Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of WORDS
Day 22 | LYING TO A FRIEND

LYING TO A FRIEND

Proverbs 26:18-19
“Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, ‘I was only joking.’”

When we were kids, we used to joke with one another. We would “kid-around” and it was all in “good fun.”  Unfortunately, one of the familiar games I remember from childhood was calling each other made-up names… none of which were true, but unfortunately, many of which imprinted in our minds and to some degree impacted us negatively.

But when we get older, things should change as we become more responsible and thoughtful about what we say to one another.  We need to “Put away childish things,” as it says in 1 Corinthians 13.

Solomon, in these verses, is making the parallel of a “madman shooting a deadly weapon” to someone “who lies lying to a friend.”  As we’ve learned in this series of 40 Days of Words, words new matter; words can hurt, cut, encourage, heal, discourage, and on and on, based on what is being said.  Lying to a friend – even in jest – is NOT appropriate, so says the wise Solomon.

And why not?  Because, just like our calling our childhood friends’ names (which were lies) was not appropriate (though we were too young to realize it), lying to someone – then or now – is also not appropriate.  It can cause unseen hurts, scars, and bruises by beating them up at a deeper, emotional, subconscious level.
 
As I was thinking about this, I was struck with how MANY things in our busy 21st century lives work AGAINST our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual fitness as it is.

“The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy.” (John 10:10)

There are enough challenges today for followers of Christ.  Let’s ALL use our words to bless, encourage, and uplift.

Prayer: LORD, help me be slower to speak and consider everything that I say to someone else more carefully.  Help me to use my words to bless others.  Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of WORDS
Day 21 | SINGING TO ONE-ANOTHER

SINGING TO ONE-ANOTHER

Ephesians 5:18-20
“Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Every church service I have ever attended has included singing.  Have you ever wondered why?  Well, it’s not necessarily that we are all such good singers – which we’re not – but it’s because the Lord made us (a) so that we could sing and (b) so that it would be good for us.

On Day 20 of this series, I talked about Psalm 100, which starts with: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord,” and as I’ve said in church, we only have to make a joyful NOISE!

So why should we sing in church?

Well, you might like to know there are over 400 references to singing in the Bible.  King David commanded it be done and appointed people to do so (choirs) and created instruments designed for praise.

There is also the horizontal and the vertical element to singing.  Think of a cross.  The vertical piece is our singing to praise God.  The horizontal component is that we sing to encourage one another.

Notice too this verse says to be “filled with the Holy Spirit and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.”  The Holy Spirit seems to inhabit the praises of God’s people when they sing to God and praise His name!

I once heard it said: “a healthy church is a singing church.”

So next Sunday, when you go to church, use your God-given voice to praise God in song together with your brothers and sisters in Christ.

“Let everything that has breathe praise the Lord!”  (Psalm 150)

Prayer: Lord, help me to look forward to the singing time at church.  Help me sing unto YOU and enjoy the fellowship we all share as we sing words of praise and glorify your name. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of WORDS
Day 20 | SINGING WORDS OF PRAISE

SINGING WORDS OF PRAISE

Psalm 100
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”  

News flash: Words are usually spoken but can be sung too!  And they can be joyful, faith-filled, and God-honoring.

In both the Old and New Testaments, those who followed God would sing to Him.  The Psalms are all SONGS that were originally sung.

Although songs can be sorrowful, they can also be uplifting and full of praise!

Here in Psalm 100, David was excited to be going to God’s house. The Jews used this as a processional hymn. Notice verse 4 – “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.”

This psalm has not one sorrowful note in it but is totally happy as should every Christian be as he enters the courts of the Lord!

Yes, there are many negative noises around us – TV, in the papers, and even friends, family, and neighbors – that could quickly sour our experience and drag us down.

But singing for many (or at least listening to good Christian music) can be an escape from the doldrums and help lift us into a time of praise and thanksgiving!

You might want to have some good Christian music ready to play to lift you when you start to feel defeated or down or when you just want to praise the Lord! It works for me!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for music.  Help me to use it to help me live my life that is pleasing to you, one that is full of praise and thanksgiving to YOU. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of WORDS
Day 19 | WHERE EVIL WORDS LEAD

WHERE EVIL WORDS LEAD

Psalm 52:2-4
“All day long you plot destruction. Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor; you’re an expert at telling lies. You love evil more than good and lies more than truth. You love to destroy others with your words, you liar!”  (NLT)
 
This is another psalm written by David.  In this psalm he was making a comment about an evil leader who used his tongue in destructive, evil ways.  This evil person loved evil more than good and telling lies more than speaking the truth.  He used his words to lie about and try to destroy David.

Does that sound in any way like what we see and hear today?
 
The way I see it… TRUTH is under attack like never before in my lifetime.  Even basic fundamentals of life such as, “Is my newborn baby a boy or a girl?” is being questioned by a growing group of individuals.  Others today would argue that saying “2+2=4” is racist. Both are ridiculous of course, but many are okay with the deceit and are believing the lies they hear. They are ok with walking in darkness.

Therefore, if you speak the truth in today’s world you may be slandered or criticized.  (Thus, be careful to “speak the truth in love” – Ephesians 4:15)   So if and when that criticism comes, do like the Jews did… turn to Psalm 52 – the entire Psalm – for comfort.

Verse 5 says: “But God will strike you down once and for all,” and verse 8, “But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.”

Prayer: LORD, You knew there would be days like we’re in today and I’m thankful that Your Word has much to say and wisdom to guide us. Thank You.  Help me to always stay in Your Word.  Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of WORDS
Day 18 | AVOIDING ANGER

AVOIDING ANGER

James 1:19-20
“Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; for the [resentful, deep-seated] anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God [that standard of behavior which He requires from us].” (AMP)

Anger is not new; it’s been around since Cain and Able.  And yet, it seems our society is becoming more easily angered about more and more things.  Politics have become vitriolic, divisive, and even hateful.  Road-rage is another common symptom.

But for the Church – for those of us who are trying to be followers of Jesus – James’ words are essential for our church health and cohesiveness.
 
In James’ period of history, the Church was under attack. Then it was the Jews who disliked (putting it mildly) those who followed the teachings of Jesus. Thus, divisions in the Church would weaken their testimony and their ability to stand together despite the attempts by Jews to squash this new movement.

Fast forward to today and you’ll see similar storm clouds brewing. Christianity – which the Founders of America held in high esteem – is no longer held in that esteem by many. As our society becomes more pagan, the pressure mounts on churches in several ways.

And so, James’ words – given to him by the Holy Spirit – are vital for our churches today. We must be quick to listen, careful in what we say, and slow to anger.  We are entering a time of the increased spiritual battle and we need to be one in Christ.

Prayer: LORD, help me listen more, speak thoughtful words, and avoid being angry with my Christian brothers and sisters.  You are the Head of the Church, and we need to live our faith and live with each other in a way pleasing to You. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of WORDS
Day 17 | GENTLE WORDS

GENTLE WORDS

Proverbs 16:24
“Nothing is more appealing than speaking beautiful, life-giving words. For they release sweetness to our souls and inner healing to our spirits.” (TPT)
 
It’s incredible how much work we go through to look our best.  It doesn’t matter the age, 2 or 102, most people try to look their best… especially if they have company or are going out.  We are careful to get cleaned up, put on clean clothes, take care of our face and hair… and then we’re ready to be seen!

And why do we do all that? Because we want to be well thought of by whomever we’re with… or just by the public if we’re out and about.  We want to look our best and that’s ok.

But, Solomon – arguably the wisest man in history – says that what comes out of our mouth has the potential to be the most appealing and beautiful thing about us.

Ponder that.

If you want to be appreciated by others, then your words matter.

And Solomon says that we need to be speaking “beautiful, life-giving words.” And what kind of words are they?  He goes on to say they release “sweetness to our souls and inner healing to our spirits.”

Now consider this: Everyone you talk to today is hurting in some way.  Each person you meet today is in some way fearful, concerned, worried, upset, embarrassed, feeling guilty, frustrated, doubtful, sick, dying, or in some other way needing help or encouragement.

And here’s the Good News: We each have the capability of using what we say to uplift and administer sweetness and healing to that person.

So do this: each person you talk to today… try to say something encouraging, uplifting, complementary, or in some way “life-giving.”  It may take practice, but the LORD will help you do what He wants you to do.

Prayer: LORD, I understand this is what you want me to do more of.  Help me retrain my thinking and words to be more beautiful, life-giving, sweet, and healing to those around me.  Please help me to be a fountain of JOY for your honor and glory.  Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of WORDS
Day 16 | WORDS AND MEDITATIONS

WORDS AND MEDITATIONS

Psalm 19:14
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (NLT)

In Genesis, we learn: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”  And that for six days, God created everything – including humanity – by speaking words.

Since we are made in His image, our words have power as well.  The Scripture teaches that “life and death are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21)

Studies show that people speak an average of 15,000 words a day… whether man or woman.  And since our words DO matter, I wonder how many of the 15,000 words you spoke yesterday were pleasing in God's sight?

How would you characterize your words yesterday?  Were they primarily encouraging, helpful, uplifting, calm, and filled with faith, hope, and love? Or were they often discouraging, negative, doubtful, fearful, dreading, upset, or unkind?

It's EASY today – especially if one watches or reads the news regularly – to reflect negativity in what we say.

Here's the deal… what we think about – or meditate on – will come out of our mouths.  And God holds His children – like we did our own children – responsible for what comes out of our mouths.

Paul said it in Ephesians 4:29 – “And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them.” (TPT)

 This Psalm is a prayer to the LORD, and we need to ask Him to help us with the words of our mouths just as David did here.

Prayer: LORD, there are so many things my mouth is capable of saying.  Please help me think on and say words that are pleasing things in your sight.  Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of WORDS
Day 15 | MORE LIKE HIM

MORE LIKE HIM

Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” (NIV)

Have you noticed how imperfect everyone you know is?  (And have you noticed how flawed you are too?)

The Scripture tells us that “There is none righteous, no not one.” (Romans 3:10) What does that mean?
 
Well, it means that none of us is fully Christ-like… at least not yet.  One day, yes – when Christ comes again – and in the meantime, we continue following Jesus, staying in His Word, and slowly becoming more like Him.

In the meantime, this proverb tells us something important about how we need to deal with one another.  We are to deal with each other in love.

Peter said it well in 1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins.” Peter wrote this to Christians… and that means us today too.

To LOVE means that we make allowances for others' imperfections because we have ours too.  And to love – as Jesus taught His disciples – means NOT repeating someone's faults to others.
 
Here in Proverbs, Solomon recognized that when he wrote these words. The Amplified says it this way: “He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends.”

In the Lord's Prayer, we ask the LORD to “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” We are asking Him to forgive us like we forgive others.  When God forgives us, He doesn't continue to bring it up again and again and again.  But we often do… thus the message of this verse: Don't.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for forgiving me and not bringing it up again and again.  Please help me be more like that, too, as I deal with those in my little circle. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of WORDS
Day 14 | THINKING CAREFULLY

THINKING CAREFULLY

Proverbs 15:28
“The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.” (NLT)

Maybe it’s me, but it seems way easier to say whatever comes into your mind than to “think carefully before speaking.” And, of course, that’s the point of this proverb.

Solomon had noticed that the godly – those who value God and have given Him a priority in their lives – spoke differently from others.  One of the things they learned to do is to WAIT long enough before speaking to ensure that the words were appropriate, well-chosen, and – a big one for many – in line with that verse in Ephesians 4:15 – “Speaking the truth in love.”

When I was a young associate pastor, I was in the car with the older, experienced senior pastor.  We talked about many appropriate things for a younger newbie to learn… but one comes to mind right now.  He told me that a new mother in one of his churches had just had a baby.  He said he had seen many newborns, but this one was the least attractive newborn baby he had ever seen.  The new mother was excitedly showing the pastor her baby, to which he replied, “My, isn’t that a baby!” The mother was thrilled!

This pastor had thought carefully before speaking.

We live in a time when everyone is talking. Everyone is posting, writing, doing podcasts, and communicating to the world.  It has never been this busy.

This is all the more reason to THINK carefully before speaking and not be like the “wicked” who babble on “with evil words.”

Prayer: LORD, I desire to think before I speak and then speak words that will uplift and help others. Help me to do just that – for your glory. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of WORDS
Day 13 | TWO THINGS WE MUST NOT DO

TWO THINGS WE MUST NOT DO

Titus 3:2
“They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling.”

We are living in strange times.  Our country is divided like never before except perhaps during the Civil War of the 1860s.  It seems the dueling points of view – conservative vs. progressive – have become so vitriolic that it’s nearly impossible to discuss rationally with someone from another point of view without things de-evolving into name-calling and some form of hatred.

In this verse – as relevant today as when written nearly 2000 years ago – believers… Followers of Jesus are commanded to: “not slander anyone” and to “avoid quarreling.”

It starts quickly enough.  We strike up a casual conversation with a friend, neighbor, work colleague, or someone else.  Often, we use these opening conversations to determine if the other person is “on our side” about an issue.  Then if they say something that shows even one little thing that you disagree with, we often pounce on that as an opening to explain how wrong they are and how right we are.  This causes a volume and intensity increase from the other side, and the whole thing often escalates into a heated argument with no clear winners or concessions but with a dislike of the other person.

God knows this and passed the wisdom to Paul, who shared it in his letter to Titus.
 
Slander means: “for someone to tell one or more others an untruth about another which will hurt the reputation of the person being defamed.”
 
Quarreling means: “an interaction in which the parties involved express angry disagreement with one another.” (Or I might call it: “word rage”)

This verse does not prohibit sharing our opinions, beliefs, or ideas with someone else, but it does tell us to avoid slandering and quarreling. Both of which are an inefficient use of our words.

Prayer: LORD, help me have the wisdom I need to know when a good time to discuss something important with someone is.  And help me not to let it evolve into either slander or quarreling.  Amen.  

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of WORDS
Day 12 | LET YOUR WORDS BE FEW

LET YOUR WORDS BE FEW

Ecclesiastes 5:1-2
“As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. It is evil to make mindless offerings to God. Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few.” (NLT)

Yesterday, we talked about limiting the words we say to one another.

Today, that same wise man – Solomon, the writer of both the Proverbs AND Ecclesiastes – is talking about the wisdom we should acquire when we go into the house of the Lord; when we go to speak to the LORD in prayer.

One of the most important things to know about God is this: He’s God, and we’re not.

So, Solomon gives us wise instruction when we “enter the house of God,” and that is, to enter with “ears open and mouth shut.” We NEED to hear from God.  Frankly, He doesn’t NEED to hear from us. Again, He’s God, and we’re not. We need God; He doesn’t NEED us.  He does love us and care for us, and wants to provide for us. He does want to have a relationship with us… but “need us”?  No.  He existed just fine in eternity past without us!

Once we grasp that, we might better understand why God doesn’t NEED to hear from us either.
 
Ever tried having a conversation with a two-year-old?  They are trying to tell you about their lives which they are experiencing.  You’ve “been there, done that” and are WAY beyond them in so many ways.  Yet, you listen – out of love. But as they grow, they NEED to listen to you even more.  You know the way.  You know the pitfalls.

And so does God.

Prayer: LORD, help me remember EVERY DAY that You are God, and I’m not.  Help me let my words be few and listen more to what YOU have to say every day.  Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of WORDS
Day 11 | SENSIBILITY AND YOUR MOUTH

SENSIBILITY AND YOUR MOUTH

Proverbs 10:19
“Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” (NLT)

I remember taking an English class in high school and learning about “run-on sentences.”  The teacher was trying to teach us essentially when we had “said enough” for one sentence.

In life, this is a lesson some seem never to learn…  when you’ve said enough. Whether or not we’re speaking in “run-on” sentences, there comes a time when we just need to stop talking.

In this WISE book of Proverbs, we are being told something that should be – but isn’t – obvious to everyone. And that is, that if we talk long enough, say enough words, we’ll come to the place where our talk, our words, will result in our saying something wrong, hurtful, or in some way, sinful.  The wisdom of this verse may not be apparent, but the writer (ostensibly Solomon) knows from life’s experience that SIN is the result of saying too much.

Think about all the people you know who seem to “stick their foot in their mouths” more often… is it the person who talks a lot or the one who speaks a little?

And it’s not that we grow tired of LISTENING to someone in love with their own voice, but the writer of this proverb is teaching us that OFTEN, too much talk – however unintentional – does, perhaps accidentally, lead to sin.  THEN the speaker of those words might say, “I didn’t mean to say ______________ (whatever he or she said).”

So be wise; keep an eye on how much you talk and/or pass this subtly along to someone who needs it. :-)

Prayer: LORD, thank You for all the wise advice you give me in Scripture.  Here again, Lord is wisdom from the Proverbs.  Help me to apply it to my life as YOU will.   Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of WORDS
Day 10 | WHERE OUR WORDS COME FROM

WHERE OUR WORDS COME FROM

Matthew 12:34-35
“Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.” (NASB)

Do you like detective shows?  Shows where there is a puzzle of sorts to figure out… a “whodunnit” type? Then you watch the detective investigate the clues to solve the case.

Well, I’m going to help you become a “detective” of sorts today with this verse.

The context is this: Jesus had just done a miracle and the Jewish leaders – the Pharisees – were upset.  They didn’t give a lick about the man who had been healed by Jesus of being demon-possessed, blind, and unable to speak. They were trying to find some evil reason to discredit Jesus, even if they had to make up that reason.

Jesus – having the advantage of being God – saw right through them and scolded them for speaking against the Holy Spirit.  And then – especially for His followers who were there (and for us today) – gave this fantastic insight: “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.”

When I was learning computer programming in college, one maxim was this… GIGO: Garbage In, Garbage Out.  If we programmed poorly, we would get poor results.

Just as when we eat an abundance of the wrong, non-nutritious food, it can make us sick… so it is when we fill our minds with things that are wrong, bad, evil, and so on.  We do that by what we read, what we hear, the movies we watch, the music we listen to, the conversations we have, and on and on.

That’s what the Pharisees did, which is why all they could speak about the MIRACLE that Jesus had performed, the relief He gave that man, were accusations, anger, and evil.

Prayer: LORD, help me to be thoughtful about what I take into my “heart” – my mind, my spirit, and my soul. I desire to speak only “good treasure,” which will bless others. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of WORDS
Day 09 | KINDNESS AND THE TONGUE

KINDNESS AND THE TONGUE

Proverbs 31:25-28
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.  She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.  She watches over the activities of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her.” (NASB)

This famous Proverb – the last in the book – is about the virtuous, Godly woman.  It contains a fantastic listing of the qualities of the Godly woman who is fully alive, active, and following Jesus.  Her entire family is blessed, happy, and thriving because this “wonder woman” is in their midst.

To the point of our series on words, note especially verse 26: “She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”

The Amplified version says: “She opens her mouth in [skillful and godly] wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [giving counsel and instruction].”

A question pops into my mind: How did she get to the place where she speaks “skillful and godly wisdom” with “kindness” when “giving counsel and instruction”?

Are those qualities something you can buy in a jar and apply at night?  Are those qualities something that comes from just attending school or church?  Are they something you’re either born with or not?

Another verse comes to mind: “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34)

The virtuous, Godly woman CAN do all the things listed in this verse and indeed this chapter, but only after FIRST having filled herself with the things of God.  (And it applies to men too!)

Prayer: LORD, I want to speak words in skillful and godly wisdom.  I want to speak kindly when dispensing words of counsel and instruction. But I can’t do it without You.  Lead me, guide me, and use me to bless others.  Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of WORDS
Day 08 | CLEAN

CLEAN

Matthew 15:11
“It is not what goes into the mouth of a man that makes him unclean and defiled, but what comes out of the mouth; this makes a man unclean and defiles [him].” (AMP)

We like clean.  I remember my mom telling my sisters and me: “Wash your hands before dinner.” She probably said that every day… at least until we were either doing it automatically or got married and moved out!  (I remember saying this to our kids too!)  It was important to mom, and she probably learned it from her folks.  Washing those hands made eating cleaner and probably stopped the passing of many germs between family members.

But this verse, spoken by Jesus, is talking about being defiled, which is something deeper, something worse.
 
The dictionary says "defile" can mean to "make unclean or impure, to corrupt, to debase, to sully one's reputation."

Dirty hands might last a meal, but to "defile one's reputation" can last a lifetime.
 
And how does Jesus say we can defile ourselves?  By the words we speak. The false, evil, lying, harmful, manipulative words that sometimes come out of our mouths.

Now, in reality, we ALL have said things that – in hindsight – we wished we hadn't… words that were negative, unclean, and perhaps defiling.

Once said, they can hurt the one they're directed towards… but also have the potential to defile the one speaking, making them unclean.

Prayer: LORD, help me to use my words for good and not for evil.  To speak words of encouragement and not discouragement.  To speak words that YOU want me to say. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of WORDS
Day 07 | TREE OF LIFE

TREE OF LIFE

Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” (NIV)

I enjoy trees. When I was growing up, we had several huge eucalyptus trees in our back yard.  They were WAY taller than our house and I enjoyed watching them and listening to their rustle when it was windy.  I enjoyed their fragrance and watching the birds nest in the branches way above the ground.

The Scripture uses many such everyday analogies which – although the Bible was written thousands of years ago – enable us to relate today.

Here, we are taught that our tongue can be like “tree of life” to others. And a “tree of life” is a metaphor referring to physical and spiritual renewal and refreshment.

Another translation says this verse like this: “When you speak healing words, you offer others fruit from the tree of life. But unhealthy, negative words do nothing but crush their hopes.” (TPT)

So how would the people closest to you, rate your words?
Encouraging?  Neutral?  Negative?

For instance, I just had coffee with a brother in Christ. We ended our time by talking about the 23rd Psalm.   As a pastor, I’ve had the privilege of quoting that psalm to countless people who were going through difficulties.  Some were at home and discouraged, some in the hospital… perhaps in the ER, perhaps readying for surgery. Some of the folks were dying.  In EACH case, that psalm brought peace and some comfort.

On the other hand, if I had chosen – instead of quoting the 23rd Psalm – to read the front page of the daily newspaper, how much peace and comfort would THAT have brought?
You get it.  Healing words are like a “tree of life.”  Unhealthy words “do nothing but crush their hopes.”

Prayer: LORD, help to learn well the difference my words make and help me to always aim to make my words soothing, healing and uplifting.  Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 days of WORDS
Day 06 | NO POLLUTING WORDS

NO POLLUTING WORDS
 
Ephesians 4:29
“Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.” (AMP)

I can remember – years ago – what air pollution looked like in the Los Angeles area where I grew up.  SMOG.  (Now there was a time we should have had masks!)   Back then, air pollution was normal… as was lead gas.  Catalytic converters were just beginning to be used on new cars.

But from the beginning of TIME, we’ve all had to endure polluting language including unwholesome and worthless talk.

A University of Arizona study found that most people speak around 16,000 words a day… with a little difference between men and women.

In this verse, the word “foul” is translated “corrupt” in the KJV and it refers to that which is foul or rotten such as, perhaps, spoiled fruit or rotten meat.

So here, the Apostle Paul is admonishing the Ephesians (and us too) to NOT let any spoiled or rotten words pass out of our mouths. After all, we are “born again” and such words are not in keeping with the character of being a Follower of Jesus.

On the flip side, we SHOULD use our words in a good and beneficial way towards others.  In ways that helps them with their spiritual walks with the LORD or perhaps points them to God in the first place.  We should do as Jesus did… use our words to bless and give grace to those who hear it.

Prayer: LORD, help me to keep a watch on my words and to commit to using my words to help others and bring blessing and grace to each one in some way.  Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 days of WORDS
Day 05 | OUR CONVERSATIONS

OUR CONVERSATIONS
 
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
 
We don’t usually think about it, but salt is an essential component of our food.  You go to a restaurant and on the table somewhere is… salt and pepper.  If you look at the label of the canned goods you buy at the store, there will be a listing of how much salt is in it.
 
Salt has been an integral part of human history.  It’s vital for life… an essential part of the diet of animals, people, and even plants. Years ago salt was used as a trading medium, just as money is used today.  The Roman historian Pliny the Elder stated, “In Rome, the soldier’s pay was originally salt, and the word ‘salary’ derives from it.”
 
Here in Colossians, the apostle Paul is writing that our conversation, our words, should be FULL of grace, not just a little, but FULL.  Perhaps the image of a graceful ballerina comes to mine.  Someone who with experience and practiced moves is able through dance to illustrate the author’s story.  That’s how I see our conversations should be. As followers of Jesus, we each are dancers who need to practice our words to properly illustrate our Author’s story.

And then Paul further explains what he means by paralleling our proper conversation to a meal that was “seasoned with salt,” which we all add from time to time to make the food taste even better.

What an interesting picture Paul paints in just a few words!

Our talk – our conversations – should be graceful… kind, charming, and perhaps even fascinating… and tasty as though they had been “seasoned with salt.” The result is that people should generally LIKE being around us and talking to us.  Then, hopefully, when the time is right, we can point them to the SOURCE of our graceful, seasoned talk… our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer: LORD, help me to always be graceful in my talk to others as though it was a tasty meal with just the right amount of that ingredient you created, salt.  Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 days of WORDS
Day 04 | HOW TO SEE GOOD DAYS

HOW TO SEE GOOD DAYS

1 Peter 3:10
“For, ‘Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.’”

God is the source of all that is good!  James, the brother of Jesus (well… half-brother), tells us that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father.” (James 1:17) Further, Jesus taught that we should “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

So here, the apostle Peter is re-affirming teaching from Psalm 34 that if we want to “love life and see good days” (the PROMISE), that part of what we must do is to control what comes out of our mouths.

With all the negativity we hear today, it's so easy just to let the things we hear come back out of our mouths as we talk to others. The evil words which we must nip in the bud include words of fear, doubt, and worry as well as untruths, lies, or – as it says here – “deceitful speech.”

One of my favorite made-up sayings is: "Any dead fish can float downstream." I say that to encourage others to be courageous and determined to NOT be like everyone else… to avoid being like a "dead fish."

But the payoff is worth it!  God here promises that we will “love life and see good days.”

As this "40 Days of Words" will show, WORDS MATTER.  That old childish saying: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" is just not true.  Words CAN hurt. Words can start a war.  Words can destroy.

Take this verse to heart and put it into practice. You'll be better off!
 
Prayer: LORD, I understand that words matter.  Please help me to use mine well and to avoid speaking any evil or lies. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 days of WORDS
Day 03 | HEALING WORDS

HEALING WORDS

Proverbs 12:18
“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” (NLT)

It happens at different ages, but at sometime in our youth we realize that not everyone we meet tells the truth.  Further… we learn that not everyone is kind; not everyone speaks words that make you feel better and often do just the opposite.

It’s a theme we find from the Old Testament through the New, that our words MATTER. What you and I say… matters.
 
I’d like to focus in this devotional on the second half of this verse – “but the words of the wise bring healing.”

Another translation says this verse this way: “Reckless words are like the thrusts of a sword, cutting remarks meant to stab and to hurt. But the words of the wise soothe and heal.”

I remember being sunburned on and off during my growing up years.  It was obvious, by just looking at me, that I was red and burnt.   And I remember my mother soothing my pain by putting the right kind of sunburn lotion on my very red skin.  I remember the coolness and the relief that cream – and my mother – brought me, and I was most appreciative!

Wise words can also be used to bring healing and comfort to someone who – if you’ll allow the analogy – has been BURNED by the world.  All around us are people who are feeling hurt, betrayed, unjustly criticized, or in some other way stabbed by cutting remarks or actions that feel like a knife wound.

Consider this: YOUR WORDS might be used of God to bring soothing relief and to start the healing process.  Look around, be sensitive, and ask the LORD for the words to say at the right time.

Prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Make me wise in the use of my words and help me to use them to bring the healing you want to those around me in need. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 days of WORDS
Day 02 | GOD’S DECREES

GOD’S DECREES

Psalm 119:171-173
“May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.”

Psalm 119 is impressive.  Not only is it the longest chapter in the entire Bible, but along with Psalm 1 and 19, it stands as one of the BEST chapters for exalting God’s Word.

From the time we are born, people are talking to us; our parents, then our teachers, and eventually our bosses, politicians, the news media, angry people, happy people… all kinds of people.

Do you treat ALL the voices you hear in life the same?  Or do you value some above the others, and if so, why?

For instance, I would guess that if you heard a policeman behind you in his car using his speaker and telling you to “pull over and stop,” that you’d comply.  Whereas, if someone in another vehicle were yelling generally and loudly, you would ignore him.

Why the difference?

Because the police officer has the authority, knows the law, and is sworn to protect and serve the community. The nutcase in the next car, who knows?

The unidentified psalmist here (guessed to be David, Ezra, or maybe Daniel) is PRAISING God’s decrees. Why?  Because God’s commands are “righteous” – which means “morally upright” and “virtuous.”  Meaning: they are GOOD.

Then the psalmist essentially asks for God’s hand to be ready to help him. And why? Because the reader has chosen God’s precepts. That is, he recognizes the wisdom and value of following God’s Word when deciding how to live and act.  He realizes that God’s Words are praiseworthy, righteous, and perfect.

Prayer: LORD, Your Words, your decrees are praiseworthy and righteous.   Teach them to me and help me, Lord, always strive to be a DOER of those words.  Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 days of WORDS
Day 01 | THE WORDS WE SAY

THE WORDS WE SAY
 
Introduction

Today, the world population is estimated at about 8 billion people, and the population of the United States is about 350 million. There is one thing that all 8 billion people have in common: we use WORDS to communicate! Interestingly, the Oxford English Dictionary contains approximately 600,000 words, so there is an abundance of words! An additional factoid: the average 60-year-old American knows about 48,000 words.

I wanted to share these stats as we begin the series I’m calling 40 Days of Words.    
     
I won’t know every person who reads (or listens) to these devotionals, but there is one thing I’m pretty sure of: YOU ARE where you are in life at least partially because of the WORDS you have spoken. Kind words, angry words, inquisitive words … and on and on. Most people don’t consider this a fact, but sociologists show it is.

As you read and reflect, I am hopeful that the verses and thoughts will make a positive difference in the words you SAY.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Psalm 19:14
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”

We’ve all done it, some of us more than others, but we’ve all done it.  We’ve said something and immediately (or soon after) regretted having said what we did.  In times like those you only WISHED you could hit “repeat” and “do-over.”

I remember playing basketball as a little kid. Sometimes you asked for a “do-over” because the shot was so bad.

Our words matter.  It may not seem that way at times… but they do.

But even MORE than what others may think of what we say, the LORD cares about what we say.
 
Are our words encouraging?  Enlightening?  Inspiring?  Uplifting? Soothing?  Instructive?  Guiding?  Or are our words Condemning? Critical? Hurtful?  Insulting?

The Lord makes it clear that our words need to be acceptable in HIS SIGHT.  He is our strength.  He is our Redeemer.

And… since we’re ALL made in the image of God, what we say to other “image bearers,” matters.

Prayer: LORD, help me with this never-ending battle of keeping my words and my thoughts pleasing and acceptable in YOUR sight.  I need your help, every day. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
Pondering Heaven
Day 40 | JESUS: THE KEY TO EVERLASTING LIFE

JESUS: THE KEY TO EVERLASTING LIFE

John 3:16-18
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”  (NKJV)

We live in an increasingly high-tech, artificial-intelligence world… 98% of Americans have cell phones. So it’s not surprising that many feel “religion” (of any kind) is outdated and unnecessary. Yet churches in America are thriving, and many feel a need to connect with God.

Sometimes we make our Christian FAITH more complicated than it needs to be. For example, what is required to become a “Christian”? Jesus simply told Nicodemus: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

Some churches provide LISTS of ALL the things someone must DO before they can be “born again” … yet Jesus did not give such a list.

In perhaps the most well-known verse in the New Testament, John 3:16, we get what Jesus said to Nicodemus (or “Nick at Night” as I often say).  Re-read today’s verses again, slowly.

Do you want EVERLASTING LIFE?  Do you want to be with God in HEAVEN for ETERNITY?  Are you looking forward to the New Heaven and New Earth that our Heavenly Father has promised?  Then make sure you are putting your trust and belief in Jesus, the only begotten Son.

Prayer: LORD, thank You for supplying a way for me to get to heaven for eternity, and His name is Jesus. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
Pondering Heaven
Day 39 | ARE YOU READY?

ARE YOU READY?

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23 is, IMHO, the MOST familiar, popular, and comforting Scripture in the Bible.  I’ve quoted this psalm countless times at memorial services, to people in the hospital, to those who had just lost a loved one, and to people who were dying.  I’ve read it to Christians and to people with no faith, and I am in awe of how it has touched people wherever they are in life.

And you, dear reader, is the LORD your Shepherd? Have you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?  Are you ready for ETERNITY?   I do hope you will be with us all in Heaven for eternity! It’s going to be amazing and FOREVER!

Prayer: LORD, I’m praying today for every person reading these devotionals, asking for Your Holy Spirit to comfort them about their salvation or to convict them of their need for Your Saving Grace. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
Pondering Heaven
Day 38 | ETERNITY

ETERNITY

1 John 2:17
“And the world is passing, and its lust, but he that does the will of God abides for eternity.”

Arthur Stace was born in Australia and joined WW1 at age 16. He fought and was injured in Europe, then returned home. He lived on the streets and worked part-time. One evening, he stumbled into a church for a free meal, heard the message of salvation, and believed in Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

Later, he heard a sermon on ETERNITY, and it became his life goal to share his one-word sermon – ETERNITY – with as many fellow countrymen as possible.

Between 1932 and 1967, Arthur wrote the word Eternity – in yellow waterproof chalk – over 1/2 million times on streets, walkways, bridges, and tunnels throughout his hometown of Sydney. He usually started before sunrise and wrote throughout the day in elegant “copperplate” handwriting. He became known as “Mr. Eternity.”

Even after his death, his legacy lived on when the iconic Sydney Bridge was lit with “ETERNITY” on New Year's Eve, 2000, during the millennium celebration! Later that year, a special re-creation of the bridge and “ETERNITY” was featured at the Sydney Summer Olympics.

So, allow me to be “Arthur” for a moment.  Allow me to ask the question that led him to do something extraordinary.  Let me ask: ARE YOU READY FOR ETERNITY?

Have you trusted in Jesus Christ for your salvation?
 
 “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

Prayer: Lord, I pray that every person who reads this will have made Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior and will therefore be ready for eternity in heaven with YOU. Amen