An Encouraging Word
"A voice says, 'Cry out.' And I said, 'What shall I cry?' 'All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the
flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are
grass.'"
- Isaiah 40:6-7
Isn't that wonderful?! You're nothing but grass!
Before you stop reading this seemingly discouraging word, consider this. What if
the opposite of God's observation were true? What if we do last forever in the
flesh and never fade? I see two things:
First, you'd have to live with yourself forever. Many people are afraid to die,
but I'm not so sure that the alternative of living forever in our bodies is such
a hot idea, either. I can't imagine living in this sinful body with all of its
frailties and leanings toward sin. When my deadline arrives, I'm not filing for
an extension.
Secondly, not only would you live forever, those who persecute you and who hate
God would live forever. Living forever would not help us escape their influence
and actions. Oh, what a disaster that would be.
Now do you feel a little more encouraged about you latest medical problem, your
latest fight with the boss, your latest battle with sin? Cheer up. It won't last.
It's grass.
Lord, I praise You that You've allowed our sinful flesh to die. I acknowledge that
You are the only one in the universe worthy to live forever. I'm just thankful that
You've given me the privilege of living forever - after this body dies!
"A voice says, 'Cry out.' And I said, 'What shall I cry?' 'All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the
flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are
grass.'"
- Isaiah 40:6-7
Isn't that wonderful?! You're nothing but grass!
Before you stop reading this seemingly discouraging word, consider this. What if
the opposite of God's observation were true? What if we do last forever in the
flesh and never fade? I see two things:
First, you'd have to live with yourself forever. Many people are afraid to die,
but I'm not so sure that the alternative of living forever in our bodies is such
a hot idea, either. I can't imagine living in this sinful body with all of its
frailties and leanings toward sin. When my deadline arrives, I'm not filing for
an extension.
Secondly, not only would you live forever, those who persecute you and who hate
God would live forever. Living forever would not help us escape their influence
and actions. Oh, what a disaster that would be.
Now do you feel a little more encouraged about you latest medical problem, your
latest fight with the boss, your latest battle with sin? Cheer up. It won't last.
It's grass.
Lord, I praise You that You've allowed our sinful flesh to die. I acknowledge that
You are the only one in the universe worthy to live forever. I'm just thankful that
You've given me the privilege of living forever - after this body dies!
I am adding these thoughts for you who are in offices:
VERSE:
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a
tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is
worthless.
-- James 1:26
THOUGHT:
"It's no big deal!" That's the whine of a believer rationalizing
vulgar, inappropriate, or hurtful speech. However, a friend
confessed to me a long time ago, "Our moral plunge in the office
began when we let our language slip. It didn't seem like that big a
deal at the time, but what it led to was disastrous." Religion that
is not reflected in everyday speech is empty and hollow. So let's
use our speech to bless and encourage, not to curse, slander, or
gossip.
PRAYER:
Holy and incomparable God, please forgive me for not using my
speech redemptively. Forgive me for the times I've used my words to
wound another or in ways that dishonor you and your holy claim on
my life. Use my words today, and every day, to bless, encourage,
and comfort so others may know your grace through me. In Jesus'
name I pray. Amen.
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