Words

May 9th – Proverbs 18:21

Proverbs 18:21

Words hold weight. With just a few syllables, we can breathe life into someone’s weary soul or crush a spirit already close to breaking. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. That means what we say matters. Whether it’s the quiet words we whisper to ourselves in the mirror, or the ones we launch in anger at someone we love. Every word builds or breaks. Think about that for a minute. We are walking around with mouths that can plant hope or harvest hurt. That’s not something to take lightly. What if today, we chose to speak only words that heal, build, bless, and uplift? Not fake positivity, but honest encouragement. What if we paused before responding, and asked, “Will this bring life?” Our words can be the light someone needs or the weight that pulls them under. Let’s be life-speakers. Grace-givers. Truth-tellers wrapped in kindness. And when we mess up (because we will), may our next words be humble and healing.

 

May 9th – Proverbs 18:21 Read More »

September 21st – Luke 21:15

Week 3 – Wisdom In Defense (Luke 21:15)

Standing in our faith can be hard. Especially when we are called to defend what we believe. But thankfully we have the promise of Jesus. He tells us that when the time comes He’ll give us, “words and wisdom” that no adversary can refute or resist. In today’s world where we face criticism and mockery of our beliefs, this assurance offers us great comfort. So when others disparage our character or question our faith, we don’t need to respond with anger or defensiveness. Instead we can trust that God will give us the wisdom and grace to speak with love and clarity. Our testimonies, whether in conversations with friends or in moments of public defense, become opportunities for God to shine through us. We can be grateful that in these moments, the Lord is with us, empowering us to stand firm. The wisdom He provides allows us to respond in a way that glorifies Him and opens hearts, even amidst opposition. Our call is not to rely on our own ability but to lean on His promise that He will equip us when we need it most.

Questions For Reflection –

  1. How can we trust God’s promise in Luke 21:15 to give us the right words and wisdom when we face criticism or opposition for our faith?
  1. In what ways can we prepare our hearts to speak with love and grace, relying on God’s wisdom instead of our own, when we are called to share our testimony or defend our beliefs?

Don’t worry about finding the right words. God will give you the wisdom to speak with grace when the moment comes! 🙏🏻❤️

September 21st – Luke 21:15 Read More »

September 9th – Proverbs 15:1

Week 2 – Wisdom In Speech (Proverbs 15:1)

The wisest of all kings, Solomon reminds us that our speech has the ability to either diffuse tension or escalate conflict. In difficult situations, it can be tempting to respond with sharp or defensive words. But wisdom calls us to speak gently and thoughtfully. Because when we choose kindness and patience in our speech, we reflect Christ’s love and create an atmosphere of peace. Practicing wisdom in our words means taking a moment to pause, pray, and consider the impact of what we are about to say. Are our words building up or tearing down? Are we listening more than we’re speaking? Now responding wisely doesn’t mean avoiding hard truths, but it does mean delivering them with grace and understanding. Because a soft answer not only honors God, but also leads to better outcomes for ourselves and those around us. For the way we speak can be a testimony to the transforming work of Christ in our hearts.

Questions For Reflection

  1. How can we practice responding with gentle words instead of reacting with frustration or anger, especially in challenging conversations?
  1. In what ways can we be more intentional about using our speech to promote peace and understanding, reflecting Christ’s love in our daily interactions?

A soft answer is like a whisper of peace, calming storms with gentle grace. 🙏🏻❤️

September 9th – Proverbs 15:1 Read More »

August 22nd – 1 John 4:7-12

Week 4 – Living In God’s Love (1 John 4:7-12)

Love is the very foundation of the Gospel. It is the essence of who God is and the driving force behind His plan for redemption. In 1 John 4:7-12, we see how deeply love is intertwined with our faith. God’s love was so profound that He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the ultimate price for our sins. This act of sacrificial love is the cornerstone of our salvation, demonstrating the depth of God’s love for us. If we claim to follow Jesus, yet fail to love others as He did, we must question the authenticity of our faith. True faith in Christ is reflected in how we love, for love is the evidence of God’s presence in our lives. If God’s love truly abides in us, it will naturally flow out in our actions, words, and relationships. To love like Jesus is not just a suggestion, it’s a commandment that defines our identity as His followers. When we love others, we are fulfilling God’s will and demonstrating that His love has indeed transformed our hearts. Without love, our faith is hollow, but with love, we embody the very heart of the Gospel.

Questions For Reflection

  1. How can we intentionally reflect God’s love in our daily interactions, ensuring that our actions and words align with the example of love set by Jesus in 1 John 4:7-12?
  1. In what ways can we examine our hearts to ensure that our faith is genuine, marked by a love for others that mirrors the sacrificial love God has shown us through Christ?

Love isn’t just what we do; it’s who we are when we live in God’s love. 🙏🏻❤️

August 22nd – 1 John 4:7-12 Read More »

June 6th – 1 John 3:18

1 John 3:18

Did you know that love isn’t something we feel, but rather something we do. That’s why we are called to love not just with words or speech, but with actions and in truth. This means actively seeking ways to demonstrate our love in tangible, meaningful ways. We can start by offering our time and resources to those in need. Or performing simple acts of kindness, like helping a neighbor with groceries or offering a listening ear to a friend. Encouraging and supporting others in their struggles shows that our love is faithful and true. Being present and fully engaged with those around us, giving our undivided attention, also reflects love in action. We can also advocate for justice, standing up for those who are marginalized or oppressed, ensuring that our love seeks fairness and righteousness. Praying for others, not just in private but also together with them, brings spiritual support and solidarity. By acting in ways that reflect God’s love, we fulfill the command to love in deed and truth, making our faith visible through our actions.

June 6th – 1 John 3:18 Read More »

February 4th – 1 John 4:19

1 John 4:19

We are not born naturally loving and caring about others. Instead we enter this world selfish, sinful, and thinking about only ourselves. Love is a gift given and created by God who is love. And it is His amazing love, that awakens the love inside of us. A love we can only to show to others, because He first loved us. As we grasp the depth and magnitude of God’s unfailing love, a natural response emerges within us. To love Him in return Him with all of our heart, soul, and strength. And to show that love through our words, actions, obedience, and devotion to His will. Loving God in return isn’t just an obligation; it’s a joyful privilege. It’s a love that seeks intimacy with Him, yearning to dwell in His presence and abide in His love. As we respond to God’s love with love, our lives become a living testimony of His transformative power. One that draws others into a deeper relationship with Him. Let us, therefore, embrace the call to love God fervently. Knowing that He first loved us and continues to pour out His love upon us each day.

February 4th – 1 John 4:19 Read More »

October 26th – Luke 6:45

Luke 6:45

We have an old apple tree on our property. Upon first glance it looks healthy and strong. But the true test lies in the fruit it bears. And that fruit is sparse, rotten, and hangs from almost barren branches. That’s because looks are deceiving. And a tree that looks good and strong on the outside, might be rotten and dead on the inside. So it is in life. A person may project a positive image, but the true quality of their character is revealed by their actions and the fruit of their deeds. When our hearts are filled with grace, love, and mercy, we naturally produce an abundance of good fruit in our lives. On the other hand, when our hearts are filled with negativity and selfishness, our actions and words will mirror that. That’s why we should always strive to cultivate an abundance of Christlike love within us. Because such a love will manifest as blessings, kindness, and positivity in our relationships and in the world around us. And we’ll produce an overflowing abundance of good fruit all for the glory of God!

October 26th – Luke 6:45 Read More »

July 17th- Proverbs 18:21

Proverbs 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

We’ve all heard the old familiar saying, sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me. And we all know that isn’t true. Words hurt. And can wound deeper and longer than any physical injury. When used recklessly or maliciously, our words can damage, diminish, and scar others, leaving lasting effects. That’s why we have a great responsibility in choosing our words wisely. If we use our words to spread love, kindness, and positivity, we’ll experience the fruits of those words in our own lives. We’ll have healthy, good relationships, attracting similar positivity and goodwill from others. But if we use our tongue to spread negativity, gossip, or hurtful remarks, we will reap the consequences of those words as well. We may face strained relationships, misunderstandings, and a toxic atmosphere of negativity. So as followers of Jesus, let’s strive to use our words to uplift, encourage, and inspire. Because the power we hold in our tongues can shape the world around us, for good or bad.

July 17th- Proverbs 18:21 Read More »

A Fig Tree Can’t Produce Olives – James 3

James 3

When we think of sins that grieve God, at the top of the list usually aren’t the wrong doings we commit with our tongue. After all, how much harm is there in sharing a bit of gossip or exaggerating a little here and there. And doesn’t everyone from time to time say things that we regret? Don’t we have more important sins to worry about than the words we speak?

A Fig Tree Can’t Produce Olives – James 3 Read More »