Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria Grace for Living Devotional Monday September 25, 2023 TOPIC: THE POWER OF THE TONGUE

BIBLE READING:

MARK 11:13-14, 20

Mark 11:13-14 

13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. 14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.  

Mark 11:20

 20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.  

KEY VERSE:

“Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.”  Job 22:28  

MEDITATION:

Words are incredibly powerful. They can build up, encourage, and motivate. Words can also tear down, hurt, and cause horrible scars. Remember the saying many of us used as little kids, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." That was surely a child’s understanding of physical trauma caused by objects! Words never fell into that category by little kids reasoning! Every grown up child and adult knows bad and harsh words cause psychological and emotional trauma, and could haunt one for years, and in some cases a lifetime! Some of us are living with the scars of the hurtful words of others.   

There are Christian families today whose homes are filled with continual bickering, yelling fussing, arguing, criticizing, and nagging at each other. Worst still are churches where members use their tongues to stir up strife, criticize, complain and spread falsehood about leaders and brethren. At the workplace some use their tongues to discredit fellow workers.   

Little wonder James said, “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain (James 1:26).   

Imagine a home, a church, a world where there is no anger, no profanity, no lying, no grumbling or complaining; suppose there were no dirty stories told, no unjust criticism—what a different world that would be!   

Do your words encourage, build or destroy?   

PRAYER:

Blessed Lord, help me to keep a check on my tongue so my conversation this day will be pleasing in your sight.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

PROVERBS 26-27, 2 CORINTHIANS 11