Today’s Truth
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” Proverbs 18:21 (NIV).
Friend To Friend
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). When God created the world, stocked the seas with marine life and the skies with winged creatures – when he caused the stars to ignite the night sky and placed the sun to light the day and the moon to illumine the darkness – He did so with words. “And God said, ‘Let there be light.'” “And God said, ‘Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water.” “And God said, ‘Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.'” “And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night…'” “And God said, ‘Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.'” “And God said, ‘Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds…'” “And God said, Let us make man in our own image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.'” …. “And it was so.” God spoke and what was not – became what is. When God created the heavens and the earth, He used a mighty force – words. “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth” (Psalm 33:6).
Amazingly, when God created mankind in His own image, He gave us that same powerful tool. He didn’t entrust words to zebra’s, birds, monkeys, elephants, lizards, or horses. He entrusted words to mere mortals. Our words also have creative potential. They can create a smile on a discouraged child’s face, lighten the heart of a husband loaded down with burdens, fan into a flame the dying embers of a friend’s smoldering dreams, cheer brothers and sisters in Christ to run the race with endurance, and bring the message of hope and healing of Jesus Christ to a wounded world. Words are one of the most powerful forces in the universe and, amazingly, God has entrusted them to you and me.
How will we use this incredible gift from God? Will we use words to bring life or death? Encouragement or discouragement? Let’s pay particular attention to the words we speak and use our words to speak life into the people in our little part of the world today.
A careless word may kindle strife;
A cruel word may wreck a life.
A bitter word may hate instill;
A brutal word may smite and kill.
A gracious word may smooth the way;
A joyous word may light the day.
A timely word may lessen stress;
A loving word may heal and bless.
(Author Unknown)
Let’s Pray
Dear Father, I am amazed that You have entrusted us with such a powerful tool…words. May we use our words to bless and not to curse, to build up and not to tear down, to heal and not to hurt. By the power of the Holy Spirit, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart by pleasing in Your sight.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Read the following verses and fill in the blanks:
Genesis 1:3 And _______ _______, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed ___ _________ ______________so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
Psalm 33:6 By the ______________________ were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
What did you discover about the power of God’s words?
Now, on a similar note, what can you surmise about the power of your own words?
Throughout the day, ask yourself this question: Did my words build up or tear down?
Comments 21
Sometimes trying to find the right things to say can be extremely difficult. I have a friend that has recently been asked to repent for his transgressions. He has admitted to his sins and now has the chance redeem himself through repayment. Unfortunately I’m in the position to ensure that this happens. In order for me to be a positive influence on him and remain supportive our relationship has to change from one of friendship to one of leadership and enforcement. I don’t know what I can say or do to help ease the burden and not show my genuine care and concern for him, and yet remain objective in our relationship. He knows that I have an affinity towards him and yet remains at a safe distance so as to not make it apparent to others in our organization. I have developed guilt because of this. I don’t want our relationship to feel strained and yet I want that openness we once shared. I feel almost as if I have betrayed him and now the damage is done and there is nothing I can do to return things to the way they were before I knew these things about him. I would love to be able to just forgive him and forget what happened and move on.
Any words of encouragement or advice would be most appreciated. Thank you.
Tera
Today’s Truth is a blessing for me. My fiancee and I have been arguing for awhile and we both have been saying some very harsh things to each other. I am not innocent and will admit that the words I have said to him have not been words of encouragement but words to discourage. I thank God for this message because it has help me see that by trying to point out my fiancees wrongs I should point out the good too. Thank you Girlfriends in God for your many truths, they help me to stop and think about what I am doing in my life that is not what God wants me to do and to correct my wrongs.
The tongue is one deadly weapon people use instead of other harms.Therefore one has to be careful as christians not to use it in the wrong way,rather we should use it to encourage one another and use it as a weapon against the devil.May God help us all!
This message came at a time when I needed it most, as most of your daily newsletters are. Thank you for your ministry. It is God-sent.
~Judy
Thanks!
I appreciate the thought provoking poem Sharon included: esp. the line that reads “a cruel word may wreck a life.”
This underscores the fact that we have to take responsibilty for everything that comes out of our mouths. Have you ever felt pure guilt and shame sweep over you at the reality that you can not take back what you said? You can apologize and agonize, regret and repent, but really, you can not go back in time to the place BEFORE you spoke and try again.
Long ago a pastor once told me, “words are like toothpaste.”
He squeezed some toohpaste out of a tube he held and then challenged, “Now, try to get it back in the tube.”
You can’t. Try it…have your kids try it.
Although I have a long way to go, this toothpaste illustration helps me to choose my words more carefully. Sharon’s devotion prompts me to pay close attention to the words I speak!
God bless you Sharon
YOU HAVE JUST THE RIGHT WAY OF EXPLAINING THE THINGS IN THE WORD THAT I THOUGHT I ALREADY KNEW YOU SEEM TO BE ABLE TO OPEN UP A NEW WAY OF THOUGHT I REALLY APPRECIATE THE WAY THAT GOD IS USING YOU
KEEP UP THE GOOD FIGHT
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
LOVE IN CHRIST
ANOTHER GIG
What a powerful study and presented in a way that I can really grasp. Thanks so much for using God’s gift of teaching! Peace. Norma.
Thanks for todays message. I recently hired a new assistant and not being used anymore to telling someone else what to do I tend to be harsh when I speak to them. One of the guys told me I sometimes sound as if I am talking to a child not an adult woman. I need to be more uplifting in what I say and easier than I am when correcting actions.
Your message is very timely for me.
Hi Sharon!
I’m just getting back in to reading daily devotionals. I’ve been dry like a desert for the last 5 years at least, if not longer. I have a difficult time finding something that quenched my thirst.
This morning I fell upon your devotional on “Girlfriends for God” titled “Changing the Way We Speak by the Word of God” (September 25) and my thirst has been quenched! Thank you! I am going to put this into practice in how I talk to my boyfriend, his son, my family, friends and clients…even in my “Food That’s Hot” videos on youtube.com/FoodThatsHot.
Thank you again!
Stay Sweet,
Dorothy
P.S. Tell me if you have an idea of a food for my video on youtube.com/FoodThatsHot
These devotions are a staple in my daily walk and growth with God. I have been subscribing to Girlfriends in God for about a year now. Every daily devotion is like God placed it in your heart just for me. I had always worried before that I never get a spare moment without kids to walk and talk with God, therefore I wasn’t growing. It wasn’t until I subscribed to these devotions did I start growing. I can sit in front of my computer at work every morning and start my day with God. Sometimes I print the devotions so I can further study them along with God’s Word. Thank you for being a vessel for God’s good news. This weeks devotion is what I needed because my tongue is what I struggle with. But now I understand that only God can control it, not I alone. God bless you always.
I have had someone close to me take stabs at me all the time. And I have held my cool because I get so mad when they do that. This weekend, I wrote a paragraph as a comeback to this person so that if they say that hurtful thing to me again, I would have an intelligent comeback. Your article today made me laugh, I did not prepare a quick phrase back, I had a whole paragragh. I do not need to have a comeback, I have a loving God who loves me enouhg to fill my life with so many wonderful things every waking moment of my life. That should feel me up.
My dear sweet Sis. Sharon, you know the Bible says “The Tongue is sharper than any two edged sword” It cuts like a knife and some people are still trying to let God heal their wounds. You have to let go and let God take care of those wounds. I know from experience. It is so hard, but I just leave it in God’s hands. Nothing is impossible with God. All things are possible with God. Praise the Lord. Sis. Sharon, keep up the good works that God has created you to do. Thanks
Oh, Sharon–you could have been describing me! My acerbic wit was a great source of pride to me (one of many pride issues) for years, and I struggle to bridle my tongue every day. I had to chuckle when you admitted that you have those “what a waste” moments when you think of all those victoriously unspoken witty comebacks. 🙂
Hi
Today’s lesson is one that really hits home for me. I saw a t-shirt that said Lord keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth. I am not a morning person and like to be left alone for awhile after I get up.My husband ges up earlier and when I am up he talks talks.I have asked the Lord to help me so I am a work in progress.I also have anger issues I didn’t know I had and snap before I think.
Before I go any farther let me say I am 72 years old and was not always this way but in 1979 whn my frst husband and father of my 4 children aso the love of my life left for someone else after 24 years marriage I think that is when my bitterness and anger started.
This marriage now has been 25 years with a man who can’t or won’t show any love and affection its like living with a brother. But that’s another issue I would love to discuss with someone.
So it is very hard in this day when so many are not polite or caring to hold back the tongue. I also know the Holy Spirit will help with that if we let him.
God Bless you in your teaching
Thank you Sharon for your words of wisdom. My husband has often accused me of not being a good communicator and it frustrates him. I have often walked away or even dismiss his comments.
We have been married for 16 years and I still don’t get it. Thanks again for this pertinent devotion.
Very relateable blog and i will be looking forward to reading more of them. Just a quick word to Alice. God Bless you and i pray you find comfort in Jesus’ loving arms. I can relate to you sadly, but i know God is looking to me, for me to receive from Him, what i do not have in myself to give out to others. Today i just basked in the Fathers love and felt whole. Blessings ladies in whatever trials or joys you are having in your lives.
Wow! Lately, I’ve been pushed to recogize how my words affect my relationships. It’s been eye-opening, to say the least. In the last couple of weeks, I’d been “told” about my words and/or the attitude I give off. Honestly, I was shocked (and hurt, to tell the truth). But, as this came up more than once in a short period of time, I knew I had to own up to my mouth!
I’ve prayed to God to guide me . . . to help me possess the peace I need and not to have to defend or prove myself when I “feel attacked”. That’s a question, too: Is this really an attack or am I just seeing it that way?
All that said, I am so thankful to see that this week’s devotionals have been wrapped around just what I needed! Don’t we always say that-God is wonderful! 🙂 I know I’m on the right track to becoming the woman God put me here to be.
THANK YOU!
RYL
I read an article about turning complaining into contentment; that is the one I would like to comment about It was so challenging! Remembering the situation, St. Paul was in when he wrote the letter to the Philippians. I am a person who is so easily given to complaining, in spite of really being more blessed than many people. Actually I should never be complaining. I have suffered from Depression for many years and it seems to be worsening instead of improving despite treatmemt and prayers. My prayer to God is to learn to be content and to have the Grace to learn to rest in God, believing that He is working out something for His Glory and my own good. I encourage the Brethren who may be facing severe trials to surrender to God’s love and power; not that I am really good at that-far from it! Let us pray for each other,for with God all things are possible.
Today I was introduced to your website and I have been smiling since I began reading. (I love conviction, It makes us better people!) As I was Reading under “Let’s pray” I noticed that with an omission of the letter “D” in Dear Lord, it becomes “EAR Lord”.
If we remember that Jesus is listening to our every word we will surely think twice before we speak once. Thanks for sharing!