9-22-23
I often wonder if my devotions are starting to sound like all the others. Like I am repeating myself. But I remind myself, I am not a pastor, a theologian or a writer. God has given me words over these past couple of years and hopefully they are touching those He intends to touch. But words are powerful things.
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
If you have known me for more than 5 minutes, you know I talk…. A lot. I feel that I haven’t got the first part down completely. Sometimes I am surprised at what comes out of my mouth. Sometimes I realize hours later that what I said wasn’t exactly what I meant.
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
1 Peter 3:10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;
James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
Proverbs 10:19. When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
Proverbs 12:18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
So then we see that the tongue can be used for good or bad. For tearing down or building up. Now, knowing that I am a sinful person and fearful of saying wrong things, I am working on Ephesians 4:29 especially. I am hoping that my words will build you up, and I am always speaking to myself when I write as well.
Lord, help me to be a vessel of encouragement to others. I have so appreciated the encouragement that others have given to me. Help me also to watch my tongue that I will not cause anyone to feel less about themselves, only better. Help me to say something encouraging to someone every day. Amen.
Shirlene Peterson