Carefully Prepare Your Words

Our words are powerful, ladies and gentlemen.

Matthew 12:34-37-

 

Ana Martinez, Voices Against the Grain Guest Blogger

Ana Martinez, Voices Against the Grain Guest Blogger

34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 A good man out of the good treasures of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. (King James Version)

As stated in verse 36, we will one day give an account for every idle word we have spoken.  Now is the time to change our attitudes and behaviors in order to align ourselves with the Written Word of God.  Words are powerful: a compliment can brighten someone’s day, and a mean word can destroy it.  I see the importance in this firsthand with my children.  When my little ones play basketball they always look over to make sure I am paying attention. When I give them a “thumbs up” and say “good job,” their confidence soars.  The same with my oldest.  When I tell her “great job running, I am so proud of you” she smiles and feels accomplished.  However, on my stressful days if I snap at them for little things, their spirit is easily crushed.  I am learning to recognize the power of words in how they can build up or tear down.  While it is always important to speak truth in all circumstances, we need to go about it in a way that is non-abrasive and choose our words carefully.

I challenge you to speak life to those around you.  Allow God’s Praises to continually be upon your lips and let the law of kindness be upon your tongue. Invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart in hopes to uproot any and all bitterness or resentment you may have. “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh (verse 34).”

I speak Blessings over you my Brothers and Sisters.   Remember you are a Chosen Generation; a Royal Priesthood!

If you are want to gain control over the words you speak, here are a few more helpful scriptures to study:  Proverbs 18:21, Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 15:4.

About Ana Martinez

Ana Martinez was born in Michigan. When she was age 4, her parents Pastor Juan and Deborah Martinez founded the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship in Almont, Mich.  Ana grew up in the church and in a humble, loving Christian home.  Her parent’s faithfulness and commitment to ministry for over 27 years has been a testimony to her.  In her youth she was like the prodigal son.  She knows what it means to walk away from your call and to stray from the Word of God.  Her life experiences have taught her that God’s way and His principals are worth upholding.  She is a God-fearing Christian woman determined to do the will of The Lord.  Her heart’s desire is to reach the lost and win souls for the kingdom of heaven by sharing the Good News, according to Matthew 28:19. Ana truly believes people are hurting and need to know that there is forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give ye rest.”

Ana has served on the Missionary Field, and has served in and led praise and worship, web design, children’s ministry and youth ministry.  Ana’s most recent initiative isGeorgia Peach Ministry, a non-profit she founded that serves widows and orphans.  Ana is also on the board of the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship. Ana is a private chef and has worked with professional athletes over the past five years. She is also an entrepreneur and is part owner in an interior design business, a chef placement business, and is entering into the food product industry.

Ana resides in Southern California with her three beautiful children and seeks daily to model this scripture from Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Advertisement

Watch Your Words Diligently

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Our words have power. The tongue can be a demoralizing or uplifting tool. We’ve all been in situations where a heated discussion with someone got the best of us. Often we wish we could take those words back, but we can’t. To combat this, we should prayerfully seek more wisdom, exercise self-control, strive to listen more and consider our responses with love and truth before speaking the words. Even in my boldness, I seek to exercise wisdom in choosing my words. Today’s post is from the devotional book Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. The devotionals are rooted in scripture and presented in the perspective of Jesus speaking to you. Today’s message encourages us to “watch our words diligently” so as not to harm one another or ourselves.

WATCH YOUR WORDS DILIGENTLY.  Words have such a great power to bless or to wound. When you speak carelessly or negatively, you damage others as well as yourself. This ability to verbalize is an awesome privilege, granted only to those I created in My image. You need help in wielding this mighty power responsibly.

Though the world applauds quick-witted retorts, My instructions about communication are quite different:  Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Ask My Spirit to help you whenever you speak. I have trained you to pray—“Help me, Holy Spirit”—before answering the phone, and you have seen the benefits of this discipline. Simply apply the same discipline to communicating with people around you. If they are silent, pray before speaking to them. If they are talking, pray before responding. These are split-second prayers, but they put you in touch with My Presence. In this way, your speaking comes under the control of My Spirit. As positive speech patterns replace your negative ones, the increase in your Joy will amaze you.

words hugging womanAccompanying Scriptures: Proverbs 12:18, “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” James 1:19-20, “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” 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.” (New International Version)