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January 15

Wednesday, January 15th, 2025

I began reading a leadership book by Jon Gordon called The Energy Bus yesterday. I haven’t been able to get very far into it since I was at a doctor’s office waiting and got interrupted. (How rude!) 🙂  So far the gist of the book is Positivity vs Negativity. As I thought about that and then as I listened to the confirmation hearings for Pete Hegseth while I ate my supper, I couldn’t but see that many of those lawmakers needed a good dose of what this book appears to be about. The vitriol, negativity, hypocrisy and downright nastiness was a big turn off to me.

The Bible speaks about doing all things without grumbling and complaining (Phil. 2:14). To use another word: whining. I remember as I was growing up one of my grandfather’s favorite expressions was “Oh, stop your belly-achin'” Even as I type those words I can hear him saying them. (Not to me, of course, because I never complained). 🙂  Seriously though, he was on the money. No one ever made their situation or attitude better-or those around them-by grumbling and complaining.  When I think of someone whining I think of a little child who is not getting his/her way and let’s everyone know. That little whiny voice just grates on my nerves. Well…sadly, many never seem to grow out of that stage of life. Oh, their bodies grow. And yes, their minds grow (least we hope). Their vocabulary grows. But they just don’t seem to grow out of that whininess (and yes, I know that is not a word. Maybe it will be the 2025 Word of the Year!).

This morning in my daily Bible reading I read the following verses. I share them with you because I do believe that our attitude plays a lot into the way we see our day and others. “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:8-10). Then from Proverbs 15 I read the following verses: “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.” (v. 2). “A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.” (v.13). And one more: “Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.” (v.16)

We all have a choice. We  can allow our circumstances to dictate our attitude, or we will allow our attitude to dictate how we see our circumstances. The latter makes more sense for the one who is a follower of Christ because we know the ONE who controls everything!  Make a positive difference today with your attitude. Pull people up not drag them down. You’ll be glad you did and your friends and colleagues will thank you. 

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September 26

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Have you ever noticed how we grade sins? Let’s, for the sake of argument, just grade our sins.

  • Grade 1- the really bad ones. Adultery. Murder. Homosexuality.
  • Grade 2- Cheating. Lying (as far as its not a “little white one”). Theft.
  • Grade 3- Division. Lying (little white ones). Laziness.

Granted, that is not an exact science. I’m only using it as an example of the way we grade our sins: some are really, really bad; some are so-so; some not so bad. We could even add a category of justified sins if we want. And, of course, there are many more sins we could list.

I left one out…on purpose. That’s because it is not seen as a really, really bad one and is even overlooked or simply forgotten. Let me give you a hint:

“Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.” Pr. 26:20

“Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.” Pr. 26:22

Okay…so I guess that is not so subtle, is it? The “respectable” sin, the “acceptable” sin, the one not graded harshly is G.O.S.S.I.P. On a scale of 1-10, gossip might hit a “3” on the Sin-o-Meter.  That’s tragic though. Gossip has killed more people that we could count. While some would never consider carrying a firearm to take someone’s life, they have very little qualm about using their mouth to snuff out someone’s reputation, good name, future, friendship, etc all in the name of “passing along” some information.

Let’s get it through our heads-and hearts-that gossip is a deadly sin, capable of destroying lives, taking out families, even companies. Let me close with a thought from Proverbs 26:

“If you set a trap for others, you will get caught in it yourself. If you roll a boulder down on others, it will crush you instead. A lying tongue hates its victims, and flattering words cause ruin.” (Verses 27-28)

Just those two verses should sober us up real quickly. Let’s stop the GOSSIP.

{All Scripture from the New Living Translation}

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September 12

Thursday, September 12th, 2024

Abe Lincoln is credited with saying, “It is better to keep your mouth shut and thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” That is actually an echo and restatement of Proverbs 17:28-“Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut they seem intelligent.”

My reading in Proverbs today was chapter 13. As I read it struck me how much of it talked about the mouth/tongue/speech. I thought it would be fun to list them for you:

  • Verse 6- “The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives.”
  • Verse 13- “The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble.”
  • Verse 14- “Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.”
  • Verse 15- “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.”
  • Verse 17- “An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies.”
  • Verse 18- “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.”
  • Verse 19- “Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.”
  • Verse 22- “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.”
  • Verse 26- “The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.”

There are references to listening, being quick-tempered (which often includes the mouth shooting off), jealousy, and others. Maybe it is time for us to seriously stop and consider what we say and how we say it before Abe’s advice is found to be true in us.

{Note: All Scripture is from the New Living Translation}

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August 13

Tuesday, August 13th, 2024

Random thoughts from my early morning reading to get you thinking:

I wish I did it more often: As a pastor I speak a lot of words-some unsolicited (Hmmmmm), some as part of a conversation, and some much-needed and appreciated. Words of encouragement. Words of guidance. And sometimes…sometimes…words of wisdom. 🙂 It goes without saying that I don’t always have the right answer or, in fact, the right anything. But sometimes I say the right thing to fit the occasion or the person’s need.  Proverbs 25:11 says, “Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.” (NLT)  The ESV translates that verse as “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”

Will my words be remembered for the hope, direction, encouragement and wisdom they gave? Now THAT is something to think about!

On faith: I’ve always been intrigued by the story in Mark 9 of the father with the demon-possessed son and his encounter with Jesus. When Jesus comes on the scene, His disciples have been unable to cast a demon out of a young boy. The father than asks Jesus to do it. The exchange is what intrigues me:

  • Jesus: “How long has this been happening?”
  • Father: “Since he was a little boy…Have mercy on us and help us, IF YOU CAN.” (emphasis mine)
  • Jesus: “What do you mean ‘If I can?’ Anything is possible if a person believes.”
  • Father: “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Jesus then heals the boy by casting out the demon. The issue is not casting out the demon but the man’s faith. My way of seeing this is like the man is saying (using a ruler as an example), “I have 5 inches of faith. Make it 12 inches.”  Simplistic I know. But the man is simply saying, “What I have I bring. Help me have greater faith.” Jesus obliged.

Warning: this is not a name-it claim-it example. It is simply an example of Jesus’ ability to do the miraculous even if all we have is a mustard seed of faith. Bring what we have and trust.

There is more from Mark 9 to chat about but maybe another day. I’ll simply say, “Think on these things.”

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July 18

Thursday, July 18th, 2024

I am posting this later than I usually do. I got to the office at 5:00 as I normally do and all the power was out-all the businesses, stoplights, etc. So I went back home until I called the business next to us and she said they had full power. I apologize for being late.

I have written often about our speech and the power of the tongue. I think we all know of that danger. While I had another idea percolating in my head this morning, I was overwhelmed by what I found in Proverbs 18. I’ll write the Scripture out for you here in order to make it easier, but I’d like to suggest that you read your own Bible and highlight the following verses:

“Wise words are like deep water; wisdom blows from the wise like a bubbling brook.” (verse 4)

“Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.” (verse 6

“The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.” (verse 7)

“Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.” (verse 8)  {Note: we all know how rumors get passed on}

“Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.” (verse 13)

“Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.” (verse 20)

“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” (verse 21)

“The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults.” (verse 23)

And then to top if off I also read from Matthew 12 this morning: “For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” (verses 34-37)

That just closes the book on the seriousness of our words. Listen up! Be careful today (and always) of the words you say.

{All Scripture from the New Living Translation}

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May 20

Monday, May 20th, 2024

WISE WORDS TO BE REMEMBERED:

I chose the heading for this devotion based on Proverbs 20:15- “Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies.”

I’m suspecting there are many in our world who would vehemently disagree with those words. That shows how truly unwise they are.  To think pursuing physical comfort and material wealth (represented by gold and rubies) is the end all is setting that person up for failure and disappointment. But rather than write about the shallowness of pursuing earthly satisfaction, I thought I would highlight a few more of the verses of Proverbs 20 to show why verse 15 is so spot on.  Here are some wise words to remember:

Verse 1: “Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.” All of us have seen the devastating results of too much alcohol. An alcohol addiction is serious and must be dealt with. Check out Sober Cycle by Sherry Hoppen for more on this.

Verse 7- “The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.” Integrity has been defined as “who you are when no one is looking.” Who better to see us  in all our “raw life” away from the adoring crowds than our children? I’m not sure there can be a greater blessing than to see my children follow me as I follow Jesus.

Verse 19- “A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers.” I heard someone say just last night: “You are who you hang with.” Whether by reputation or guilt by association, being known for being a chatterer is not a badge of honor.

Verse 22- “Don’t say, ‘I will get even for this wrong.’ Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.” Not much to add to that one is there? Elsewhere in the Bible it says, “Vengeance is mine. I will repay says the Lord.”

Verse 29- “The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.”  (What about no hair? 🙂 ). Seriously, there is something to be said about age and wisdom.

I would encourage you to read Proverbs 20. In fact, a good practice is to read a chapter of Proverbs a day. There are 31 chapters so in one month you can read through the book. I like to highlight a different verse each time I read using a different colored highlighter. Take a moment to read Proverbs 20. Any wise words stick out to you?

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May 16

Thursday, May 16th, 2024

There are a lot of ways to destroy a church, a business, or even a friendship. Since my job is the pastor of a church, let me focus on that.

First, it is really important to clarify a term. By church I am NOT referring to any physical structures. A physical structure can be destroyed any number of ways (like many around the world are today), but the church can go on…and does. A natural disaster.  A mob bent on destruction. A vengeful act. An act of hatred. Houses of worship can be leveled.

But a more insidious type of destruction is one from within. A wolf in sheep’s clothing can sneak in and spread false teaching. A leader can “ride herd” on a church and bring it to its knees (check out 3 John 9-10 and the story of Diotrephes). There is one type I think that brings more churches to its knees (not in a good way) than just about any other. This verse from Proverbs 16:28 says all that needs said: “A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.” (NLT)

It’s easy to see. You want to destroy a church? You want to destroy a company? You want to destroy a friendship? Gossip. Be a troublemaker. Or let them go unchecked. Let it go unchecked and watch the dominoes fall. Little by little. Piece by piece. All that will be left is a pile of ashes or rubble. If the enemy can get the people inside bickering, talking smack, spreading poison or something as ugly, he will have found the way to bring the church down. It is the most effective way and he didn’t need a bulldozer to accomplish his feat.

Don’t be part of the problem; be part of the solution. Stop the gossip and the gossiper.

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May 13

Monday, May 13th, 2024

Have you ever gotten the feeling that God is trying to teach you something, or, at least, prepare you? I had one of those mornings.

#1- It started off as I read something by Pastor Greg Laurie. In his devotional book, Every Day with Jesus, he wrote:

A tongue controlled by Jesus Christ can be a great blessing. But uncontrolled, it can do much damage. Just as a horse is controlled by a bit, we are controlled by our words. (Week 20-p.115)

#2- The psalmist, David, wrote, “You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say.”  (Ps.17:3)

#3- “Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.” (Pr. 13:3)

The verdict? No coincidence. There is a lesson to be learned. So I say to myself: Learn it. I suggest to you: Learn it. Watch what you say today (or maybe down the road since God may be preparing you for what is to come). No lesson is wasted.

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March 13

Wednesday, March 13th, 2024

We have several sayings directed at people who act rashly:

“Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.”

“Think before you speak.”  Or a variant of that is “Think before you act.”

Sadly, we are a people of inflamed passions. I’m not speaking of the sexual, although that certainly can be included. I’m actually referring to our emotional state. How often have you seen (or been guilty yourself) of acting or reacting before you have thought out the consequences? You blow someone’s doors off and the collateral damage is huge. I once confronted someone who had a habit of blowing up at people-telling them off in a sense-and then acting like nothing happened. I asked her, “Why do you do that?” “Do what?” “You blow up at people, tell them off, then act as though nothing is wrong, as though all is forgiven and over.” “I tell them so they will know how I feel, then it’s over.” I said, “So is a tornado or hurricane. It unleashes its fury and then moves on, but look at the damage it leaves in its wake.”  I let her think about that for a moment, then left. I’m not sure she ever learned the lesson!

Proverbs 13:16 says, “Wise people think before they act; fools don’t-and even brag about their foolishness.” (NLT)

Don’t be a fool. Think before you speak. Think before you act. Don’t be known as “one of those people.” You know…the kind of person others want to avoid.

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January 10

Wednesday, January 10th, 2024

The power of the tongue seems to be a common theme in Proverbs. Probably the most forthright and pointed reference to the tongue in the New Testament is found in James 3. Just a few picked and chosen from 3:1-12. “But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire…it is set on fire by hell itself.  People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison…” If you have access to a Bible, I’d like to encourage you to read James 3:1-12 in its entirety.

Proverbs 10 is full of verses dealing with the tongue. Please get your Bible and read verses 6, 8, 11, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 31, and 32. I highlighted verse 19 this morning: “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” (NLT)

This hits home. I’m a talker. I’m very social (they call us “extroverts”). And I am. Jo just shakes her head sometimes when I strike up a conversation with a clerk or a total stranger in the store. I love children, especially those as gregarious as me, and Jo has to remind me to be careful who I talk to. Some parents are leery of adults who talk to their children. At the ball fields this past summer, kids I read to in school would come to me and say, “Mr. Bill!” and then want to give me a hug.  (I did group hugs when I was done reading). Some parents stared at me and I had to introduce and explain who I was and how I knew their child. And yes, sometimes I talk too much. Someone said about me that “He assumes a familiarity that is not there.” Guilty as charged.

And sometimes, more so in the past when I was younger and less cautious and disciplined, I said too much. It got me in trouble. You know the old adage, “Open mouth insert foot?” That was written about me. I’ve swallowed a lot of socks in my day. I didn’t always heed Proverbs 10:19 nor did I listen and learn very well from James 3.

Those words on the pages of the Bible are there for a reason. Learn from them. Take it from a recovering talker. Be wise. Keep your mouth shut. You can’t ever regret something you don’t say.

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