Your Words

Remember the saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bone, but words will never hurt me"?

Well, news flash........words can hurt!

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, 

sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” 

(Proverbs 16:24)

What a powerful scripture!

 YOUR WORDS MATTER

Power of death and life are in the tongue

Those who love it will eat its fruit

What’s said may not seem so very wrong

In fact it may even seem cute

Indeed, It only takes a spark remember, 

to start a forest fire

Careless words, just like an ember

ignite, sending word-flames higher.

By our speech we can ruin a person’s world

Peace and calm all at a loss 

Release destruction, with angry words unfurled

Turning harmony into chaos

You can tame a tiger, but you can’t tame a tongue

Truly, it never has been done

The same small member with which praise to God is sung

Is used to undermine and destroy someone

Cursing and blessings from the same tongue! 

In one breath praise, yet the next sows discord

A wild orchard of ripe fruit overhung

Scattering it’s seeds for miles abroad

Friend, let your conversation be pleasing to the Lord 

Ancient treasure from the mighty deep

Your words like a rare gift no price can afford

And a resource the hearer will gratefully keep

You may think your words don’t matter

Indeed, oh friend they do!

In a moment you can build up or shatter

With words that come from you.

                               Author Unknown

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Christian Junk Food?

The bottom line is that retail stores fill their shelves with items that are trending; merchandise that consumers are most interested in; products most requested and those that generate large profits.

With this in mind, have you been in a "Christian" bookstore  (a store that sells resources for Christ-followers) of late?
                                  

         

(Please note - I have absolutely nothing against Christian bookstores.  My opinion is about the Christian culture of today, as I view it.)
                                                                         

Sadly, you will notice shelf after shelf of books that focus on the believer's "own" happiness (or lack of), their success (or lack of), and other matters in this earthly journey called "life". 

                  But, is it  "Christian junk food" ?

There are very few books regarding evangelism, Biblical discipleship, the nature of God, prayer, theology and resources to equip us for the work of the Kingdom. This type of reading material is scarce and generally not available for immediate purchase.

Secondly, though I often like to shop for these types of items, also on the shelves you will find many decorative items for your home, tee shirts, jewelry and more.  Yes, they proudly display Christian verses and sayings but, I wonder...if we actually lived out these truths as we should, would we still feel the need to purchase and wear (or display) these items?

Final thought...if Christian bookstores offer to the consumer what they desire, what kind of work for the Lord are we equipping ourselves for with all of these "Christian-themed", miscellaneous products...instead of quality books that teach us how to win and disciple the lost for Jesus? 
                                                    

1.