We reap what we sow.
This principle is demonstrated many times throughout the Bible. Yet, one of the simplest ways for us to sow good seed for our lives is something many of us struggle with.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. James 3:8 NIV
We “God folks” tend to worry far more about the things we do and not contemplate as much the things we say. I wonder if we gave more thought to what we say, would we then “do better?”
This doesn’t require fancy words or eloquent speeches. A few kind words at the proper time can mean the world to someone on the brink of a meltdown.
“You can do it,” may be the encouragement someone needs to apply for that job or enroll in classes.
“I’m thinking of you,” can ease the pain of grief or loneliness.
Our words are impactful, powerful.
I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore, choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; Deuteronomy 30:19 NKJV
Very few of us would intentionally choose death, yet sometimes that is exactly what we do. To curse others is to curse ourselves. The vile with which we speak will eventually find its way back to us.
I’ve heard it said “our words should be sweet so should we be forced to eat them, they will go down smoothly.”
Choose to sow kind words.
Our voice may be the most powerful weapon we have.
The Bible prompts us to “declare” the works of the Lord. We are urged to “sing” God’s praises.” Jesus instructed His disciples to “proclaim” the message. These three words are mentioned nearly 800 times in the Bible.
The use of our voices isn’t for God’s benefit, but our own.
Words are seeds that activate our faith. Our professions and confessions can bind and liberate.
God spoke the world into existence!
Be bold.
Be deliberate!
Give thought to your words.
Exercise restraint.
Don’t allow words said in jest, haste or anger to curse your future.
Our words set the stage for our lives, our prayers facilitate the changes we seek.
What say you, today?
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24 NIV
One reason we celebrate the birth of Christ is the promise of a new life that doesn’t suffer the ills and pains of this earthly world. Those who trust Him have a promise of something better for eternity.
When we make a habit to appreciate how good God is to us, we are compelled to offer mercy, compassion, and kindness as we have received it. The knowledge of what we have received from the Father should compel us to love our neighbor/brother enough to not just pray for him but actually “do” for him.
Moving on to St. Louis demonstrated there is always the other side to the hardest part of any journey. Life eventually evens out. We may face inclement weather and unexpected delays. Still, if we plod along, we make it through our storms and find our dark clouds behind us.
The spiders in my yard have done all they can to help themselves by spinning huge webs. They aren’t moving much these days. Now, they simply wait for meals to come to them. Spiders wait with an expectancy that what they need will eventually find them. How many of us are as confident in our faith that God will supply our needs after we have done all we can?
Sometimes we have to change our habits. At others, we have to change our minds. And then there are situations where we have to choose to give a little, possibly giving up our own expectations or desires, in order to push forward and even keep peace along our journey. Being inflexible in our relationships and even our own preconceived ideas only limits us and sets us up to potentially “snap” under pressure. We should always be willing to bend to some extent by choosing to learn, mature, and submit to God.
B Is for Blessed! 