Morning Devotional

Revelation 22:1-2, 5 (CEB)  Then the angel showed me the river of life-giving water, shining like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb through the middle of the city’s main street. On each side of the river is the tree of life, which produces twelve crops of fruit, bearing its fruit each month. The tree’s leaves are for the healing of the nations…Night will be no more. They won’t need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will shine on them, and they will rule forever and always.

(Proverbs 16-24) Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy to the body.

I remember after my father's death a friend sent me a note that meant the world to me. It picked me up when I needed it most. Then a few business hurdles presented themselves and tough decisions had to be made. Again, I received a note from an unlikely person reminding me of me. These moments have happened many times in my life. In fact one was from Bob after a tough week I came into the office to find this note, "just a note of thanks. You are amazing, kind, and 'real'. I am honored to know you."
   
​As I look back at these moments I see God's love through these people shining on me. These little notes remind me daily the power of our words in this life.. They have immense value, yet they cost nothing to give away. They can build people up, they can encourage, and they can provide hope. Kind words can create actual change in the hearts and lives of the people around us. Our family and friends need hope, joy, and love right now. How are you using your words to spread hope?

Heavenly Father, You have built a community here at EOCC. You  know we all need Your inspired words of encouragement and hope, and we need words of encouragement and hope from each other.  Father, Bless our hearts and tongues with words that bless those around us. Bless our hearts so that when others say kind words about us, we absorb that kindness and allow it to build us up. May I pass this power on to others. Father, I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.