Tag Archives: Proverbs 18:21

I think your preaching is spectacular

I want to share with you an email that someone sent me this week. Here is what it said:

“Dear Steve, Hi, my name is Hanna ______. I am 13 years old, and I am a member at the ___________ . I am sending this email today to you to tell what an inspiration you are to me. Every night before I go to sleep, I listen to many audio devotionals of yours, or a sermon. I would just like to tell you that I think your preaching is spectacular, and you have helped me to better understand the Lord’s wonderful word. You have taught me many lessons, and I am so glad we have people out in this world teaching God’s word. Someday I hope I will get to hear you preach in person, and meet you! Thank you for everything.”

Wow! What an email! This one goes in my files. And did you notice? It’s from a 13 year-old. Friends, the power of life and death are in our words (Proverbs 18:21). Don’t tell me you’re too old, too young, too busy, or too untalented to positively impact another person’s life. How long do you think it took this young lady to write this note? How much good will, encouragement, and motivation do you think she created by her short note?

May I challenge you to be led by this young lady and when you sit down at your computer tomorrow morning, or why not every morning, take just a couple minutes to make a difference in someone else’s life?

Steve Higginbotham

How are you using your tongue?

The Small Tongue

Do you think most people tell the truth? Can you really take what they say at face value? Perhaps they are like the ancient Cretans: “Cretans are liars, evil beasts, lazy, gluttons” (Titus 1:12).

It is through the tongue that numerous lies are communicated. That small part of the human body can make a huge impact. It can ruin one’s reputation. It can destroy a friendship. It can cause never-ending heartache. On the other hand, the tongue has the ability to give comfort and hope in time of sorrow. It can shine the bright light of saving truth into the life of someone wandering in spiritual darkness. It can glorify God and lift up praise to Him.

We shouldn’t be surprised, then, that Scripture repeatedly urges us to exercise great wisdom and care in how we use this small part of the body. Proverbs 18:21 is not exaggerating when it warns us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” James said that the tongue can be as destructive as a fire (Jas. 3:1-12).

So how should this effect us? Let us use our tongues to speak good to others, build up one another, and glorify our Creator in prayer and praise. How are you using your tongue?

– by Shane Williams