Watch that tongue!

 Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and in the life to come. –Henri J. M. Nouwen


The internet is simultaneously one of the greatest and one of the worst inventions of our time.

On the one hand, in the blink of an eye, we can access so much helpful information! It can help us find our way when we are lost, and locate a gas station when the tank is almost empty. We can find answers to important questions—and trivial ones, as well. Amazing!

But on the other hand, there’s social media. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram—and more. I have friends in corners of the world that I have never met—and I have had to unfriend people I have known for years, because the casual distance created by the internet seems to give some folks permission to be downright mean and nasty. Also amazing—but not in a good way!

I have made a deliberate choice to use Facebook as a means to do ministry. I try hard to be respectful and share the life-changing gospel of Christ. How about you? Are your words filled with grace and peace? (Even when you aren’t online?)


Monday As you begin your week, spend some time thinking about someone who really knows how to “push your buttons.” Pray for how you respond. Proverbs 1:20-27

Tuesday Is there someone with whom you’ve lost touch over some issue that now seems trivial? Reach out. Mend a fence. Proverbs 1:28-33

Wednesday Today, simply meditate on Henri Nouwen’s list. Did you? Pray. Psalm 19:1-6

Thursday Sit outside today if you are able. Listen to the sounds around you. Let your heart seek out the peace-filling tones of nature and rest. Psalm 19:7-14

Friday Where in your life are you in need of a fresh start? Sometimes the person we find hardest to forgive is ourselves. Do that today. Isaiah 50:4-9

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, look at Henri Nouwen’s list and review your week. Be honest and pray to do better next week James 3:1-2

Sunday The very best way to worship God is to serve God’s children. What will you seek to do in the week ahead to make your world a little nicer? Mark 8:27-30

 

The greatest trap in our life is not success, popularity or power, but self-rejection. --Henri Nouwen

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