Well, shut my mouth!

"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." Ephesians 4:29

Every conversation, no matter how short or how long, leaves the other person either feeling better or worse. It doesn't matter if it's an online conversation of a couple of sentences, a short conversation with a store clerk, a lengthy phone chat or asking our children to do something - in any situation, our words have the power to heal or hurt.

It's not just the words we use, but the tone of our voice, the expression on our face, even our body language conveys either a positive or negative message to the other person.

Think your words aren't important? Read what Jesus has to say about out words in Matthew 12:34-37...

³⁴ You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. ³⁵ 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. ³⁶ But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. ³⁷ For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Do your words bring healing or hurt?

"The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18

Your words matter a great deal.  

Let's leave a trail of smiles behind us, not a trail of destruction.

*****

Scripture Prayer:

“Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141: NIV)

"Help me, Lord, to keep my mouth shut and my lips sealed." (Psalm 141:3 NLT)

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What happens when we talk about the Lord?

Don't you just love getting into a good conversation about the Lord? When thoughts and scriptures flow to and from one another? When questions are asked and someone can give the answer from the Word? When a friend shares a moment when God stepped into the middle of a bad situation and turned it around for good?

Those kind of conversations stir my spirit and build my faith, but there's something else that happens when we stop along the way to talk about the Lord together.  I found it in Malachi 3:16 this morning...

"Then those who feared the Lord talked often one to another; and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who reverenced and worshipfully feared the Lord and who thought on his name." (AMP)

"Then those who honored the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened and heard them. The names of those who honored the Lord and respected him were written in his presence in a book to be remembered." (NCV)

"Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name." (NIV)

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name." (KJV)

"Then those whose lives honored God got together and talked it over. God saw what they were doing and listened in. A book was opened in God’s presence and minutes were taken of the meeting, with the names of the God-fearers written down, all the names of those who honored God’s name." (MSG)

Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name." (NLT)

See, no matter which version of the Bible you prefer, the fact remains that God takes notice of what we say about him when we get together. He keeps a record of our conversations. 

How it must please him when his children discuss his goodness and faithfulness. How he must delight when we speak in faith rather than in fear and trust rather than doubt. It must cheer his heart when he hears his children encourage one another to stand strong in their faith. He must be thrilled when we surround a hurting brother or sister with love and prayers and support.

Let's bring him honor today. Let's be aware of our words as we talk with one another. May our words encourage, uplift and inspire others to draw closer to Him.

He is watching and listening to our conversations. Will he be blessed or disappointed with what we say today?

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