As I sat at my desk this morning and journaled, I asked Jesus what He wanted me to know from Him for today? I do this each morning, but today’s message caught me a little off-guard. The email we get from our pastoral staff each week usually gives us a hint into the sermon’s message forthcoming. This past week’s message said a new series will be starting today. The focus of the messages will be “Words are Life”. In Jesus’ message to me I heard Him say that I need to focus not only on the message, but also on the message behind the message.

So often in a counseling session I will hear a message from the person speaking, but when I ask what brought this message about, I will hear a different message that has hurt the person deeply. This just happened yesterday with a couple who have been coming for a few months now.

I have been told many times in my lifetime that words are powerful so be careful how you use them. God’s Word tells us that God’s Words are LIFE. Our own words can build life or they can tear life down. My own story tells a good deal about how my dad’s words tore into me as well as into my siblings.

I look forward to hearing this morning’s message and those forthcoming. God is working and the words He has inspired for us to hear are LIFE! I want to be a good listener and responder to them.