Day 1
Proverbs 21:30 states that there is no wisdom, no insight, and no plan that can succeed against the LORD.
Believers should remember that God’s omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent power eradicates all attempts to conceal the truth from Him. God knows your heart, your intentions, and your words. In fact, God even knows what you are going to say before you say it. (Psalm 139:4)
Our hearts and mouths are closely interconnected and require constant reflection to ensure we are acceptable in God’s sight. Our words reveal what our hearts are full of—either goodness or wickedness.
God hears and discerns the hearts of individuals who:
- Encourage or mock
- Love or hate
- Plot evil or plan goodwill
- Speak harshly or show love
- Belittle others or uplift them
- Disrespect God-given relationships and authority or honor loved ones and respect authority
What is in one’s heart eventually comes out of their mouth. The account of Ananias and Sapphira illustrates this well.
During the time the apostles were testifying about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, many believers who owned land and houses sold their property and brought the entire profit to the apostles. The generosity and love that these believers showed supported the apostles’ ministry and needs. (Acts 4:32-37)
However, in Acts 5:1-11, we read about Ananias and Sapphira, who sold a piece of property but kept back part of the earnings, bringing only a portion of the profit to the apostles.
Both Ananias and Sapphira knew they were not giving the full amount from their sale. Although they had complete control over what they gave, their deceitful hearts exposed their insincerity.
As a result, Ananias died, and his body was carried out and buried.
Later, when Peter questioned Sapphira about the sale of their land, she continued the lie she had discussed with her husband, showing deceit and hypocrisy, which led to her immediate death as well.
Ananias and Sapphira didn’t lie to the apostles; they lied to God. Sapphira missed an opportunity to speak the truth and examine her heart.
This is a crucial lesson for us: God sees our hearts and hears what comes out of our mouths.
- What is your heart full of?
- What is coming out of your mouth?
- Are your words and the meditations of your heart pleasing to God?
May God help us watch our mouths.
Amen.
May your faith bear fruit worthy of repentance.
DAY 2
The words we speak have the power to bless or curse.
Regardless of your circumstances, be mindful of the words you choose. In scripture, the Shunammite woman serves as an excellent example of how to guard one’s speech during difficult times.
In 2 Kings 4:8-37, we learn about a woman from Shunem who was prominent and influential. When Elisha passed through the town, the Shunammite woman showed great hospitality by providing him with a fully furnished place to stay.
In gratitude for her kindness, Elisha sought a way to bless her in return. Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, mentioned that she had no son and that her husband was old. Elisha then spoke a blessing over her, which changed the course of her life; she conceived and gave birth to a son the following year.
As time passed, the Shunammite woman’s son complained about a headache and was taken to her. Tragically, he died in her arms. The pain of losing a child is indescribable, a burden only God’s grace and comfort can alleviate. Yet, amidst her sorrow, fear, and anxiety, she was careful to guard her speech as she sought out the Man of God who had promised her a son.
The Shunammite woman protected her words when she carried her son and laid him on the bed. She remained measured in her response when she asked her husband for transportation to see Elisha, saying simply, “It will be all right.”
Even when questioned by Gehazi about her well-being and that of her family, she replied, “It is well.”
When she approached Elisha and took hold of his feet, she did not speak words of despair. Elisha prayed to the LORD, and through his faithfulness, God granted healing to her son.
What a powerful example to follow! Even in times of trials and tribulations, it is essential to guard your lips, speak God’s word, and watch your mouth.
Amen.
May your faith produce fruit worthy of repentance.
DAY 3
God hears everything we say, including both compliments and complaints. It is important to guard our words and avoid saying anything that contradicts God’s will for us, especially regarding His promises in Christ Jesus.
Our words can hinder us when we speak out of our emotions and feelings. Conversely, our words propel us forward when we declare God’s promises with faithful expectation.
For anyone who claims to believe and trust in God, it is vital to be mindful of their speech as His plans of good and purpose unfold in their lives. In Numbers 13, the LORD instructed Moses to send men to spy out the land of Canaan—the land He had already promised to give to the sons of Israel.
The twelve spies embarked on a forty-day journey to gather information about the land. When they returned, they reported to Moses, Aaron, and the entire congregation of the sons of Israel about the land’s abundant prosperity, describing it as flowing with milk and honey.
They even showcased the land’s produce, including a single cluster of grapes, pomegranates, and figs. However, right after praising the land’s abundance, they voiced complaints about the people living there. Caleb then quieted the crowd.
This is noteworthy because Caleb understood that the tongue holds the power of life and death, and those who love it will reap its consequences (Proverbs 18:21). Caleb spoke words of life, agreeing with God by exclaiming, “Let us go up at once and take possession of it; for we will certainly conquer it.” Unfortunately, the other spies, except for Joshua, continued to speak words of death and defeat, which led to the Israelites murmuring against Moses, Aaron, and the LORD (Numbers 14:1-38).
By not being careful with their words, the Israelites who complained faced dire consequences and ultimately perished in the wilderness. Their children were delayed for forty years before entering the Promised Land. Moreover, the ten spies who brought back a negative report died of a plague before the LORD.
Only Caleb and Joshua, out of those who went to spy out the land, remained alive. God promised that they would enter the Promised Land and that their descendants would possess it.
Let this serve as a reminder to guard your lips, examine your heart, and watch your words!
Amen.
