“Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased'” (Luke 3:21-22, ESV).

My father loves this story of Jesus hearing his Father’s words of affirmation and pride. He believes that God actually has the same affection for us. There are even verses to back that up.

Jesus prayed for believers, “that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:23).

Read that last part again. Let it really sink in. God the Father loves you just as much as he loves Jesus. It’s a fact, not mere sentiment or some clever handling of Scripture.

How incredible is that? Scripture even tells us that we are “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). If we are in him, then we are perpetually being loved like the Son, and that love is extravagant beyond measure:

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1a).

It wasn’t a huge surprise the other day when I got a text from my dad that said: “I love u son u r a great joy to me.” I sat motionless in my vehicle beside the road, tears brimming, as I experienced a deep awareness of just how much I’m loved by my father and that my Heavenly Father loves me even more.

Then two weeks later, my oldest son, Caleb, nearly blinded my youngest son in one eye. He accidentally poked Isaac in the eye with a big stick. A centimeter higher and Isaac’s eye could have been damaged permanently. It was a mess of blood, screams, and panic. Understandably, Caleb was feeling terrible: “I feel stupid,” he told me with great remorse.

Half an hour later, when my anger had cooled down, I felt a nudge from the Spirit to affirm my oldest son. I invited him outside for a talk and told him, “Son, I love you. No mistake you make, no matter how big, will ever change that. You are a great joy to me.” Immediately, I saw the shame lift off of his shoulders; he stood up straighter. Joy and appreciation filled his eyes.

It all started with that voice from heaven after Jesus’ baptism. My dad never heard such words from his father, but God filled that hole and taught him how to speak those words of life to me. That blessing was contagious. I was empowered to share those words with my son, and my prayer is that by God’s grace, my sons will do the same.

by M. Jantzen
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Security for Children

A Good Dad is “There” for His Children

Speak Faith, not Fear into Your Children

The post The Greatest Words a Child Could Ever Hear appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NKJV

If we want to know the real story, we sometimes need to listen to a small child.

What children see is what they tell. They may misunderstand or take something out of context, but we’re more likely to get the scoop on what happened—much to the horror of some parents. Children don’t have a filter in their conversations. When they speak innocently, their words tumble out. They haven’t yet learned discernment, good judgment, or discretion.

I am reminded of the old television show, “Kids Say the Darndest Things,” hosted by Art Linkletter. Kids are still learning about truth and wisdom. Aren’t we all?

Adults can be like this as well. We often speak before we think. Raw emotions can drive our words, and our thoughts may be one-sided. Grownups usually know the better way to communicate about many things but fail to apply their knowledge in conversations.

If we filter our words and thoughts through Jesus, we will more likely speak the truth with love, kindness, gentleness, and patience. And we will reflect the light of Jesus as we go into the world. This is a work in progress for me, and I have a long way to go.

A coffee filter strains out the grounds and other impurities we don’t want in our morning coffee. Likewise, the counsel of the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures teach us and help strain out impurities in our minds, hearts, and spirits.

Think of ways to better filter your words so that they exhibit God’s love.

by Karen Huffaker
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Words  by John Grant

The Words of Our Mouth by Charles Stanley

The Long Life of Words by Marilyn Ehle

The post Words of Love appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” James 3:5

The Chicago Fire of 1871 burned for three days, and destroyed thousands of buildings, killed an estimated 300 people and caused an estimated $200 million in damages. It all happened when Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicked over a lantern in a barn and started the fire.

Seemingly little things can lead to big things and not always good things. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Consider what great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it can set in motion great things, both good and bad. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.

Words, delivered at the right (or wrong) moment, can change the course of history.

Consider Patrick Henry’s “Liberty or Death” oration on the eve of the American Revolution. This was the most influential speech in inspiring the war of independence against Britain.

General Eisenhower on the eve of the Normandy invasion turned to his staff and said to his staff “Let’s go,” and Operation Overlord was set in motion committing 156,000 troops.

But, it is not only the great and historical events which are guided by the tongue. It guides things like telling someone you love them or telling your children you are proud of them. As the tongue can change the course of history, it also can change the relationships in a family or fellowship in our churches.

We should use caution with how we use our tongue. Words from the mouth are like messages after we hit the send button. We can’t get them back. One kind or unkind word can change someone’s entire day. We should be careful with our words, because once they are said, they can be only forgiven, not forgotten. We can say something hurtful in ten seconds, but ten years later, the wounds are still there.

The tongue does a lot of physical things for our body, but I believe that the prime gift God gave us with our tongue is to edify the saints and spread the Word to the sinners.

Perhaps the greatest use of the tongue was given to us by Jesus:

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
– Jesus Christ, Matthew 7:7

By John Grant
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

Words

The Words of Our Mouth

The Long Life of Words

The post The Tongue appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” Proverbs 12:18

Words have such a powerful ability to bless or wound. We need to watch with diligence what we say. The wrong words, especially at the wrong time have the ability to hurt both those who speak and those who hear them.

Stop and think about how marvelously God has created us. The ability to verbalize is granted only to man, who was created in the image of God. We need help in exercising this power responsibly.

Wars have been started over words. Marriage and families have split and fractured relationships because of words. Though the world applauds quick-witted retorts, God tells us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger.” (James 1:19).

We need to make a conscious effort for our speaking (and listening) to come under the control of the Holy Spirit. When positive speech patterns and habits replace negative speech patterns and habits, we will be amazed with the increase of our joy.

Paul, writing to the Church at Ephesus reminds them, and us to “not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Listen. Wait. Respond.

How many of our conflicts would dissolve or never even materialize if we:

Listen to really understand a person’s concern or complaint,

Wait till our typically wrong initial impulse passed, until we’ve prayed, until we’ve asked clarifying questions,

And then we respond with patience, graciousness, honesty, clarity, and, if possible, brevity?

When used wisely and cautiously, words can often be the best blessings we can give to anyone.

By John Grant
Used by Permission
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney

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FURTHER READING

• The Words of Our Mouth Read more..
• Stand Up – The Power of Words  Read more..
• Words, Words, Words  Read more..
• Lessons from Life: Words  Read more..

The post Words appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4

The relationships that mean the most to us are often the ones we are hardest on.  While we maintain a polite and pleasant demeanor away from home, the frustrations often come out where we feel safe to let off the day’s steam.

Life’s pressures can drive a wedge into the relationships we treasure most. It’s important to be intentional about building into the people we love. In order to keep the relationships you treasure at their BEST, remember these four steps.  B E S T …..

B- Bless those you care about by speaking “life” words. Pay attention and point out the good character qualities you see. Focus on using “building” words, and you will find the warmth factor in your relationship will grow. When there are things that need addressing, ask God to guide you in speaking words that will not destroy and at the right time.

E- Encourage those you care about in their daily life. Listen well to the things they say. Communication dries up when we don’t pay attention, and we get lost in our own cares. Listen for the feelings behind the words and seek to be encouraging. Let your support be known even when the solutions are not.

S- Share thoughts, ideas, time, and experiences. When we become too busy to share ourselves with those we love, erosion and indifference slip in. Be intentional about sharing life. Take time to talk and share ideas or concerns. Time to pray together and dream together won’t be there unless you make it. Let those you care about know this is important to you and prioritize it. History is built one shared experience at a time.

T- Touch those you love in appropriate and loving ways. Touch is one of our most basic needs. Take a hand, give a hug, put your hand on the arm or back of the one you care about. It can do much to convey care and warmth. Often, a simple touch can melt away a barrier and reconnect two people.

Strong relationships don’t just happen…they are intentionally built.

Heavenly Father, You know the people that I deeply care about. You also know the way I can take them for granted or let my frustrations out in their “safe” presence. Please help me to come to You with the stresses in my life. Help me to get my strength and help from You and then offer a caring, helping hand to those I love. It’s so easy to look out for my own interests first. Please help me to do as Your word says and to look out for the interests of those around me, especially of those I love dearly. Help me to build strong history together through intentional sharing with the help of Your Holy Spirit. I ask this in the name of Jesus, amen.

By Gail Rodgers
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Building Relationships with Love

Disapproval Derails Relationships

Pursuing Peace in Relationships

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The post Building a Strong Relationship appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.   Proverbs 17:28

As child I heard this proverb in the statement:

“It is better to be silent and be thought a fool, then to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”

Our words reveal much about our thoughts, feelings and ultimately our character.

Thoughts by Mike Woodard
used by permission

FURTHER READING

• Stop Talking! 
• Prayer Before You Speak
• The Words of Our Mouth
• Heavenly Wisdom

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“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer”. Psalm 19:14

My husband thanked me this morning for something I had said in an earlier conversation. I’ve no doubt of his sincerity.  I’m confident that he loves and respects me.  His words of thanks brought a glow to my heart-until-with hardly a breath between the words of thanks and the next phrase, he added, ‘but”.   What followed were not words of spite or disdain, but simply what he considered to be a flaw in my attitude.  The glow evaporated as quickly as a wisp of smoke and although I didn’t verbally respond (I am slowly learning to bridle my tongue!), those ‘but words‘ roiled within until I could later totally relinquish them to God and thus regain a sense of peace.

How often do I speak ‘but words‘ to my Heavenly Father?   I express gratitude for His great gifts but quickly add, ‘but couldn’t you do a little more’?  Or I say thanks that He has promised to never leave or forsake me, then add, ‘But I want to feel your presence‘.  God will be pleased when both my words and my inner attitude express contentment with his will.

Help me, Lord, to be honest and simple before you so that my words and my attitude express trust in who you are and how you lead.

by Marilyn Ehle
used by permission

FURTHER READING

• Jesus and Prayer 
• Lord, Teach Us to Pray 
• How To Be Sure God Listens To Your Prayers

The post Thank You – But appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire….” James 3:5-6

The entire town was evacuated. Over eighty thousand people fled the ravaging forest fire. Evacuated friends came to stay with us for nearly seven weeks. Anxiously they watched the news not knowing if their homes would survive.  Such incredible devastation created from a small spark!

It reminded me of this verse from the Bible as I recalled some of the devastating “fires” I had been witness to, that were started by a careless tongue. Words spoken thoughtlessly, selfishly, angrily, hastily are often the spark that ignites a blaze that can destroy what may take years to rebuild.

Think about what has come out of your mouth this past week. Did you carelessly throw a spark out on dry grass and were surprised at the quick spread of flames? Did relationships strain because you had an uncontrolled tongue? It’s easy to do. We justify it by tiredness, stressful situations, or another persons aggravating behavior. Yet the choice of our words is entirely our own.

God has a lot to say about the tongue and the words we speak. You’ll find a wealth of wisdom in the book of Proverbs in the Bible.

•    Ask for God to set a guard at your mouth.
•    Ask for His help before careless words come out of your mouth.
•    Be quick to ask His forgiveness and the forgiveness of others when your tongue throws out sparks.
•    When tough issues must be addressed, ask first for the help of God’s Holy Spirit as you respond.
•    Always keep your distance from gossip. Gossip is already a small blaze. You make a choice to throw water or fuel on it as it comes to your ears and tempts your tongue.

You will be amazed at the difference in your relationships, your home, your job, your church and your life when God’s help is the first call on your lips.
Father God,

Your word tells me, “He who guards his lips, guards his life.” Proverbs 13:3.

Please help me today, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, to be careful with quick retorts, unsolicited opinions, critical, sarcastic and negative comments. Help me to mind my tongue as I would mind a match in a dry forest. Give me Your wisdom and grace when I need to address situations and issues and give me a sense of right timing in doing so. Thank you that You provide help and strength to me in this area when I call out to You.  In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Thoughts: If your tongue is causing you trouble these days, read one chapter a day in the book of Proverbs. It will take one month to do that. Underline and ponder every verse that speaks about words, lips and tongue. Keep a journal for the month and see how the atmosphere around you changes as you become a “fire fighter” in your own circle.

By Gail Rodgers
used be permission

FURTHER READING

• The Tongue – by Phil Ware

• The Power of the Tongue – by Katherine Kehler

• Why is What I Say So Important?

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“People insulted Christ, but He did not insult them in return. Christ suffered, but He did not threaten.” 1 Peter 2:23

Someone you love or respect slams you to the floor with a slur or slip of the tongue.  And there you lie, wounded and bleeding.  Perhaps the words were intended to hurt you, perhaps not; but that doesn’t matter.  The wound is deep.  The injuries are internal. Broken heart, wounded pride, bruised feelings.

If you have suffered or are suffering because of someone else’s words, you’ll be glad to know that there is a balm for this laceration.  Meditate on these words from 1 Peter 2:23:  “People insulted Christ, but He did not insult them in return … He let God, the One who judges rightly, take care of Him.”

Did you see what Jesus did?  …. He left the judging to God. He did not take on the task of seeking revenge.  He demanded no apology … He to the astounding contrary, spoke on their defense.

“Father, forgive them, because they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

By Max Lucado
Used by permission
From: No Wonder They Call Him the Savior

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
https://maxlucado.com/about/

FURTHER READING

• Keep Yourselves in God’s Love
• Stepping Into a Personal Revival

The post Wounded by Words appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” Psalm 34:13-14 (NIV)

How would you describe the way you talk?

Are your words positive, constructive, comforting, supportive, and uplifting? Or are the words that come out of your mouth most often cutting, negative, and hurtful?

According to Proverbs 15:4 (KJV),

“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life:  but perverseness there in is a breech in the spirit.” What does it mean to have a “wholesome tongue?”

A tongue that speaks good of people and situations. A tongue that builds up people (yourself and others). A tongue that is gentle. A tongue that is kind. A tongue that builds others up.

Psalm 34:13-14 (NIV) says, “Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.“

The Bible makes it very clear in Matthew 12:36 (NIV) that we need to be careful about the things that we say: “

I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

We all need to give a little more thought to what we say before we say it. “Biblical speech” involves applying God’s Word to our lives daily. It means we allow the principles of scripture to influence our words and how we use them. It means we build people up, we use words of challenge in loving ways, we use words of grace.

Proverbs 21:23 (NIV) gives good advice —

“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.” Griping, grumbling, or complaining often doesn’t accomplish anything. And engaging in this kind of talk can also make you feel awful.

Titus 3:2 (NIV) instructs us

“to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”

According to God’s Word, our behavior and our words should reflect our devotion to God. We need to pay attention to the way we conduct ourselves! Our words impact our lives, the lives of others, and our relationship with God. Commit yourself to studying God’s Word and applying his principles to your speech.

Read: Proverbs 15:4; Psalm 34:13-14; Matthew 12:36; Proverbs 21:23; Titus 3:2; Proverbs 16:24; Psalm 19:14

Take a Step: Memorize Psalm 19:14 (NIV):

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.“

by Dr. Henry Brandt
Used by permission

Further Reading

•  Extending Grace to Others

•  Desolate or Fruitful?  How are you with others?

•  Salvation Explained

The post Why is What I Say So Important? appeared first on Thoughts About God.

I grew up in an alcoholic home where both my parents drank and were verbally and physically abusive.

There were not a lot words that brought life or encouragement.  Maybe that is why I remember two moments so vividly.

When I was in my early teens, a lady who was like a second mother to me said, “Mike, you are a good boy!”  I remember thinking, “Am I?” No one had ever said that to me. Those six words gave me a new picture of myself.

When I was attending university, my father said, “One of the neighbors told me that you were on the dean’s list.  I’m proud of you.”  I can’t remember any other moment quite like that one, in terms of my dad’s words to me.

Solomon says that “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”  (Proverbs 16:24)

Bring healing and sweetness to someone’s life today through your words. Bring some as well to yourself by embracing what God says about you as His child in Ephesians 1:3-10 and Ephesians 2:10 You are:

1) God’s Best Work/Creation,
2) Chosen/Adopted as His Child,
3) Forgiven and Redeemed as His Wayward and Disobedient Son/Daughter and
4) Blessed with Everything that a Loving Father can give His Child.

by Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•   Why are the words that I use so important?

•   Words

•  Salvation Explained

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The post Lessons from Life: Words appeared first on Thoughts About God.

We can speak—

With the eyes of understanding;
With the ears of alertness;
With the smile of delight;
With the tone of kindness;
With the spirit of compassion;
With the hands of mercy;
With the embrace of acceptance;
With the handshake of friendship;
With the look of interest;
With the tears of compassion;
With the nod of affirmation;
With the touch of tenderness;
With the heart of love;
With a face that radiates His light.

“Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord.” Psalm 4:6 (AMP)

“Let your light shine in front of people. Then they will see the good that you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (HW)

By Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

• Fast Of Words: A Different Kind of Fast 
• Lessons from Odd Places: Words that Saved my Life 

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The post Speaking Without Words appeared first on Thoughts About God.