Germs and Jesus

Sharon JaynesPower of Words, Relationships 215 Comments

Hand sanitizers! We’ve never heard so much about washing hands and sanitizing hands in the history of man! It reminds me of a story about a little boy whose mother called him to come in from outside and wash up for dinner.

“But my hands aren’t dirty,” the boy argued.

“Yes, they are,” his mom replied. “They have germs on them, you just can’t see them.”

“Germs and Jesus,” the boy huffed. “That’s all I hear about around here and I’ve never seen either one of them!”

That’s a cute story, but we know that both germs and Jesus are very real.

Don’t you wish there was a heart sanitizer? A few squirts and voila, we’re good to go. Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple.

All through the Bible, we have accounts of God sending men and women out into the world with a message. Whether it is a message of repentance, judgment, deliverance, or hope, God made sure the messengers were placed in strategic moments in time to make an impact on those around them. But God didn’t send the messengers out unprepared. He trained them as only He can do, and He always put them through a process to examine their own hearts…to purify their hearts.

Isaiah was called to prophesy to Jerusalem 740 years before Christ. In the first five chapters, the overriding theme is impending judgment:

Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field…Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks…Woe to those who draw sin along with cords of deceit, and wickedness as with cart ropes…Woe to those who call evil good and good evil…Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks (Isaiah 5:8,11,18,20-22).

But then something happens to Isaiah as he sees his own life reflected in God’s magnificent glory. Isaiah had a vision.

I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty” (Isaiah 6:1-5).

I imagine Isaiah was feeling pretty good about himself, being called by God to prophesy to this irksome people. But just when he got out the sixth woe, God decided to hold up the mirror of His holiness in which Isaiah saw his own sin and examined his own heart. And where did the sin manifest itself? His words.

God doesn’t convict us of our sin to condemn us. He reveals our sin to clean us. Just as Isaiah was lamenting his foul tongue, one of the seraphim (brightly shimmering, heavenly beings whose name means “burning ones”) picked up a live coal with tongs from the altar of atonement and touched it to the prophet’s lips.

Now Isaiah was ready to go out into the world and proclaim God’s message to His people, and his “Woe is me” was transformed into “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). Now his heart was right before God.

Isaiah didn’t need to change his eating or drinking habits. He didn’t need to alter his outward appearance or take extra classes at the local seminary. He didn’t need his hands sanitized. He needed to have his words purified and his heart fortified so God could be properly glorified. While it is the Holy Spirit that gives us the power to change the words we speak, the desire to change begins in the heart.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus said: Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit…For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will condemned (12:33-37 NIV).

If we want to change the way we speak, we must examine our heart. Let’s pray with David, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right  spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10 ESV).

This week, every time you reach for the hand sanitizer, thank Jesus for being your heart purifier.

Heavenly Father, my prayer is simple but difficult today: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer with me today, then leave a comment and say, “Amen.”

My best-selling book, The Power of a Woman’s Words: How the Words You Speak Shape the Lives of Others and Bible study guide are being re-released with new content, including a chapter on the power of a woman’s words to her adult children…it’s complicated! Pre-order before April 21, 2020 and receive a free downloadable e-book of Enough: Silencing the Lies that Steal Your Confidence plus much more! Click here for details.

 

Words are one of the most powerful forces in the universe, and God has entrusted them to you! They echo in hearts and minds long after they are spoken. How will we use this gift? Your words can change the course of someone’s day…even someone’s life. Learn how to

  • exchange careless words that hurt for intentional words that help others succeed
  • recognize words that tear down confidence and replace them with words that build others up
  • overcome the negativity that pushes people away and become a well of positivity that draws others in
  • tame your tongue by practicing practical principles that help you think before you speak
  • stop being disappointed in your lack of control by taking hold into the power of the Holy Spirit
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Comments 215

  1. Thank, I needed to hear this word today. I am a extreme thought processes so do a lot of talking to prices me thoughts and my words don’t always come out right. Made me think about why I say the things I say. This is definitely an area of my life that I need to work on.

    Reply

    1. Yes indeed!
      This is a great devotional. And I love the prayer “Create in me a clean heart oh Lord”
      I am sure that is been a prayer of many as we go through this difficult time all over the face of the Earth .
      We are trusting in His word and praying His word without ceasing.
      I shared this devotional with several of the young Mommies that are in my life.
      They have little ones who could understand germs and Jesus I will be anticipating the response in the near future.
      Blessings to one and all. “May God bless your day, your way and the times that you pray🙏!”
      Captivated by His L💛ve…
      Bonnie🌼Joy.
      💛HEBREWS 12:2🌼

      Reply

  11. Wonderful reading, and so true – many thanks Sharon – I so enjoy all your articles & find them very helpful. God bless & stay safe.

    Reply

  12. Amen, a message I definitely needed to read, once our lockdown here in S.A. is over I am going to seek out your new book.

    Stay blessed

    Reply

  21. Thank you for this email. I am actually going thru this right now. I am trying to change my heart and my words. To me this email is a confirmation from God telling me to change.

    Reply

    1. Yes indeed!
      This is a great devotional. And I love the prayer “Create in me a clean heart oh Lord”
      I am sure that is been a prayer of many as we go through this difficult time all over the face of the Earth .
      We are trusting in His word and praying His word without ceasing.
      I shared this devotional with several of the young Mommies that are in my life.
      They have little ones who could understand germs and Jesus I will be anticipating the response in the near future.
      Blessings to one and all. “May God bless your day, your way and the times that you pray🙏!”
      Captivated by His L💛ve…
      Bonnie🌼Joy.
      💛HEBREWS 12:2🌼

      Reply

  24. Amen, thanks for your words of encouragement, My hearts cry today is !1’Create in me a clean heart O Lord…’

    Reply

  36. Thank you for this devotional. In this time of restricted movement and kids home all the time, the level of stress being created from constant interaction can trigger all of the issues you thought were under control to come roaring up again. Thank you for sharing strategies on how to be intentional with our words. We need this more than ever right now!

    Reply

  41. Amen. Praying for the right words to speak to my husband who has left me so discouraged and fearful of yet again going into debt. So many hurt and negative feelings in my heart. Thank you for this devotion.

    Reply

    1. Cindy: I know how you feel. If your husband left you, that is what i understand reading your comment, he will be back. If he does it will be your time to decide what to do. If he does not, it will be your gain anyways. Today you need to think about you and those you love.

      Reply

  43. This really speaks to me I often get angry and say things out of tone and anger….I am praying about this and trying to be more patient with others. My niebours who I’ve below me in a flat are very noisy and I feel a lot of anger towards them….please suggest some words to help me my anxiety is very bad too.

    Reply

  47. Amen, my prayer is that after the quarantine is over I will NOT go back to the normal,but this will change me for the better!

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  48. Selah… May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight O LORD my Strength and my Redeemer… Amen, Amen!

    Reply

  51. Amen! Your words spoke truth to my heart this morning. Thank you for this devotional that caused me to go to the Lord for purifucation and cleaning. Isaiah’s spoke life and refreshment to me.
    Hope my words speak encouragement to you today!
    May God richly bless you, Sharon, for the words you speak into women each day!

    Reply

  52. Amen. Yesterday was rough. Full on argument with our adult son who is a Christian, youth and small group leader. He made me feel like I’m wrong, and enabling his sister by babysitting so she can now work from home. His words really hurt and it took all of Gods power to keep me from giving this young man a piece of my mind. Then I realized it was just Satan using him to get me . . . And I felt some peace.

    Reply

  67. Like healing waters, these words!! And what an AWESOME reminder for our prayer life: thank God every time we sanitize our hands. I’ll be thank’n him all day long!!! Good stuff right here!!

    Reply

  84. Thia was a very timely devotion as we are growing annoyed of each other while we are in self isolation during this global pandemic. Parents have now become substitute teachers to their children causing patience to wear thin and words to be said that are not reflective of God and the love we have for Him and one another. I certainly prayed that prayer with you! Heavenly Father, please help my words to my family and others reflect a clean heart and right spirit. May my words build up and not tear down and be an example of what to say and how to say it!

    Reply

  86. This was a very timely devotion as we are growing annoyed of each other while we are in self isolation during this global pandemic. Parents have now become substitute teachers to their children causing patience to wear thin and words to be said that are not reflective of God and the love we have for Him and one another. I certainly prayed that prayer with you! Heavenly Father, please help my words to my family and others reflect a clean heart and right spirit. May my words build up and not tear down and be an example of what to say and how to say it!

    Reply

  90. Thank you for words of wisdom. I prayed Lord please create in me a pure heart. We have our two Great Grand boys who are 4 and 10 years old. We also are taking care of my 94 year old Mom. It sure gets hard at times.My husband and I are in our seventh. We know God has us here for this season. Please pray for us that we will finish this race He has us on to glorify Him.Thank you for being a in courageous with the Word of God.

    Reply

  92. This reminded me of a verse prayer I often pray from Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, Oh Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Thank you for this reminder and encouragement.

    Reply

  96. Amen! Thank you for this reminder that even in these trying times we need to turn to God for repentance and purification. Praying for all to choose faith over fear today.

    Reply

  103. A pray I pray almost every morning. Yes – to be kept purified in His eyes, so our interactions with others can come from a pure heart also 🌺❤

    Reply

  105. Amen! I’ve been praying for a heart of flesh to replace a hardened heart for others, but today I realized I need to begin with my own heart that has become so hardened and numb through the years. Needed this today! Bless you🙏

    Reply

  106. Thank you Sharon. Like Isaiah, I can think of people who say awful things. But then God reminds me to start with myself.

    Reply

  113. What a timely Word! We need this reminder that we are not perfect beings. When we point our finger at others we in turn are pointing at ourselves. No one is perfect but the Father. We are pursuing excellence. In our daily prayer we must confess our sins and ask God to purify our hearts so that we may worship Him in spirit and truth. We thank God that we have a heart purifier in Jesus. Amen!

    Reply

    1. I agree!! I needed this message today!
      Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10 ESV).

      Reply

  125. Thank you for this!

    This is a good reminder and message! I grew up in a negative and criticizing household. I find my thoughts and sometimes my words going down that path. Having the awareness of my words has helped me make improvements. Still need reminders as change takes time and positive reinforcements are extremely helpful. I believe the Holy Spirit brought me to realizing the power of words and am so grateful for the loving conviction.

    Reply

  126. Amen. Thank you for this reminder. I struggle with this daily in certain areas in my life. It reminds me that I can do nothing apart from God and only He can change my heart so that the words from my mouth are pleasing to Him.

    Reply

  128. I do not have adult children, but am wanting to become more intentional with my words and how I speak to others, mostly my significant other. Would this book and study be beneficial, or is it more geared toward speaking with adult children?

    Reply
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      Author

  139. Can I change me? I keep trying to learn more and to listen better and to put into practice what I have learned… I pray unceasingly… I feel stuck for lack of a better word.

    Reply

    1. No you can’t change yourself!
      The Holy Spirit changes us. We need to just give up. Quit trying!! That was the key!
      I just gave up!

      Reply

  146. Greetings, All!
    I want to share with all of you,
    this prayer which I have found ages ago. It does HELP much.

    “Dear Father, set a’watch upon my
    lips, my tongue control today.
    Help me evaluate each thought
    and guard each word I say.”

    Please join us, too, as we pray for our world.
    God bless! 😊

    Reply

  147. Greetings, All!

    I want to share with all of you,
    this prayer which I have found ages ago. It does HELP much.

    “Dear Father, set a’watch upon my
    lips, my tongue control today.
    Help me evaluate each thought
    and guard each word I say.”

    Please join us, too, as we pray for our world. God bless! 😊

    Reply

  149. What a beautiful Devotion. I have been learning over the last two years to control my tongue. It’s such a blessing to have the Holy Spirit in me, helping me in times of trouble. Thank you for your encouraging words. God bless you.

    Reply

    1. Sharon,
      Again I have to say thank you! Thank you for giving me a focus for this time in my life. God help me to center my all in you. Help me to be a light to others, especially those who don’t know you. It is so easy for me to be negative right now. I am an amputee that has injured my residual limb. I haven’t been able to wear my leg for a month and I’m told it could be 3 more months before I’ll be able to wear my prosthetic. It is really hard to be so limited again in addition to the corona virus scare we are going thru. I need to not look at me and have a pity party. I ask God to forgive me and cleanse me, to give me a clean heart that is focused on being a light to others during these trying times. We need to trust, focus on God and help others to see Him by our actions and words.
      Thank you Sharon for helping me focus again on God, all He is all He has done and all He is doing for us.
      I love you sister.
      Diane

      Reply

  153. Sharon,
    Thank you for getting my focus where it needs to be. First God and our relationship, confessing my sin to Him and asking Him for forgiveness. And then reaching out to others during this current darkness. Help us all to glorify God. My prayer is that God would use me as His light to others. It is more important today than ever.
    Praise God!
    Your sister in Christ!
    Diane

    Reply

  155. Amen thank you so much for this devotional today as this has become where I am in this season of life. Surely we know that only the Lord can cleanse in every way!
    Blessings

    Reply

  182. Another favorite:
    Search me, O God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
    See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24

    Thanks Sharon!!

    Reply

  185. Amen!! Thank you for this message today. After reading this i felt the Holy Spirit’s nudging to repent of some hurtful words i spoke recently thinking i was “right” – oh my – what is evil in my heart comes out as evil in my words!! Sharon you are amazing!! God Bles s you and your ministry!!

    Reply

  186. Thank you for this message. AMEN. There are times that I speak harshly to my children and I know that it hurts them so much. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10 ESV) will be my life verse.

    Reply

  188. This is my first time putting a comment on here please forgive if any mistakes happen,thank you.GodsWord is so powerful I am very conscious of His Words I want to know more of them that I may praise His Holy Name more .OGod create in me a clean heart please … and take not Your Holy. Spirit from me .i love You Ruth x

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  194. AMEN!! This is exactly what I needed to read today…this year! I’m going to share this prayer with every one of my friends on social media. God Bless All!

    Reply

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