Hope For Today

Dear Friends, Last week I bought a present online for my Mum.  It was to be an early birthday present because I wanted her to have it when she went away on holiday.  I did leave it a bit late and the estimated dates of delivery went up to and included the day she was to leave.  I really hoped it would arrive before she left.  So when it came early, even before the dates given, I was so pleased.  I visited her feeing quite excited because I knew it was something she wanted.  However, when she tried it we disovered it was the wrong size.  I had been so sure I'd ordered the right one.  I was upset, frustrated, annoyed with myself and disappointed.  I'd bought a birthday present for Mum which was no good!  I was not in a good mood! Thankfully, Jason came to the rescue and was able to order the correct size and even managed to get it delivered in time for Mum's holiday.  I was so relieved and happy that she had ev...

Dear Friends, Last week we looked at how our words have the power to cause hurt and damage to others.  This week I want us to focus on how our words have the power to bring blessing to others.  "Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. 10  And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!" James 3:9-10 (NLT) The following verses tell us how there is power in our words - that words can bring life and hope, encouragement, support, comfort, wise advice, blessing, etc. "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life and his words of wisdom are a source of blessing, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence and evil." Proverbs 10:11 (AMP) "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body." Proverbs 16:24 (AMP) “In the past you have encouraged many people; you...

Dear Friends, I've been thinking recently about the power of our words. How many of you remember when you were at school saying this playground chant: "Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me"? The truth is that whilst being physically hurt causes physical pain, it's not true that words don't hurt us. Words can and do cause us much pain, they bruise our hearts, they can leave deep scars and cause all kinds of damage. Words such as, "You're ugly...stupid...fat...no good...a failure...hopeless...etc"  cause so much harm, not only at the time, but also on in to the future if we don't do something about them.  So what can we do? Step 1. Let go of the words that have damaged us - reject them and leave them with God. Step 2. Ask God to heal us from the pain - he is our healer.  " He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds."  Psalm 147:3 (NLT) Step 3. Fill our minds with the truth from God...