
Several months ago, I had the joy of visiting my parents, my sister, and her family. The international travel was not the fun part, but spending time with them was such a gift in the midst of these stressful times. Since I moved away from the U.S. at the age of twenty-one to become a missionary, opportunities to see them have become very special treasures.
One of the moments that I enjoyed with my dad stands out. He was sharing with me about his quiet time that day with Jesus. Specifically, he had read the verse, “I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy” (Ps. 140:12, ESV). God had been talking to him about how much He cares about our suffering. As he shared with me what the Lord was showing him, I could feel Holy Spirit present in our conversation. His words deposited richness into my spirit. I could feel my insides glowing.
Then Holy Spirit reminded me of this Scripture: “Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name” (Mal. 3:16, ESV).
Our heavenly Father is listening closely to our conversations. When the content flowing out of our mouths reflects our devotion to Him, He takes special notice. It lights up His heart with joy. He treasures it so much that He has an angel make careful notes in a leger of everything that we speak.
Yes, heaven records our every utterance! Here’s a familiar aspect of our everyday lives that helps illustrate this spiritual principle: Do you have your chat history saved from your ongoing conversation with your best friend? Do you occasionally do a search through it for some piece of information you know the two of you were talking about? Have you ever found yourself reading a bit of your banter from two or three years back and reminiscing?
If so, it’s all right there, isn’t it? The log is untouched. Every word. Every sentence. Every joke. Every remark. Every nuance. That’s how it is in God’s book. He has recorded everything that we ever said and everything that we ever did there. This leger is the same one that we read about in John’s prophecy of the end of the world:
When you speak an uplifting word to someone this week, remember this. Know that Someone is listening closely. Your faithfulness means more to Him than you can fathom right now. For all of eternity, that word of encouragement that you uttered will be remembered and honored. World without end.
Let’s make our words count today. They really, really do have everlasting importance.
*************************************
The inverse of this principle is also true. Jesus said, “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt. 12:36-37, ESV). Why do you think our words matter so much to God?
What we say matters. What we write also matters. Every communication should align with God’s ideals to bless others in His Name.
LikeLiked by 4 people
That is SUCH an important aspect of this teaching, Faye. Thank you so much for adding it to the conversation!
LikeLike
Thanks !
You resemble your earthly father, and you inspire us to become closer to our heavenly father. ⚘🤗🌷
LikeLiked by 3 people
Aw, Sally, you made me smile big with that. I do resemble him 🙂 I also resemble my mom in other ways, it’s a pretty fascinating combo 😀 🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Greetings brother n sister… luv the pic w ur dad, he is a Great man of God. Thank you also for the posted story. May our Lord bless ur family, ministry n friends, keep smiling for Jesus, love n hugs, brother chuck ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brother Chuck, it brings me a whole lot of joy to hear from you here on my blog! Truly, thank you so much for taking the time to come by and share your thoughts. And AMEN, my dad is such an amazing man of God! I am forever grateful to be his daughter 🙂
May our heavenly Father pour out all His goodness on you!
LikeLike
What a marvelous legacy your dad is leaving for you, to follow in his steps as he follows in Jesus steps! You are blessed.
LikeLiked by 2 people
C.A., you are so right. I am blessed beyond measure. My dad is a treasure beyond what I could describe! Thank you so much for your kind and uplifting words 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is not only encouraging when it comes to our good words, but should be convicting, to think that negative, untrue, unkind, and destructive words are also lasting. As Jesus said, we will be judged by our words. – Yikes!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It really is so strongly motivating in both directions, isn’t it Annie? At least, as you said, it should be! The world would be an incredibly different place if everyone took these Scriptures to heart.
LikeLike
Wonderful post! Love the photo of you and your father. There is so much joy in your smiles; there is so much love in your expressions. Our words do matter. Words can lift someone up, or tear someone down. We are to follow the example of Christ, and carry each other’s burdens. We are to build up the community of faith. And, we should encourage one another as best we can. Sometimes, just a smile or a single kind word can change someone else’s day for the better.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You got that right, my dear sister. It never ceases to amaze me how much one kind gesture or word can turn my day around when someone extends to me Jesus’ kindness that way. These things are POWERFUL!
LikeLike
Also your words about my dad and me made me smile joyfully 💖🤗
LikeLike
Beautiful to see you and your dad.
A beautiful message also! Encouraging one another is needed everywhere we turn especially these days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you my dear friend! Yes indeed. In these times we are living in, extra encouragement is absolutely VITAL on all sides! Love you Gladys 💖🌹
LikeLike
Great post 🤍
LikeLike
Thank you so very much, Ariela! 💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s lovely to see you and your dad. You look so content and excited in each other’s company. Two blessed souls indeed. Important message again there about the power of our words, but about how important they are to God. I love it when He is there in and among the words we speak and write. Thank you Jennifer. Sorry I can’t “like ” anything atm . x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thank you so much my sister! You definitely have correctly perceived our facial expressiongs. My dad has always been indescribably important to me. I have inherited much of his spiritual and emotional DNA so to speak. My nature is a lot like his, so we have a special bond. He calls me “Niffer.” 😊🌹
LikeLike
In the one soul
is the whole of human history
saved
faith creates trust
the solution
to the word
the real event
is the secret
in every human being
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful poetry, my friend! Wonderful to hear from you again 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kindness is always the right choice. This mean speaking truth in love to everyone.
Thank you. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely right, my friend. As the Spirit leads and puts His words in our mouths and His power in our hearts… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person