1 Corinthians 11:28
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

Here we are given the directive of how to go about taking in communion. The breaking of the bread and the drinking of the cup. The Last Supper. Doing this in remembrance of Me, the Lord said. Before taking of the cup and eating the bread we must look inward.

Judging ourselves is the hardest thing to do. I find it difficult to recognize in me the things I might accuse others of. I had asked my wife the other day if she thought I was patient. I have always thought of myself as very patient. She, lovingly, told me that I was not the most patient man. I look at others and think they are so impatient, when at times I am the most so!

I must look deep into myself, ask what the Lord can reveal to me that I need to work on. What sins have I committed, and beg for forgiveness.

Prayer: Lord reveal in me those things that I must change, grant to me introspection, and also correction.

[Further study]

Ecc 10:12
The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious,
But the lips of a fool shall swallow him up;

Today I am reminded of what impact our words have on those around us. The controversial words of incoming Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott regarding 100 year old Strom Thurmond are haunting him. The pundits, bloggers, and even the President are weighing in against him. It seems that even today God's words are very meaningful. Had Trent Lott thought about what he was saying his job would not be on the line. It seems that his words are about to swallow him.

I have to daily reflect upon my words. Sometimes I have to ask the Lord for words. I am trying to be more gracious, and complementary. I ask for God to help me be better at expressing the words that convey that. Then there are certainly times that I must look to what I've said that has been hurtful to my wife and family.

The words we use may be used to reproof us, reproach us. We need to be wise, slow to use hurtful words. We don't want to be revealed as a fool,or worse.

I pray that God will use my words to be a light, to be a joy and not to destroy.

Romans 12:1-2

Ah, that I can renew my thoughts daily. In prayer and supplication I go before the Lord and praise Him for this. We are in a daily grind here on earth. Toil at work, keep up the house, manage the children. I am thankful that I can drink in the Lord's peace. With the holiday upon me I am glad that I can give all the stress up.

In everything I do I must give my all. Wether it be at work, at home or play, it pleases the Lord to give it my all. Praise the Lord for my job, my family, and the Blessings bestowed upon me.