 Sticks and Stones…
By Bill Shurkey
Someone once said, "The pen is mightier than the sword." That's a true statement. In most cases a well-directed sword thrust can bring about a painful, yet relatively quick death. But what about words? A few well-aimed words can be more painful than the sword, and death will be slow and agonizing. As children we learned the saying, "Sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me." Now that we're adults we know better.
Words are powerful. They are what separate us from the animal kingdom and other lower forms of life. It was words that tricked Eve in the garden. It was words that set in motion the building of the tower of Babel and it was words again that the Lord jumbled to stop it. Man's word has been responsible for the rise and fall of many. Not only can we find examples in every book of the Bible but throughout history as well. Words are a gift from our creator and were meant to praise and worship him and to encourage others. Words are man's main form of communication with one another. What we communicate, however, can mean the difference between life and death. In James' epistle he says, "Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be." (James 3:10 KJV)
When we decide to speak, let's use Jesus as our example. The first thing most apparent in the life of Jesus is that he knew when to speak and when to remain silent. When he did speak it was with power and authority, whether he was bringing life to Lazarus or cursing a fig tree. The main difference between the Lord and us is that he is God, we're not. Only he has the authority to curse because only he knows what's in the heart. And it's his words, not ours, that deals with it.
Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (KJV)
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The Whisper
By Crista Darr
O Lord my heart is aching
Battered, torn and bruised
I've been trampled,
beaten and broken
I've been pained and
despitefully used
God, why have you allowed this?
And what do you want me to do?
"Forgive," my Savior whispered
"As I have forgiven you"
But how can I forgive Lord
With this anger in my heart?
"By faith," my Savior whispered
"Then I will do my part"
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Covered by Innocence
By Cheryl Thompson
What is this thing
that you have done
What causes you
this shame?
"This woman You
have given me
To her, I
lay the blame."
"The serpent spoke",
the woman said
"Enticing me to eat;
And when I saw
the fruit was good,
We listened to deceit."
A man and woman
side by side
With knowledge
they had gained,
Of good and
evil; nakedness
Each one of
them to blame.
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