The Power of the Spoken Word

In the twelfth chapter of Matthew, Jesus says "...For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." A few verses later,”But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

Scripture is clear that we are justified through Christ. This is a gift we do not deserve but is given by our Amazing God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) So our actions do not earn us salvation. Therefore, when I read the words of Jesus I am convicted by the power of the spoken word. Have you ever experienced its power? Sometimes words are spoken and carry great joy and excitement. Other times they are spoken with great encouragement and yet there are those times when they carry hurt and pain. Sarcasm is one form of verbal communication that I have realized carries such power. At times it can bring laughter, but more often than not, it can result in confusion and pain towards the one we are communicating too.

Have you watched the words you use? Have you ever thought about how powerful your words can be to your family, friends and co-workers? I am going to work hard on using words to encourage and build up those I come in contact with... as our Lead Pastor once said, "I am going to stop snacking on people." What does the overflow of your heart communicate? Take a moment and read through the Aug. 2007 blog written by Pastor Joe Coffey. I trust it will be an encouragement for us all. Thanks for your support and I pray together we can use our words to encourage, to equip and to honor our King. (Ephesians 4:29; Philippians 4:8-9)

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Snacking on You (Pastor Joe Coffey)

I decided about 3 weeks ago I would stop talking about people. I mean mostly little things like "did you ever notice how he drives? He accelerates and then takes his foot off, then he accelerates and backs off again. My head kept hitting the head rest." I was a little like Jerry Seinfeld finding the humor in every day but it always or nearly always was in the way other people behaved every day. The thing that struck me is that almost no matter what I said or noticed I was comparing. In a maybe not so subtle way I was saying, " I don't drive like that. I am a smooth driver." I know I blogged earlier that I eat food. If I eat food then I snack on people. It is like a junk food that tastes good for a moment but never fills me up. So, I have gone on a no junk food diet. I quit talking about people. Within a couple of days I was really hungry and I all kinds of great observations about other people I could share with my wife. I found as long as I don't say anything out loud I don't really eat. So, I kept all my witty comments inside. I got hungry. The psalmist says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good." In my life I almost always have to quit eating junk in order to be hungry enough to eat what is really good, The God who made my body made my soul.

Do Not Forget

My daughter has a very good memory. This past week we were talking about the beach, (that is what you do in March when you cannot get way, you dream about July and North Carolina beaches), as we recalled our trip from last year, I was amazed at the details she could remember. “Daddy, I remember watching Thomas and then the lights went out and then the fireworks started, and I got to stay up late with you and Mommy…”

I thought to myself... I cannot recall what I watched two weeks ago that quickly. Our memory bank is a fascinating part of our body. It is amazing how much we can recall from past years, however, I am sure there is plenty we have forgotten. I know coaches who can recall games 10 years back as if we just played it last night. My memory is not always that strong.

As I was preparing this week for a teaching, I began reading through Psalm 106. In verse 12, the Psalmist reminds us of some others who had the tendency to forget…”they believed his promises and sang his praise. But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his counsel.” God’s people had forgotten all He had done for them, despite singing His praises.

My prayer for us today is that we would never forget the things God has done for us. Yes, family memories and athletic contests are good to keep in the memory banks, but they do not compare to the work of God. I try to keep 2 Cor. 5:21 on my mind as a reminder of the price that was paid for my freedom.

I also try to recall specific times in my life where I saw God at work… it is these times I want to keep fresh in my mind. If you are in a tough spot or a dry spell today, think back to God’s goodness in your life, sing His praise, but never forget what He has done for you. Our mind is a powerful tool; let’s fill in with the Goodness of our God today.