Thoughts for Life: New- Hazardous Materials

Jennifer Benson Schuldt- The sound of a siren increased to an ear-piercing level as an emergency vehicle sp ed by my car. Its flashing lights glared through my windshield, illuminating the words "hazardous materials" printed on the side of the truck.

Later, I learned it had been racing to a science laboratory where a 400-gallon container of sulfuric acid had begun to leak. Emergency workers had to contain the substance immediately because of its ability to damage whatever it came in contact with. (Google image, Hazardous materials)

As I thought about this news story, I wondered what would happen if sirens blared every time a harsh or critical word "leaked" out of my mouth? Sadly, it might become rather noisy around our house.

The prophet Isaiah shared this sense of awareness about his sin. When he saw God's glory in a vision, he was overcome by his unworthiness. He recognized that the was "a man of unclean lips" living with people who shared the same problem (Isaiah 6:5).

What happened next gives me hope. An angel touched his lips with a red-hot coal, explaining, "your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for" (v. 7).

We have moment-by moment choices to make with our words—both written and spoken. Will they be "hazardous" material, or will we allow God's glory to convict us and His grace to heal us so we can honor him with everything we express?

Let's pray-

"Father, I repent and renounce the sin of criticizing and judging others. In the name of Jesus, I cast down critical, judgmental, condemning thoughts toward others. I will not judge, criticize or condemn them. In the name of Jesus, help me get the beam of timber out of my own eye, and then I will see clearly how to take the tiny particle out of my brother’s eye. I bind love, mercy, compassion and God’s grace to my mind, in the name of Jesus – the name that is above all names. Amen" Germine Copeland

Prayers That Avail Much dailyprayers@prayers.org

166-170 of 200 one-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more this week-

166- Phil. 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
167- Phil. 1:14 "Do all things without murmurings and disputings."
168- Ps. 116:5 "Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful."
169- Ps. 18:36 "Thou hast enlarge my steps under me, that my feet did not slip."
170- Matt. 7:7 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

Today's quote-

~ S. D. Gordon- "God needs man for His plan. That is the fact that stands out strong in thinking about prayer. God's greatest agency; man's greatest agency, for defeating the enemy and winning men back is intercession. God is counting mightily upon that. And He can count most mightily upon the man that faithfully practices that." (From Quiet Talks On Prayer, p.58)

Words of wisdom-

~ We're challenged to marvel at a life intertwined with the Lord's Presence, rejoicing as we journey together in intimate communion. He will guide us in our unique path we travel, as we learn to love others.

~ It's wonderful to know that Jesus will complete the work He started in us, because He thinks we're worth it. It makes no difference what others think, or if we get discouraged, He thinks we're worthy of His love.

List of recent sermons of CFC ministers. CFC Potsdam NY church has a live service at 10 am Sunday's for shut-ins. If for some reason you can't make it to the church you usually attend, click on the above link, and still get fed!

Jean's blog (Click to see snippets of the 7 recent posts)