Devotion
The Word Be With You
David Jacobs
Gift of gab, "a silver-tongue", "smooth-talker"...think of someone you know that you would describe with these words. Would you say that their words also come with power? Probably not. I have certainly been at church and listened or caught myself talking almost solely for the sake of hearing the words myself.
I am reminded of "Chicken Little" claiming that the sky was falling and of "the boy who cried "wolf," examples of messages that lose their power because of the words that they chose, the examples that they shared, and the messages themselves. The word of the Lord is different: "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged 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" (Hebrews 4:12). God is not a slick-tongued used car salesmen. His words carry weight, power, enough that it leaves followers astonished. His words do not balance themselves neutrally hoping to encompass all sides. God's words should be taken for what they are, as the way and the truth and the life.
I remember some instances that I felt very embarrassed because I was unsure of how to answer a question or when someone responded to an argument that I posited but left me stumped. God never feels this way. He is omnipotent and gave us His holy word so that we may better understand him. As his devout followers, we must study the word and be challenged, encouraged, and learn to be more like Him. He sent Jesus Christ to earth so that we could see His desires in our own likeness, to hear His words out of a human mouth, but what we do with these blessings is up to us.
Do not worry yourself with offending others or remaining neutral. However, it is imperative to study the word of God and know what He would want you to say and when to say it:
Proverbs 17:27-28 - " He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."
James 1:19 - "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath"
2 Timothy 3:16 - " All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
Ecclesiastes 3:7 - "A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; "
Prayer
You are equipped with the tools to do good. Learn the Lord's word and your words will also carry power, as He intended. Thanks be to God.
Devotion
Culpability
Frances Taylor
This is an interesting passage because, among other things, it talks about sin and who is considered guilty of sin. Paul is talking about how he has been forgiven, how God has been merciful to him because his actions were committed in unbelief. In order for sin to be committed, one needs to know he is committing it. No one can commit sin in retrospect. Sin is always a deliberate act. This can be hard for some to understand. Actions can be considered sinful, even though the person committing them may not be culpable. For example, lying is a sin. However, is the two year old hiding behind the curtains sinning when he or she claims not to have broken the vase? No, because the child has no understanding of the difference between truth and lie. Those who do not have a relationship with God, who do not know the commandments, who have never heard of Jesus, may commit sinful actions, but are not guilty of sin. This is what Paul claims is his situation. Paul ...
Morning Prayer
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, ) full of grace and truth.
Inspiration
When the Lord sent his only Son, he sent also his word. For his body was this very word made flesh. Importantly this was not simply a manifestation of God's word, but also rather an 'animation' of it (meant here in the original Latin as 'animare' –'to instill with life or spirit'), an instance of God's love and divine grace in action, among us.
Prayer
Lord, I am grateful for your mercy in showing us your word made flesh so that we may be redeemed. Further, I am grateful to you for showing us your love and grace through your only begotten son. Let his body not have been torn and broken for no avail, but feed us now in the Eucharist. Let not his blood have...
