The Bible tells us the book of Proverbs that the power of life and death are in the tongue and in James we are reminded of the sad reality that sometimes we are guilty of praising God and cursing our brothers and sisters with the same tongue.  With Facebook, blogs, and the ability to reach almost any one at any time with cell phones and texting there are a lot of words being sent and received these days.  Are the words you take in giving you life or are they bringing death?  Are the words you send to others giving them life or are they like poison arrows that have lodged in their heart taking life?

In this week’s sermon we were warned about toxic words that we can give or receive. The challenge was presented, as it has throughout the entire Toxic series, for us to truly examine the level of toxicity that exists in the various influences in our lives. Here’s what I love about this week’s message though. Just as there is incredibly destructive power in words, there is even more life giving power and it is such a simple thing for us to use our words to encourage, build up, and bring life to ourselves and everyone arounds us. Pastor Craig said something like, “Speak life giving words at every chance you get.” If we were to take this to heart the possibilities are amazing.

Just this week I was contacted by an old friend who had seen this message on Toxic words and he was convicted for the incredibly destructive things he had said to a former friend in one particularly heated argument about 2 years ago. He told me that after this sermon he felt a leading to contact this person, to apologize, and to speak words of encouragement. The message he sent was met with forgiveness and encouragement as well and the effects of this simple exchange have been profound on my friend. He was crying tears of joy telling me that he had believed that he was “over and past” the bitter argument that occurred so long ago but after making amends he experienced a surge of life and freedom as the toxicity of past bitterness was removed from his life.

What are words of life that you need to give today? Are they words of encouragement for someone that you see everyday? Or maybe words of apology and forgiveness to remove the sting of a toxic encounter from long ago? I pray that as you read these words you are inspired by God to step out and take hold of the amazing life that he desires for you in the words of your life.

– Aaron

August is always full of excitement with the start of another school year!  I want to let you know about a couple of exciting things happening this week:

Quad Day: Sunday, August 22 is Quad Day at the U of I and we will be there to meet some of the outstanding young men and women and let them know about our wonderful Grace Community.  Be sure to pray for the volunteers at this event and be on the look out for new faces to welcome over the next several weeks!

Middle School Lock-In: Friday, August 27 the area youth ministries are teaming up with the Champaign YMCA to host a Back to School Bash lock-in for middle school students.  The hours of the lock-in are 8:00 PM through 6:00 AM and admission is $10 per student for the cost of facilities, activities, pizza, a live band, and more!