WORDS

Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged, together with its 1993 Addenda Section, includes some 470,000 entries. (Not including the 455 new words Webster added this year).

Words roll off the tongue with great ease never pausing to realize their ramifications until it is too late. Regret sets in for some of us, others not so much. Words can pierce the heart like an arrow that cuts deep into our soul or create a smile on a sad face. They can sting like a bee or soothe like honey.

Words can bring comfort and hope. They come to life on the page and paint a vivid picture in our minds. They take us to the forest to climb a tree or to the stream to catch a fish on a summer day.

The right words, spoken with the right intention, are like a powerful weapon. Words can shape who we think we are. We should handle our words with great care as they can caress or distress. Words are a gift, if used properly they can create a new perspective and change a life.

Words take us on a journey without moving from our comfy chair. They can bring color to our lives. They shoot off the fingertips onto the page like darts trying to hit the mark. They can be eloquent, blunt, kind, or harsh. They can wash over us, drown us in sorrow or lift us up.

I want my words to paint a picture of what Christ did for me on the cross and how beautiful the journey to freedom has been. A victory shared with others is a glorious gift. My words are meant to shine a light on the truth of God’s love and the knowledge that can help others act against a dark world. To live for Christ is freedom and a victory won that leads others to the kingdom of His glory.

Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. This kind of talk spreads like cancer. 2 Timothy 2:15-17, NLT

This is a great message from a past Southland Devo – the first scripture referenced was James 1:26, which is another great reminder about keeping a rein on our tongue. “The Bible is painfully clear that if God doesn’t have our heart, it’s going to show up in our words.”

There are so many references to words in the Bible it was hard for me to choose which scriptures to include, so here are a few of my favorites.

“So, encourage each other with these words.” I Thessalonians 4:18, NLT

“Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.” Proverbs 18:20, NLT

“The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.” Proverbs 10:11, NLT

“…the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.” James 3:5, NLT

Merriam Webster https://www.merriam-webster.com/help/faq-how-many-english-words