What You Say

Have you ever had one of those moments when you think, “Wow!  I didn’t realize that what I said made that much difference”?  It happened to me some time ago.  I received a telephone call from a man whom I had only talked with briefly one time in the past.  He worked in elderly care, as I did, lived in another state, and was not part the organization for which I worked.  Near the end of our telephone conversation he said, “Before we hang up I just want you to know what an impact you have had on my ministry.”  I began to listen wondering what I had said or done that had made a difference. He went on to remind me that our previous conversation I mentioned a friend in a similar ministry whom I felt may be of help to him.  After returning home he called my friend and talked for nearly an hour.  He went on to say, “If it wasn’t for your comment I would have never made the contact and been helped in my ministry. Thank you for that contact.”  After the call ended I reflected on our conversation.  His comment reminded me of a truth I have known for a long time – and that is, what we say does make a difference.  The Bible says, “Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out” (Colossians 4:6, Message Translation).  God can use us (even our speech) for His glory.  Remember: What you say – does make a difference.

Thankfulness

“What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for today?”  This is an interesting question, isn’t it?  It probably goes without saying that we so easily get into the rut of thinking that things will pretty much be the same today as they were yesterday.  However, if you are honest with yourself, you could most likely count on one hand what you thanked God for yesterday.  If it were not for the grace of God we would be woefully lacking in many of the necessities of life.

The Thanksgiving season is usually the time of year when people are encouraged to express thanks, at least in some manner.  In the Bible, the Apostle Paul gives this instruction: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18).   And again, he says, “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything” (Ephesians 5:20).  These verses do not sound like the giving of thanks should be reserved for one season of the year.  Thanks to God ought to overflow from our hearts and spill out from our lips on a regular basis every day.  Let’s let the fruit of our lips be regularly expressed in thanksgiving to God.  Get ready; get set; give thanks.

Absolutely Clear

When I am away from my home or my work computer and something impresses me that I want to remember I quickly make a hand-written note to myself.  I keep the note in my pocket until I can get to my computer and then enter the note and other thoughts.  However, the notes I write to myself sometimes look like a scribbled mess and I can’t read the words that I hurriedly wrote, much less remember the thoughts behind them.

I am so glad that when God wrote to us He did so by making His words very clear and specific.  He never scribbles, but always speaks to the point and allows His intentions to be abundantly clear so we know exactly what He says.  In fact, God’s word is so clear that no one needs to have a higher education degree in order to understand.   The Psalmist said, “Break open your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning” (Psalm 119:130 MSG).  In addition it says, “The revelation of GOD is whole and pulls our lives together.  The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road” (Psalm 19:7 MSG).

Do you want to have understandable and specific direction for your life that is always clear and to the point?  Open a Bible, check the table of contents, and go to the New Testament Gospel of Mark.  Read only a few verses, a paragraph or a chapter at a time.  As you read, ask God to make His words clear so you can understand what He wants you to know and do.  His words are abundantly clear. 

What You Say...

Have you ever had one of those moments when you think, “Wow!  I didn’t realize that what I said made that much difference”?  It happened to me a short time ago.  I received a telephone call from a man whom I had only talked with briefly one time in the past.  He works with the elderly, as I do, lives in another state, and is not part the organization for which I work.  Near the end of our recent telephone conversation he said, “Before we hang up I just want you to know what an impact you have had on my ministry.”  I began to listen wondering what I had said or done that had made a difference. He went on to remind me that in previous conversation I mentioned a friend in a similar ministry who I felt may be of help to him.  After returning home he called my firend and talked for nearly an hour.  He went on to say, “If it wasn’t for your comment I would have never made the contact and been helped in my ministry. Thank you for that contact.”  After the call ended I reflected on what was said.  His comment reminded me of a truth I have known for a long time – what we say does make a difference.  The Bible says, “Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a  conversation, not put them down, not cut them out” (Colossians  4:6, Message Translation).  God can use us (even our speech) for His  glory.  Remember: What you say – does make a difference.