#1: I’d like a burger and fries, please. With a coke.
#2: Very good, it will be right up.
(#2 exits and returns with imaginary plate.)
#2: Here you are, sir. Enjoy!
(#2 moves off a ways, waiting to serve.)

(#1 takes a bite and enjoys it until he stops and pretends to pull a long hair out of his mouth.)
#1: Yuch! Waiter! There’s a hair in my burger!
#2: Oh, I am so sorry, sir. Here, give me that and I will bring you a fresh meal.
(#2 leaves and comes back with a new plate.)
#2: Here, sir. I brought you new fries also.
#1: Thank you.

(starts eating again and finds another hair.)
#1: Waiter! I found ANOTHER hair. I want to speak to the cook – NOW!
(#2 runs offstage and brings back #3 who is the cook and pretends to be forming hamburger in his hands.)
#1: What is the problem? Don’t you know how to make hamburgers?
#3: Yes, I do. I make these burgers the same way every time. See?
(Cook rolls a ball of hamburger in his hands. Then, puts it in his armpit and squezzes his arm down.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Brown Pants
Required: 4 to 8 particpants
Preparation: 1 person is Captain (dad). 1 person is lookout. 1 is Captain’s galley boy. The rest are men-at-arms ready to fire cannons. Everyone is on a ship at war cruising the sea looking for enemy.

Lookout: Ahoy, Cap’n! Enemy ships off the starboard bow.
Captain: How many?
Lookout: 2 ships, Cap’n.
Captain: Boy, bring me my red jacket so the men won’t see my blood if I’m wounded!
(hands him his imaginary jacket which he puts on.)
Captain: Fire the cannons!
(kids make cannon noises. We had one child touch th ehead of each “gun” and they had their arms out making the noises as their heads were touched. Perfect for little ones)
Lookout: Woo-hoo! We sunk them both!
(captain takes off his jacket and hands it back to the boy)

Lookout: Ahoy, Cap’n! Enemy ships off the port bow.
Captain: How many?
Lookout: 5 ships, Cap’n.
Captain: Boy, bring me my red jacket so the men won’t see my blood if I’m wounded!
(hands him his imaginary jacket which he puts on.)
Captain: Fire the cannons!
(kids make cannon noises)
Lookout: Woo-hoo! We sunk them all!
(captain takes off his jacket and hands it back to the boy)

Lookout: Ahoy, Cap’n! Enemy ships off the port stern.
Captain: How many?
Lookout: 40 ships, Cap’n!
Captain: Boy, bring me my BROWN PANTS!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

In this you need two cups of water and four or more people. The people in the skit all line up in a row in front of the audience. The first person in line has water in his cup and the last person in line has an empty cup with some water hidden in his mouth.

The skit starts off with the narrator saying something about this is a demonstration of how a person can brush his teeth when there is a shortage of water and you live in Montana and have to haul your water. You get very creative in your useage of water when it’s such a precious commodity. The first person takes a drink of water from his cup and proceeds to brush his teeth with his finger. After a few seconds he stops and places his head against the ear of the next person in line and that person’s cheeks begin to bulge out as the first persons deflate. This person (the second person brushes his teeth with his finger for a few seconds and then puts his mouth against the next person’s ear with the same results and son on down the line until the last person in line in reached. This person upon finishing brushing his teeth releases the water he has in his mouth into the cup in his hand.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

We usually get some volunteers. They read through it first before actually doing it.

Radio Jumble

Sportscaster: Good evening ladies and gentlemen. This is Huber Gluck bringing you the latest news in the world of sports. The annual nonconference football game between Stewitt and Dewitt Colleges was played Saturday afternoon to the enjoyment of a large crowd who went wild at the crucial point in the game when Coach Rudabaugh sent in….

Chef: …three eggs, a cup of buttermilk, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and pour into a flat greased pan or…

Fashion consultant: …your new fall hat. This year, fashion decrees that women shall wear a large variety of charm bracelets. A most popular design is to make them of…

Shaving cream ad: …old whiskers? If you do, just shave them off with Burples’ Better Shaving Cream. Use this cream and you’ll be so handsome that all the girls will…

Exercise instructor: …bend over and touch the floor twenty times. This exercise is superb for general reducing. All right now, pupils, again…let’s bend over, up, over…

Singer: … the ocean. My bonnie lies over the sea. My bonnie lies over the ocean, oh, bring back my bonnie to…

Sportscaster: McClerken who sailed down the field for a touchdown that tied the game. What a play! What a man! What a perfect…

Fashion consultant: ….ly darling little summer bag that all you girls simply must have. AT first glimpse, they may remind one of…

Story teller: …a big bowl of porridge. But it was too hot. The second bowl was as hot as the first, but the third was just right. Goldilocks ate and ate, until she could…

Shaving cream ad: …feel the stiff beard with your hand. Does that appear to be very romantic? Our foolproof way to get a girlfriend is to…

Exercise instructor: …breathe deeply three times and pound on your chest with the fists after inhaling each breath. This enlivens the tissues and makes one feel…

Chef: …puffy and full of air. This effect can be had by beating the mixture with a rotary eggbeater for five…

Fashion coordinator: …Hundred years. The things our grandmothers wore then are the most popular things today. Already prominent society women are trying to bring back more old-fashioned manners. Their cry is, “bring back…

Singer: …my bonnie to me, bring back, bring, back, oh bring back my bonnie to me, to me. Bring back, bring back…

Shaving cream ad: …a nice soft chin and a host of compliments. If you use our cream, those whiskers will come out with a …

Story teller: CRASH! Goldilocks had broken the little chair all to pieces. Then she jumped up and started up the stairs. There she saw three beds. The first bed was covered with a bearskin rug, which was too soft. The second was covered with…

Sportscaster: …what looked like crawling things from the press box, but it was only the players in hard scrimmage. We are looking forward with expectations of both these teams winning their conference championships this fall. The players are in good condition and the average weight is…

Exercise instructor: …110 pounds. You, too, can weigh this much if you but follow these simple exercises. Don’t take them too hard at first, or you will probably have to…

Singer: …lay on a pillow. Last night as I lay on my bed; Last night as I lay on my pillow, I dreamed that my bonnie was…

Chef: …cooking in a hot oven at about 450 degrees Fahrenheit. For an extra treat, garnish the dish with cloves or with whole…

Story teller: …bears? Will Goldilocks get home safely? How will the story end? Keep your radio tuned to this station until tomorrow at this same time for the next episode of this thrilling story. Until then, kiddies, be sweet and don’t forget to…

Shaving cream ad: …shave off those whiskers with Burples’. Our motto is…

Exercise instructor: …stand on your head, and wave your feet in the air. Gym clothes are best for these exercises, but…

Fashion coordinator: …an ostrich feather will do just as well. Take my tip and you girls will be as fashionable as…

Sportscaster: …John McGullicuddy, to whom we are looking for great things this season. Until later, this is Hubert Cluck, signing off and saying…

ALL: Goodbye now!

Sportscaster
Chef
Fashion consultant
Shaving cream ad
Exercise instructor
Singer
Story teller

~~~~~~~~~~~~

SCHOOL DAZE

We also like to involve the audience in these roles, as well

Children (together): Good morning, teacher!

Professor: Have you studied your lessons yet? Did you write your papers?

Children (in chorus): Yes, teacher.

Professor: Well, well, we shall see. Roberta, who was Queen Victoria?

Roberta (proudly reading): Queen Victoria was the only queen who sat on a thorn for sixty-three years.

Professor: That’s odd. Billy, what is chivalry?

Billy: Chivalry is the attitude of a man toward a strange woman.

Professor: There’s truth in that statement, boy. Sam, what is an eavesdropper?

Sam: An eavesdropper is a sort of bird, I think.

Professor: Mary Jane, what is a skeleton?

Mary Jane: A skeleton is…a skeleton is a man with his inside out…and his outside off.

Professor: That will do. Now, Tommy, I want you to correct, please, this sentence: “The bull and the cow is in the field.”

Tommy: It ought to go, “The bull and the cow is in the garden.”

Professor: Why, my dear boy?

Tommy: Because everybody knows the bulls don’t stay where they’re supposed to!

Professor: That’s terrible, Tommy! Where’s your grammar?

Tommy: She’s home making a quilt.

Professor: Now, let’s try geography. Anne, what people live in the Po Valley?

Anne: I don’t know…unless it’s po’ people.

Professor: That will do. Hank, where is New York?

Hank: I think they are in the World Series.

Professor: Susan, what canal connects the Mediterranean and Red Seas?

Susan: The Sewage Canal.

Professor: Harold, who was sorry when the Prodical Son returned?

Harold: The fatted calf!

Professor: Roberta, what is guerrilla warfare?

Roberta: Guerrilla warfare is when the sides get up to monkey tricks.

Professor: Billy, what is a yokel?

Billy: A yokel is the way people call to each other in the Alps.

Professor: That is quite enough! Sam, since pro means the opposite of con, can you give me an illustration?

Sam: Certainly. Progress and Congress.

Professor: Mary Jane, name three relative pronouns.

Mary Jane: Aunt, uncle, brother.

Professor: That is NOT what you have been taught! Tommy, what is LXXX?

Tommy: Love and kisses?

Professor (looking disgusted): Anne, what part did the US Navy play in WWII?

Anne: It played the Star-Spangled Banner.

Professor: Hank, How many wars were waged against Spain?

Hank: Six

Professor: Enumerate them.

Hank: One, two, three, four, five, six.

Professor: Hmmm. Well, so much for public education! I guess you should have been homeschooled!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE CURING MACHINE

Scene: Doctor’s office

Characters: Doctor
Volunteer from audience
6 “sick” people
Nurse

Choose someone from the audience to be the “volunteer.” Have them sit in the chair.

Doctor (to nurse): Miss Sippi, will you come here a minute?

Nurse: Yes, doctor?

Doctor: I want to show you our new machine that cures any ill.

Nurse: That’s wonderful, Doctor! How do you do it?

Doctor: Why, you take this cap and put it on a patient, like this. (Places on self) Then you transfer the illness of the patient into Bob here (places cap on Bob. We used a large bowl from the kitchen).

Nurse: Well, that certainly is a wonderful invention if it works.

Doctor: Say, I believe there’s a patient coming. See if there is, Miss Sippi.

Patient #1 (entering with hand up in the air): Doctor, my hand is giving me some trouble. I have heard about your machine. Can you help me?

Doctor: Sure! (fastens cap on patient, runs machine. Suddenly patient lowers hand, Bob raises his. May need some reminding). See, you’re cured!

Patient #1: Thank you so much, doctor. I’m cured! Here’s twenty-five dollars. (leaves)

Nurse: Here’s a second patient, Doctor.

Patient #2 (jerking): Doctor, I’ve got a nervous affliction. If you can cure me, I’ll give you $100.

Doctor: Thank you, my friend. I have utmost confidence in the machine. Let us put this cap on you. (Does so, turns on machine, patient stops jerking, Bob starts jerking, hand up in the air.) See, you’re cured!

Patient #2: Thank you so much, doctor. Here’s the money. (leaves)

Nurse: Doctor, your fame is spreading! Here’s another patient.
Patient #3 (winking): Doctor, I’ve got a terrible affliction! I can’t quit winking!

Doctor: You are as good as cured. Take a seat and let us fasten this cap on you. (does so, and patient stops winking, adding another affliction to Bob). See, you are cured.

Patient #3: Thank you, doctor. You have relieved me greatly! (pays and leaves)

Nurse: Here’s another patient to see you.

Patient #4 (enters kicking a leg out): Doctor, I was kicked by a mule and now cannot stop kicking, myself! Can you help?

Doctor: Oh yes…have a seat right here. (goes through all the motions)

Patient #4: Thank you so much, doctor! (pays and leaves)

Nurse: Here is another patient, doctor.

Patient #5 (enters sticking tongue out, in, out, in): Doctor, I don’t know what’s come upon me. Can you help?

Doctor: Certainly! I know just the cure! (goes through all the motions)

Patient #5: Thank you doctor! I haven’t felt this good in a very long time! (Pays and leaves)

Nurse: Can you fit another patient in before closing time?

Doctor: Oh certainly! My machine is working wonderfully!

Patient #6 (enters itching all over): Oh doctor! I hear you can cure me! I’ve been putting off seeing anyone about my affliction for three years! I need some relief!

Doctor: Yes, yes, yes. Come sit right here. (goes through motions…if Bob lets him get this far)

Patient #6: (Thanks doctor, pays, leaves)

Nurse: Doctor. It is closing time. I do believe you have seen the last patient for the day.

(both leave)

Tags: Family, just fun

By Dr. Greg Bahnsen

It is every Christian’s heart-felt desire to live a more holy life, one that better glorifies God and displays His love. The process by which believers grow in holiness is called “sanctification.” It is the result of God’s powerful, transforming grace within us.

The outworking of the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying work is not as vague or mystical as many well-meaning Christians imagine. It can be seen in very definite ways in our conduct—particularly in the way we use our mouths. About our linguistic habits God tells us: “All of us stumble in many ways, but if anyone is never at fault in what he says, then he is mature, able to control his whole body” (James 3:2).

Reforming the way we use our words, then, is a key to sanctification. The mouth is so troublesome and sinful that, if it can be made more holy, so can other areas of our conduct. For that reason, the following “oral check-up” has been devised, summarizing much of what the Bible teaches us about the way we should speak. If Christian morality were more evident here, God would surely receive greater glory—not only among us, but also through us before the world.

Notice the Destructive Power of Words

“Thy tongue devises very wickedness: like a sharp razor, working deceitfully…. Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue” (Psalm 52:2, 4).

“Who have whet their tongue like a sword, and have aimed their arrows, even bitter words. (Psalm 64:3)

“There is rash speaking which is like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings health” (Proverbs 12:18).

“A worthless man devises mischief, and in his lips there is as a scorching fire” (Proverbs 16:27).

“Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit: the poison of asps is under their lips” (Romans 3:13).

Do You Defame Fellow Believers with Harsh Language?

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a grievous word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise utters

knowledge aright, but the mouth of fools pours out folly… A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit” (Proverbs 15:1-4).

“The tongue is a fire, the world of iniquity among our members which defiles the whole body…and is set on fire by hell…. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith we bless the Lord and Father, and therewith we curse men, who are made after the likeness of God: out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so…. If you have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth. This wisdom is not a wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish…. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits…” (James 3:5-18).

Do You Criticize Unnecessarily or Talk Too Much?

“In the multitude of words there is no lack of transgression, but he who refrains his lips does wisely” (Proverbs 10:19).

“He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter” (Proverbs 11:13).

“A perverse man scatters abroad strife, and a whisperer separates best friends” (Proverbs 16:28).

He who spares his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise. (Proverbs 17:27-28).

“For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, contention ceases. As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to inflame strife. (Proverbs 26:20-21).

Do You Judgmentally or Maliciously Speak Evil of Fellow Believers?

“Speak not one against another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother speaks against the law and judges the law…[and so] is not a doer of the law” (James 4:11).

You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother’s son” (Psalm 50:20).

“Who are you to judge the servant of another? Before his own lord he stands or falls…. But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you set at nought your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of God…. Let us not therefore judge one another any more. (Romans 14:4, 8-13).

“All the day long they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil” (Psalm 56:5).

“I wrote unto you not to keep company, if any man that is named a brother be…a reviler…. Be not deceived: neither fornicators…nor revilers, nor extortioners shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:10).

Do You Speak Uncharitably?

“Love is longsuffering and is kind…does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not its own, is not provoked, takes not account of evil, rejoices not in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Do You Interpret People In The Best Light?

The man with unsound and ungodly attitudes] is puffed up…whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil suspicion …” (1 Timothy 6:4).

[By contrast, the inspired writer, after speaking of evil actions, said:] “But beloved we are persuaded better things of you and things that accompany salvation…” (Hebrews 6:9).

[Examples of seeing others in the worst light: 1 Samuel 1:13-15; 17:28; 2 Samuel 10:3; 16:3; 19:25-27; Nehemiah 6:6-8; Acts 24:2,5. We can take one instance —] “And when the barbarians saw the venomous creature hanging from [Paul’s] hand, they said one to another, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live (Acts 28:4).}

Is What You Say Kind?

“Let not kindness and truth forsake you; bind them about your neck: write them upon the tablet of your heart” (Proverbs 3:3).

“The wise in heart shall be called prudent; and the sweetness of the lips increases learning…. Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:21, 24).

“She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the law of kindness is on her tongue” (Proverbs 31:26).

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

“And be kind one to another, tenderhearted” (Ephesians 4:32).

“Put on…a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, gentleness, longsuffering…and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection” (Colossians 3:12,14).

“Finally, be all of you like-minded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humble-minded (1 Peter 3:8).

Does Your Speaking Show Humility?

“Do nothing through faction or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind, let each count the other as better than himself” (Philippians 2:3).

“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought to think….In love of the brethren be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another” (Romans 12:3, 10).

“With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).

Do You Speak Carelessly?

“He who guards his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction” (Proverbs 13:3).

“The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things” (Proverbs 15:28).

“Whosoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles” (Proverbs 21:23).

“See a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (Proverbs 29:20).

“If any man thinks himself to be religious and does not bridle his tongue, he deceives himself and this man’s religion is vain” (James 1:26).

“He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil and his lips that they speak no guile” (1 Peter 3:10).

Do You Choose Your Words Cautiously and Fairly, or Do You Press into Service Provocative (Emotive) and Unqualified (Categorical) Expressions?

“I say unto you that…whoever shall say to his brother “Raca” [a term of contempt] shall be in danger of the council, and whoever shall say “You fool” shall be in danger of hell fire” (Matthew 5:22).

“I said in my haste, ‘All men are liars’” (Psalm 116:11).

[When we oversimplify and lump together the righteous and unrighteous under one condemning rubric, note:] “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 17:15).

“Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear” (Ephesians 4:29).

“Let us follow after things which make for peace and things whereby we may edify one another” (Romans 14:19).

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in network of silver. As an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear” (Proverbs 25:11-12).

“The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver…. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverseness” (Proverbs 10:20,32).

“A man has joy in the answer of his mouth, and a word in due season, how good it is!” (Proverbs 15:23)

“The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked” (Proverbs 10:11).

“A grievous word stirs up anger…the mouth of fools pours forth folly” (Proverbs 15:1,2).

Do You Gossip or Publicly Discredit People?

“You shall not go up and down as a talebearer among your people” (Leviticus 19:16).

“Who shall dwell with Jehovah?… He who slanders not with his tongue…nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor” (Psalm 15:3).

“And withal they learn also to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not” (1 Timothy 5:13).

“He who utters a slander is a fool” (Proverbs 10:18).

“The mouth of the wicked and the mouth of deceit have they opened against me…. They have compassed me about also with words of hatred and fought against me without a cause” (Psalm 109:2,3).

“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking guile” (Psalm 34:13; 1 Peter 3:10).

“Let all bitterness…clamor and railing be put away from you, with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31).

“Put them in mind…to speak evil of no man, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all gentleness toward all men” (Titus 3:1-2).

[Whisperers and backbiters are condemned: Psalm 101:5; Romans 1:29,30; 2 Corinthians 12:20] “The north wind drives away rain, so does an angry countenance a backbiting tongue” (Proverbs 25:23).

Do You Publicly Criticize People Before First Speaking with Them and Seeking Their Restoration?

“He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him…. He who pleads his cause first seems just, but his neighbor comes and searches him out” (Proverbs 18:13, 17).

“Go not hastily to strive, lest you know not what to do in the end thereof, when your neighbor has put you to shame. Debate your cause with your neighbor himself, and disclose not the secret of another, lest he who hears it revile thee and your infamy turn not away” (Proverbs 25:8-10).

“Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness…. Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2).

“My brethren, if any among you err from the truth and one convert him, let him know that he who converts a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death and shall cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20).

“Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace to them who hear” (Ephesians 4:29; cf. Romans 14:19).

“And if your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone; if he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not hear you, take with you one or two more, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he refuses to hear them, tell it unto the church” (Matthew 18:15-17).

Do You Speak with Sensitivity, the Way You Would Have Others Speak of You?

[See preceding passages about kindness, humility, and gentleness: for instance, 1 Peter 3:8; Ephesians 4:32; Titus 3:2; Romans 12:10]

“If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions, make full my joy that you be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord” (Philippians 2:1-2).

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 19:19; Romans 13:9).

“For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Galatians 5:14).

“All things therefore whatsoever you would that men should do unto you, even so do also unto them, for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

Do You Exemplify the Very Things for Which You Criticize Others?

“Judge not that you be not judged. For by the same standard you judge, you shall be judged; and with the measure you mete it out, it shall be meted out to you…. You hypocrite, first cast out the beam in your own eye, and then you shall see clearly to cast out the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:1-5).

“Therefore you are without excuse, O man, whosoever you are who judges. For in that very thing you judge another, you condemn yourself, for you who who judges practices the same things” (Romans 2:1).

Do Your Words about Others Amount to Humiliation or Mockery?

“With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor” (Proverbs 11:9).

“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4).

“But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you not be consumed of one another” (Galatians 5:15).

[Examples of the sin of mockery: Genesis 21:9 with Galatians 4:29; Psalm 35:16, 21; Matthew 27:24]

[The opposite of humiliating words is commended: Proverbs 16:21, 24; 27:9, and preceding passages about kindness, sensitivity, etc.]

Do You Later Try to Evade Responsibility for Your Words

“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks…. And I say unto you that every idle word that men shall speak they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment; for by your words you shall be justified and by your words you shall be condemned” (Matthew 12:34b, 36-37).

“As a madman who casts firebrands and deadly arrows, so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, ‘I was only kidding’” (Proverbs 26:18-19).

“He who covers his transgressions shall not prosper, but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall obtain mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

“Yet you say ‘I am innocent….’ Surely I will enter into judgment with you because you say ‘I have not sinned’” (Jeremiah 2:35).

[Examples of attempting to evade responsibility and making excuses: Proverbs 30:20; Genesis 3:12-13; 4:9; Matthew 27:24; Luke 14:18]

Are You Always Careful to Tell the Truth When You Speak?

“A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow” (Proverbs 25:18).

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 5:20; Matthew 19:18).

“For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts…false witness, railings: these are the things which defile the man” (Matthew 15:19-20).

“You shall not take up a false report; put not your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness” (Exodus 23:1).

“You shall not…lie one to another” (Leviticus 19:11).

“Wherefore, putting away falsehood, speak the truth each one with his neighbor, for we are members one of another” (Ephesians 4:25).

“Lie not one to another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings” (Colossians 3:9).

“There are six things which Jehovah hates, yes seven which are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue…a false witness who utters lies” (Proverbs 6:16-19).

“He who utters truth shows forth righteousness, but a false witness deceit…. The lip of truth shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment” (Proverbs 12:17, 19).

“Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause, and deceive not with your lips” (Proverbs 24:28).

“A false witness shall not go unpunished, and he who utters lies shall perish” (Proverbs 19:9; cf. 21:28).

[The mouths of unruly men, vain talkers and deceivers, must be stopped by strong reproof (Titus 1:10-13).

"But for...all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death" (Revelation 21:8).

Do You Keep the Promises that You Make?

[Who shall dwell with the Lord?] “He who swears to his own hurt and changes not” (Psalm 15:4).

[Among those who stand condemned by God are covenant-breakers (Romans 1:31; 2 Timothy 3:3).

Does Your Mouth Use Coarse Humor or Foolish Jesting?

"But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you as becomes saints: nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not befitting (Ephesians 5:3-4).

"Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth" (Ephesians 4:29).

"Put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth" (Colossians 3:8).

"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be anything praiseworthy, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8).

Do You Use Words to Boast or Flatter Yourself?

"The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks proud things" (Psalm 12:3).

"For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters" (2 Timothy 3:2).

"Be not wise in your own conceits" (Romans 12:16).

"I hate pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth" (Proverbs 8:13).

"Do not think more highly of yourself than you ought to think" (Romans 12:3).

"Let another praise you and not your own mouth—a stranger and not your own lips" (Proverbs 27:2).

Does Your Conversation Use God’s Name Taken in Vain? /strong>

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain (Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 5:11).

"After this manner are you to pray: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name" (Matthew 6:9).

[This requires that we reverence all of God's titles, attributes, works, etc.:] “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (Psalm 29:2).

“O Lord our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth” (Psalm 7:1).

“Swear not at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; nor by earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King; neither by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black” (Matthew 5:34-36).

[It also requires that we profess the name of Christ and praise Him:] “If you shall confess with your mouth Jesus as the Lord, and shall believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved…. Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:9,13).

“No man speaking in the Spirit of God says ‘Jesus is anathema,’ and no man can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ but by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3).

“Through Him, then, let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to His name” (Hebrews 13:15).

[This entails that all of our speaking must be pleasing to God:] “And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).

[We must not dishonor our profession of His name by our behavior:] “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you” (Romans 2:24).

“Let your lifestyle [conduct] be such as becomes the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27).

Tags: Bible Truths

What was supposed to be one week turned into three, so I a am almost certain you had plenty of time to read Numbers. Are you with me? In the words of the Christian parity band, Apologetix, let’s do some Deuteronomy.

If you spend a mere 20 minutes each day on this book, and read six chapters a day, you will have finished it by Friday. How cool is that? Don’t forget to take notes and enjoy what you are reading!

Tags: Bible Truths

Now is the time to get your Motivated Moms schedule Ebook. Yes, the end of the year is here and time to get thinking about new calendars and new schedulers.

Last year, someone mentioned it to me, so I bought the half schedule to check it out, myself. I love the simplicity and thoroughness. It’s a keeper!

If you are interested, Click here to view more details. There are samples at the bottom of the page. You can even get one that includes a daily Bible reading.

Tags: Organization

My husband sent this email out to friends and family. I thought I’d share it here.

“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” Micah 5:2

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel (Meaning “God with us”). Isaiah 7:14

Dear Friends and Family,

I bring you good greetings in the way and name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on this day we commemorate God became a man; And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

This day is not a day about giving or family. This day is not about a baby in a manger or of wise men and silent nights. This is a day about God becoming a man to save us from our sins. Yes, our sins. What will you do with this Savior? This is a day about the eternal gospel found in Revelations 14:6-7 And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment (deciding between) has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.” This is a day we say: ” Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips (sinner), And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5 This is a day when we must consider the words of John the Baptist: The word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance (Change direction) for the forgiveness of sins; (Luke 3) And also: “Repent (Change direction), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”Matthew 3:2 And: The next day he (John) saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 This is a day we consider the words of the apostle Paul; “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Romans 3:23 And “For the wages (earned payment) of sin (Rebellion against God) is death (Wrath of God), but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus(Lamb of God) our Lord.

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11 What will you do with Jesus Christ Crucified, Resurrected and Glorified… today?

God Said:

“Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the judgments which the LORD your God has commanded me (Moses) to teach you… Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! ” You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6

… He (Jesus) took along Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. And behold, two men were talking with Him; and they were Moses and Elijah, who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem… a cloud formed and began to overshadow them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” Luke 9:28ff

Jesus Said:

“THE PEOPLE WHO WERE SITTING IN DARKNESS SAW A GREAT LIGHT, AND THOSE WHO WERE SITTING IN THE LAND AND SHADOW OF DEATH, UPON THEM A LIGHT DAWNED.” From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:16-17

He presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR come and NEST IN ITS BRANCHES.” Matthew 13:31-32

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea, and gathering fish of every kind; and when it was filled, they drew it up on the beach; and they sat down and gathered the good fish into containers, but the bad they threw away. “So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come forth and take out the wicked from among the righteous, and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:44-50

Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, `Look, here it is!’ or, `There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Jesus IS the Kingdom of God) Luke 17:20-21

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS. Matthew 16:24-27

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4

What would you give for the Kingdom of God?

As John the Baptist said: But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? “Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance; Matt 3:7-8

With all love and sincerity,

Dennis & Ruth and Family

Tags: Bible Truths, Dennis, Family, selflessness