Apples of Gold


      "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver."  Solomon said this many centuries ago, but I experienced it in a fresh way just this morning.  Someone took a couple of minutes to write me one paragraph in a private message on Facebook.  I can't right now give any details as to why it spoke to me so much, but I can tell you that it was nearly life changing...and I'm not given to drama in the way I say things.  Very few times, have I sensed that I was receiving a word from the Lord through a friend.  I suspect they did not realize that they were writing me a note that was from the heart of God to mine, but they were.  I suspect they were just sharing a little bit of their heart and giving me a little encouragement. 
     I have mulled over their words...re-reading them several times today and thanking God for the way they lifted my spirit and helped me look forward again.  Their words were like apples of gold in a setting of silver.  Beautiful...precious...even priceless.
     I have rejoiced all day in my friend's kindness and willingness to act on the prompting of the Holy Spirit and send along that note.  I have also wondered how many times I have missed opportunities like that.  I'm resolved to seek to be more proactive as I consider what is going on in other people's lives.  I want to share words of encouragement that will be like the words I heard today.  Words that lift up; words that renew someone's heart; words that maybe even change a life.  It doesn't always take a lot...just the right words at the right time.
     Think about that this week as you ponder ways you can serve the Lord and lift others up.

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