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Proverbs 18:21 says:

The tongue has the power of life and death and those who love it will eat its fruit.

This verse is describing the influence of the words that we speak. Can you think of a time when someone said something to you, that stabbed your confidence or made you feel worthless? Has there been a moment where you were just about the make a breakthrough, and those words replayed in your mind and halted your progress? This is something we know to be true because we experience it everyday. Proverbs 15:1 says:

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

According to this verse, if you want to get along with people and avoid conflict and hurt, you need to be kind. You may be thinking, “That’s obvious. Tell me something I don’t know.”

Sometimes we may be speaking kind words, but our tone of voice ruins the whole thing. The way you say something can change the whole context. Honestly, this is something that I am constantly struggling with: what I am trying to say, versus what people are actually hearing. Do you often speak with a sarcastic tone? I’ll admit it; that’s me! Proverbs 26:18-19 says:

Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I am only joking!”

This may be harsh and over the top considering the tiny bits of sarcasm we use, but it is clear that God calls for us to be straight with those we speak to. In Matthew 5:37, Jesus says,

All you need to say is simply simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Yes, it’s true that in this verse, Jesus was referring to making promises to others.  This verse could certainly apply to other aspects of communication as well.

It’s not just the words that we say, but the words that we don’t say. “The tongue has the power of LIFE and death.” Through your words you can tear someone down, but you can also BUILD THEM UP! Lets take the question from the beginning and turn it around: Can you remember a time when someone spoke something so encouraging to you, that it gave you the strength to reach your breakthrough? Has someone’s words ever brought life into your situation? If not, let me encourage you now. You are a child of the king. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You have a purpose for God’s kingdom. God loves YOU so much that He sent his only son to die on a cross, so that you might have eternal life, and so you can have a personal relationship with the Creator.

Now, you have a job to encourage others! We are to be the body of Christ and a testimony to Him. We are to make sure that we are using our powers for good, and that our words give life and not death.

You’ve got the power! How are you going to use it?

 Some mornings I wake up and I can’t wait to get into the Word! Unfortunately, that’s not the case every single day.

“I just want that one more hour of sleep!”

“I didn’t have time, but I’ll do it tomorrow!”

“I’m not in the mood.”

“I haven’t gotten anything out of it in a while, so I’m going to take a break.”

There are more excuses that we make, when we try to justify why we didn’t do our quiet time.

The same concept goes for worshipping. We may not always get the “goosebumps” all the time, but does that mean He doesn’t deserve our praise?

It may come from tiredness or laziness. It may go deeper; you may be depressed or struggling with your relationship with God. No matter the reason, the only way to combat these feelings, to get through the difficult season, is to press on anyway.

The song quoted it my picture is a song by Hillsong United. One of my favorite lines in the song is:

Even when it makes no sense to sing; louder then I’ll sing your praise.

It’s easy to praise Him when things are up and going your way. Do you praise Him at your lowest? Do you do your quiet time when you’re in the valley? Do you serve Him when you feel you have nothing to offer?

Declare it for yourself today!

Even if __________________________, I will praise you!

  Psalm 139 is a beautiful chapter of the Bible that describes how intimately God knows us. Verse 14, is a common verse that, says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” That speaks volumes! 
At times we can feel worthless and as if we don’t contribute anything to this world or to the kingdom, but that’s not true. 

The God who created all things, the one who formed the sun, the stars and the moon, also created YOU! Luke 12 says that he even knows the number of hairs on your head. 

Just think about it, if this awesome God took the time to form you and give you the specific personality that you have, he must have a determined plan for your life. You have a purpose! We all do. We are the body of Christ and we all work together to achieve God’s purpose. 

You may not see it right now. I’ll even admit that I’m currently in a season where I am unsure of where he wants me to go. 

There is something I do know! I know that I’m going to praise Him when I’m confused, when I’m angry, when I’m tired, and when I just don’t know what to do. I’m going to praise Him because he formed me in such a way. I’m going to praise Him because even though I may not know all the details… I know I was made to glorify His name. 

I encourage you to read all of Psalm 139. 

  What is your contribution to God’s kingdom? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talked about being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Matthew 5:13-16 says:

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 

First, what is the purpose of salt? Salt is a seasoning. If a seasoning has no flavor, then what’s the use? Likewise, we, as Christians, are to be the seasoning in this very stale world. We were not called to blend in to this world, but to stand out. We should affect the people around us and bring out the best in this world, like seasoning brings out the best flavor in food. 

Jesus also said that we are to be the light of the world. Again, he is calling us to stand out. It is very easy to see the darkness in this world. If you watch the news, or go online, the darkness seems to overcome everything.  

The lyrics of an old children’s song go as follows: “This little light of mine; I’m going to let it shine (pointer fingers up and all).” It may seem to you as if your light doesn’t make a difference, but I promise people notice. Just like a smile (or a yawn) is contagious, when you are a light for others to see, people will notice and follow that light. 

Lastly, we should know where that light comes from. It doesn’t come from you, it doesn’t come from your church, or your pastor. The light comes only from above. Verse 16 says, “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven.” Always remember what it’s all about: glorifying the Father. Your light does not come from you. The purpose of shining this light is not to get attention. This instruction is kingdom business. Let there be less of me, you, and this world and more of Him!

  Philippians 4:6-7 says:

We all have worries! We worry about school, our jobs, our families, our friends, our relationships and even our pets. We worry about what people think about us and we worry about the future. We worry so much, that when God tells us not to be anxious, it seems impossible. 

In these verses, Paul is telling us what to do with these worries. He is telling us to pray. We are to give it all up to God. All the clutter that fills your mind and all the stuff that’s getting in the way of your relationship with God needs to be presented to Him. 

Do you know what these verses do not say? These verses do not say that your problems will all go away. It’s easy to think: “I followed the instruction. I pray every day and tell him all my concerns, but I still have problems.” Then, we add a whole new bunch of anxieties to the list. 

God is saying that if you rely on him, he will give you peace. He will give you peace that “transcends all understanding,” which means that you will feel peace in even the hardest of situations. You will feel peace when the world tells you that you shouldn’t. 

In the book of Job, Job lost his family and all his possessions, yet he still praised the Lord and refused to sin against him. Even his wife cursed Job for his steadfastness. Times were still tough, but he understood that God was in control of all things. 

Today, do you want to feel peace? Give it all to God. He will take care of the rest. 

  
How do you start your mornings? Some prefer a hearty breakfast while others just need that first cup of coffee. Personally, I like smoothies.What about after that? Shower, Hair, Makeup for the ladies, and then you put on your clothes. 

Now what about our spiritual clothing. Colossians 3:12-14 says:

At my church, we say this scripture every week. It’s said so often that it’s easy to forget. Some of these virtues are harder than others. For me, I have trouble showing compassion, kindness, and gentleness when the kids at work are driving me crazy or when my fiancé does the things he knows get under my skin. 
Just something to think about in the morning as you go through your day. Just like we have to clothe our body before going out into the world, we also have to clothe our spirit. 

Hello! My name is Meghan. I am a Florida Atlantic University grad and recently married to a wonderful man. I am passionate about movies, books, Broadway, and most of all… My relationship with…

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