January 2022 – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for January 31, 2022 – Finding the “lion in your lungs” and calling on God – with gratitude and praise!

Romans 8:26-28
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

Greg and I have been doing quite a bit of hiking lately, and some of our treks have taken us to beautiful vistas – sometimes along some precarious ledges. There was one set of waterfalls that I almost missed a couple of weeks ago, because the path literally hugged a steep bluff edge at one point. I said a little prayer and looked up, and there was another path up and around a tree and along a rock, so I was able to avoid the ledge and get around to see the beauty that awaited!

Another trail led along some precarious bluffs, and there were warning signs about the steep cliffs. Thankfully, we carry trekking poles and wear hiking shoes with great tread…and we are abundantly careful. Still, in a couple of areas, I asked God to give me courage to take the steps and get through the narrow walkway. In some spots, I sang…a new song of strength, courage and gratitude that I recently heard. The song is titled “Gratitude”* by Brandon Lake. Some of the lyrics say, “So come on, my soul. Oh, don’t you get shy on me. Lift up your song. ‘Cause you’ve got a lion inside of those lungs. Get up and praise the Lord.”

This is a beautiful passage in Romans 8. Paul speaks of how much God knows about us…how much He does for us…and how God’s Spirit does the praying for us when words won’t come. When we “step to the ledge and we are afraid” – even knowing that beauty and glory lies just around the next bend – God makes the difference. He lifts our feet and carries us over. When we are unsure of the future…worried about the present – or still beating ourselves up about the past, God knows. Better yet, He cares and wants to make a difference! Isn’t that worth shouting about?

It’s time for us to find the “lion in our lungs” that is God’s Holy Spirit and lift up our voices. It’s time for us to get up and praise the LORD – for everything! I keep thinking that if I had given up and stepped away, I would have missed some beautiful vistas and another glimpse of God’s magnificence. Where are you missing out because you are fearful or shy? Where do you need to “find your lion” and let God handle the details? What problem is looming so large that you cannot speak it…but you also cannot seem to turn it over to God?

Make this your day that you fully put your trust – in God. Let Him guide you…let His Holy Spirit grumble and groan in prayer for you. Let GOD do what God can do – and make the difference. The song says sometimes all we have is a “Hallelujah!” Let’s offer this to God. He knows what else we need. It’s time to let go and let Him work! “Hallelujah!”

* “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake

Daily Devotional for January 29, 2022 – Lessons from the Book of Revelation…what are your missions and ministries?

Revelation 1:9-11
I am John, a follower together with all of you. We suffer because Jesus is our king, but he gives us the strength to endure. I was sent to Patmos Island, because I had preached God’s message and had told about Jesus. On the Lord’s day the Spirit took control of me, and behind me I heard a loud voice that sounded like a trumpet. The voice said, “Write in a book what you see. Then send it to the seven churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

Revelation 7:9-10
After this, I saw a large crowd with more people than could be counted. They were from every race, tribe, nation, and language, and they stood before the throne and before the Lamb. They wore white robes and held palm branches in their hands, as they shouted,

“Our God, who sits
upon the throne,
has the power
to save his people,
and so does the Lamb.”

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

The Book of Revelation contains some of the most difficult passages of scripture to understand in all of the Bible – at least for me. I know people who have studied John’s writings for decades and are all but consumed with “End Times” prophecy and predictions. And while I believe that God meant for us to have this information and be aware of it, I believe we are called to glean the message of Christ’s return and not get bogged down in the minute details of John’s vision.

So much of the Book of Revelation is confusing and complicated to me. But two things stuck out to me with regard to ministering to others in understandable language. The first was in Revelation 1, where John explains why he wrote this down. He notes that God told him to write this book and share it with the seven churches. This was a part of John’s overall mission and ministry…and God commanded Him to share it with others. God is calling on you and me to share missions and ministries, too. He may never tell us to write a book about our visions, but He is surely showing us how and where to serve and further His Kingdom. The question becomes…“Will we be paying attention? Will we hear God’s directives…and act on them?”

The second point comes in Chapter 7, where Paul describes when Jesus appeared before the people. He notes that “They were from every race, tribe, nation and language.” They all wore white robes and waved palm branches and honored “Our God” and “the Lamb.” For me, this is a critical passage that we must not miss. In the final days, God’s love will still be for all who trust in Him and surrender to Him. This is true now, and it will be true in the end. No person has cornered the market on God’s love. No one group has an “edge” on another when it comes to Eternal Life. We are all God’s creatures – and we all have equal opportunity to be redeemed by the blood of Jesus and sit at His table for all Eternity.

The Book of Revelation has relevance and importance for all of us. But the big message for me is that I don’t have to worry about “End Times.” I know Who I serve. I know where I am going to spend Eternity. My seat at the Heavenly Table is already arranged and reserved, and I am listening for God’s instructions so that I can help others to ensure their “reservation” – and live for Christ Jesus the rest of their earthly days.

Our mission and ministry is simple…love Jesus and serve Him with our whole heart – and encourage each and every person we encounter to choose to do the same. Someday, we will stand before the throne and wave palms and sing, “Glory to God in the Highest!” Oh, LORD, I plan to be in that number. I hope you will be there, as well. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for January 28, 2022 – Because God is our shepherd, we will never be in need

Psalm 23:1-6
You, Lord, are my shepherd.
I will never be in need.
You let me rest in fields
of green grass.
You lead me to streams
of peaceful water,
and you refresh my life.

You are true to your name,
and you lead me
along the right paths.
I may walk through valleys
as dark as death,
but I won’t be afraid.
You are with me,
and your shepherd’s rod
makes me feel safe.

You treat me to a feast,
while my enemies watch.
You honor me as your guest,
and you fill my cup
until it overflows.
Your kindness and love
will always be with me
each day of my life,
and I will live forever
in your house, Lord.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Several years ago, I felt God leading me to base these daily devotionals on the question, “Are you making a point – or making a difference?” Considering this basic premise, I search for scriptures that would address a specific – and hopefully timely – topic for a few days to a few weeks. Recently, I’ve been using scriptures that speak to ministering to others in an understandable language. I must tell you, I am not the least bit surprised that every time I move to a different topic, Psalm 23 pops up in the suggested scripture list. There is so much “meat” in these verses…such a brilliant and vivid description of God’s love and care – for all of us!

When I consider ministering to others in an “understandable language,” I interpret this as making an effort to be relevant in my discipleship – and to make God relatable to others. In the context of Psalm 23, this is done perfectly. Every single one of us wants and needs to feel loved, protected, and nurtured. We all face times of uncertainty. If you have not had a “brush” with death in your life, congratulations! For many of us, the darkness of this time in our lives is something for which we have a keen awareness – and a great respect for the God’s presence and peace in these moments.

I encourage you to go verse by verse through this Psalm and consider the circumstances of your life. Think about how God is feeding you, giving you rest, filling your cup, and meeting your every need – regardless of what each day brings. Let the words of the first verse truly resonate…”You, Lord, are my shepherd…I will never be in need.” Wherever you find yourself on any given day, remember this promise. Then share the hope and assurance of God’s love and care with others. Guide them to these verses – and if necessary, help them see how to apply them to their own lives.

Representing God in a way that others can appreciate and understand is a huge part of effective Christian discipleship. Psalm 23 is the perfect vehicle – for our own reassurance, and the encouragement of others. This is the day to make a difference in the Kingdom of Heaven…and this is the perfect scripture passage to get us started! Hallelujah!

Daily Devotional for January 27, 2022 – Living and serving with intention…and asking God to guard and guide us

Psalm 19:11-14
By your teachings, Lord,
I am warned;
by obeying them,
I am greatly rewarded.
None of us know our faults.
Forgive me when I sin
without knowing it.
Don’t let me do wrong
on purpose, Lord,
or let sin have control
over my life.
Then I will be innocent,
and not guilty
of some terrible fault.
Let my words and my thoughts
be pleasing to you, Lord,
because you are my mighty rock
and my protector.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

After the passing of my sister, a friend sent me a sympathy card and included a separate card with this prayer from Thomas Merton*…

“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always, though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.”

I taped this prayer to my desk and read it often. As I looked at it today, I thought about these words from Psalm 19. I believe the prayer explains the Psalm of David perfectly. We are human…we don’t always get things right. But our goal should always be to please God in all things. We must work hard to never deliberately disappoint or dishonor Him with our words and actions. We must live intentionally as Christ’s disciples and ask God to guide and guard our hearts and minds. When we miss the mark, we must do all we can to correct course as quickly as possibly…to humbly admit our mistakes to God and ask Him to help us get back on track.

Truly, none of us knows where we are going – or what lies ahead. But we know Who is in charge, and we trust that God will guide our steps along the way and fill us with hope, courage, faith, obedience – and an abundance of His peace and purpose. Renew your commitment to God this day – and make every effort to fulfill His desire in all that you are doing. “Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, Lord, because you are my mighty rock and my protector.” Alleluia!

* Thoughts in Solitude ~ Thomas Merton, page 79

Daily Devotional for January 26, 2022 – Finding your true friends as Christian disciples…it’s time to hang out with Wisdom, Common Sense, and Patience!

Proverbs 4:3-9
For I, too, was once a son, tenderly loved by my mother as an only child, and the companion of my father. He told me never to forget his words. “If you follow them,” he said, “you will have a long and happy life. Learn to be wise,” he said, “and develop good judgment and common sense! I cannot overemphasize this point.” Cling to wisdom—she will protect you. Love her—she will guard you.

Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And with your wisdom, develop common sense and good judgment. If you exalt wisdom, she will exalt you. Hold her fast, and she will lead you to great honor; she will place a beautiful crown upon your head.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

In order to address this passage, I went in search of commentaries that would guide me. I needed wisdom and guidance, and I asked God to show me through the thoughts of others how to properly comment. My first thoughts were of current events and how sick and tired we all are of being “sick and tired.” I totally understand why many have thrown up their hands and gone back to “life” – willing to take their chances. But “Wisdom” and “Common Sense” tell me that now is not the time to drop my guard…that I have come too far to risk it all now for a shopping trip – or even an in-person visit with children who have been exposed to the virus every weekday at school. “Wisdom” and “Common Sense” reintroduce me to their old friend, “Patience,” and say, “Get to know her!”

As I read the commentaries, I found another interesting “take” on this passage about wisdom and common sense. One writer suggested that too many of us are stuck in the rut of “we’ve always done things this way.” We have made friends with “Convention” and “Tradition” – to the detriment of our relationship with “Wisdom” and “Common Sense.” And a few have thrown that old devil, “Popularity,” into the mix, as well. We are not on board for anything that causes us to feel excluded or uncomfortable – or like we don’t fit in with those around us.

The result is that we have isolated ourselves – and our faith. We only worship and serve the people in our group…the ones who fit in with our ideals and biases…those who look, speak, think and act as we do. We have no room for serving people who are “different” in some way. Yet “Wisdom” tells us to seek Jesus – to love as He loves and serve as He loves. “Common Sense” reminds us that surely Jesus didn’t die on the cross for a select few…to the detriment of everyone else. What kind of love would that be? Still, we cling to our friends…“Convention, Tradition, and Popularity.” This is our comfort zone…the place where we feel happy, safe and accepted.

It may be time for some of us to become a little uncomfortable in our discipleship. Perhaps we need to take a hard look at how we love and serve Jesus and ask whether we really have an abiding friendship with “Wisdom” and “Common Sense.” We would do well to examine our hearts and minds and see if we are truly loving others with the love of Christ. Are we inclusive? Do we choose what we know is right for others, even when it’s not what we want to do? Do we look at the bigger picture and ask God, “Where do I fit into your plans?” Or do we say, “We’ve always believed this and done things a certain way…this is where I am most comfortable.”?

If you have studied King David, you know that he walked away from “Wisdom” and “Common Sense” more than once. But he found his way back to God and became “a man after God’s own heart.” You and I need to do this in our own lives. We need to seek God’s heart…to reconnect with “Wisdom” and “Common Sense” – and serve Christ Jesus in the way that honors and glorifies His sacrifices and teachings. Make this the day that you ask God to fully reacquaint you with these old friends…”Wisdom, Common Sense, and Patience” – and spend as much time with them as you can, for His glory and your best as Christ’s disciple. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for January 25, 2022 – Trusting God’s “GPS” to guide you in all things…it’s time to get on track!

Proverbs 3:5-8
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

Last week, Greg and I drove to a community across the lake to hike a few trails located within the city. We’ve been to this area several times, although it had been a few years since our last visit. Greg turned on the GPS in our car and programmed each trail, and the service guided us to our destination with commands like, “Turn left in 1000 feet on XYZ street” or “Drive approximately ¼ mile to ABC street,” and “Your destination is on the right.” Without this guidance, we might have found our trails…but we would surely have wasted a lot of time getting to them – and we would have become exasperated in the process. I won’t tell you that GPS is perfect…but trusting this guidance got us where we were headed with a fair amount of ease and accuracy.

You see where I’m headed, don’t you?! God is our ultimate GPS. When we trust in His will and way to keep us on track, we always reach our destination. If you were to read ahead in Proverbs 3 a few verses, you would see an acknowledgement that God sometimes corrects us when we wander off course – and we should welcome this. Had Greg and I decided to go our own way last week, we might very well have returned to the GPS to figure out where we missed the mark – and our destination. Sometimes, we need to ask God to correct our course and show us where we are making mistakes or getting off track, as well.

I am thankful for modern-day devices like GPS. I was never good at reading maps! But I am more grateful for the guidance of God Almighty, and I know how to “read” His directives through prayer, scripture study, and fellowship with other believers. I know that God’s directions are always perfect – and take me straight to where I need to be. The more I listen for God’s voice and trust His plans and instructions, the better everything about my life becomes.

The hikes we take help to keep our body healthy and our bones strong…and GPS often helps us find our destinations. God’s guidance will help us find His will for our lives…and the ultimate “good health” – mentally, physically and spiritually. Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Don’t depend on your own “intuition” or ideas, but always defer to His guidance and will. God will keep you on track in every area of life and bring about a perfect outcome that glorifies His Kingdom. This should be our goal in all that we say and do. It’s time to turn on God’s “GPS” and head in the right direction! Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for January 24, 2022 – Operating in deep understanding – or stupidity…it’s time to get our discipleship right!

Proverbs 14:29
Slowness to anger makes for deep understanding;
a quick-tempered person stockpiles stupidity.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

Think back over some of the trials held this past year in our country for senseless shootings. In almost every instance, one person acted quickly out of anger, bias, bigotry, and selfishness – or even panic. Had these men and women stopped even briefly to consider their actions, the outcomes might have been incredibly different. I understand that in some cases, these were split-second decisions that the shooter believed could mean life or death for themselves. Still…this clearly demonstrates the consequences of quick-tempered responses.

A few days ago, I spoke of toothpaste tubes and how difficult – if not impossible – it is to put the paste back into the tube once it leaves. I compared this to thoughtless words that are offered in haste – sometimes with long-term negative effects. What we say and do matters…and learning to take a breath before we do either is an attribute that we would all do well to cultivate and/or improve.

As I write this message, I am listening to commentators talk about people – including comedians – who make flippant comments about the current pandemic. One of the panelists said, “I don’t think these statements are funny to people who have lost loved ones – or to those who are still battling the virus.” So often, you and I speak or act without truly thinking about how this affects the other person.

We make disdainful statements about those whose sexual orientation is different while sitting at a table with those who have gay, trans or gender neutral family members whom they love deeply. We make racist comments to those who may have a family member of color – or relatives who belong to another ethnic group. We disparage the poor and uneducated. We berate those with addictions, totally oblivious to the fact that addicts and recovering addicts may be listening. We indicate with body language and other physical gestures that in some way, we do not approve of a person who is standing near us. And in doing each of these quick-tempered, ill-thought things, we show a lack of understanding for others. We also show that we don’t truly operate in the teachings of Jesus…love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, inclusion, patience, and understanding.

Let’s be clear…I don’t always get this right! I have plenty of examples of moments where I have said something in haste – or given someone the wrong impression with my body language or facial expressions – and I deeply regretted my words or actions. I also can think of times when I stopped, gathered my thoughts, and walked away from a situation. And I thanked God for all but yanking my hand or covering my mouth in those times. Sometimes, my silence or inaction spoke louder than anything I could have said or done…in a good way. And sometimes, others were spared my selfishness and/or preference about a situation where it was merely that – my opinion.

This scripture stands today as a clarion call for each of us to stop and think about what we say and do. Take a breath…look at the other person and quickly ask yourself, “How is what I am about to say or do going to affect him/her? Do I have the full story? Is it worth ruining this relationship to make my point?” Skip commenting on a social media post. Smile and bite your tongue when your retort truly will not help a situation. Stand up for your beliefs and the truth…but do this with patience, understanding, and thoughtfulness. Ask God to guard and guide your words and actions as you go about your day.

Now, more than ever, we need to incorporate the wise words of King Solomon into our everyday Christian discipleship. We need to prayerfully seek God’s guidance and protection as we engage with others. Make this the day that you start operating more often in “deeper understanding” – and less in stupidity…to the glory of God and His Kingdom. Hallelujah!

Daily Devotional for January 23, 2022 – Pigeon or statue…Christ always gives us strength!

Philippians 4:10-14
How grateful I am and how I praise the Lord that you are helping me again. I know you have always been anxious to send what you could, but for a while you didn’t have the chance. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want; for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power. But even so, you have done right in helping me in my present difficulty.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

For Christmas 2011, my mother stuck a daily calendar in my stocking. The calendar is titled “365 Days of Humor for Women.” Each day, I turn a page and either get a laugh or an inspiration – or both. One of my favorite pages all year is one that says something like, “Sometimes you’re the pigeon…and sometimes, you’re the statue.” Basically, this is what Paul is saying to the Philippians. He is reminding us that we will all have good days and bad…hard times and periods of great “abundance”…heartaches and sorrows – and moments of unspeakable joy. And through all of it, Jesus is right there with us, equipping us for whatever we experience and endure. Our job is to recognize His presence.

Our job is also to share the hope and promise of Christ with others. Don’t wait until someone is on his/her deathbed to visit or get in touch. Don’t ignore those who have “aged out” and faded into the background. Do not exclude any age group. Recognize that children (of all ages) need to be encouraged to find and feel Christ’s presence in their lives. Don’t only acknowledge Jesus in the happy moments when all is well…and don’t wait until life is falling apart to call on Him!

Look around and see who needs to feel the presence of Jesus through you. Who do you need to encourage? Who needs a quick phone call – or an email to say, “I’m thinking of you,” or a note of congratulations for a job well done? Where is Jesus sending you to strengthen another…to remind someone that “you’re doing a good job” – or just to say “Hello” and convey that…“You are important to me!”

Maybe this is a day where you should stop and recognize that Christ is with you – that He is strengthening you in whatever “season” of life you find yourself. We sometimes need to take a breath and review the situations and circumstances of our lives…and see where Jesus is making a difference. We all must learn to become more content in our present circumstances – and to recognize the strength, power and presence of Jesus Christ in every instance.

Christ is with us…filling us with His strength, love, and power. He is equipping us to meet every day as it comes. And He is calling on us to help others do the same. Whether you are the “pigeon” or the “statue” today, Jesus is with you…and He will make the difference. Thanks be to God for such amazing love and care. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for January 22, 2022 – Don’t hold back…it’s time to win, disciple and send!

January 22 ~ Matthew 28:16-20
Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.

Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20 is known by many as “The Great Commission.” It is Jesus’ directive to us as disciples to go and tell everyone the Good News and invite others to become believers and disciples. Some churches use this as a mission statement…“Win. Disciple. Serve.” Other groups use…“Win. Disciple. Send.”

Regardless of how you say it, Jesus began with the eleven disciples (remember, this was after Judas’ death) and commanded them to serve as they “Win. Disciple. Send.” And this mission statement has not changed.

What I find particularly interesting in this passage comes in the preceding verses. In Matthew 28:17, we read that some of the disciples held back and were apprehensive about “risking themselves totally.” Doesn’t this describe a lot of us today? We hold back…for a myriad of reasons. We fear getting involved. Some are introverts who feel uncomfortable interacting with others – especially people they don’t really know. Others just are afraid of retribution or ridicule…of saying the wrong thing or offending someone who doesn’t agree with them. And basically, Jesus says to all of this, “Nonsense! Just do it!”

We really have no excuse. Jesus didn’t say, “Do what makes you comfortable.” He didn’t tell us to pick and choose who, where, when and how to serve as His disciples. Jesus didn’t say that we should only minister to “our” people in church settings or other “safe” environments. Jesus said, “Get your hands dirty. Spend time with people who aren’t like you…don’t think, speak or act like you. Share My love with those who are young, old, hungry, homeless, sick, well, rich, poor. ALL are welcome at My table and in My Kingdom.”

Jesus said, “Get up and going. Don’t hang back – and don’t quit.” He also promised to be with us every step of the way. It’s time to serve Christ wholeheartedly as we win, disciple and send. It’s time to get out of our comfort zone and do what Jesus commanded – and let Him make all the difference. It is time to start making a difference for Christ’s Kingdom…and we cannot waste another minute. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for January 21, 2022 – Words are powerful; take them seriously!

Matthew 12:34-37
“You have minds like a snake pit! How do you suppose what you say is worth anything when you are so foul-minded? It’s your heart, not the dictionary, that gives meaning to your words. A good person produces good deeds and words season after season. An evil person is a blight on the orchard. Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation.”

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

As a writer and former teacher, I know the power of a well-placed word or two. I always get a kick out of memes that show the proper spelling of words pronounced the same…to, two, and too…they’re and their…its and it’s…and your and you’re. There is a great meme that circulates about how the placing of a comma can give a sentence an entirely different meaning. And I often tell children…“You are so smart. You know many great words. Use them. You don’t need to use foul language and ‘bad’ words when you know so many words that are far more interesting and effective!”

I am also reminded of the demonstration of squirting toothpaste out of a tube, then asking someone to put it back again. Of course, this is virtually impossible. And the same is true with our words. Once we have said them, they are hard to recant. Even a tough-skinned person can suffer long-term effects from an ill-placed word spoken to him/her. Many may forgive at some point…but the comments are almost never completely forgotten.

The last sentences of this passage in Matthew are profound…and critical. Words are powerful. They can indeed be our salvation – or our damnation. Many claim that “My word is my bond.” We must also acknowledge that what we say is serious and has lifelong consequences. When we speak unkindly to another, criticize, gossip, or judge anyone, we are using our words to make a difference. The question becomes…are these words redeeming and reflective of Jesus? Or are they careless and condescending?

As disciples of Christ, we have the power to speak grace, mercy, healing, forgiveness and love over others. As human beings, we have the innate tendency to botch this with conversation and comments that are unkind and unloving – or even damning. Choose wisely. Prayerfully consider what you say and how you say it. This may take a little longer…but words offered in haste are often less than stellar. It pays to slow down and think about what you will say and how it will be received. Moreover, your daily living must line up with what you say. If you speak one way – and act another, nothing has been gained.

Don’t be like the Pharisees to whom Jesus spoke in this passage. Ask Jesus to help you choose your words and actions carefully. Ask Him to equip you to offer love, grace and hope to others. Be a thoughtful, caring and careful disciple who measures everything by the teachings of Jesus – and represents Him to others with utmost attention to each detail. If we will all do this, there will be no need to “put the toothpaste back in the tube” – and Christ will be glorified. Hallelujah!

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