Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 9, 2015
The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.” Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” John 19:21-22
In anger, I have fired off emails I regretted the instant I hit the send button. I attempted to follow up and mend the relational fence, but the damage had been done. An emotional state of mind is not the best time for me to convey any form of communication. My thinking is not clear, my heart is confused and my words are hurtful. A healthier approach is to write an email or letter and not forward it to the recipient. I write down my feelings on paper to help me process my hurt. It gives me time to go to the Lord for healing and forgiveness. Written words bring clarity.
Pilate was fed up and frustrated with the demands of the mob. Their accusations labeled Jesus as a self proclaimed Messiah, which logically led to their conclusion (in their theology) of His certain aspiration for political power. Thus, Pilate was motivated to define Christ as the King of the Jews to justify his death sentence as a perceived treasonous political rival. With stubborn pride, the man with the power to save a life would not change his mind. He gave the crowd what they wanted—the death of Jesus, but he would define the offense. Written words can incite rage.
“Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it” (Habakkuk 2:2).
Perhaps the Lord has put a big idea in your heart that needs to be made plain on paper. As in a woman’s pregnancy, your Holy Spirit inspired plan has gestated for months—maybe years, and now is the time for its birth. A dull pencil is better than a sharp mind, so write down your thoughts. Arranging words on paper crystallizes your thinking. It forces you to think logically and challenge assumptions. An average written plan is better than an unclear, unwritten one. Write down ideas for your: family, work, finances, health and spiritual growth.
Most of all, we take the time to write down what the Spirit is teaching us through God’s written word, the Bible. For example we may read: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked” (Psalm 1:1). Then we write: God blesses those who avoid the wicked. What evil influences do I need to stay away from? When we journal what Jesus teaches us, we are more accountable and able to teach others. Written words are a wise way for us to grow our relationship with God. His love letter to us is Scripture—our love letter to Him is our writing.
“Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true” (Revelation 21:5).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love letter to me—the Bible.
Related Readings: Exodus 34:27; Deuteronomy 31:19; Ezekiel 43:11; John 8:6; 2 Corinthians 13:10
Post/Tweet this today: A dull pencil is better than a sharp mind. #writtenwords #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 3 minute music video- Francesca Battistelli: Write Your Story
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Hmmm, I needed this today! Thank you for writing. This went “zing,” right to my heart. Very timely!
Dear Janet,
Thank you for reaching out to us after reading “Written Words”. We are so thankful that you were blessed by the words and GIVE ALL THE GLORY TO GOD! Isn’t it just amazing when HE puts the words in front of us when we need them the most? and always in HIS PERFECT TIMING!
WE appreciate you taking the time to let us know and look forward to hearing from you again. We are so grateful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14