Have a Potato Chip?

(photo from lifereallymatters.com)

I know there were several points our pastor made this morning that I totally planned on chewing on here in today’s blog post, but as I look at my notes, nothing is jumping out at me screaming, “Me! Me! Pick me!” He did mention Romans 4:17, I noted that – but he went in a little different direction than I’m pondering right now.

“…God creates new things out of nothing.” – the last few words of Romans 4:17 (NLT) More familiar might be the King James Version, “…[He] calleth those things which be not as though they were.”

In my own life, I’ve been observing the power of my words and noticing more carefully the words that others choose to use. Why, I ask myself, do I continue to spew out negative words when I’ve already recognized the damage they do, and “forget” my positive words, knowing full well they bring life and good?

I can’t expect anyone around me to do what I resist. They may be much better at watching the words they choose to use, but, realistically, I can’t expect it of them; especially when those around me are those for whom I should be setting a good example.

If surprised by the question, “Do you choose the words you use?” I’d quickly answer yes. But, honestly, I tend to blurt out words before thinking sometimes. Okay, let’s face it, I do it a lot.

So, how can I expect my life to go the direction I want it to go if I’m not willing to put in the effort to plan and prepare for it? Any diet program will tell you that you won’t be successful with weight loss if you don’t plan what you’re going to eat. Eating whatever is convenient won’t help your battle if what is convenient is junk food. Purposely and thoughtfully making sure that what’s convenient is something that’s also on your diet plan is the only way to make that diet work. When junk food is available, it’s far too tempting to resist, even when we know better.

I’m pondering the point that it’s exactly the same with the words we choose to express our lives.

If I continue to belittle myself or criticize the state I’m in, knowing that there is power in my words, I’m bringing on my own troubles. Even if I don’t realize how much power is in my words, they’re still powerful; just like donuts will always be fattening, even if I don’t realize it. Laws and principles are there, whether we acknowledge them or not.

Made in God’s image, our words can be just as creative as His – calling things to be, which were not; creating new things out of nothing. I know I’ve written on this before, but my point to ponder today is why, once we know this law, or principle, we still slack in exercising it to our advantage.

How can it be merely laziness, since it requires no more effort to use good, positive, life-giving words than it does to use words that lead to lack, destruction and death? I guess if I want to relate back to the diet example, it could be for the same reason we continue to stock junk foods in our cupboards: we secretly want it, even while knowing it’s poison.

Perhaps it all boils down to discipline……..and how badly we want something?

(photo from wegrowmedia.com)

A Cherished Treasure

Surely you've heard the line: One man's junk is another man's treasure. Keep that thought in mind.
Together, my husband and I are finally reading the book The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I'm not used to reading only one chapter in a book a day, but as he suggests, that's what we're doing, giving time to think about each chapter throughout the day.
Yesterday we read the chapter that drives home the idea that everything belongs to God, we are merely stewards or priviledged users of what truly doesn't even belong to us. Mr. Warren has given me much to contemplate in the first few chapters of his book - but I found this chapter particularly convicting.
I don't consider myself a materialistic girl. I could care less how big our house is or how new my car is or if there's a label on my jeans. Honestly, I often shop at the Goodwill Store for the bargains, you'd be amazed at what other people get rid of, many times with the original price tags still on them! (Yes, that's where I got my perfectly new looking copy of Rick Warren's book for only 75 cents!) Recall the thought: One man's junk is another man's treasure.
So, yes, everything belongs to God. Okay. I have no reservations about that. I'm good with it. But as I read through this chapter an emotional charge blasted away at my heart as I heard God speaking to me, convicting me and drawing me to repentance. Graciously, God has forgiven me, so there's now no shame attached to what I have to share.
My father in law lives with us and has for several years now. He's not a particularly likeable person. He's paranoid, unkept, has quirky habits and a disgusting past. He doesn't hear, so we write down everything we want to communicate to him. When we took him in I don't think I realized what a long-term responsibility this would be. I admit it, I have some very carnal-minded days.
But as I read, the words on the pages faded and gave way to the images permeating my brain; my whole demeanor fell.
I saw God holding my father in law in His hands, protectively as if holding the most precious treasure on earth. With a look of intent on His face He looked around His creation for the perfect place to put His treasure. He smiled with delight, almost giggling as He said, "Oh here! There's plenty of room in Dave and Helen's hearts." -And he deposited this man into our lives.
What I've shamefully found revolting is one of God's greatest treasures. My father in law. I'm humbled. God has entrusted this treasure to our household -to our hearts and I've resented it far too much for way too long. Recall again the thought: What was one woman's 'junk' is God's greatest treasure!
Believe it or not, after asking God to forgive me and love this man through me - something inside of me has changed. My hearts now breaks over this man. This man that won't even acknowledge there is a God, is one of God's favorite treasures. Pray with me if you will, for God's treasure: Donald Lee Williams.