Wednesday's Word

Today will be the ninth and final devotional on the topic of words. To conclude, I want to go back to an earlier verse we studied. "The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45) It's absolutely true that what's already in our hearts will be revealed by what we say. But there's something else that this verse - and the overall... Read More

There are many verses in the Bible that encourage me and fill my soul with hope. But then there are other verses that scare and sober me. Proverbs 18:21 is near the top of that latter list. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits" (ESV). I like how The Message summarizes it: "Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit — you choose." That verse compels me to wrap duct tape around my... Read More

When was the last time someone confronted you of sin? How did you handle it? When was the last time you needed to confront someone of their sin? Did you try to avoid it? If you're anything like me, the thought of confrontation or rebuke can be very uncomfortable. But, the concept is an essential part of God's plan for Christian community and spiritual growth. Hebrews 3:13 says, "Exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened... Read More

Valentine's Day is over. That means all those advertisements for roses and chocolate-covered strawberries and pendants are over, too. At least until next year. What's the main message in those advertisements? "If you love your spouse or significant other, you'll purchase them our special item." I have no problem with that. Luella and I gift each other regularly with romantic gestures. But those gifts are signs of our affection for one another; they are not love. ... Read More