July 26th, 2005
Today I started reading a favorite book of mine called War of Words by Paul David Tripp. This is the fourth time I’ve read this book and I learn more and more each time. The drive of War of Words is to get to the heart of our communication struggles. Words are such a natural and consuming part of each person’s day. Tripp delves straight to the deeper issues of why we speak in ways that are not honoring to God or uplifting to each other and shows the hope from God’s Word that will help us change our words to be characterized by grace and truth. I recently read Proverbs 18:21 which says, “Words kill, words give life; they are either poison or fruit–you choose.” This sparked my thoughts about the way I speak and how I so carelessly toss words out. So I pulled this book off my shelf hoping for a renewed perspective on my responsibility to speak in a godly manner. I highly recommend this book for it offers great encouragement and hope in learning to communicate rightly as the gospel radically changes the way we communicate:
“The purpose of this book is not just to hold out the lofty standard
God has set for us and then remind us how far we all far short of it.
Most of us are painfully aware of the distance between where we are
and where God wants us to be. No, this book is a book of hope…about
change that is possible because of the person and work of the Lord
Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Word who is the only hope for our words! ”
The last couple of days I’ve had a relaxing time hanging out with my brother-in-law, Billy. We spent time at Starbucks, Bobby’s office, a brief cooking lesson and even went to see Charlie and the Chocolate factory…a film that is weird beyond description, not worth renting, hearing about or seeing even once! We tried to make the best of the two hours by laughing as we were weirded out by Johnny Depp’s violet-colored contact lenses and false teeth. I also am doing some planning for our summer camp coming up next week and even spent some time in the Godsong recording studio. If you are not a regular at
Godsong music I encourage you to visit more often. They are diligent at keeping up the site with stirring blog entries and always an array of new photos. There will even be some new songs available at the site, including this most recent one that I had the privilege of being a part of,
Call.
You reach down from on high
And put joy in my life
So I praise You as faithful
July 26th, 2005
great post about the use of our words! it is very encouraging to hear that we can have victory over our tongues with the help of Christ! Our words have so much power its amazing, I’m excited to strive to use mine to build up and give life!
When is that song getting posted BTW??
1 more thing: CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
July 27th, 2005
Sis-
I have to agree with Evan in wondering when that song is going to be posted. Thanks for the post on words. It’s awesome that through Christ it is “possible” to change the way we think and speak. Glad you had a good time with Billy.
July 28th, 2005
I just love Paul Tripp. I have seen this book mentioned in numerous places. I’m going shopping with “the girls” today and we’re headed to our favorite Christian bookseller, so perhaps I’ll take a look there.
July 29th, 2005
That is such an awesome book. I so enjoyed reading through it with my junior high class at BA last year. I pray that they learned as much as I did about how much God is concerned about what we say and how we say it. I was especially struck by needing to look at issues and situations from as a redemptive opportunity instead of a problem!
July 30th, 2005
Awesome post. Thanks for the encouragement to pay more attention to what we say! YES!!!! You’re singing in another Godsong song. I’m sure its awesome.