October 12

Healing Words of Wisdom


Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

Proverbs 12:18 (NLT)


Like apples of Gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.

Proverbs 25:11 (NAS)


That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word.

Isaiah 50:4b (NAS)


In his book, The Dream Releasers, Wayne Cordeiro retells the story called “The Whisper Test.” It tells how a teacher named Ms. Leonard spoke healing words of wisdom and changed a life forever. Here’s the story as Wayne tells it:

I grew up knowing I was different. I was born with a cleft palate, and when I started school, my classmates made it clear to me how I looked to others. When my schoolmates asked me, “What happened to your lip?” I would always tell them that I fell and cut it on a piece of glass. Somehow, it seemed more acceptable to have suffered an accident than to have been born different. I was convinced that no one outside my family could love me.

There was, however, a teacher in the second grade whom we all adored: Ms. Leonard. She was short, round and happy. She was a sparkling lady.

Annually, we’d have to take a test. Ms. Leonard gave the test to everyone in the class. And now, finally, it was my turn. I knew from the past years that as we stood against the door and covered one ear, the teacher sitting at her desk would whisper things like “The sky is blue” or “Do you have new shoes?”

I stood against the door with one ear covered and waited there for the words that God must have put in her mouth, seven words that changed my life. Ms. Leonard said in a whisper:

“I wish you were my little girl.”

I didn’t know what to say, and even if I did I wouldn’t have been able to say anything. I tried repeating it, but I was crying too hard. So she repeated it again.

I guess by my tears she knew I heard, and that day, I passed the greatest test of all—knowing that I was chosen and someone loved me.

Ms. Leonard was used by God to touch a heart and change a life. God can use us in similar ways.

What healing words of wisdom can you speak today?


Father God, give me Your wisdom, guide my heart and grace my lips with healing words from You. Amen.

October 11

The Power of Prayer


Pray for us….

Hebrews 13:18 (NKJV)


It had been one of those glorious New England fall days—bright and clear, fresh and crisp and oh so colorful. Now the sun was setting and the glory of the day turned moody … and memorable as we stood graveside on the lush, green grass.

My sister and I gazed at the tombstones of our grandparents and great-grandparents and I couldn’t help but wonder, How many of these beautiful days did they enjoy? The wind stirred and leaves rustled and fell from the old trees as I lifted my eyes and caught sight of the moon—huge and full in its splendid rise. It seemed a crowning moment to our time in Maine.

It was a powerful event, and like so many other times that week, it seemed … well … perfect. The thought hit me—Is someone praying for us? Unlike previous trips, everything on this one seemed to fall into place. Except for a few insect bites, life was idyllic. For the most part, our experiences and conversations were smothered with grace as meetings, schedules and decisions flowed with ease.

All our important business got done, and the things we were most anxious about, like heavy confrontations with difficult people, never happened. We made contacts, got information, made business deals and all the while enjoyed gorgeous autumn days. Even the rain cooperated as it fell mainly at night. It was a great trip, but as I lingered in the cemetary I wondered again … Is someone praying for us?

When I returned home, my suspicions were confirmed. There were many who prayed. A Small Group member smiled and confessed. The church staff had prayed too and wondered how my trip east had gone, but the creme de la creme came when our pastor told me he had prayed for me every day. Wow! I was more than convinced: my ten days in Maine rated a 10 because people cared enough to pray. Amazing ... my trip reminded me of the power of prayer … and the truth of Jesus’ words, “Ask and ye shall receive!”


Lord, You said, “You have not, because you ask not.” Help me to ask wisely and … more often. Hear my prayer for others. Amen.

October 10

Remembering Love


[Love] does not seek its own, is not provoked….

1 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV)


Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus….

Philippians 2:5 (NKJV)


Today is our 25th anniversary. On October 10, 1981, at high noon, I walked into my future bride’s college dorm room and was instantly dazzled by smiling blue eyes framed by long blonde hair. She was warm and friendly and an absolute delight.

I look back and remember it all. I could tell she was good for me right from the start. She laughed at my silly jokes as we huddled close under an umbrella, and together, We survived the slow, soaking Oregon rain as her football team got creamed. But it didn’t matter because something else was succeeding—my interest in her. Over the next eight months and with very little effort, she wound me around her finger then acted surprised when I asked her to marry me. Twenty months after we met she said, "I do."

Now it’s been twenty-five years. Yesterday, I didn’t feel like celebrating, because I was caught up in the me trap, but today is different. Today I remember all she has done for me and all God wants me to do for her.

Today is a new day. Today is a day to celebrate. Today is our twenty-fifth anniversary … and I love her.


Father, thank You for Your patience with me. Help me show Your great love to others—especially to Kris. Amen.

October 9

One in the Bond of Love


We are all one body, we have the same glorious future.

Ephesians 4:4 (NLT)


So now I am giving you a new commandment: love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.

John 13:34 (NLT)


The early morning sun blazes. Beaming through the air like a search light, it strikes the trees of fall forcing their full and vibrant color. Wisps of steam rise from the earth in tribute and God’s beautiful design sings to my soul once more.

It’s Saturday and as I begin to pray I remember this is the day I pray for my small group members. In the warm realization of these two gifts from God (creation and relationships) my heart melts. I love God and I deeply appreciate all he has given me—certainly this beautiful morning—but as I pray, I feel His intense love for Kris, Andy, Megan, Jeff, Katie, Chris, Jenn, Chris and Tara. I love these people and I wish I were with them now. They are such a joy; how I wish I could share this moment. Instead, I pray for their families, their marriages, their peace, faith and joy. My eyes well up as I think of Andy and Megan moving this year. It will be hard I know. My emotions reconfigure themselves into deeper understanding, and I realize the sign of a great group is the pain that comes when we say goodbye.

I wipe my eyes, look back to my colorful trees, and I see the connection. It’s like the cloud that just appeared, dimming the spotlight on God’s great gift. The trees are still there. Just a little less spectacular. Just waiting for another golden moment....


Father, thank You for the Body of Christ, for friends who care and for love that will never die. Amen.