Words

How important are words? Can't read without them, can't talk very well without them either. What we say can have little impact, or great impact on those around us. How we say something can be as important as what we say. Back in the seventies, while I was teenager, the words of President Nixon denying Watergate eventually brought his term to an end. About ten years later President Reagan voiced the words "Mr. Gorbachev, bring down these walls!" while in Berlin. Soon thereafter the Soviet Bloc fell freeing most of Eastern Europe. What a difference in words, one resulting in shame the other in triumph.

This morning I was sitting out on our front porch watching Max (our new puppy) play as I had some tea and my quiet time. While reading in the twelfth chapter of Matthew I ran across this passage. Verses 33-37 grabbed my attention.

A Tree and Its Fruit

33 "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. 34 Brood of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. 35 A good man produces good things from his storeroom of good, and an evil man produces evil things from his storeroom of evil. 36 I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." HCSB

While Christ was chastising the Jewish religious leaders for their hypocrisy and speaking words of oppression to their fellow Jews, I also believe Jesus was warning everyone about the power of words. What we say and how we say something can edify or destroy those around us, especially those we love. How many times have I snapped at or talked in anger towards my wife or kids? Or not talked in a an appropriate, Christlike way around those I work with, damaging my testimony. In Proverbs 12:18 and Proverbs 18:21 we see what words can do.

How we talk is a part of who we are. Do we show good fruit or bad fruit as Christ tells us the passage above? I pray that I will be slower to speak and choose my words wisely in the future in order to uplift those around me, not tear them down.

Family

This weekend was the Langford family reunion in Graham TX. I have kinfolk all through the Graham, Breckenridge, and Ranger TX area. We met at one of my uncles and aunt, both siblings to my Dad, who live next to each other on Lake Graham. There were at least 90 people present at the noon dinner, the vast majority were related to my Grandma Sadie and Grandpa Minor either by blood or marriage. Of this group two brothers and one aunt were there, with my dad and one uncle having passed away. Then there were 14 (out of 16} of my 1st cousins. One cousin lives in Anchorage AK and couldn't come and one Monica Shough Beesly, passed away several years ago with cancer. There are 33(if I counted right!!LOL) great grand kids.

We spent the weekend visiting, eating and watching the kids turn themselves into prunes playing in the lake. It was a good time. As with any family we have had our trials and events that every family faces. Most good some bad, such as the loss of one of my cousin's 18 year old daughter in an auto accident just a few weeks before she was to graduate, but through it all we have stuck together, cried together, laughed together and prayed together. We have been bound by the spiritual heritage that was begun by my Grandma Sadie. One of my earliest memories was while most of her family lived here in Pampa. On Sunday mornings we would come out of Sunday school and go to "big" church, and there my Grandma would be in her seat and all my aunts, uncles, my family and cousins were all sitting on the same pew. Sometimes taking up one and half pews. Moat all of her family are born again Christians and active in our local churches. Were not perfect but we stick together. Family is a good thing!!

Israel My Israel

I have sat in contemplation of events surrounding Israel this week in a semi-disbelief. It saddens me that the rest of the world much less people here in the US, officials of our government and the media have ridiculed and blamed Israel the way they have. While, as an armchair quarterback we can sit back and critique the IDF (Israeli Defence Force) and their government, in their handling of the flotilla episode, it goes beyond that. There is a hatred for God's chosen people that has increased greatly in my lifetime. While I was not alive during WWII and the horrors that were placed on Jews, I have seen the beginnings and growth of that same hatred towards Israel and those who support her.

Israel is God's chosen nation, which is supported countless times through scriptures, and He is a jealous God over Israel. Paraphrased from many of these scripture God will "bless those that bless you and curse those that curse you" and one who does not ascribe to this belief is doomed to face God's wrath. (Just ask Pharaoh and the Egyptians!!) It is Satan's plan to destroy Israel, and God's to make it into the nation that Christ will rule the world with. The United States has always stood by Israel, but it pains me that we possibly are at a crossroad of supporting Israel or her enemies. I choose to bless Israel and would pray that we as a nation will not change our course and continue to support Israel.

To The Point

The Roman Legionnaire was one of the most formidable fighting man that history has ever known, especially at close quarters fighting. Making this possible was his equipment and armor, especially the "Gadius" or short sword. Made from iron these weapons were 20 to 24 inches in length and weighed about 21 lbs. which allowed them to be used single handed. It also was double edged for slashing or cutting, but was primarily used for thrusting stabs to the body, hence the sharp point. When combined with the scutum (shield) the Legionnaire was a formidable and efficient combatant at close quarters. While primarily a stabbing type weapon it was more than capable in slashing and cutting, even able to sever limbs.

Knowing the capabilities of the gladius, Paul included the sword as the last piece of armor in our passage. The last half of Verse 17 states "...and the sword of the Spirit, which is God's word.". God's Word, His truth, His son Christ are one and the same, and while men may deny God's word in this life and reject Jesus Christ, they will not be able so as they stand before God in judgment. In Hebrews chapter 4 verse 12 that "For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to divide soul, spirit, joints, and marrow; it is a judge of the ideas and thoughts of the heart."

Even Satan can not refute or stand in opposition to God's words. This makes it imperative to read, study and use God's word as we fight in the spiritual war we face... Get the Point?