Scripture:
Proverbs 18:20-21 ESV
[20] From the fruit of a man’s mouth, his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. [21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Observation:
You might be thinking, wow, only 2 verses this morning. I wonder if Eric is feeling alright. Trust me, I’m good. So let’s get to it. I love the fact that Solomon points out the fact that words have an enormous influence on what we believe. Just think about it the bible is a book stuffed full of words of encouragement, words of wisdom, and words of warning. Solomon saw how words could open or close doors and how they could guide and direct. He saw how what a man spoke was what he believed, whether that be about himself or someone else. He also saw how the words a man speaks could send someone into a downward spiral. Speaking either life or death. The power of the words we use is something we need to pay close attention to. Especially when we are praying for others.
Application:
We have a very important job. Let me explain it. Think about what you say. What are you speaking into that situation? Is it something that will bring life, or are you speaking death? Because that is the power your tongue holds. Yes, that’s it. I remember things that were said to myself as a child that I still hear today. Three are also the things I heard later on in life that replay themselves over and over between my ears. Things that I don’t care to mention. Because it took a lot of good seeds to eliminate all the weeds that were sown in the soil of my heart. So let me tell you my point today. The things that we say or that are said to us become part of what we believe. If you don’t believe me, let’s go to the word of GOD. Faith comes by hearing… someone told you about the gospel, and that’s how your walk with GOD started… well, that’s how it happened for me anyway. A seed was planted, and the ground in which it was cast was fertile. Here is the thing, though. You honestly have the choice to allow seeds to take root or not. That won’t stop someone from speaking them. But you don’t have to let them be planted. Speaking carelessly is dangerous. It can set the course of someone’s life. Let’s make a choice today to speak life over those GOD places around us. I used to spend a lot of time reinforcing the negative things that were spoken over my life. Then I heard the gospel. The truth of GOD’S word. The word that explains that I am worthy because of Christ. The word that says I can through HIS power. The word that tells me I have a strong tower to run to. That the shadow of HIS wings covers me. That tells me HE has prepared a place for me at that table of my enemy. The word that says HE thinks I am to die for. The word that explains that I am never alone. It’s the lamp to my feet and the light to my path. The belt of truth is a very important part of the armor. It holds it all together. So I want to encourage you today to not only speak life over yourself but speak life over everyone you come into contact with today. Encourage and build up. Let someone see your joy and be ready to give an appt response as to why you have it. Speak life into the dark and watch the dead come back to life. Because that is the power your words have. They can cut, or they can heal it all in how you choose to use them
Prayer:
Father, you have given us the gift of words and explained the power they hold. Help us to use them wisely. It’s easy to snap and say things we don’t mean. Only to see fruit from those seeds years later. We want to be casting good seeds. We want the weeds to be gone. So that all you can see is a harvest of ripe grain. We don’t need seeds of doubt or unbelief. In fact, our soil will not receive them. We pray that when someone tries to sow those seeds that we counter them with seeds of truth from your word. Help us to know and believe the truth. You love us, you will, and have provided everything we need, and you will never leave us begging for bread. Our relationship with your son brings us into a family that loves us and will never leave us alone. You are so amazing. And I love you. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus. I pray, amen.