Thought for the Day

The majority of us are unaware of the power of our words. People who complain or speak pessimistically release the death principle and all its negative effects into their lives. We will ultimately receive the things that we speak (see Day 83). If we speak evil long enough, it will come to pass; likewise, if we speak good. We must also realize that we will be judged by what we say. We must set a guard on our mouths, and learn to control our conversations. Jesus tells us that what comes out of the mouth reveals what is in the heart. We all occasionally say things that we should not; however, the things that we speak "in abundance" reveal what is in our hearts in abundance.

"Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned" (Matthew 12:33-37). "And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God" (Jeremiah 23:36).

If we do not properly care for our bodies, illness will eventually set in. On the other hand, healthy food and exercise, brings life to our bodies. Likewise, the words that we speak release life or death (Proverbs 17:22). When I feel weak or tired, I remember Ephesians 6:10: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might." I voice it as a prayer, thanking God that I can depend upon His strength rather than my own. When I do this, I feel stronger. My fatigue may be real, but the Word of God is greater than my feelings. However, if I start complaining about how weak I feel, it has the opposite affect upon me. Truly, life and death are in the power of the tongue. "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:14).