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Have you heard the song by John Mayer titled, “My Stupid Mouth?” Here are just a few lines from that song:

My stupid mouth, it’s got me in trouble.
I said too much again, to a date over dinner yesterday,
and I could see that she was offended.
She said, “Well anyway!” Just dying for a subject change.

Oh. It’s another social casualty.
Score one more for me, oh how could I forget,
Momma said, “Think before speaking.”

Have you ever caught yourself in one of the awkward moments where you just contracted “foot’n'mouth” disease? You know, those times when you ask when the baby is due, and she is not pregnant; or when you call your girlfriend by your last girlfriend’s name?

We have all had those moments when we say something and then wish we could immediately hit the “delete” button. Well we all have brain slips at times, but I am more interested in the words that come from our mouth on a regular basis that we would be completely embarrassed by if someone outside of our family could here. Isn’t it interesting that we talk the worst to those that we love the most? I can tell alot about a family, a parent, a child by how they talk to those closest to them when no one else can hear them (or atleast they think nobody can hear).

May I challenge us all to evaluate the words that come out of our mouth, especially when they are spoken at home and towards those we love the most. Scripture teaches us that no unwholesome talk is to come from our mouth, only that which is edifying and encouraging to others.

I pray all of us would be more careful about what and how we use words.

Joel

Several times a week I get to sit down with my Dad at Starbucks and talk life over a cup of coffee and a Orange Cranberry Scone.  I don’t know if you have ever looked closely at a Starbucks coffee cup, but there are quotes from people all over the world.  The topics are random and often times way out there.

This past Christmas, I received a coffee mug from a friend.  The mug sits on my desk right in front of my wireless keyboard.  There is a quote on the mug that I find very encouraging, in fact it is a quote that I hang on to.  These words were spoken to a young man when he was facing new challenges and new opportunities.  He was treading into waters that were new and I can only imagine scary at times.

But, the source of the quote knew that this young man was up to the task and needed a few words of encouragement when he said,

“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

I think there are times when we all need to be reminded of our Heavenly Father’s presence in our lives.  We all have or will face trials, challenges,  or opportunities that will cause us to shake in our boots.  I can only imagine how comforting those words must have been to Joshua when his Heavenly Father spoke them.

Almost without exception, my Dad gives me words of encouragement everytime we sit down over a cup of coffee.  It is nice having my Dad’s word of encouragement and inspirations.  There are days I will call him on his cell to make sure he is coming for coffee because I need to hear from my Dad.

May we all make it a point to call upon our Heavenly Father this week simply to enjoy His presence and gleen wisdom from Him.  What is going on in your life that you need to hear God speak to you, “Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joel

I am reflecting this morning as I enjoy my Grande Coffee of how thankful I am for the Love of my Father in Heaven. I am thankful His forgiveness, for His grace, His invisible hand that guides me, His healing touch, His provision, and His correcting hand.

But what stands out to me this morning that I am very thankful for is how He is the Cornerstone of everything in my life.  There is not an arena in my life, that if aligned up next to the Cornerstone, that will be headed in the wrong direction.  So many times I feel like I know best and it might be close, but if only one or two degrees off of the Cornerstone, eventually, it will be very noticeable that my plans were flawed.

My prayer today is that I would line up every area of my life with the Cornerstone of Life and find the blessings that are found within.  In doing so, I also pray that others may be able to follow my example and be encouraged and blessed.  I never want to be guilty of leading others down a path that is only one or two degrees out of line.

Sorry it has been so long since last post, I will try to do much better.

I continue to be amazed at how faithful God is. I see him answering prayers more and more often these days. I don’t mean to say that I see God doing what I pray for Him to do, I just mean that I see His hand on things more often.

When we were in China last month, I was so excited that He allowed Catherine and I to be in the “Birthing Room” when 2 people prayed to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior. Prior to the trip, I prayed that He would save souls while we were there, but I had no idea He was going to start the first day. That night after we all celebrated and cried for joy, I laid in bed and confessed my lack of faith. I realized that God was capable of doing things much larger than my expectations. That is no new revelation intellectually, but it was practically. God was going to accomplish His plan with or without me.

Here is my desire: I don’t want to be found lacking in faith again. When God lays it on my heart to pray for something, I intend to fill my words with more faith. I don’t think that they have been hollow words, but thank God, they will have more faith in them from now on.

Challenge: My friend, if you are facing something that might seem too big for you and even too big for God. Don’t give up! If it feels like Pharaoh’s army is behind you and the Red Sea is in front of you, don’t forget that the Lord is with you.

May God keep you and bless you and turn His face toward you.