08/03/2022
MORNING DEW DEVOTIONAL.
TOPIC: Weigh your words
TEXT: James 3:2-3,5-8 KJV
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. [3] Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. [5] Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! [6] And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. [7] For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: [8] But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
When it comes to your tongue, here are three rules:
(1) Don't speak too quickly.
We all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we...could...control ourselves in every other way' (James 3:2). Because you can never be totally aware of all the sensitivities of a person, you must rely on the Holy Spirit to direct your speech in a way that doesn't tap into their pain or other negative experiences. Everybody has a different sensitivity level, depending on their past experiences. That includes you. So practise not being easily offended, and giving others the benefit of the doubt when they say something that could be misconstrued as offensive.
(2) Don't respond to matter too quickly.
'To answer before listening that is folly and shame' (Proverbs 18:13). Before you speak, listen and make sure you understand what is really being said. And if you don't - say so. Your need to 'look good' can cause you to lose the respect of the person you're seeking to impress.
(3) Don't make a promise too quickly.
Solomon writes, 'Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God' (Ecclesiastes 5:2 NKJV). Then he goes on to explain how we shouldn't try to drop out of a commitment by saying we made a mistake. Your word is your bond, and when you break a promise, you hurt people and forfeit their trust.
So pause before you speak, and if need be, take time to pray. Your time and your words are two things that can never be taken back, so carefully weigh what you say. Be a good manager of your thoughts.
PRAYERS
Oh Lord, I receive wisdom to manage my thoughts and line them up with your Words in Jesus Christ mighty name amen and amen.
Oh Lord help me not to offend my destiny helpers by the words I use in Jesus Christ mighty name amen and amen.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I humble myself under total control of my words, will actions, thoughts, decision, finances, and many others by the Holy Spirit in Jesus Christ mighty name amen and amen.
I decree and declare, this year enemies shall not be able to use our words against or to hinder our progress in Jesus Christ mighty name amen and amen.
Good morning great men and women, do have a winning Tuesday.
Remember Heaven is real and Hell is real.....
Shalom!!
Rev. Andrew Odeje
Lead pastor VOFPAI.