I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth (Psalm 121: 1-2). I always struggled to understand this verse. The thought of standing in a field and looking at hills was so strange to me,…
“But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve” (Jeremiah 17:10 in the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible) This verse gives new meaning to the phrase, “You can read me like a book.”…
How often have you said, “I just wish someone understood me?” This verse reminds us once again that God really does understand what we are going through. Jesus is no stranger to pain and suffering. “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:…
“They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the LORD supported me” (Psalm 18:18 in the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible). The strength of a building lies in its framework and foundation. The shell of wood, steel and concrete ensures the integrity and durability…
“Whoever does not have the Spirit cannot receive the gifts that come from God’s Spirit. Such a person really does not understand them, and they seem to be nonsense, because their value can be judged only on a spiritual basis. Whoever has the Spirit, however, is able to judge the…
“A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song” (Proverbs 15:15, The Message). It’s easy to have a merry heart when things are going my way, but God’s Word tells me that I can have joy even when I’m faced with affliction. In all…
“Don’t for a minute envy careless rebels; soak yourself in the Fear-of-God – That’s where your future lies. Then you won’t be left with an armload of nothing.” (Proverbs 23:17-18 in The Message). My dreams may not be coming true at this point in my life, but I must learn…
While reading the incredible account of Mary’s response to the news of her part in God’s plan of redemption in Luke 1:26-55, I was inspired to write these words of encouragement for a hurting friend today: “God approves of you! God sees you. Don’t be confused, disturbed or afraid. The…
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Proverbs 25:11
I have always been fascinated by this verse, and can see a picture in my mind of a basket of golden apples set in a silver frame.
I am sure all of us wish that our words always conformed to this picture, but it takes a lot of wisdom to consistently speak words that are pleasing to everyone.
I came up with the following acrostic for Wisdom:
W Words can come so easily
I If we open our mouths wide
S Speaking without thinking
D Destroys our neighbour’s pride.
O Only speak what is good and pleasing to the ear
M Making people happy, spreading hope and cheer.
Prayer: Lord, I desire that my words might always reflect your wisdom, and not offend or hurt anyone else.
Devotion by Anne Johnston