“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” 2 Cor. 3:2-3
A warm welcome to all of you, especially those visitors coming from my devotion “Worthy Words” published today at Proverbs 31 Ministries. We pray you are refreshed in some small way by stopping by here at “Joy In The Truth”!
It always amazes me that God allows us to be His spokesperson. What an awesome privilege and responsibility. It is also humbling to remember that, if God uses a donkey to speak for Him (Numbers 22:28, 2 Peter 2:16), He can use me, too.
God’s ageless, Biblical standard requires us to speak worthy words in order to be His spokesperson. “…if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be My spokesperson.” Jeremiah 15:19 (NIV)
While today’s devotion is speaking specifically about our spoken or “uttered” words, we can pause to consider all the ways in which we speak: spoken words, written words and unwritten words.
When we are abiding in Him, seeking Him first, and living according to His Word, our lives will be “a letter, written on hearts, known and read by everybody…a letter from Christ…written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God…on tablets of human hearts.” 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 (NIV).
Often the most worthy words our lives can utter are those words expressed by how we live. These words of great worth are seen and studied by others with their eyes and their hearts, not heard with their ears. They see our living God shining through imperfect, surrendered vessels. We represent the hope and salvation of our Redeemer.
As we allow the Spirit of the living God to speak through our lives with His worthy words, human hearts are touched by His truth and perfect love.
I am thankful to have many “letters from Christ” in my life. These are precious brothers and sisters in the Lord whose lives fragrantly speak of Him.
My husband and best friend, Jim, is the most beautiful letter from Christ to me. His integrity before the Lord, his unconditional love for me, his love for the Truth and his willingness to challenge me and keep me accountable speak volumes of worth into my heart. His example and love quietly keep me desirous of staying on the narrow road that leads to Life. Jim is a “letter from Christ” to me, Joshua and Gabrielle in the most precious of ways.
I have amazing girlfriends who are letters from Christ to me. Each of them gifted differently and representing different parts of the Body of Christ, I am blessed to have a precious sisterhood. These women prayerfully and graciously allow me to grow in areas of immaturity. They are willing to ask the tough questions and speak the truth in love. They are fun, committed, merciful and loyal. They don’t take their toys and go home when there our bumps in our relationship. Rather, they lovingly talk it through and we grow together. What a privilege.
Recently, I shared 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 (above) with my friend, Denise, because it reminded me of her. Denise has a PASSION for the Lord and His Word. Her testimony of His grace and healing is truly miraculous. Denise has kept journals for a few decades. These journals are treasures in her heart between her and the Lord. She prayerfully seeks the Lord about writing works for publication for His glory and purposes. To me, Denise is already a writer and a published author because her life is a published “letter from Christ” being written on tablets of human hearts. The Spirit of the living God is living in her heart and writes beautiful missives through her life.
As we see examples of “worthy words” being lived out in those around us, we are encouraged to speak worthy words and thereby be His spokesperson. May our lives represent Him and His character well.
Perhaps today we can each take time to write a letter with ink to let the “letters of Christ” in our lives know how much we love and appreciate them.
Runner Mom says
Oh, bless your sweet heart! I need some Kleenex! That post was so perfect for me today! I was just popping over to say how wonderful your devotional was on Encouragemnet For Today, and then I am blessed with even more!
I so needed to hear “It is also humbling to remember that, if God uses a donkey to speak for Him (Numbers 22:28, 2 Peter 2:16), He can use me, too.” I am praying for wisdom and discernment in that area! I am Soo trying to listen to Him and obey, but I’m not sure exactly what He’s telling me! He was trying to get through to me yesterday in Heb. 11:1–faith! Then, I read a dozen blogs and hear lots more, and I think “What??”. Any suggestions? You can email me at scrunnermom@gmail.com if you have time and have any words of wisdom! I hope that you have a wonderful day!!
Love ya,
Susan
Heather says
Sharon – what a beautiful post that spoke volumes to my soul. I am continually amazed that yes, indeed, if He can use a donkey, then by golly HE WILL use each of us and wow, what a priviledge is right! Thank you for reminding me that His will for our lives may differ but each in our own dialect and dialogue are a vessel to the world only through His grace.
On a really fleshy note, YOU HAVE MUSIC!!! You go girl…see a few days off the tootsies and you get music on your blog – yea for you!
Have a completely blessed day.
Love you!
Heather
Unknown says
I love the thought of “worthy” words over “worthless” words. That will be my prayer today….that all of my words are worthy! Thank you.
Love, tammy
Vern ~ Inspired says
It has been a while since I have written with ink to my sweet “letters from Christ”.
Today is a perfect day to let them know I am grateful for them!
Thanks for sharing!
Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam says
Such wisdom…I have been trying to be intentional with Worthy words to people “on the street.” Complete interactions with people in the grocery store, yard sales etc. It’s been really amazing to see how the Lord has used that.
I do need to get out that ink, though!
Unknown says
Dear Sharon,
Your “Letter” blessed me immensely today. Although I do not know you, your words penetrated my heart. And you have relayed a very important, deeply personal message.
Your Sister in Christ,
Amy Castor
Micca says
Sharon,
I don’t know a more gracious spokesperson for God than you.
You truly live out what you’ve so beautifully written in today’s devotion.
I’m honored to know you.
Unknown says
Sharon,
I pray your knee is feeling better and healing well.
Your devotion is beautiful and spoken in love. Your post magnifies that love by your challenge to each of us to speak worthy of WHOSE we belong. We reprsent the KING OF KINGS, GOD ALMIGHTY, LORD of lords, THE GREAT I AM, THE ONE TRUE and LIVING GOD!
May our words always reflect who we represent to everyone. May we challenge ourselves to die to self and only focus our minds on Him – letting the words we put in be what comes out with the fragrance of His love!
You are such a blessing and I thank you for taking the time to share His standards and love for us.
Sending many hugs and praising His holy name for you in my life!
Love,
Jill
KelliGirl says
Sharon,
Congrats on your devotion! It was eloquently written and wonderfully heartfelt. Your love for the Lord shines through. What a wonderful reminder to the awesome priviledge and responsibility we have as God’s spokesmen (and women).
Blessings,
Kelli
Lisa says
Hi Sharon!
Great devo today at P31! Good job, girl! I smiled when I saw it was written by you. You bless me, sister.
Lisa 🙂
Heather Conrad says
I really enjoyed such a beautiful reminder of just how amazing and humbling it is to be a “spokeswomen” in all kinds of the meanings you so eloquently wrote about.
I can see your heart through your writing, and I know that God must be so pleased. I pray that you may feel his healing.
Pamela (His maidservant) says
Thank you for the P31 devotion. I would love to have a home taht only speaks worthy words. It is a goal I am aiming for with a house full of teenage girls!!
Blessings!
In His Graces~Pamela
Unknown says
From one She Speaks grad to another, congrats on being published in their devotions! Your blog is very lovely. You sound like a beautiful daughter of Christ and it is lovely to meet you.
Consider It All Joy says
Worthy Words!!
That is my prayer always.
Great post.
Consider It All Joy says
Thank you Sharon for stopping by my blog yesterday and leaving such a wonderful scripture.
I had heard that that verse was the center of the Bible. God really does know what is important and what we need.
I’ll be back.
Blessings, Cindy