Words That Build Have you ever been a representative for someone or something? When you belong to a group of people, or you represent someone, what you say and how you say it matters. Anything you say is a reflection of the person or thing you’re representing. As Christians, we are representatives for Jesus. Paul says that we are ambassadors or representatives of Christ because He is no longer physically on earth ministering to people (2 Corinthians 5:20). Instead Jesus is working through His people to accomplish what He wants done on earth. Since everything we say and do is a representation of Jesus, we need to choose our words wisely. When we use words to gossip and slander, hurt or damage—we don’t represent Jesus’ heart and character. But when our words are used to encourage someone, what we say has a lot of potential for good. You’re probably familiar with the power words can have. Has someone ever said something to you that was painful? Or can you remember the last time someone complimented you? You might still remember how each of those situations made you feel. You might not have been able to control what was said to you, but you can control what you say to others. So take a few moments to think about the things you’ve said recently. Is there anything you’ve said that you need to seek forgiveness for? Choose today to represent Christ and His character by intentionally speaking words that are good and helpful. (fb)

Our Clear Pathway It’s hard to put things behind us, especially things that have hurt or upset us deeply. Isaiah writes to God’s people, who had been taken away to another land as slaves, to look to the future because it is time for new things, new ways to go; there is a new hope. God is acting, even when it may not be clear. He acts for the good of His people. We know that Isaiah is pointing to Jesus, who will come and will change things eternally. It is through Jesus that we can build our hope and confidence and seek a fresh start. In a wilderness, there is no path to see and you can’t be sure which way to go. Do you return to the start or find a new destination? The landscape all looks the same. A wasteland bears no fruit and doesn’t seem to sustain much life, but when a stream flows, life returns, with an abundance of birds, flowers, and fruit. There are new ways, new opportunities, and new hope. A future that is rooted in Jesus provides a clear pathway in the wilderness and life to the wasteland to enable us to flourish, to bear fruit to see new opportunities, and to make a difference. Now that is something to put our trust in, something for a sure future. Jesus is our sure foundation as we move into a future assured of hope and a fresh start in Him and through Him. (fb)