“But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first.” — Revelation 2:4-5a
I read this verse recently, and it brought some deep conviction to my heart. The Lord sets the context of these verses when He speaks to some Believers in the final days. In this particular example, He praised them for their “hard work”, “patient endurance,” and “protection of the Truth.” But He complained that the Church had lost its first love — Jesus Himself.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16 (NIV84)
Hi, Rock Church Family! As we step into this new year, I wanted to take a moment to remind us of something. We talked about it a couple of weeks ago during our Christmas series. And honestly, for me, reminders are always a good thing (especially as I’m getting older :-)).
Lately, I’ve noticed something surprising: when you ask someone how their day is really going, people open up. Not every time. Maybe not dramatically. But often enough to stop you in your tracks.
“There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.” Proverbs 29:20 (NLT)
Speaking without thinking can get people into quite a mess, can’t it? We definitely see this in our world every day. Especially with social media. People post almost everything they say and do online. Not just in the form of videos but also in the comment sections. And too often this ends up negatively.
This is certainly not a recent problem. People did not just discover this phenomenon with the World Wide Web. In fact, Solomon recognized this danger in the 10th century B.C. when he penned the book of Proverbs. Today, access to seeing everyone’s words and thoughts online has only increased their visibility.
Carefree Comments
I’ll be honest, my loose tongue can get me into hot water from time to time. It’s easy for me to sink into making jokes or being carefree with my comments. To my shame, this is often at someone else’s expense. I don’t always consider how my words may affect someone else. Even the most innocent of my nonchalant quips has offended someone. Or at least made them uncomfortable.
Of course, I’m not saying God has no sense of humor. And I’m not saying joking around is always wrong. However, I am convicted to consider, “Am I thinking before I speak?”
Proverbs 15:2 says, “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.”
Downright Hurtful
I can also be thoughtless in my speech when I am frustrated or angry. Sadly, when walking in my flesh, it can be so easy to sink back into heedless comments. My speech can be cold, dismissive, or thoughtless. Sometimes, even downright hurtful. Unfortunately, those closest to me are the ones who catch a good deal of those reckless words.
And what does the verse above in Proverbs 29 say? In those moments when I speak without thinking, I am worse off than a fool. And if you know Proverbs, Solomon already has a low view of fools. Truly, to have less hope than a fool is pretty hopeless.
Mercy
However, praise Jesus for His mercy that is new every day. Hallelujah for His patient, loving kindness for a fool like me. Along the way, He sanctifies me by His grace to be more like Him in my speech. And at the same time, more thoughtful before I speak.
Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
Lord help us (help me) to think before we speak. To be self-controlled with our tongues. Equally important, to be considerate of others and what honors You. Help us to always “speak life” to those around us.
“From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.” — Isaiah 43:13 (NLT)
In this verse, God reminds His people of His eternal power and sovereignty. From before time began and until long after it ends, He is unchanging. No one can thwart His purposes. At the same time, no one can undo His promises. For those of us who belong to Christ, this is the ultimate assurance. To put it simply, nothing and no one can separate us from His love.
Isn’t that description beautiful? Not a big title. No grand exploits mentioned. Just “the king’s friend.” And not just any king. But King David, the man after God’s own heart. Out of all the military leaders, advisors, and warriors surrounding David, Scripture makes a point to name Hushai for one thing: friendship.
Let’s be honest—we all need a Hushai in our lives. Someone who shows up not because they need anything. But, simply because they care. A friend who stands with you in the palace and the wilderness. One who brings joy and tells the truth. Also, one who reminds you of who you are when you start to forget.
David knew the pain of betrayal (remember Ahithophel?). However, he also knew the strength of real friendship. Hushai stuck by him when others turned away (2 Samuel 15). Additionally, his loyalty helped preserve the kingdom.
Friendship is not a bonus—it’s a lifeline. In Proverbs 17:17, we read: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” And the greatest friend of all? Of course, it’s always Jesus.
Your Friend Jesus
Jesus said, “I no longer call you servants… instead, I have called you friends” (John 15:15). He doesn’t just save us. On the contrary, He walks with us and listens to us. Along with that, He rejoices and weeps with us. That’s the kind of friend He is. And He invites us to be that kind of friend to others.
So, let me ask you something. “Who’s your Hushai? And who are you being a Hushai to?”
Let’s be intentional today. Text a friend. Invite someone for coffee. Open up. Listen well. Laugh hard. Cry if you need to. Pray together. Don’t do life alone.
Without question, we were made for friendship. Even kings need them. And so do we.
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” — Ephesians 5:1-2
These are certainly some marvelous verses! The Apostle Paul is instructing Believers to live like Jesus — the image of the invisible God.
I have always been a fan of biographical TV shows or movies. It’s an amazing experience to watch an actor transform into a historical figure, like Winston Churchill or Johnny Cash. If done well, the viewers feel transported into the room. Additionally, it’s as if we are actually sitting with the real-life person. After watching, we may also feel as if we even know them. And ultimately, we may want to learn more about them.
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” — Acts 3:19-20 (NIV)
In Acts 3, Peter performed a miracle—he healed a man who couldn’t walk. The crowd was amazed. However, Peter didn’t bask in the attention. Instead, he used that moment to speak hard truth with bold love.
He told the people to repent and turn to God. Their sins would be wiped away. Times of refreshing would come from the Lord. That hard truth wasn’t just for the people in that crowd. He meant it for all of us. It doesn’t matter if you’re 16 or 60. Maybe you’ve followed Jesus for decades. Perhaps you just recently surrendered to Him. Peter’s message still applies to you today.
Ephesians 3:14a (NIV84) “For this reason I kneel before the Father…”
Last Thursday, my wife (Mary) and I put our 20+ year-old furniture on the driveway with “FREE” signs attached. We then held hands and prayed, “Lord, have someone take these before the day is over.” Four hours later, a neighbor a few doors down claimed the well-worn couches for her daughter. Soon after, Mary and I held hands (again) and thanked the God who answers prayers!
“[God] raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” — Ephesians 2:6-7
This verse is undeniably fantastic! I’d encourage you to meditate on it specifically this week. Just think about this glorious future you have in Christ in Heaven.
