Did you know you can literally create the atmosphere around you just by the words you speak? The Bible tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Do we realize that our words have power to create? Think about that – our tongue has power!!!!

In the beginning, God created everything by speaking it into existence. You open up the Bible and the very first words are “In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth. The earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the deep waters,” Genesis 1:1-3. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.”

We see that from the beginning, everything that was created was spoken into existence. Our words are the very thing that create and bring things into existence.

We spout words out so quickly without realizing the long-term ramifications. God wants us to be cautious and aware of what is coming out of our mouth. In fact, He tells us “be slow to speak and swift to listen.”

Our words are like seeds. Once they are spoken, it’s a matter of time until those words come to fruition. Also, think of our tongue as a paintbrush and the words, the paint. What are you dipping your paintbrush in and what is the picture you are painting with the words you speak? Your tongue is like an instrument, what is the sound coming out? Is beautiful to the ear and others around you? We encourage you to read ALL of James, Chapter 3, but here are a few verses regarding the power in our words and how important it is t God and for our own well-being and growth as Christians.

James 3:1-6– “My dear brothers and sisters, don’t be so eager to become a teacher in the church since you know that we who teach are held to a higher standard of judgment.We all fail in many areas, but especially with our words. Yet if we’re able to bridle the words we say we are powerful enough to control ourselves in every way, and that means our character is mature and fully developed. Horses have bits and bridles in their mouths so that we can control and guide their large body. And the same with mighty ships, though they are massive and driven by fierce winds, yet they are steered by a tiny rudder at the direction of the person at the helm.

And so the tongue is a small part of the body yet it carries great power! Just think of how a small flame can set a huge forest ablaze. And the tongue is a fire! It can be compared to the sum total of wickedness and is the most dangerous part of our human body. It corrupts the entire body and is a hellish flame. It releases a fire that can burn throughout the course of human existence.”

So what do our words have the power to do?

Our words have the power to build or tear down, to bring life or death, to bring blessings or cursing, to bring hope or discouragement. Do we even realize that a lot of the situations we find ourselves in are because of the words we have spoken?

Those who constantly speak negative about themselves saying, “I’m not good enough, I’m not smart enough, I’m broke…” That is what you will be and where you will stay. If you want to change your situation, then change your words!

The only words we should be speaking are truth and what God’s Word says! In Matthew 4:4,it tells us, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.”

The Word works! I mean, the world knows it. Look at all the motivational speakers, life coaches, Oprah. They take biblical principles and use them because it works. You hear motivational speakers say “speak those things you want and you will have them.” Well, they took that from the Bible!

Mark 11:23 tells us, “I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea, and it will happen.” Matthew tells us “Whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive if you have faith.” Isaiah 55:11 tells us, “So shall my word that goes out from my mouth, it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

The world has taken Biblical principles and twisted them to fit their agendas. Christians, the world is taking the Word and working it. We see so many non-believers who are prospering and yet we complain and say why is it they are wealthy? Let’s stop complaining and begin to speak the Word until it settles in our heart and renews our mind and we believe it!!! Then we will se our world change, our situations change, our marriages and relationships change!

Here are a few scriptures to meditate on when praying for God’s power over your words!

Proverbs 12:18  (TPT) – Reckless words are like the thrusts of a sword, cutting remarks meant to stab and to hurt. But the words of the wise soothe and heal.

Psalm 141:3 (NKJV)– Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.

Proverbs 16:24 (TPT) – Nothing is more appealing than speaking beautiful, life-giving words. For they release sweetness to our souls and inner healing to our spirits.

Proverbs 18:21  (MSG)– Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.

Matthew 15:11(TPT)– What truly contaminates a person is not what he puts into his mouth but what comes out of his mouth. That’s what makes people defiled.”

Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)– Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)– So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

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