thoughts by Bill Strom Archives - Page 3 of 4

Published April 9, 2019

Run or Help?

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
1 Peter 3:9

In 1569, Dirk Willems had a difficult decision to make. Willems was arrested by authorities who thought him a heretic and who jailed him in a high stone tower. Over time he stowed away pieces of cloth until he could make a rope and let himself down the outside wall, only to encounter a moat. Since it was winter, it was thinly iced, and his light frame permitted him to cross. Not so for the armed guard who chased him. The ice gave way, enveloping the weighty man, who cried out to Willems to save him.

He faced a decision. Turn back and help his enemy, or run for his life? He did not ignore the man’s plea but risked his life to rescue the guard, the same man who then led him back to the prison. Not long after, Willems died a martyr’s death.

Have you been in a similar situation? Perhaps you have been persecuted for your faith or lifestyle, attacked by family or friends or co-workers. Perhaps you live where civil authorities have imprisoned you or your loved ones.

As difficult as it is, can you withhold repaying evil for evil? Will you extend grace and forgiveness toward people who wound, offend, or assault you?

Later in his letter, Peter says, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12-13).

Dear God, your love extends even to your enemies. Help me grasp that, like Jesus, I am to turn my cheek instead of fighting back. Help me hold my tongue and speak truth in love when taunted or ridiculed. Help me participate with Jesus in his suffering so that one day I may know your glory. Amen.

By Dr. Bill Strom

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We Are Not Consumed

Published March 5, 2019

We Are Not Consumed

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:22-23, 25-26

Before the verses you see above, the writer says he is quite sure God is punishing him for something! He says God has turned against him, waits like a lion to pounce, has bent his bow ready to shoot, and has cracked his teeth with gravel! (Books like Lamentations convince me God knows how to relate with real people with real problems!)

I have felt the same at times, and when I do, it’s easy to blame God for my ills. Perhaps God is using hardship to shape me, but maybe I just want an easy scapegoat for problems I created myself.

The bigger point here is the writer’s resolve: “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

When you pray, do you rant and shake your fist at God? Or do you sit quietly, assured of his faithful renewal even amidst turmoil?

God, I admit that it’s so easy to think that You cause my grief. If I have displeased You, show me where, and help me choose otherwise. In the meantime, God, help me to rest in Your faithfulness and compassion which is new every morning. Amen.

Ask God to renew your hope and to be your strength amidst your challenges. Share with someone else how God is faithful despite your challenges.

By Bill Strom
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Helmet of Salvation

Published March 2, 2019

Helmet of Salvation

“Take the helmet of salvation…” Ephesians 6:17a

I remember as a child trying to figure out why the ‘armor of God’ fit particular parts of the body. Some made sense, like the ‘breastplate of righteousness’ protecting our heart—a metaphor for our soul—as well as the ‘shield of faith’ to ‘extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one’—the image of a shield protecting our whole being against Satan’s schemes. But why a helmet for salvation?

I came to understanding when an acquaintance of mine began doubting his salvation. Before his season of uncertainty he was living fully in God’s ways, serving joyfully in his church, and knowing purpose and peace.

But then he began believing that God judged him, not loved him, and that God withheld forgiveness for his sins. Even when I pointed out scriptures of God’s unfailing love, forgiveness, and empowering, he felt he was doomed. “I just don’t feel God’s peace or joy,” he would say.

John explains that “everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God” as my friend certainly did. John goes on to show the protection of salvation’s ‘helmet’: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Knowing in our head that we have salvation and feeling we do are not the same. In time this fella came around and once again believed—and felt—God’s saving love for him. Praise God.

Do you believe Jesus is God’s gift to the world for salvation? You can know your salvation is secure by doing so.

God, I believe Jesus is the Christ, the spiritual Savior of the world and me personally. Thank you for the knowledge that in believing in him I may know my salvation. Amen.

Thought: If you have never prayed for God to forgive you of your sin, but want to make it personal, simply pray the prayer above and expand on it as you feel led. God wants to know your genuine repentance and he wants to enter your life and help make you new.

By Dr. Bill Strom

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Praying on Behalf of Others

Published January 23, 2019

Praying on Behalf of Others

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.” 1 Timothy 2: 1

Today I learned from an acquaintance about a fella who holds resentment and hatred toward his mother. Evidently this man—in his 50s—was born out of wedlock (unlike his siblings), and was treated differently by his mother all his life.

My acquaintance encouraged me to pray for this guy who has felt second-rate, disowned, and marginalized. I know personally that he has suffered from drug and alcohol addiction.

So I prayed for him. Interceded for him. Not a long prayer, just one that asked God to help this brother forgive his mom for so much pain, and that they might be able to talk about it, and work through it.

Isn’t it amazing that God lets us join in the conversation of healing and hope for other people? And better yet is that God promises his Spirit to help in the dialogue. Paul says in Romans 8,

“We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

While I may not be consistently faithful in interceding for others, I know God loves to hear me pleading for them. Have you interceded for others?

God, help me be more aware of people who need your strength and grace to manage the challenges of life, and to pray for them specifically regarding their problems. Thank you for your Spirit who articulates more clearly what my heart can’t form. Amen.

Pray for someone you know today.

by Bill Strom
Used by Permission www.thelife.com/dailydevotions

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Articles on How to Pray

How to be sure God Listens to your Prayers

How to have a “Quiet Time”

What Should Be Included in Prayer?

Prayer is Talking to God

Praying with Confidence

Foundational Core Truths about Prayer by Sylvia Gunter

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Joy in the Midst

Published December 15, 2018

Joy in the Midst

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, thought here are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Habakkuk 3:17-18

Mary experienced joy despite her world turned bring flipped upside down. In Luke’s gospel, we learn that Mary lived at home, single, and engaged, when angel Gabriel appeared to announce that God had plans for her. She would conceive and bear a boy and name Him Jesus. Such good news, but also terrifying for Mary!Could Mary have known the challenges her glorious role would require?

Virgin and pregnant! How could this be? Worried if Joseph would believe her “Gabriel story.” The pain of childbirth, in a barn, on a trip. Raising Jesus knowing he was special. Losing Jesus at the Passover Feast; finding Him in the temple doing is Father’s business. The uncertainty of watching Jesus’ public ministry, a prophet not welcomed in His hometown.Standing at the cross at His crucifixion; Jesus entrusting her to John.Gathering with the apostles after the resurrection in the upper room.

What was God up to?

Mary’s initial response to Gabriel’s announcement was disbelief, and then a quiet resolve: “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done unto me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Later, she visited Elizabeth and learned afresh of Jesus’ unique status in the universe. She responded, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant” (Luke1:46-47).

How might we find joy amidst this busy season or when pressures abound? Might we learn from Mary who submitted herself to God, aware that He had her best interests at heart?

Dearest Lord, no matter what pressures I face, be it the busyness of the season or just life in general, help me greet it with joy knowing that you have a plan and a purpose for it and will see me through whatever is to come. Amen.

By Dr. Bill Strom
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Willing to Love, Able to Save

Published March 28, 2018

Willing to Love, Able to Save

“Such a high priest [Jesus] truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.” Hebrews 7:24-26

Recently I heard the tragic case of a grandmother who discovered that the two-year-old granddaughter she was caring for had wandered out the back door and fallen into the family pool. The aged woman, despite her inability to swim, jumped in to save the little one. Several hours later family members found their lifeless bodies at the bottom of the pool.

We shake our heads and wonder what that grandma was thinking. But maybe she wasn’t thinking. Quite likely she acted out of loving panic with no thought for herself. In one way it makes for an image of sacrificial love, yet it falls short.

The incident reminds us that when people need saving, they need not only one who is willing to save, but who is also able to save.

Jesus’ fits these criteria. As he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, he said “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Jesus submitted his will to God. He was willing to die for us.

But Jesus was also able to save. The writer of Hebrews explains:

“…because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.” (Hebrews 7:24-26)

In his perfection Jesus became the perfect lover, both willing and able to redeem us from our sins. Have you accepted God’s love through Christ? Are you leaning on Him who is willing and able to save you?

God, thank you for loving me enough to send Christ to save me. Jesus, thank you for your obedience to God the Father. I accept your forgiveness and payment for my sin. Amen.

Thought: Read a love story in the Bible. The Book of John is one of the gospels that tells of Jesus’ life and ministry on earth. Chapters 17-21 describe his last days of his arrest, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection – a truly great love story.

By Dr. Bill Strom
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Welcoming Gently

Published October 28, 2017

Welcoming Gently

“When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.” Luke 19:5-6

Have you ever considered that Zacchaeus gladly welcomed Jesus to his home? Given his occupation — a tax collector whom many despised — you might think he would have hid among the leaves of that sycamore tree. But he didn’t; he came down, escorted Jesus to his home, and threw a little party, and an unplanned one at that.

I wonder who else joined them. Probably not those who watched this happen; they were muttering, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” I can picture them with arms crossed and faces scowling.

But something tells me Zacchaeus would have welcomed his enemies to his home that day. Consider his new heart when he says, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” His generous heart flowed in love for the poor, and his pocketbook with justice for mistreated clients.

What explains his change of heart? One clue is the reason he climbed the tree — “he wanted to see who Jesus was.” And who did he see? He saw someone worthy of calling “Lord.” Perhaps Jesus’ reputation preceded him. Maybe Zacchaeus knew that with Jesus, wine overflowed, blind saw, lame walked, and dead people revived. Jesus was a rock star and the rich taxman had to catch a look. And now, with Jesus present in the flesh, Zacchaeus humbled himself, acknowledged his wrong-doing, and sought to make things right.

Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to show us a life worth imitating. May I bow in awe of His glory and from that place open my heart to people. Show me whom I may invite to my home to celebrate the presence of Jesus. Amen.

By Dr. Bill Strom
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Lesson from the Belly of a Fish

Published May 4, 2017

Lesson from the Belly of a Fish

“Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. [And Jonah said] In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.” Jonah 1:17 & 2:1

Thank God for seaweed around your head.

Poor Jonah. God’s word had come to him saying he should go to Nineveh and “preach against them” because their wickedness had become offensive to God. It seems Jonah feared the people of Nineveh, because he headed instead to Tarshish.

Sometimes God disciplines us when we offend him, and so it was with Jonah. First hit by storm, then thrown overboard, and finally gobbled by a fish. The monster swam into dark waters, and Jonah felt threatened, banished, and cut-off. “The deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down” (Jonah 2:5-6).

For three days…

Only then did Jonah come to his senses. “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple” (Jonah 2:7). Jonah’s prayer is worth imitating because he recognized his wrongdoing, humbled himself, and rededicated himself to God’s ways.

Eventually much good came from Jonah’s obedience. The Ninevites repented, left evil habits, and enjoyed peace with God. And his story was told for generations as an example of what happens when you go against God’s plans, but then repent.

Jonah’s story even has an “Easter” twist. When Jesus foretold of his death and resurrection, he said, “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12: 40).

Sometimes I feel buried, alone, and hopeless from God’s discipline. However, in those dark places God is still working His plan — His redeeming, reconciling, renewing plan. And, just as Jesus rose from the earth to bring salvation, God can raise me up — like he did Jonah — to be an instrument of his redeeming peace among people.

Father God, thank you for your gracious discipline of me. Help me see your purpose in hardship as I seek to become more like your son, Jesus, and an instrument of reconciliation on earth. Amen.

By Dr. Bill Strom

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How Much Do Parents Give Up?

Published March 24, 2017

How Much Do Parents Give Up?

“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother … When Jesus saw [her] there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” John 19:25-27

The scriptures share little about Mary’s relationship with Jesus, but in the book of John we learn that in Jesus’ darkest hour Mary stood faithfully beside him. Mary may have anticipated Jesus’ horrible death, for the righteous man Simeon had told her, “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:34-35).

According to Simeon, Mary had fair warning. A mother’s heart carries burdened love for her children; how much more for Mary as she knew that Jesus would grow up to stir up the religious leaders of the day? Yet she remained faithful, even to Jesus’ difficult end.

Have you ever considered the price of parenthood? How much do parents “give up” in hours, convenience, energy, income, heartache, and opportunity? If we stacked it all up against the “returns” of our children, the comparison might be laughable.

But consider Jesus’ loving gesture, at the cross. In his most desperate state, he looks at Mary and entrusts her care to John, his beloved disciple. He returns Mary’s “giving up” with caring devotion.

Sometimes we miss the connection between investing in people and their subtle responses of appreciation. Are you “giving up” your life with the hope to be repaid, or are you willing to let that go?

Dear God, thank you for family, friends, and colleagues you have placed around me. Help me pour into them things that matter, and may I hold, with open hands, my expectations for payback. May I know your grace in showing loyalty and love. Amen.

By Dr. Bill Strom

Used by permission
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Words Count

Published October 16, 2016

Words Count

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

“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4

Early in our marriage, my wife and I agreed on this simple, biblical idea: words count. I can’t recall if we came to it after a disagreement, or by watching couples hurt each other, but it seems Solomon had this figured out a few millennia ago.

Reckless words pierce like swords and perverse ones crush the spirit, he warned, but soothing ones bring life and wise ones heal.

Maybe these verses underscore the obvious, but so often we treat words like computer bytes — weightless and dimensionless, and therefore harmless. Perhaps we have accepted the lie that sticks and stones break bones, but words cannot hurt us.

Leading marriage researcher John Gottman observed that couples most prone to divorce are likely to pepper their talk with criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling (giving the silent treatment).

“Can’t you do anything right?” criticizes someone’s behavior and gouges their soul.

“Don’t blame me! I did nothing wrong!” dodges responsibility behind a wall of defensiveness.

“I hate you! How could you be so mean?!” tells the truth with damaging contempt.

“I have nothing to say to you!” may lead to hours — or days — of aching silence.

In the academic study of communication, such phrases are called “speech acts” because they “do” something to our spirits. They are worse than sticks and stones, for they puncture our heart like an enemy’s spear causing us to bleed emotionally and relationally.

Our words count, for they either tear down and wound, or build up and heal. Are you choosing life-giving language?

God, You brought this world together by speaking it into existence, and like You I may create universes of care, love, and encouragement in people around me. Help me choose nourishing, soul-growing things to say to people around me. Amen.

By Dr. Bill Strom

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When Trusting God is Hard for the Abused

Published June 25, 2016

When Trusting God is Hard for the Abused

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4

“Of course I can trust, but only trustworthy people.”

The young man cupped his hands and stared into them. When he was five years old his father abandoned the family, and his mother, a sex trade worker, began “training” her son for the same occupation. She kept him from befriending kids on the block, yet welcomed adult visitors to their home. They wanted only one thing from the boy.

Now, as a young adult, he struggles mightily to trust anyone, and how can one blame him? The mother who should have nurtured him took advantage of him; the father who could have protected him didn’t care. No wonder he thinks everyone has evil intentions.

Our own situation may be less grave, yet we have all experienced broken trust. It shows up when people fail to live up to normal expectations. Parents don’t always protect, friends don’t always keep promises, and employers don’t always treat staff fairly. As we journey through life, people let us down, and it hurts.

Convincing ourselves that God is trustworthy is difficult under these situations because God may appear like that parent or friend or boss that abused their role. The Psalmist provides helpful pictures of God to remind us that He can be trusted. Like an eagle with its young under wing, like a shield for a soldier, or a tall wall for a city — He faithfully protects us from many of life’s problems. And for the struggles that remain, He walks alongside as a friend.

How do you see God? Have people jaded your belief in His trustworthiness? Are you able to see that He remains a faithful protector who can help you trust again?

Dear God, people have let me down and it’s hard to trust them. Thank You for your faithfulness in walking with me, supporting me, and shielding me. Help me trust again. Amen.

By Dr. Bill Strom
used by permission

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Why Do You Doubt?

Published April 16, 2016

Why Do You Doubt?

“Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?” Luke 24:38

Your spiritual leader has been dead three days and then shows up and asks, “Why do you doubt?”

Isn’t that audacious?

The previous week the disciples had witnessed Jesus being taken by Roman guards. They watched as Pilate had Him beaten beyond recognition. They followed helplessly as He lugged his cross through Jerusalem to The Place of the Skull. They stood with Mary as Jesus bled out and gave up His spirit. They saw His tomb encircled with centurions. And three days passed.

The disciples huddled secretly wondering if the authorities would come after them next.

Then Jesus materializes at their gathering and asks, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?”

In human terms that’s a cheeky question. I can hear any one of the disciples responding: “You were arrested, beaten, killed, and buried, and we witnessed everything. That’s why we’re troubled and doubt.”

So Jesus calms and convinces them. He eats fish and lets them touch him. It’s me, in the flesh. And then he opens their mind so they could understand the Scripture one more time (Luke 24: 46). “It’s me; I am the Messiah; this is all part of the plan.”

I know I doubt at times. I’d love to have Jesus walk me through the Bible showing me the trail of the Messiah. But more so I wish I could hug Jesus like the disciples did. Don’t you?

But right now we walk by faith, trusting that God’s presence is real and calming, His Word open and convincing. We relate to Him in ways similar and different to the disciples, but we share two things for sure: we know God can be trusted, and that Jesus rose from the dead. These give me peace and strength day to day.

God, help my unbelief. Direct me to the testimony of Your presence and the promises of Your Word that I may be calmed and convinced once again. Amen.

By Dr. Bill Strom

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The Tethered Self

Published March 12, 2016

The Tethered Self

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Luke 10:27

My first encounter with tether-ball was at camp. You could tell that scores of children enjoyed playing there from the donut pattern of dirt around the pole.

If you’ve played tether-ball you know its physics. A rope is tied to the top of a ten-foot pole and seven or eight feet down hangs a ball. The goal of the game is to hit the ball with your fist or palm so it winds up all the rope and the ball hits the post. Your opponent tries to stop you from doing so and hopes to send the ball in the opposite direction.

And all the while the ball is tethered. Tied. Constrained. Going in tight circles. Fast.

A professor at MIT, Sheryl Turkle, uses the idea of tethering to picture our relationship with technology. She wrote: “On my cell, online, on the web, on instant messaging—these phrases suggest a new place for the situation of a tethered self.” She goes on to suggest that the relationships we believe really matter are determined by how accessible people are through media rather than face-to-face conversation. For example, we’ve all seen people in a park ignore each other while texting with heads down.

Are you so tethered that you can’t connect with people nearby? Do media distract you from meaningful friendships with people and God? Are you so tethered that you can’t live without being on the grid?

Dear God, help me be less digitally connected so I may commune with family and friends. Untether me so I can better love and care for people closest to me. Amen.

By Dr. Bill Strom

Used by permission www.thelife.com/dailydevotions

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Foolishness to the Greeks

Published November 7, 2015

Foolishness to the Greeks

“…we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”
1 Corinthians 1:23-25

Why was “Christ crucified” such a problem for Jews and Gentiles?

Jews were expecting a military leader or political savior who would remove the yoke of Roman rule and re-establish the glory days when Israel prospered. They yearned to regain their promised land and make it their own. Jesus may have come from King David’s lineage, a good start, but his preaching in parables, challenging traditional Jewish ways, and dying unceremoniously on a Roman cross seemed all wrong.

Gentiles — that is, non-Jews — who were mostly Greeks, cherished human perfection, military might, and the rule of democratic law. For them one becomes wise through years of contemplating life like Socrates and Plato, or problem solving like politicians who create laws for strong cities and happy citizens. Jesus offered neither in their eyes. Jesus couldn’t even offer expert knowledge in a university subject, like botany, so he couldn’t help farmers or doctors. To Greeks Jesus was a little-known rabbi from a back-water village who didn’t look or sound like a wise leader expert.

Worse yet, many people wanted Jesus out of the picture. And God willed that he should die. For anyone who seeks power, peace, and purpose in life, they might wonder how dying could be anything but disastrous.

Yet Paul wrote that even the “foolishness” of God is wiser than any earthly wisdom, so it is best to take God’s word in faith when he says that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin. To modern ears this seems wrong, out-of-date, mean. Today people still reject God because of his will to see Jesus crucified.

Why do we doubt God’s will or word? Why do we place our wisdom above his miraculous ways to redeem us and the world?

God, help me trust you regarding Jesus’ death. While I may not ‘get it’ I will rely on your word that everything is working out according to your wondrous plan. Amen.

Thought: Ask yourself if this or any other stumbling block keeps you from trusting God more fully. Name the issue, and give it to God.

By Dr. Bill Strom

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Bill Strom Thoughts by Men

Published September 9, 2015

The Power of the Tongue

“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” Genesis 1:3

The account of God creating the cosmos often becomes bland: God said, “Let there be light, earth, animals, and us….” We’ve heard these phrases so often, and think them so divine, that we often forget that people have a similar capacity to explode new realities into existence. Okay, maybe not seas, stars, and salamanders, but certainly our tongues create hurtful or redeeming relationships with others.

Sometimes we inflict pain and put distance between us:

“You are such an idiot” attacks esteem.

“Can’t you do anything right?” undermines confidence.

“Get out of my life!” slams a door.

This kind of caustic language beats up people and strains relations. What a difference wholesome and affirming language makes!

“I forgive you” helps mend a friendship.

“You can do it! I know you can!” encourages the discouraged.

“I am with you along the way” instills hope for someone on a difficult journey.

“I promise to be true to you” assures that you will be faithful.

“I am so sorry. I take full responsibility” signals humility and ownership of a wrong.

God’s words crafted molecules and mountains, foxes and ferns, galaxies and gulls. How might our words create things similarly beautiful? How might our language create trust and honesty, care and concern, affection and affirmation?

Listen to how you speak today. Are your words life-giving, or life-taking? Do you check your spirit before you say something critical? Do you consider ways you might say things in love?

God, you have said that from the overflow of the mouth one’s heart speaks. Help me turn my heart toward Your ways and love so I may use my tongue to create healthy relationships around me. Amen.

Read The Relationship Project: Moving from ‘You and Me’ to ‘We’ “I wrote this book to show how a heart full of humility, self-control, faithfulness and other virtues transform our communication with people close to us.”

By Dr. Bill Strom

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2015/09/09/bs_the-power-of-the-tongue/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Bill Strom Thoughts by Men

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Photo Credit: Henri Liriani; https://www.flickr.com/photos/henriliriani Some Rights Reserved: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
1 Peter 3:9

Would you take just a moment to prayerfully consider sending this to two friends who might be blessed by what we’ve shared today?
If you received this issue from a friend, you can join our list at www.thoughts-about-god.com/blog/

Photo Credit: Henri Liriani; https://www.flickr.com/photos/henriliriani
Some Rights Reserved: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/