Words

Words....
Communication between people....
Words come...
Words go and they help to define a generation.

You won't here the following words anymore:
Beseech (Unless you are praying one of those King James prayers that are sometimes prayed in church). You will never here someone at Wendy's saying, "Please, I beseech you to give me a Frosty!"

Groovy - You only here this from someone who survived the 60's, hopefully with all their brain cells intact. "Wow---like groovy man!"

Fender Skirts - Totally lost on this generation. Kids today would think that Fender skirts would have to be connected with High Fashion. Never mind that any boy who grew up in the 50's and 60's wanted a set of these for his car.

Speaking of cars: how about Curb Feelers- Usually reserved for "Caddy's" and larger transports. How did folks ever survive without curb feelers.

And the list can go on and on and on.
Even in the church, some words have fallen out of favor and if you use them, you are looked at as archaic and out of touch.
Go to any church today and start talking about the Holy Ghost.  That will   shake them up, won't it? "Oh...he's not a ghost...he is the Holy Spirit. To which I would reply, "True, true". But this is the way He was referred to in the generation that raised me. "Oh God! Send your Holy Ghost down into our midst and change us!" I have heard many a prayer using that term. But no so today....we are more educated. Spirit doesn't sound at intimidating as "Ghost".

Tarry- To wait, to not move until direction and instruction comes. "Can you tarry here with me?" Jesus asked his disciples on the night before his death.
Tarry means to not be distracted or drawn away into things that serve no purpose to God and His kingdom. Tarry.

Sin- Some really don't like this word. This word carries the idea of being responsible and accountable for our actions and our words. Some who stand to teach others will not use this word, sin, for fear they will offend and drive people away. They will say "We all have problems"...I know I was at a Celebrate Recovery one times speaking and I made the statement that "You don't have hurts, habits and hangups....you have sin...I have sin...we all have sin and are in need of a Savior who can deal with our sin." I have not been asked to come back and speak.

Bottom line is that every problem mankind struggles with, is a result of sin.
We are born with a bent to reject God and chase our own desires. Addiction is a byproduct of a choice made by the individual. Can it be influenced by genetic makeup. Some say yes, it can. But you can't blame genetics for it all. And if it is genetic, then there is no hope, right? I happen to fall in the camp of those who simply believe that there is a Higher Power who can restore us to a state of sound decisions and a life free from the destruction of our own choices. That Higher Power has a name........and that name would be JESUS!

Colossians 3:16-17
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

There is a word that will never fall out of favor,at least not with the family of God.........The "word" of Christ.
We are called to get it all down inside.
Let it percolate and bring forth truth and change to our hearts.
Don't let the "words" of this world have control over you.
Don't allow the words of the enemy to keep you trapped in a life of addiction.
Allow the truth of the words of Christ to free you.
Hope to see you Saturday at Vineyard Recovery.

God on you...
mb