Careful what you say - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) December 14, 2021

Have you ever taken the time to think about the things we say on an average day? Have you ever considered the impact they have on you? How about their impact on others? Some people call themselves stupid as a joke. If we're to be honest, that's even tame. A lot of people use very disparaging words and names to describe themselves at various points of their life. There are parents who chastise their children, saying, "You have no common sense!" Others have heard it said to them that they'll never amount to anything.

The Bible, however, makes it very clear we must be careful what we proclaim. In other words, we need to be very cautious what words come out of our mouths. After all, the words of our mouth can bring good or evil. Proverbs 18:20 - From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. This scripture highlights that our words can literally create an environment of blessings for us and those who we speak over.

Our words are powerful enough that they can even impact life or death. Proverbs 18:21 warns us of this - The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. This is one of the reasons the children of God are encouraged to speak sparingly in Proverbs 13:3 - Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. The consequences of the things we speak can be much larger than we imagine. But, only if we use it right.

And our words aren't the only way we proclaim. How many of us have had hidden desires we never mentioned to a soul? The very thoughts we harbor can become proclamations for good or evil, depending on whether we walk with the Lord or not. Proverbs 4:23 - Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. (GNT)

As we think through how we use our spoken words and quiet desires, let us consider Matthew 12:36 - But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment (NKJV). Our idle words - those spoken that we likely thought were funny or that we'd try to explain away as a mistake - will not be ignored by God on the day of judgment. And, every single one of us will have to stand before the Ultimate Judge. In fact, those of who consider ourselves His children will face judgment first. Therefore, we must speak carefully. What idle words will you not want the Lord to hold against you?

And if you are someone who has had bad words spoken over you, you need not fear. When we submit ourselves to the authority of Jesus Christ and therefore His Father - we are washed clean of every evil word or intention sent our way. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (NKJV). That is the key way to shed yourself of the old. If you would like to do this, let us pray together - Heavenly Father, thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus. I submit to Your authority and from today, I accept You as my Lord and King. Thank You for the fact Jesus's sacrifice cleansed me from sin and makes me a new creation, free of any curse or idle word spoken over me. Glory be to Your Holy Name, IJMN, Amen.

Praise the Lord! As you have accepted God as Your authority, please read His word as it tells us everything we need to know so as to remain in His grace and abide in His blessings. The Bible will help us to use our words carefully and maintain thoughts pleasing to the Lord. May His grace and mercy guide You all Your days, Amen.

See you at Noon EST for Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others). Set an alarm and come join us as we rigorously glorify our God then pray for people, places, and situations. May the Lord be highly exalted, IJN, Amen!