Fed by God: Words That Nourish the Soul - Martin Wiles

Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things. 

~Psalm 81:10 NLT

When I heard the chirping, I knew their mouths were full. But they couldn’t receive words that nourish the soul as I could.

After settling into my new position as pastor of a small rural church, I placed a few things on the office building’s front porch. Among them, a bird house. Within a few days, a mother bluebird began building her nest. I looked from my office window as she carefully selected materials and brought them to the house. When she started entering the house, I knew she had laid her eggs.

Two weeks later, I knew the eggs had hatched. I heard small intermittent chirps. As the days passed, the chirps grew louder. I peeked out of my window and saw little mouths extended from the small hole as mom and dad bluebird hung on the outside of the birdhouse, stuffing food between those eager beaks. When they had filled their mouths, they flew off again to retrieve more food. It seemed the little birds couldn’t get enough.

Deliverance from Egyptian slavery was a landmark point in Israel’s history that God didn’t want His people to forget. After reminding the psalmist of this rescuing, God told him to open his mouth, and he would fill it with good things.

I’ve missed good things from God on countless occasions because I didn’t open my mouth. Somewhat like not getting things I could have had from God because I didn’t ask. When Jesus knocks, we must open; if we want, we must ask; and if we desire good things, we must open our mouths.

God is filled with love and mercy. He has wonderful plans for his children. He desires to give us more than we have, but he has conditions. Opening our mouths is one. As the baby birds eagerly received their parents’ food, we must accept what God offers. He offers instruction and encouragement from his Word. We’ll never go hungry or wrong when we receive it. He offers daily guidance from his Spirit. We’ll never make a wrong turn when we take it. He gives abundant opportunities. We’ll never regret taking them. All we must do is open our mouths.

Open your mouth, and let God fill it with good things.

Father, I yield my mouth to you and ask you to fill it with the good things you have in store. 

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Life After Death: The Comfort Behind Being Absent from the Body - Martin Wiles

Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8 NLT

Death. Funerals. They’re both a part of life. I don’t enjoy either of them, but they come with the life-on-earth territory. Death respects no age or person. Comforting those who have lost loved ones challenges the best of us. And Bible verses don’t always do the trick. I’ve seen anger, frustration, bitterness, confusion, and relief. However—and whenever—death comes, separation takes place, and separations are never easy. Attempting to comfort, I have made the statement: “You know what the Bible says, ‘To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.’” Still, knowing a loved one is with the Lord doesn’t completely eliminate the sense of loss the one left behind feels.

Paul’s life since trusting Christ had been rough. As he panhandled the gospel over the known world, his enemies hounded his steps. Stonings, beatings, jailings, false accusations, desertions by friends. He faced them all. But comfort came through his belief that if they took his life, he would be at home with his Savior.

The concept of an afterlife—as most Christians now understand it—developed slowly. In the Old Testament, the afterlife was viewed as a shadowy existence. Not until the New Testament was the concept more fully developed. A blissful place called heaven for those who’ve accepted Christ as their Savior, but torment and judgment for those who reject him.

While some believe nothing happens between death and the final resurrection, many, perhaps most, believe we are composed of body, soul, and spirit—or at least body and spirit. Either way, we have a part that lives on after death before the resurrection of our bodies. Believing this is a comforting thought when we lose loved ones, if they know Christ as Savior. We may not have them anymore, but a day will come when we’ll see them again.

Death is not the end of our existence. Life continues. Make sure your and your loved ones’ eternity is secure with God in heaven.

Father, thank you for the hope of an eternity with you when we place our faith in your Son. 

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Series: Oh, the Things We Say: God Just Wanted Another Angel - Martin Wiles

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15 NKJV

Life is never easy when parents lose an infant or young child—or a child, period. Although I’ve never said it, I’ve been in the presence of others who said to grieving parents, “God just wanted another angel in heaven.”

Communication is an art—and challenging to master. But every time I hear the above sentence, I cringe and wonder what it means to the hearer. Do they think God is so capricious that he’d kill their child so he could add another angel to his force, as if he needs more? He has legions at his disposal. While the speaker is trying their best to comfort in a difficult situation, they probably failed.

The above translation makes it sound as if God gets some sordid pleasure when Christians die. A more modern translation makes it clearer: The Lord cares deeply when his loved ones die.

Trying to comfort someone who has lost a child can be better accomplished by avoiding such a statement. Not only could it give them a wrong conception of God, but it could also lead them down an incorrect theological road.

Telling someone God needed another angel in heaven implies that we become angels when we die, which the Bible never states. In correcting the religious leaders’ views about relationships in heaven, Jesus tells them there will be no marrying in heaven because we will be like the angels. He doesn’t say we will be angels. Just that angels don’t marry, and neither will we.

This saying is one among many used when trying to comfort a grieving person. Situations vary, and it can be challenging to know what to say, so sometimes it’s better not to say anything. Just be there. Give a hug instead of a statement. Spend a night. Prepare a meal. Get them some groceries. Pay a bill. Take their other children for an outing. Call friends for them.

The adage is true: “Actions speak louder than words.” And they may very well give the comfort we’re trying to provide better than our words.

Learn to think before you speak when trying to comfort those who are grieving.

Father, give me wisdom to use the right words when I am comforting those who have suffered loss. 

I invite you to try my book A Whisper in the Woods: Quiet Escapes in a Noisy World. No one escapes life's hurts, but quiet places help us regain our perspective. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Too Many Words - Martin Wiles

The talk of fools is a rod for their backs, but the words of the wise keep them out of trouble. Proverbs 14:3 NLT

Sometimes, when I think I’ve said a lot, I realize I’ve said very little.

The assignment was simple. Students were to write a short paper detailing three things they felt strongly about. When they finished, I collected the papers and re-distributed them to their peers to check for grammatical errors, redundancy, and wordiness. 

One young lady approached my desk. “Doesn’t this sentence say the same as the previous one?” she asked.

“It does,” I replied.

A short time later, she returned. “Doesn’t this sentence say the same thing, too?”

“Yes, it does,” I said again.

With a confused look and a sigh, she whispered, “But that only leaves one sentence in the entire paragraph.”

I shook my head and smiled, then gathered the class’s attention. “Class, life lesson. Sometimes, when we think we have a lot to say, we have very little.”

The student, whose paper was in question, laughed, but I was convinced.

Many are the warnings God gives throughout the Bible with outright instruction or by example about the potency of our words. Taking into consideration those warnings, and noticing that I have two ears but only one mouth, I’ve concluded it’s better to listen more than I talk. I’ll learn more, stay out of trouble, and develop healthier relationships.

The classroom exercise also reminded me of how crucial it is to choose carefully the words we write or speak. Since wordiness and redundancy are rife, we must ensure the ones we give out are worth listening to. Saying the most in the fewest words is challenging and requires forethought, but it is possible.

Since people’s attention spans are growing increasingly shorter, speaking or writing with as few words as possible is wise. Otherwise, we’ll lose those to whom we think we have something to say.

Words also reflect our character—the people we are on the inside. I have a sneaky suspicion the young student was attempting to take a shortcut. Since I require a minimum of five sentences in a paragraph, they were shooting for the goal rather than thinking about that which they felt strongly. However, a student with a watchful eye foiled their attempt.

Make sure the words you deliver are worth listening to. 

Father, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight—and pleasant to others.

I invite you to try my book Grits, Grace, and Grands. If you have grands, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

A Time to Be Silent - Martin Wiles

But the people were silent and did not answer because Hezekiah had told them not to speak. Isaiah 36:21 NLT

“You know what your problem is? You don’t know when to shut up and when to speak up.”

I heard the quote from an actor on television, but couldn’t help but think of a person I once knew. When their name appeared on my smartphone’s screen, I sometimes cringed—especially if I was in a hurry. They tended to ramble. Sometimes I never knew why they called. When my wife asked why they called, I often said, “I’m not really sure.” Telling them I was eating or had company meant nothing. 

Nor was my friend easy to have a conversation with. Sometimes I would call them with news or to ask a question. As soon as I shared what I called to tell them, they launched into a story about someone else who may have had a similar issue to mine. They simply had never learned the art of being silent.

King Hezekiah was ruling in the southern kingdom of a divided Israeli nation. When an Assyrian representative invited the people to surrender to his forces, they remained quiet. The king had told them it was a time for silence. 

I admit there have been many times when I’ve not done much better than my friend. I’ve rambled on, interrupted, or jumped into the middle of someone else’s story.

I have learned many words usually lead to trouble. The rest of the introductory quote went something like this: “That makes you a fool.” 

When we talk more than we should, we'll typically say something we shouldn’t. Perhaps we’ll share a tidbit of gossip. We may let an unkind remark slip. At the very least, talking when we should be listening means we’ll share something that doesn’t have to be shared. Much in any situation is better left unsaid.

When we're never silent, it also keeps us from listening. I continually remind myself that God gave me two ears for a reason. Unfortunately, my tongue seems to get in the way more than it should. 

The people on the wall listened to Hezekiah, but we don’t always do such a good job of listening to God and others. One thing’s for sure: talking and listening are mutually exclusive.

There are times when silence is truly golden. Ask God for wisdom to know when your times of silence are.

Father, give me the wisdom to know when to speak up and when to remain silent. 

I invite you to try my book A Whisper in the Woods in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Words of Love - Karen Huffaker

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NKJV

If we want to know the real story, we sometimes need to listen to a small child.

What children see is what they tell. They may misunderstand or take something out of context, but we’re more likely to get the scoop on what happened—much to the horror of some parents. Children don’t have a filter in their conversations. When they speak innocently, their words tumble out. They haven’t yet learned discernment, good judgment, or discretion.

I am reminded of the old television show, “Kids Say the Darndest Things,” hosted by Art Linkletter. Kids are still learning about truth and wisdom. Aren’t we all? 

Adults can be like this as well. We often speak before we think. Raw emotions can drive our words, and our thoughts may be one-sided. Grownups usually know the better way to communicate about many things but fail to apply their knowledge in conversations.

If we filter our words and thoughts through Jesus, we will more likely speak the truth with love, kindness, gentleness, and patience. And we will reflect the light of Jesus as we go into the world. This is a work in progress for me, and I have a long way to go.

A coffee filter strains out the grounds and other impurities we don’t want in our morning coffee. Likewise, the counsel of the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures teach us and help strain out impurities in our minds, hearts, and spirits.

Think of ways to better filter your words so that they exhibit God’s love. 

Tweetable: How can you share words of love? 

Karen Huffaker is a freelance Christian writer. She has taught children’s Sunday school and single mom’s Bible studies and written poetry. She is from the Deep South and loves reading Christian books, devotionals, genealogy adventures, fishing, and all things family. She is also passionate about her grandchildren’s sporting events. 

Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.

What’s in a Word? Part 5 - Martin Wiles

Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. Proverbs 21:23 NLT

“I am not a crook” meant nothing—and something.

Politicians are known for their words. President Richard Nixon is famous for the above statement, spoken while defending himself against charges associated with the Watergate scandal. But saying words doesn’t necessarily make them true. People discover this when they vote for individuals to hold certain offices. Promises made are often broken once in office. Or at least not fulfilled due to opposition from another ruling body the candidate can’t control.

One thing is certain: if we keep our mouths shut, we won’t say something we shouldn’t.

Words have the power to destroy relationships. Words have destroyed millions of relationships—words spoken with the intent to kill, or words spoken in the heat of the moment that couldn’t be retrieved when sorrow for speaking them took over. Words can inflict a degree of emotional harm that holds the power to last longer than an act of physical violence. With words, we can build or tear down relationships.

Words reflect the Spirit’s control. As a believer with the indwelling Spirit of God, our words reflect the degree we’re allowing God to control our mouths. Our words will mirror the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. When they don’t, it proves we’ve installed other things or people ahead of God. Our priorities need examining.

Words reflect intelligence. “I’d rather keep my mouth shut and let others think I’m a fool than open it and remove all doubt” is a comical saying with a lot of truth. Words demonstrate knowledge about a particular subject or life in general. If we’re not an authority, we benefit more by listening and learning than speaking out of ignorance. Godly wisdom should adorn our speech.

Words are potent. Martin Luther King, Jr. moved the world with his “I Have a Dream” speech. Words can do that when spoken with intelligence, passion, and wisdom. They can kill or resurrect. In the 1960s, they raised several rights movements. Laws were passed, and societies changed for the good and the bad.

Let God help you carefully choose the words you speak.

Father, let the words I speak build relationships and benefit our world.

Tweetable: What do your words reveal? 

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What’s in a Word? Part 4 - Martin Wiles

Blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! James 3:10 NLT

And to think, we were glad when he learned to talk.

Our second grandchild was slow in beginning to talk. He seemed beyond the typical age when his first words rolled off his tongue. Although we didn’t say anything to our daughter, my wife and I couldn’t help but wonder if he was autistic or challenged in other ways. Then things changed. Almost overnight, new words poured out. Before long, he spoke in broken sentences. Soon, we found ourselves having to be cautious about what we said. He would parrot our words, most of which he didn’t understand. He merely repeated them.

According to James, random words and sentences come from our mouths--words that lift others up and tear others down.

Words reflect our thoughts. Jesus said what was in our hearts would come out in our speech. A commonsense conclusion. When our hearts are pure, words with the same quality will seep from our mouths. An impure heart produces the opposite. If someone wants to know what we think about most of the time, all they must do is spend a little time with us.

Words determine direction. Psychologists call this a self-fulfilling prophecy. What we tell ourselves regularly—what counselors call self-talk—usually plays itself out in our actions. If we constantly tell ourselves how incapable we are and how we’ll never amount to anything—while at the same time wondering why God even created us—our direction in life will follow a disappointing vein. We’ll avoid new pursuits and probably miss God’s plan.

Words are examined by God. God knows the words that make up our thoughts, regardless of whether we ever speak or write them. Our prayer should be that the words of our hearts would be acceptable in God’s sight.

Words can reflect hypocrisy. We can build someone up to their face and tear them down behind their back. We can pretend to love them in their presence but attempt to destroy them when we’re not. Contradictory practices such as those reveal a divided and hypocritical heart.

Examine the thoughts of your heart so the words that follow will please God.

Father, give me wisdom and courage to speak words that reflect my love for You and my concern for others. 

Tweetable: What do your words reveal? 

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What’s in a Word? Part 3 - Martin Wiles

No one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:8 NLT

With less than thirty letters, I can communicate anything.

The English alphabet contains only twenty-six letters, but combining them results in letters, poems, short stories, essays, research papers, and books. Words can change their function. Verbs show action. Adjectives describe which one, what kind, how many, how much, and whose. Adverbs tell when, where, how, how often, and to what extent. Conjunctions join independent and dependent clauses. Put an exclamation point behind a word, and we know someone is excited. A question mark and you’ll realize they desire information.  

If the tongue—with which I speak these words—is untamable, what hope do we have of using our words for good? God can tame our tongues.

Words reflect self-image. Hang around someone long enough, and we’ll discover what they think about themselves. We may feel the way we do because of messages our parents gave us when we were younger. Or a teacher. Perhaps because of things our spouses said. Our words reflect humility, pride, or distortions of both. God says we’re created in His image and a masterpiece in the making. Our words should reflect that we believe his Word.

Words demonstrate priorities. By looking at our financial register, we can uncover our priorities. The words we speak also give them away. What we talk about the most reveals our goals and passions. Jesus said the two greatest commands were to love Him with our total being and then others as we do ourselves. Whatever words we speak or write should communicate that.

Words initiate consequences. Walking up to the wrong person and telling them what a sorry something or other they are might get us a black eye, broken nose, or missing tooth. It might even get us shot or cut. Words stir feelings in others. Those feelings lead to actions. Our words will cause others to react in healthy or unhealthy ways.

Words hurt or heal. Combining twenty-six letters will make others feel better about themselves and their situations or inflict emotional pain. We have the power to choose what we want to happen. We can cut them to the quick with our tongues or administer a soothing touch.

What will you do with your combination of twenty-six letters?

Father, may we use our words to honor You and build others up.

Tweetable: What do your words say to others? 

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What’s in a Word? Part 2 - Martin Wiles

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NKJV

The entry for the day stated, “I hate you.”

Brian’s mother loved him, but like many mothers, she also loved to snoop in his room. He was a teenager, and she could remember what she experienced when she was one. Her motherly instinct told her he was keeping a journal, but she had no evidence. 

An expert at snooping, she soon discovered his treasure. It told of his teenage passions, plans, and daily affairs. Then she found a single day’s only entry: “I hate you.” Only after Brian was an adult did his mother confess her snooping. But the words had burned in her chest for twenty years. Brian assured her he meant nothing by them. “Every teenager says that about their parents,” he said.

The psalmist’s desire was for his words—which proceeded from his mind and heart, to be acceptable to God.

Words reflect character. Character is who we are, whether this is who we portray to others. We forge character in the heart. Talk with anyone long enough, and you will discover their true self, priorities, and dreams. When we build our character on a relationship with Christ, others will know.

Words can be pleasant or ugly. When someone’s are pleasant, we’ll enjoy being around them. When they’re ugly, we won’t. Ugly words destroy—reputations and character. Our words can distribute compassion, kindness, love, unconcern, neglect, and hate.

Words can encourage or discourage. We can build others up or tear them down by what we say. No one ever received too much encouragement, and I doubt anyone ever will. The world is a discouraging place, but we can ensure our words circulate encouragement.

Words can’t be taken back. On the “Ellie for Council” episode of the Andy Griffith Show, Andy concluded Ellie’s decision to run for council was silly since she was a woman. Her reaction made him quickly take back his statement. “And it had a bad taste” was his assessment of his words. The trouble was, he couldn’t take them back. Neither can we. Once spoken, words can be apologized for, but their memory can linger for years in a person’s mind.

How can you ensure your words are pleasing in the Lord’s sight?

Father, remind me my words mirror my heart and mind. Make them pure in Your sight.

Tweetable: What do people hear in your words? 

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What’s in a Word? Part 1 - Martin Wiles

Just say a simple, “Yes, I will,” or “No, I won’t.” Matthew 5:37 NLT

What’s in a word? Well, obviously, mine wasn’t enough. I needed something more.

My wife and I walked onto the used car parking lot, intent on purchasing a dependable vehicle. After deciding on the one we wanted and could afford, we sat down in the salesman’s office to discuss price, trade-in value, and monthly payment. Following our agreement, I shook his hand, promised to pay the payment each month, took the keys he handed me, and left in our new-to-us car.

Well . . . not exactly. I had to sign mounds of paperwork before the salesman handed me the keys and I could leave the lot. He may have taken my word, but the company giving me the loan wouldn’t. Humanity’s propensity to deceive made it necessary for me to sign numerous legal and binding forms.

Jesus states the ideal. Even though society makes us prop up our word with forms, our word should be enough. We shouldn’t have to guarantee its truth.

Words communicate—effectively or poorly. Pemineos whaxas pit jod pizzaxa um pit spociaxar cluch actually means a pizza company has a new pizza they want me to try, but I’d never know it by the words. When we communicate our words poorly, gibberish results, and no one is the better for having heard them. God’s love and Word need clear and concise communication.

Words are necessary. At least in most cases. Without prior experience with what pictures represent, a world filled with only pictures would mean nothing. Sharing God’s love requires using words others can understand.

Words can be plenty or few. Numerous Bible verses remind us it’s better to be a person of few words. Whenever we talk too much, we say something we shouldn’t. Sin seems to find its way onto the tongue of the blabbermouth’s mouth.

Words reflect listening skills. If we’re talking all the time, we can’t listen as well. To listen, we must be quiet and focus on the person speaking. And, after all, that’s what most hurting people want: a listening ear, not a mouth that runs off and over.

How can you ensure what you speak is worth listening to?

Father, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight. 

Tweetable: What do your words say about you? 

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