The Gift Of Words

I thank God for words. I also thank Him for thoughts that float around in the pasture of my mind. They start with a single word or small collection of words forming a thought. Those thoughts turn into ideas. They are lassoed and drug to the corral of the printed page. Those words will be shaped and reshaped, separated, and shipped off to be consumed by readers literally all over the world.

People work with tools. The carpenter uses hammers and saws. The plumbers works with pipes, wrenches and shovels. The cook uses grills, knives and spatulas. The medical professionals use needles, IVS, and stethoscopes. The mechanic uses screwdrivers and wrenches. The cowboy uses cattle pens,  ropes, ear tags or branding irons.

I work with words. I am blown away how words can inspire. They can sadden us. Words can be used to challenge, rebuke and to encourage. Words can cast vision which motivate people to action and purpose. All of that God has put at my finger tips as I peck away on these keys typing.

With words articles are written. Devotions are compiled, Books are authored. One word. One sentence. One paragraph. One chapter at a time.

As a follower of Jesus, I am most appreciative that He preserved a record of His revelation through a book of words. Not just any words. God breathed words. Divinely inspired words. Inerrant words. Written words. I hope we treasure His word. I hope we find it more delightful than honey. I hope His word gets in us so God can live through us.

The gift of words is something I highly value. I recall, with great excitement, learning the alphabet and those first words. While others begrudged taking home our readers to practice reading, I loved it. I read about Spot and Pug the dogs. I couldn't  get enough and at times reread them. I still love reading today. I also love and am humbled that God chose me to be one of those people to author things to help other people. I got a call from someone wanting to promote a book I wrote aback in 2011. They asked, "What is your goal as an author." I think it surprised them when I replied, "To help people. I don't care about making money from writing." I could not write except for the gift of words.

One word can spin a person's mind in several different directions effecting several different emotional responses. Take the word Jesus. To some they will adore Him, praise Him, thank Him, serve Him and live for Him. At the name of Jesus others will be enraged, hostile, resistant and oppose Him. Just one word, one person, can do all of that.

Not only do I thank God for the gift of words. I also thank Him for the gift of The Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. He is the everlasting Word. He is the greatest gift.

John 1:1-2 (ESV)
1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2  He was in the beginning with God.

John 1:14 (ESV) 

14  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

Psalm 119:160 (ESV) 

160  The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.