A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope,
encouragement and exhortation.
Tuesday, December
11, 2018
Note: This week we will consider how words can be a blessing and at times a great source of pain.
But
most of us have also
likely been on the giving
end of hurtful
words, sometimes
unintentionally but at
other times quite
intentional. Even as the
times I have received
them come to mind, so do
the times I have given
them, equally painful.
Sometimes things were
made right; at other
times life went on,
contact was lost and
correction may seem
impossible, but the
memory lingers. In fact
at this point in life I
would say I am more
pained about what I have
given than what I have
received.
Daily
prayer:
Father, we know the
oft repeated
expression that
"sticks and stones may
break my bones, but
words will never hurt
me" is a mistaken
message certainly not
derived from
Scripture. Harmful and
hurtful words can do
irrevocable damage
that will not
disappear through
first aid or
antiseptic. Harmful
words have a way of
playing over and over
in our head and
entering into the deep
recesses of our
hearts. The more we
cling to them the
greater we risk
exaggerating their
original message or
the intent of the
messenger. We build
walls, become
defensive and do
little to resolve the
problem. Help us to
weigh our words
carefully, put
ourselves to the test
of asking, "Are the
words coming from my
tongue pleasing to
Your ears?" When we
habitually put our
words to this test we
will not use foul
language, engage in
crude joking, gossip,
point out other's
shortcomings, slander
or make fun of others
but we will instead
choose to build one
another up in love.
Keep us faithful in
doing so we pray in
Jesus name. Amen.
Our
neighbor was out yesterday morning performing an
essential farming task.
"The
Crushing Word"
Note: This week we will consider how words can be a blessing and at times a great source of pain.
Message
summary:
"Sticks
and stones may break
my bones, but words
will never hurt me."
But it didn't take long
in life for us to learn
that words can hurt,
sometimes worse than
sticks and stones. Most
of us have been on the
receiving end of hurtful
words and likely you may
recall one or more
specific instances as
you read this. We both
can.
"How long
will you torment me
and crush me with
words?" (Job 19:2).
Many of us
recall this short ditty
from our childhood,
perhaps we even repeated
it.
"Sticks and
stones may break my
bones,
but words will never hurt me"
but words will never hurt me"
But it didn't
take long in life for us
to learn that words can
hurt, sometimes worse
than sticks and stones.
Most of us have been on
the receiving end
of hurtful words and
likely you may recall
one or more specific
instances as you read
this. We both can.
But
most of us have also
likely been on the giving
end of hurtful
words, sometimes
unintentionally but at
other times quite
intentional. Even as the
times I have received
them come to mind, so do
the times I have given
them, equally painful.
Sometimes things were
made right; at other
times life went on,
contact was lost and
correction may seem
impossible, but the
memory lingers. In fact
at this point in life I
would say I am more
pained about what I have
given than what I have
received.Hurtful words
can take on many
forms. Perhaps
someone is mocking the
physical or mental
defect of another. A
person may be targeted
due to differences in
race, faith, geography,
education and many other
areas. There are also
many motivations.
Yesterday's message
considered the blessing
of kind words but today
let us consider what we
have all experienced,
unkind words.
Job was
enduring a trial of
practically unimaginable
misery. He longed to
receive comforting words
but in
today's text Job is
responding to Bildad,
one of his "comforters"
who is adding to his
affliction instead of
helping to alleviate it.
Rather than sensitively
speaking words that
might bring comfort,
assurance and
encouragement these
words brought on torment
to the point that Job
says he was crushed with
the words. Another
version states, "Break
me in pieces with words"
(ESV, KJV).
Job might have
despaired of his life,
if his only outlook in
the midst of his
circumstances was based
on the words of his
"comforters". But
He had to look beyond
their gloomy and
accusing messages and
grasp hold of his
confession of faith
which he does in verses
25-26:
I know that
my redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand on the earth.
And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;
and that in the end he will stand on the earth.
And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;
If you've had a visit from
a "comforter/accuser" in
your life with a message
of "crushing words", may
you find peace, comfort
and acceptance from God
who is the Father of
compassion.
When we're
hurting He's right there
with us, speaking to us
through His Word and by
His spirit. He listens
to our heart's cry and
lovingly assures us that
"I will never leave you
nor forsake You."
Be encouraged
today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer:
Father, we know the
oft repeated
expression that
"sticks and stones may
break my bones, but
words will never hurt
me" is a mistaken
message certainly not
derived from
Scripture. Harmful and
hurtful words can do
irrevocable damage
that will not
disappear through
first aid or
antiseptic. Harmful
words have a way of
playing over and over
in our head and
entering into the deep
recesses of our
hearts. The more we
cling to them the
greater we risk
exaggerating their
original message or
the intent of the
messenger. We build
walls, become
defensive and do
little to resolve the
problem. Help us to
weigh our words
carefully, put
ourselves to the test
of asking, "Are the
words coming from my
tongue pleasing to
Your ears?" When we
habitually put our
words to this test we
will not use foul
language, engage in
crude joking, gossip,
point out other's
shortcomings, slander
or make fun of others
but we will instead
choose to build one
another up in love.
Keep us faithful in
doing so we pray in
Jesus name. Amen.Special
Year-end Financial Appeal
We want to thank all who
have financially supported our
ministry this past year (and some for
many years!). We realize there are many
fine ministries and causes requesting
support at this time but if the Lord
would lead you we surely need and
appreciate the financial support from
our readers and listeners. Like
many ministries, we typically see a
spike in giving at the end of the year
for which we are most thankful.
Our ministry labor is comprised of approximately half our time to Daily Encouragement and the other half to our chaplaincy ministry to companies for which we receive compensation. Each of these ministries essentially is the same as a part-time job (20+ hours weekly) for each of us. Our goal for many years is that each would provide half of our ministry expenses and income.
If you would consider making a donation to our ministry see here for more information.
To donate directly online here. This will open to a page that designates the offering to: WEBER,STEPHEN CHAP, Specialized Chaplaincy Ministry ID: 700001-237376
Please Note:
We also provide this easy option due
to the convenience, for
international supporters, and for
those who may not be concerned
regarding receiving an official tax
deductible receipt.
Click here
to send an offering using PayPal.
This will open to a page that states
"Brooksyne Weber"
Thank you
Our ministry labor is comprised of approximately half our time to Daily Encouragement and the other half to our chaplaincy ministry to companies for which we receive compensation. Each of these ministries essentially is the same as a part-time job (20+ hours weekly) for each of us. Our goal for many years is that each would provide half of our ministry expenses and income.
If you would consider making a donation to our ministry see here for more information.
To donate directly online here. This will open to a page that designates the offering to: WEBER,STEPHEN CHAP, Specialized Chaplaincy Ministry ID: 700001-237376
Please Note:
We also provide this easy option due
to the convenience, for
international supporters, and for
those who may not be concerned
regarding receiving an official tax
deductible receipt.
Click here
to send an offering using PayPal.
This will open to a page that states
"Brooksyne Weber"Thank you
Stephen
& Brooksyne
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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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