Harnessing the Power

Dom and I went to Paugan Dam this weekend for a picnic.

We stopped to check out the amazing view on top of the Dam.  There was one gate that had been opened 80 cm and the result was tremendous.  The water rushed underneath us in a raging torrent...simply breathtaking!

The view from Paugan Dam with one gate open 80 cm.

If the Dam had been opened completely, this view would be altered completely.  The Dam is designed to harness the power of the rushing water to make it useful for us.

We have a power that we need to harness as well.  The power of our words.  They can be used to lift up or destroy.  They can alter the very direction of our life.  Proverbs 18:21 says that "death and life are in the power of the tongue," Proverbs 15:4 says that "gentle words bring health and life and a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."  James 3 says you are perfect if you never stumble in what you say and that you need to consider what you do with your words - whether they are used for blessing or cursing.

How often do we wish we could take back what we said?  How often do we let bitter words escape?  Paugan Dam only lets water through that is there already.  In the same way, our words show what is  in our hearts.

When we give our lives to Jesus we represent Him in what we do and say to those around us.  Do we take the time to 'consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds' (Hebrews 10:24)?  Do we 'fix our eyes on Jesus' (Hebrews 12:2) before speaking?

Let's let encouragement flow from us like rushing waters and praise God in all situations.

Hebrews 6:11
"And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end."