WRITTEN BY CHERYL WELLS
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver…”
(Proverbs 25:11)
Someone close to me reminded me of this proverb lately that I can’t stop thinking about. I love to think and make time to really reflect on things that just seem like a beautiful nugget of truth that is so timely. As a fast mover and overthinker that loves change, not for the sake of change, but when it seems so obvious that it is needed and has been proven in multiple ways to myself and my team, this has caused me to pause and listen. I love to be still and ask for knowledge and perspective from God, and His word is living and active in my life. Hebrews 4 says it is living and active and full of power. It truly does judge the thoughts and intents of our hearts. I can get so off track on my own and I know how much I need the truth of the Bible to correct and train me. I get really excited when God starts to show me something that is off that needs redirection and even repentance.
2 Timothy 3:16 says all scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
My focus for 2026 is simple and I am reading through the whole Bible cover to cover, not books or devotionals. I have done lots of different things through the years to continue growing in my walk with Jesus. There are a lot of good devotionals and at times and for certain people, it is good. I have bought lots of good devotional books that are short and simple that I give to people. It’s not wrong and God has used them in big ways in my life and in others. I have also listened to the Bible in a year for several years on Daily Audio Bible (a free app) and I would recommend that also. I follow what I sense the Spirit is showing me to do for my daily time with Jesus and listening and responding to Him. I love to journal and it is not daily, but my journal is always there if needed. I love to look back and read what was happening and how God led me through various things.
A private journal entry of mine about Proverbs 25:11 – A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. This makes me stop and think, really it makes me listen. I want to listen for Your timely and pertinent words to me that are for now. Your words have changed my heart and mind throughout my lifetime of following You, Jesus. Long held beliefs have broken off of me, over and over You have changed me with the power of Your word and the counsel of Your Spirit. As I have trusted in You with all my heart and let go of my own understanding, You have directed my path. (from Proverbs 3:5,6) 02/04/26
I am listening for a word from my reading and also possibly a word that God gives someone to speak to me that might catch my attention. I have a really dear friend that says “pay attention” to what God might be doing or saying. It has stuck with me over the years and has made a big impact on me. I shared with a friend of mine the other day that God many times has a message for us that is a rhema word. Rhema refers to the instant, direct speaking of God to us. When He speaks like this, we can know Him, not just objectively, but subjectively. It is an inspired Word birthed in our spirit, a whisper from the Holy Spirit. I call it a “now” word and it jumps out at us. It’s exactly what I mean about this verse. I’m listening Lord.
