Words of Fire.

Thursday, September 15, 2011
Words of Fire. His name is John, and he has no home. It’s the end of November, and he’s currently taken up residence in an alley in a less than virtuous part of town. It’s cold tonight, with a current temp of around 30. If he doesn’t figure something out he’ll freeze to death tonight. His lifesaver is the fire he’s about to build in the old trash barrel across the alley way from him.
Their last name is Harrison, and they’ve lived in this home for 28 years. They’ve raised 3 kids under this roof, and now 2 grandchildren consider it their favorite place to visit. After all these years they finally know what it’s like to have a home that’s actually paid for. All that’s left now is to enjoy retirement, the grandkids, and growing older together. The only problem is that the wildfire that is ravaging their state is headed straight for their beautiful home, and there’s absolutely nothing they can do about it. The destruction they’re about to experience is unimaginable.
Fire is a powerful tool, or a potent agent of destruction. James mentions it in his book toward the end of the New Testament in the Bible. He says that a great “wildfire begins with such a little spark.” It doesn’t take much for a fire to get out of control if the conditions are right.
The conditions in our world are right for a wildfire of words. Everything you say about someone else has the potential to grow into a horrendous monster of destruction. The smallest of words or statements can destroy someone, many times before you even realize what you’ve done. The old “sticks and stones” adage just isn’t true, friend. I can personally attest to the fact that words CAN hurt, many times deeper than sticks and stones ever could.
But our words can also be constructive. We can say things that build each other up. Our words can point people to the Truth of the Gospel, and their need for Christ to save them. Just like the fire in the burn barrel for the homeless man, the things we say can bring hope and life to someone that has neither. Our words can spread like a wildfire of revival in the world for the glory of God!
The deciding factor is simple: choice. We control our words, whether they point people to Christ or away. We decide whether we will build up or tear down with what we say. The power of life or death is contained in the tongue, according to James. It’s up to us which we will choose to spread. Let’s spread some life today!

Please Pray:
*Continue to pray for the Summers, as they face the coming days of continued news and decisions about baby Morgan’s future.
*Continue to pray for Mary, who did end up coming up yesterday afternoon finally. Keep praying for her recovery.
*Pray for a young man named Tanner and his two friends who were involved in an ATV wreck on Sunday. His mom is a friend of mine, and these are scary days for her and the family. Tanner has been moved to a step down unit, which means he’s improving! Continue to pray for his recovery, as well as that of the other young boy involved that is still in ICU.



That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake

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