Friday, February 10, 2017

Death and life are in the power of the tongue...

"Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles." Proverbs 21:23

This morning while having breakfast, I heard a verse being read on the radio that made me stop. Even though the verse was known to me, I had forgotten it...

It was such a welcome reminder... one that I needed to hear. 

" Death and life 
are 
in the power of the tongue..." 
Proverbs 18:21

I realize how I need to feed on His WORD daily... because only then can I grow up in Him in all things.

The Word of God is quick and powerful... and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.(Hebrews 4:12)

How often we let our mouths speak... without stopping and contemplating the result it may bring to the hearers.  We dismiss the fact that our words ought to be few... 

Words can either destroy or uplift... we can live in the flesh... or walk by the Spirit.

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, 
but that which is good to the use of edifying, 
that it may minister grace unto the hearers." 
Ephesians 4:29

Yes, to be carnally minded is death... and to be spiritually minded is life. (Romans 8:6)

Do we speak out of pride and selfishness... or do we speak in humbleness and lowliness of mind?
Do we walk in the flesh(and are carnally minded) or do we walk in the Spirit(and display the fruits of the Spirit)? 

And so this morning I was encouraged yet again to take heed of my words... and seek the Lord's strength to overcome the fleshly tendencies... and speak words that build up and edify.


O Jesus, I have promised
  To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
  My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
  If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
  If Thou wilt be my Guide.

Oh, let me feel Thee near me;
  The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
  The tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
  Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
  And shield my soul from sin.

Oh, let me hear Thee speaking,
  In accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion,
  The murmurs of self-will;
Oh, speak to reassure me,
  To hasten, or control;
Oh, speak, and make me listen,
  Thou Guardian of my soul.

O Jesus, Thou hast promised
  To all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory
  There shall Thy servant be;
And Jesus, I have promised
  To serve Thee to the end;
Oh, give me grace to follow,
  My Master and my Friend.

Oh, let me see Thy footmarks,
  And in them plant mine own;
My hope to follow duly
  Is in Thy strength alone.
Oh, guide me, call me, draw me,
  Uphold me to the end;
And then to rest receive me,
  My Savior and my Friend.

John Ernest Bode (1816-1874)

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Holy Spirit which brings to remembrance the preciousness of your Word. May you gird us with strength and help us to heed the words that come out of our mouths. Lord, may we be conscious of our role as followers of  Jesus Christ and exemplify meekness and lowliness even in our words.

May you be encouraged today to edify and build up those around you.
~Ellie